By Luke Sumpter


In the modern era, cannabis users are spoilt for choice when it comes to the sheer diversity of products available. Although such a colorful market offers almost endless ways to consume CBD and THC, things can quickly become confusing, especially for those new to the space.

With the advent of THC and CBD cartridges and vape oils, cannabis users now have a safer, more convenient, and discreet way to inhale cannabinoids.

THC and CBD Vape Juice vs Cartridges: What’s the Difference?

While shopping for vaping products, you’ve likely come across vape juice and cartridges and wondered: how are they different? Although these cannabis formulas are similar (at times, the exact same), they can feature distinct differences that might sway your buying decision. Discover the important distinctions below.

  • What Is Vape Juice?

When you enter a niche vaping store, you’ll see vape juice (aka e-liquid, vape oil) lining the walls and counters. Typically used for non-cannabis vaping, these formulas often include nicotine and different flavorings.

However, innovators within the cannabis space have created vape juices containing high levels of THC, CBD, and other phytochemicals from the weed plant. These products feature a foundation of non-toxic additives that make up the bulk of the formula, alongside flavorings and other additives that make each one unique.

What Is Vape Juice?
  • What Are Vape Cartridges?

Vape cartridges (or “carts”) contain cannabis oil, derived from either hemp or cannabis plants. High-quality THC or CBD cartridges are commonly created using CO₂ extraction, which pulls the cannabinoids and terpenes away from unwanted molecules. Vape cartridges are typically found in specialized cannabis dispensaries and clubs, and are available in both CBD and THC-rich options.

As we'll explain more below, the main distinctions between CBD/THC vape oil and cartridges are the additives used, the potency of the final product, and, perhaps most noteworthy—the names themselves.

What Are Vape Cartridges?
  • CBD Vape Juice and Cartridges

CBD vape juices and cartridges contain just that—CBD—alongside terpenes and flavorings. These products produce no psychotropic effects, instead offering a lucid and clear-headed effect that keeps the mind functioning normally. This makes CBD vape oil and CBD cartridges ideal for both daytime and evening use, giving these products great versatility.

  • THC Vape Juice and Cartridges

Because they contain THC, these vape juices and cartridges do produce a psychotropic effect. The high varies depending on the dose of THC and the accompanying terpenes, and users can choose from various formulas to gear their high more toward a cerebral or relaxing state.

Types of Compatible Vaporizers

There are hundreds of unique vaporizer models on the market. All of them offer different advantages and drawbacks. Not all vaporizers are compatible with vape juice and cartridges. Some only work with dried flowers, and others are designed for specific kinds of extracts.

Fortunately, people that enjoy vape juice and cartridges have a wide range of vaporizers to choose from.

Vape juice or e-liquid vaporizers feature a large refillable chamber heated by a battery. Models compatible with cartridges are often shaped like portable pens, allowing users to easily switch between pre-filled or homemade carts.

Common Additives

Manufacturers place additives in vaping formulas to dilute their products and give them substance. Check out the common additives used in both vape juice and vape cartridges below.

  • Vape Juice Additives

Vape juice usually contains two primary additives. These substances help to create large clouds, smooth hits, and even add a hint of flavor.

Propylene Glycol (PG)

As a non-toxic product, PG serves as the base for many types of vape juice. The additive features no color or odour, allowing the taste of terpenes to really shine through. It carries flavor more effectively than the alternatives, but feels slightly more harsh on the throat.

Vegetable Glycerine (VG)

VG features a sweet taste and gives off thicker clouds of vapor. The natural product offers smooth hits and a flavor that complements some terpene profiles. Some manufacturers mix VG with PG in order to reduce the density slightly and make these formulas easier to vape.

  • Cartridge Additives

Some vape cartridges feature no additives at all. Certain distillate products and full-spectrum extracts can reach a vapable consistency without being cut with thinning agents. High-end producers pride themselves on using these pure cannabinoid extracts in their products.

As you can imagine, these cartridges boast exceptional quantities of THC and CBD—usually more than THC and CBD vape oils. Some cartridge makers opt to include small amounts of VG or PG in their formulas to dilute them, making them more affordable and driving the potency down as a result.

Important Terms to Look Out For in THC and CBD E-Liquids and Cartridges

If you’re new to vaping CBD/THC vape juice or cartridges, you’ll soon come across a long list of new terms. Once you make them part of your lexicon, shopping for products will become a whole lot easier. Check out some of the most common terms below, what they mean, and the benefits and drawbacks of each.

CBD Vape Juice vs Cartridges
  • Full-Spectrum

Full-spectrum oils feature a rich cocktail of phytochemicals found in the cannabis plant. Vape cartridges containing this type of extract offer a blend of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.

Full-spectrum oils tap into the full potential of the cannabis plant. The phytochemicals within work together to create more pronounced effects than CBD or THC in isolation.

However, full-spectrum oils sacrifice THC/CBD purity for phytochemical diversity. If you’re looking to benefit exclusively from CBD or THC, you’ll prefer other types of formulas, such as those made from crystal isolate CBD.

  • Terpenes

Terpenes are aromatic molecules found within cannabis flowers that underpin the unique tastes and smells of each strain.

Not only are terpenes delicious, but they work side by side with cannabinoids to exert a variety of effects on the body. Some terpenes light up the mind, while others will make you feel stoned and relaxed.

The terpenes within CBD and THC vape juices and cartridges contribute heavily towards the taste. Cannabis contains over 200 terpenes, each with its own distinctive flavor. If you purchase a product and don’t like the taste, you won’t enjoy vaping it. Make sure you learn which terpenes you prefer before investing.

  • Cannabinoid Crystals

Cannabis crystals offer the most potent form of extract possible. Created using high-performance liquid chromatography, they offer an unparalleled potency of 99%.

Vape juice that contains THC or CBD crystals will offer a pure, focused experience. These preparations are ideal for users seeking high doses of THC and CBD, without concern for terpenes and other cannabis chemicals.

Despite the potent effects, formulas that feature crystals miss out on the entourage effect of terpenes and cannabinoids working side by side.

CBD/THC Vape Juice vs Cartridges: Pros and Cons

CBD and THC vape oil and cartridges feature their own advantages and disadvantages that make them attractive to different users. Explore the pros and cons of each below.

THC and CBD Vape Juice

Pros Cons
Cheaper Higher additive content
Easier to make Not as potent
Smooth hits Hard to find THC products
Huge vape clouds -

Overall, vape oils provide a pleasant experience. Smooth hits of massive vapor clouds make it fun, while lower costs go easy on the wallet. However, the difficulty of finding THC vape juice, not to mention the potential for reduced potency, turns some users off.

THC and CBD Vape Cartridges

Pros Cons
Very potent Expensive
Fewer additives or none at all Harder to make
Easy to find in dispensaries and cannabis clubs -

Premium THC and CBD oil cartridges contain large quantities of these cannabinoids, with few additives. They offer powerful and instantaneous effects, but their price simply lies outside of the budget of some cannabis users.

Questions & Answers: THC and CBD Vape Oil vs Cartridges

Where can I buy THC/CBD vape juice?
You’ll find THC/CBD vape juice in dispensaries, cannabis clubs, headshops, and other outlets that sell cannabis products. Although you can only purchase THC vape juice in select legal states and countries, you’ll have access to CBD vape juice just about anywhere.
Where can I buy THC/CBD cartridges?
THC and CBD vape cartridges are available in most of the same places where you can buy vape juice. However, you’re more likely to find high-quality cartridges in specialised dispensaries as opposed to headshops.
Is CBD vape oil legal?
Yes, CBD vape oil is legal as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC in the United States and less than 0.2% THC in Europe.
Does CBD vape juice show up on a drug test?
Most drug tests don’t screen for CBD, as the non-psychotropic cannabinoid is legal in many countries. As long as you buy high-quality products containing negligible levels of THC, you shouldn’t receive a positive test result.

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Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: