THC is the cannabinoid ingredient that results in feeling high. Why? It is psychoactive, meaning it acts on certain receptors in the brain that produce a range of effects that can either be bodily-focused or more focused on the mind.
The difference between delta-9 and delta-8 THC variations, when it comes to THC, is the former is illegal in most states, and delta-8 is legal in most —although not all. Delta-9 THC is also stronger.
There are a lot of brands in the market with delta-8 THC carts, we have researched and made this list. There’s a buyer’s guide below which tells you how to be safe while buying a THC cartridge for yourself.
Top 5 Best THC Cartridges on the Market [2021]:
- Exhale Wellness – Best Quality Overall & Fast Shipping
- BudPop – Most Potent THC Carts
- Delta EFFEX – Runner Up
- Diamond CBD – Best Variety
- 3Chi – Most Popular Brand
#1. Exhale Wellness – Best Quality Overall
Exhale Wellness is dedicated to delivering high-quality varied products to their customers with a focus on wellbeing, health, and a positive attitude towards the benefits of cannabis products being used in a holistic manner. Trustworthiness is at the heart of their reputation in the market. They are headquartered in Los Angeles, and all of their products are organically-cultivated in Colorado. They predominantly focus on making products readily available that can improve the health of users, as well as soothing the mind and calming the soul. This all-around positive approach is what holistic means.
Flavors Available
Exhale Wellness offers delta-8 carts in a variety of flavors, including Blackberry, Blackberry Kush, Mango, Sour Diesel, OG Kush, Gorilla Glue, Fruity Cereal, Cactus Cooler, and Jack Herer.
Highlights
Exhale Wellness places a natural, holistic emphasis on health and healing in their research and development, which echoes in the products they provide and how they market them. They strive to provide both quality cannabis and additional superfood products across their product range. One distinct advantage Exhale Wellness has is all of their products are lab tested by an external third-party. To be honest, this should be something all product-producing companies should do. Even more, all of their laboratory test results are clearly displayed on the company website for all to see. This is a refreshing and recommended level of transparency.
Pros
- According to Ministry of Hemp, Exhale Wellness offers the best value
- Dairy-free
- GMO-free
- Gluten-free
- No artificial flavors or colors
- Free shipping
- Vegan
- Organic
Cons
- Some products come prepackaged from the vendor, causing them to be low-quality
- Quality is comparable to that of other brands; not distinct according to some consumer accounts
- Expensive
⇒ Visit the Official Website of Exhale Wellness for the Best Discount
#2. BudPop – Most Potent THC Carts
When referring to companies that are a little on the greener side when it comes to providing THC products, BudPop is among them.
However, that definitely does not mean they do not know what they are doing — not even a little bit. They are run by a group of 20-something professionals in collaboration. The company’s approach to what it does is focused on filling in the gaps in the market and being informal.
BudPop strives to be approachable by people of all ages (who are legally able to do so) who have an interest in THC products. Between them as a company, they have 30 years of experience. This goes to show that youthfulness is not a bad thing. This means they comfortably and confidently balance informality with seriousness at the same time.
Alongside the product offers that are easily accessible through their site, they also send out regular newsletters to their subscribers that provide access to special offers and ‘secret’ giveaways.
Flavors
BudPop offers two flavors in their delta-8 carts — Grape Runtz and Strawberry Gelato.
While the flavors available are rather limited compared to what other brands are able to offer, the newness of the brand and their raw potential for innovation means the sky really is the limit.
Expect more to be added as they progress. Evenmore, why not contact BudPop and make a suggestion or two if you really want them to add something in particular?
Highlights
In terms of taste, what they do offer, they offer really well. They aim to provide products that are both high quality and bound to entice the palette, including a strange array of combinations.
Pros
- Ranked on the observer’s list for best delta-8 carts
- Made in America
- Federally legal
- Third-party lab tested
- Rewards program
Cons
- More reviews needed
- More test results needed
- Limited flavors available for now
The cons are due to the company being on the newer side.
⇒ Visit the Official Website of BudPop for the Best Discount
#3. Delta EFFEX – Runner Up
Out of the five THC cart brands we tested in order to be able to write this review, Delta EFFEX was found to be the strongest in terms of individual product strength. This is despite all of their products having less than 0.3% delta-9 THC content. This makes it definitely worth the cost. In addition, all of the products are tested via a third-party external laboratory. This means there is no chance for the results to be obscured or for there to be any bias. This is a vital feature when it comes to testing this type of product.
The more transparent a company is with their laboratory results, the better. This green-aware company has gone the extra step to make sure it is tested by the best by going with a federal enforcement agency.
When it comes to laboratory testing, you should double-check that the laboratory used is a third-party rather than indirectly or directly being connected to the company in question. This is because you want to be sure the results have not been influenced in any way, be it implicitly or explicitly.
Flavors
Delta EFFEX offers the following flavors: Blue Dream, Razberry Kush, Strawberry Cough, Grand Daddy Purp, Cali Orange, and Banana Candy.
Highlights
The fact Delta EFFEX has all of their products tested by a third-party laboratory means you can rest safe in the knowledge that what you are buying has been externally approved by qualified expert professionals. Any company that does not get their products tested — be it internally or otherwise — is not a company you want to give your money to.
Delta EFFEX is also environmentally conscious. They focus on minimizing their carbon footprint in terms of their growing and manufacturing. They also strive to be as sustainable and eco-friendly as possible in all other processes of the company. No pesticides or additives are used in the products, which means you can puff away safely in the knowledge that you are putting only natural organic ingredients in your body.
Pros
- Undiluted —vroughly 800mg of delta-8 per cart
- DEA-accredited laboratory tested
- Six flavors
- Environmentally conscious
Cons
- Exact concentration is unlisted
- Not available in some states due to the distinction between federal and state laws
⇒ Visit the Official Website of Delta EFFEX for the Best Discount
#4. Diamond CBD – Best Variety
When it comes to companies who put one thing at the forefront, Diamond CBD is making strides in terms of their focus on dedicated research and development. This is where the bulk of their marketing and money goes, although, obviously, they also offer products for consumption.
They provide a range of oils, edibles, vapes, and capsules. This means there is an intake format for just about every preference. Some people prefer capsules, as they come in manageable doses, some prefer edibles they can eat on the go, some prefer oils that soak into the skin, and others still prefer vapes they can use as a substitute for nicotine-based smoking.
Flavors
Diamond CBD produces products in so many flavors that they are too numerous to list here, with an impressive catalogue of over 50 unique variations. A few of those include Sour Diesel, Zkittles, Blue Dream, Pineapple Express, Mango Kush, and Grape Ape.
Highlights
Diamond CBD makes quite a number of claims on their well-designed and eye-catching website. The first is that all of their products are laboratory tested. While it may seem a little strange to think of plants being grown in a lab, in this day and age, this shows a strong dedication to quality and safety. This is in stark contrast to casual backyard growers who supply the black market in which you do not know exactly what they are cutting it with to make the product go further or to increase the likelihood of addiction. While there is nothing wrong with homegrown, if it is legal in your location, for something that is to the scale of Diamond CBD, you definitely want to make sure you are investing in the very best.
Diamond CBD also makes the claim that their range of products — from gummies to carts, and more — contain no synthetic alternatives. They pride themselves on using only organic strains, colors, and flavors. All of their plants are GMO-free as well. They are also flourishing without the application of chemicals, like pesticides, that can be harmful. For people who are conscious about what they put into their bodies, this will be of particular importance.
Diamond CBD is additionally well-renowned for being eco-friendly. They demonstrate a strong body of knowledge on how they can continue to reducing their carbon/green footprints as much as possible. For companies currently, a sound demonstration of environmental awareness and the ability to remain within the current worldwide limits, in terms of green production and dangerous emissions, is important.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Broad flavor variety
- Broad product range
- Free U.S. shipping
Cons
- Associated with multi-level marketing schemes
- Needs more transparency regarding lab test results
⇒ Visit the Official Website of Diamond CBD for the Best Discount
#5. 3Chi – Most Popular Brand
When it comes to the best value, 3Chi is the company that is definitely among the best to select, as we found their products to be the most affordable. They offer 95% pure delta-8 THC in all of their products. How can we be sure of that? Not only are all of the products tested thoroughly, but the company itself was founded by a biochemist. This means there is somebody with the appropriate knowledge of how to get the absolute best out of the cannabis they grow. There is, after all, nobody better to run a company that has a focus on chemicals, compounds, and the relevant receptors in the brain. Even more, 3Chi currently has over 1,000 positive reviews.
Flavors
3Chi boasts an exceptionally impressive portfolio of over 51 flavors. We have decided to pick 5 of our favorites to give you an idea of what they are offering that sets them apart from the rest. These include Pancakes, Orange Cookies, Cali-O, Garlic Jam, and Ice Cream Cake. Safe to say that if you have a particular strain preference, they are bound to have it. And, if they do not, why not let them know? Companies are always looking to expand if there is a market ready for them to move into.
Highlights
3Chi’s THC carts are just one of the products provided by the company. 3Chi also offers tinctures and gummies for those who prefer to consume their THC in a different format. They boast the same dosage of delta-8 and the same high quality in their products.
The carts on offer come in two sizes. The full-size version is 1mm, which contains 950mg of THC. The second size is half of that, and the cartridges contain 475mg of THC. Regardless of the size of the THC cartridge and the amount of product that is inside, three puffs maximum are what the company recommends. This is because, as the product is undiluted, it is very harsh on the throat, especially for people who are new to taking delta-8 in this form.
Pros
- Highest possible quality
- Undiluted
- Products are well-researched
- Third-party lab tested
Cons
- Contact only available via web form
- Products are harsh on the throat due to being undiluted — only take one to two puffs
- Effects are short-term according to customer reviews
⇒ Visit the Official Website of 3Chi for the Best Discount
What You Should Know When Purchasing THC Carts
- Quality Control
You want the best when it comes to THC and spending money. The first thing to look for when searching for a new company is to see whether or not they use third-party laboratories to test their products. This is essential. So, why third-party testing in particular? Third-party laboratories remove the risk of bias and the chance for any negative results to be overlooked. If there are no external certificates of approval for the company and no laboratory results available, do not buy from them, as they need to be verified from an authority outside of the company.
- Purity vs Full-Spectrum
For people who are new to THC carts, it is generally recommended to go for something milder until you are used to the cartridges and the strength of the product. They do come with a learning curve, so to speak. This gentler form of introduction will help you to decide what your preferences are. Do you prefer your THC to be pure and strong, or more balanced in terms of flavors and effects? It should be emphasized that balanced does not automatically mean weak. It simply means it involves more cannabinoids in the product, which helps with the flavor and effect nuances. If there are multiple ingredients, you will want them to be in harmony with one another. A product with a lot of ingredients that are jarring or non-complementary can be unpleasant to say the least.
- Ingredient List
This will be more important for some than others. With that said, regardless of your preference, whether it is for Indicas, Sativas, or Hybrids, you will want to be able to explicitly see every ingredient clearly listed. This goes some way to ensuring what you are purchasing is free from solvents, additives, and diluents. If you are allergic to anything, ingredient lists are also a handy way to avoid what you need to in order to consume safely. The ingredient list will allow you to make more accurate choices in terms of your product preferences.
- Manufacturing Safety
Production is important. It is a vital part of the creation of every single product. There are many steps in manufacturing that need to work together seamlessly like clockwork. First and foremost, when it comes to manufacturing, the company should follow the Good Manufacturing Practice regulations set out by the FDA. The process as a whole should be completely transparent, ideally. The raw material should be tested before final product production even begins. This is to ensure it is completely free from anything chemical or additive in nature, or accidental contaminants. This should also be supported by third-party laboratory results.
- Flavor Details
These bullet points will help those of you looking to find something new to try in terms of taste. There may be many more flavors on offer, but these are some of the most popular that are commonly stocked and on sale. They are also available as part of special offers from the companies this article features. They include Blue Dream (sweet berries), Raspberry Kush (raspberries and cream), Strawberry Cough (fresh strawberries), Cali Orange (citrus, orange zest), Banana Candy (tropical fruits, pine, skunk), Sour Diesel (diesel), Zkittles (fruity blend), Pineapple Express (citrus, pineapple, pine), Mango Kush (mango, kush, pine), Grape Ape (grapes), Pancakes (pancake batter, sweet berries), Orange Cookies (sweet citrus, orange), Garlic Jam (tangy musk, spice), Ice Cream Cake (sweet vanilla, sugary dough), Grape Runtz (grapes, sugary candy), Orange Chemdawg (orange, diesel), Strawberry Gelato (strawberries, fruity, creamy), and Sour Lemon Haze (sour, fruity).
If you are new to taking THC in whatever product form you choose, it may take giving a few flavors a try to see which one suits you best. You might be surprised as to what your preferences are in terms of fruity, diesel, sour, sweet, etc. Remember to keep an eye out for special offers and discounts, as this can be a way to buy bundles of smaller ounce samples to help give you a taste of what the company offers.
How to Buy THC Carts Safely
- Only make a purchase from a company with a reputation that is well-evidenced with regularly updated social media platforms and an accessible online presence. For example, this can include a specific producer focused on THC and similar legal products that is completely transparent about how it produces what it has on offer. This should include completely up-front third-party transparent laboratory testing results and accessible reviews.
- Never buy THC from the black market. It can be a lot more expensive, as they have the opportunity to set their own price depending on the demand in the local area. You cannot guarantee what is in the street-made product in terms of ingredients. So, buying illegally always incurs the risk of your product being cut with something that can have harmful side effects.
- THC comes in a range of formats including vapes, gummies, tinctures, and more.
- In terms of the formats available, you may want to try a few different ways of intaking THC to see which one suits you best. You might prefer vapes if you are weaning yourself off of cigarettes, or you might prefer gummies if you have a sweet tooth.
- It is commonly recommended to start with a lower dose to see how you react. For example, start with one puff from a vape or one gummy out of a packet. Some people are more sensitive to THC than others, so you do not want to go for the maximum or even full dose right away. If you find the dose not having much of an effect, you can always gradually increase your dosage. It is generally suggested to wait around 45 minutes before trying another minimal dose.
- If you take more than you are comfortable with and find the sensations reaching to the point where you are uncomfortable, get settled and as comfortable as possible and hydrate. The sensations will pass, and you will sober up gradually.
FAQs – THC Cartridges
Q. Is THC legal?
Yes and no — it depends on where you live. While delta-8 is available online & federally legal in some states. This means your ability to legally possess it is on a state-by-state basis. You will not be able to obtain delta-8 THC legally in the following states: Arkansas, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, Rhode Island, and Utah. Delta-9 THC, on the other hand, is illegal in all 50 states. Dilution makes no difference, nor does combining it with other ingredients.
Q. What is the difference between CBD and THC?
What may be surprising to learn is that both CBD and THC come from the cannabis plant. The difference depends on the THC content of the plant itself. This will obviously be reflected in any of the byproducts derived from it.
CBD boosts the effectiveness of the receptors in the body. This can affect your:
- Mood
- Appetite
- Body’s immune response
- Sleep schedule
How you react depends on you as an individual and your respective sensitivities.
THC, on other hand, binds directly to the receptors. It can:
- Increase appetite
- Impairment of memory
- Slow down reaction times
- Impair concentration
- Alter your mental state
The effects are, as evidenced by our list, far more direct.
In terms of which of the two is psychoactive and which is not, THC is and CBD is not. CBD is a very weak binder to the receptors in the brain that respond to and result in psychoactive effects, whereas THC binds rather more strongly. This means you can take products with a higher CBD content and not feel very high, compared to THC, which has the opposite effect.
Both hemp and marijuana come from the cannabis plant. This makes the cannabis plant even more versatile than most people tend to initially assume. Hemp has a THC content that is below 0.3% and a high CBD level. In contrast, marijuana has a THC content over 0.3% and a low THC content. This means they balance each other out in a way. With that said, you cannot get both products from the same plant. This is because it is the plant itself that determines the respective THC/CBD content.
Q. How old do you have to be to purchase THC?
The legal age at which you can purchase THC products, whether they are sold online or offline, is 21. This is also known as the age of the majority. This is a little different than the age at which you are allowed to do a lot of other things, which is 18.
Q. What makes delta-8 THC the superior form of THC?
This one is fairly simple to answer. Delta-8 and Delta-9 are very similar both structurally and in terms of the benefits they provide to the user. The distinct advantage of delta-8 that helps to set it apart from delta-9 is that it is federally legal. This is in addition to being state-level legal in 38 out of 50 states. If you are buying something to enjoy it, go for what will not get you in trouble with the law. That way you can use guilt-free and enjoy all of the benefits.
Q. What does ‘Hemp-Derived THC’ mean?
In legal terms, hemp is used to refer to cannabis plants containing less than 0.3% delta-9 THC. This is covered by the 2018 Farm Bill. Hemp has the advantage of being completely legal. If the plant has more than 0.3% THC, it is not used in any of the products labeled hemp-derived.
Q. Do the companies listed ship to U.S.-based customers?
Yes, but there are some conditions, or limits. This relates a lot to the first FAQ question on whether THC is legal or not. Delta-8 THC — in various products — can be shipped to 38 out of the 50 states in the United States. We do not advise trying to purchase THC products in your state if it is illegal to do so, and it is additionally not suggested to try to ship THC products in from elsewhere.
Q. What are the beneficial side effects of delta-8?
Some of the positive side effects of THC include, for cancer patients in particular, a reduction in vomiting and the other side effects of chemotherapy. This is also a useful side effect for people suffering from other, long-term conditions that result in nausea, or for people who experience nausea as a side effect of the medication they are taking. THC can help to relieve the pain of people with a chronic condition.
Additional side effects include helping chemotherapy patients keep their food down, which in turn helps with any medication they are intaking that requires food to be consumed first. While it needs to be backed by other peer-reviewed research, a study conducted in 1975 documented that THC helped to increase the cancer survival period of mice while additionally reducing their tumor masses. Another observed side-effect is a reduction in anxiety and depression due to what receptors it binds to.
Q. Are there any downsides to THC?
Like with pretty much anything else you decide to consume, THC can come with a handful of potentially negative side effects depending on your individual physiology. These can include:
- Anxiety
- Dry eyes
- Dry mouth
- Grogginess
- Inability to drive
In Conclusion: Are Pre Filled THC Carts Really Worth It?
To succinctly round things off, delta-8 THC is a naturally-occurring chemical that can result in a pleasant, euphoric feeling without the bodily heaviness of other forms of high. It is found in particular variants of the cannabis plant. It is legal in many — although not all — states, and it is available in a variety of forms, including vapes, edibles, flowers, tinctures, oils, and capsules.
