Cart Talk: A Friendly Guide to Vape Terminology

For newcomers stepping into the world of cannabis vapes or seasoned users looking to stay sharp, understanding the language used on dispensary menus is essential. With evolving product lines, tech upgrades, and flavor innovations, the terminology around vape products can be overwhelming. Here’s a friendly breakdown of the most common vape-related terms customers are likely to encounter while browsing dispensaries or shopping online.

Vape Cartridge (Cart)

A vape cartridge, often shortened to “cart,” is a pre-filled container of cannabis oil that attaches to a vape pen or battery. Cartridges typically come in half-gram (0.5g) or full-gram (1g) sizes and are disposable once empty. They’re compatible with 510-thread batteries, which are the industry standard unless otherwise noted.

Battery

The power source for your vape cartridge, a battery heats the oil to create vapor. Customers will hear terms like “510 battery” (universal screw-on connection), “button-activated,” or “draw-activated,” referring to how the pen turns on. Some premium batteries offer adjustable voltage or temperature settings for a customized hit.

Distillate

Distillate is a highly refined cannabis oil containing primarily THC or CBD. It’s known for its potency and neutrality in flavor, making it a common base for flavored vape cartridges. Dispensaries may label distillate-based products as offering a “clean” or “high-potency” experience.

Live Resin

Live resin is a cannabis concentrate extracted from fresh-frozen flower, preserving a full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes. It typically offers richer flavor and aroma than distillate. If customers see “live resin cart” on a menu, they can expect a more aromatic and robust vaping experience.

Terpenes

Terpenes are aromatic compounds naturally found in cannabis and other plants. They influence the flavor, aroma, and even the effects of a vape. Dispensary menus may highlight added botanical terpenes (from fruits and herbs) or cannabis-derived terpenes for enhanced authenticity.

Full-Spectrum

This term refers to vape oils that retain the full range of cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant. Full-spectrum products aim to produce the “entourage effect,” where all compounds work synergistically for a more balanced and therapeutic experience.

CO₂ Oil

A clean extraction method using carbon dioxide, CO₂ oil is sometimes used in vape cartridges. It’s generally seen as a natural and solvent-free process, appealing to health-conscious consumers.

Solvent-Free

This label indicates that no chemical solvents were used in the final product. It doesn’t always mean solvents weren’t used during extraction—it often means they were purged afterward. Customers looking for cleaner options may seek this label.

Head High vs. Body High

When browsing vape products, effects are often described in terms of “head high” (mental stimulation, energy) versus “body high” (relaxation, sedation). Sativas tend to produce the former, while indicas lean toward the latter, though effects vary by formulation.

Hybrid

A hybrid vape cartridge blends sativa and indica strains. On menus, they’re usually described as balanced, suitable for day or evening use depending on the specific cross.

Wrapping Up

Navigating dispensary menus becomes far easier when customers understand vape terminology. Whether looking for a flavor-packed live resin, a discreet distillate cart, or a full-spectrum oil with therapeutic benefits, knowledge is power—and it helps make smarter, more satisfying purchases.