How to Spot a Fake Vape Cart

The issue with fake vape carts isn’t just inferior-quality products. What’s in these products can harm your health. Learn how to spot a fake vape cart to ensure your health safety and satisfaction with the products you buy.

The telltale signs of a fake cannabis vape cart

Being able to tell the difference between real and fake vape cartridges is essential to navigating the world of cannabis products. To make things easier, we’ve compiled a list of telltale signs to spot fake vape cartridges and make more informed choices.

Fake vape cart packaging

Typos, blurry images, and off-center text are alarm bells that your vape cart may not be authentic. New York State-licensed products are required to display essential information like lot numbers and manufacturing dates. The manufacturer’s license number must also be prominently displayed on the package. If any of this information is missing, run the other way.

The design of the package plays into this as well. All cannabis product packages sold in New York State must be childproof. If your vape cart comes in a simple box with no additional seals or layers, that may be a sign that you have a fake cart on your hands.

Beware of knockoffs of brands you know

Some brands are more susceptible to counterfeiting than others. The more popular cannabis brands may have knockoff counterparts floating around the illicit market. While these dupes are getting harder to tell apart, it’s still important to closely examine the details to confirm that you’re holding a legitimate product. Compare the branding on your cart to one purchased from a trusted source like a licensed dispensary, or look at photos online from the brand’s official website for clues.

The bottom line: If it’s not sold in a licensed dispensary like The Travel Agency, there’s a good chance it’s an unsafe knockoff. Some brands are almost exclusive to the illicit market. If it’s an obvious ripoff of a famous logo like a cereal or candy brand, that’s a clear giveaway that the cart is fake. Others may have branding or packaging that would not be approved for use in the licensed market. For example, packaging with bright colors that may appeal to children is not allowed in New York’s adult-use cannabis program. If you see this coloring, it’s an indicator that the brand isn’t legit.

Fake vape cart hardware

Pay attention to the material used in each vape cartridge when assessing authenticity. Genuine cartridges are typically crafted from durable materials like stainless steel, glass, or high-grade plastic. Suspiciously flimsy plastic may be an indicator that the cart is not produced in a licensed facility.

You should also be attentive to the build quality to ensure that components fit together seamlessly. Legitimate cartridges feature secure mouthpieces and seals to prevent leaks, and the hardware itself is often branded. While leaks can happen in licensed vape carts, they are way more common in counterfeits.

Finally, there’s the taste test. A vape cart from a licensed dispensary should not taste bad or in any way off when you go to use it. If you notice a metallic taste or a weird smell coming from your cartridge, it’s best not to use it.

Fake vape cart color and consistency

Legitimate vape cartridges tend to exhibit relatively consistent color and uniform viscosity in their oil content. Notably, color and consistency can change from product to product, and even from batch to batch. What’s important here is understanding what’s within the range of normal and what’s not. We’ll talk a bit more about that later in this blog.

What you should look out for are cartridges that contain anything not in that spectrum of ordinary. Overly bright and unnatural colors are the first red flags that something isn’t right. If you see a clear separation of the oil in your cart, that’s another giveaway the vape cart is fake. Always trust your instincts – if the color or consistency appears off, it’s best to exercise caution.

What are the normal colors for cannabis oil in a vape cart?

Amber hues, golden shades, and some light browns are all normal for cannabis extracts. These color variations arise from several factors, including the product’s origin cultivar (strain), the extraction method used, and the cultivation method used to grow the source cannabis. Lighter colors like pale, gold, and amber are generally considered to suggest a well-refined oil that has undergone a thorough extraction and filtration process. Darker shades, such as deep amber, are associated with supercritical CO2 extraction. Any darker than a light brown, and your vape may be headed into unsafe territory.

It’s important to remember that the colors of cannabis oil in a vape cartridge can vary widely, and there’s a lot of debate over what’s considered a “safe” appearance. Understanding the range of normal colors can help you make informed decisions, but color alone is not a definitive indicator of a fake or unsafe product. Instead of relying solely on color, consider the brand’s reputation, third-party lab testing, hardware quality, where the product came from, and the presence of legitimate packaging and safety features.

What is the normal consistency for cannabis oil in a vape cart?

The consistency of cannabis oil within vape cartridges can range from runny to viscous depending on factors such as extraction methods and the temperature where the cart was stored. Viscosity variations are natural, with some oils flowing like honey and others as thick as molasses. For example, live resin carts can present darker and thicker than distillate, so the thickness is normal consistency for that type of vape cart.

Vape cart ingredients: What should be in them

Typical ingredients that should be in a vape cartridge include:

Cannabis extract: The primary ingredient in a vape cartridge is cannabis extract formulated specifically for vaporization in a cart. This extract contains cannabinoids such as THC and CBD, as well as terpenes that contribute to the aroma and flavor.

Terpenes: Natural compounds known as terpenes are responsible for the distinctive flavor and aromas of different cannabis cultivars. Some vapes contain the terpenes as-is from the source cultivar, while other manufacturers add terpenes back into the mix.

Thinning agents: Additives like coconut oil, propylene glycol (PG), or polyethylene glycol (PEG) are often used to thin cannabis oil and make it usable with an electronic vaping device. These are not always desirable additions to your vaping experience, but they are common in legitimate, tested vape cartridges all the same.

What ingredients are in fake carts?

Ingredients that should never be in cartridges include:

Cutting agents: Agents like vitamin E acetate (VEA), propylene glycol (PG), or polyethylene glycol (PEG) should never be present in vape cartridges. These additives may lead to serious health risks when vaporized.

Synthetic cannabinoids: Vape cartridges should never contain synthetic cannabinoids, often labeled as “spice” or “K2.” These substances can have unpredictable and dangerous effects.

Artificial flavoring and additives: Cartridges with artificial flavorings and additives might compromise your health. Stick to products that only contain cannabis extract and naturally derived terpenes for a safe vaping experience.

Heavy metals: Any traces of contaminants like nickel, lead, and manganese should be absent in high-quality vape cartridges, as these substances can be harmful when inhaled. The New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) requires that all vape carts be tested for heavy metals before they can be sold.

What are fake carts made of?

Who knows. Because fake carts are not regulated and tested, fake vape manufacturers can effectively put whatever they’d like in them. Tests done on fake vape carts have found myclobutanil, which turns into harmful hydrogen cyanide when heated, in many kinds of counterfeit vapes.

What happens if you hit a fake cart?

Since counterfeit products often contain unknown and potentially harmful substances, inhaling them can adversely affect your overall health and well-being, including damage to your respiratory system. Fake vape carts can irritate your airway or cause a cough that won’t go away, among other serious health issues. It’s crucial to prioritize your well-being by only using genuine and trusted vape cartridges from reputable sources. This ensures you make product choices that promote a safe and enjoyable experience.

Other questions we commonly get about fake vape carts

Fake carts are dangerous and scary, so we get asked many questions about them in addition to those we’ve already covered. The questions below represent just a small sample of the questions we often hear.

Can fake carts kill you?

Although it’s not common for fake carts to kill you immediately upon hitting them, their long-term health impacts could potentially lead to death. At the very least, fake vape carts are likely to eventually land you in the hospital.

What does a fake cart taste like?

A harsh, chemical taste when hitting your vape is a sign that the cart is fake. If you take a hit and taste bitterness, ditch your vape cart and visit a licensed dispensary for help buying a legit cart.

What does a fake cart look like?

The liquid in fake carts is runny and thin, unlike the viscous and thick liquid in trustworthy, safe vape carts. You may also notice bubbles in fake vape carts’ liquid, and you’ll never see this in vape carts that meet New York licensing standards.

Do fake carts make you cough?

Although any vape can make you cough upon taking a hit, a persistent cough that never fades – even long after your sesh – is a telltale sign that you’ve been using a fake cart.

Is a clear cart fake?

Probably, but not definitely. Color in and of itself doesn’t reflect whether a cart is fake or safe. Consider a cart’s color in conjunction with its other characteristics, such as the liquid’s consistency or the cart’s packaging.

How can you tell if a cart is laced?

Although you can’t necessarily determine whether a cart is laced, you can determine with high probability whether a cart is fake. Often, fake carts are laced, so testing for authenticity may be the same as testing for unwelcome added substances.

Can carts leak?

Yes, all carts can leak, including licensed and fully safe vape carts. However, these are far less likely to leak than fake ones.

What are the fake cart brands?

As a licensed dispensary, we don’t interact with fake cart brands and thus can’t name them. However, we can say two things: A quick Google search will likely yield some cart brands that cannabis consumers find to be fake, and we only carry vape carts that pass all New York State safety and quality criteria.

Can dispensaries sell fake carts?

Licensed dispensaries cannot, and will not, sell fake vape carts. With unlicensed dispensaries, though, anything goes.

How to tell if a vape cart is legitimate

From packaging and hardware to regulatory compliance and testing, this cheat sheet offers a rundown of all the factors to look for when determining if a vape cart is legitimate.

Clear packaging information: Legitimate vape cartridges will always display accurate and detailed information on the packaging, including batch numbers, manufacturing dates, and license numbers.

Reputable retailers: Authentic vape cartridges are sold at licensed and regulated dispensaries to ensure you purchase from a legitimate source.

Professional design: The packaging on a legitimate vape cart features high-quality graphics, clear typography, and consistent branding.

Security features: Look for holographic seals, embossed logos, or unique color-shifting inks on the packaging. Many legitimate manufacturers use these security measures to prevent tampering or counterfeiting.

QR codes and verifications: Vape cartridges are subject to strict regulations in New York. Reputable brands won’t bury lab test results. This transparency ensures the quality and safety of the product you’re about to buy.

How to store your vape carts

Properly storing vape carts ensures product quality and longevity. You should always store your vape cartridges in a cool, dark environment to prevent light and heat exposure. Avoid extreme temperatures that can affect oil quality, color, and viscosity. Keep your cannabis vape carts in an upright position to avoid leakage and ensure even oil distribution. Disconnect your vape cart from the battery whenever it’s not in use. If your cartridge comes with caps to protect the mouthpiece or connectors, replace those whenever they aren’t in use.

Shop for vape cartridges safely at The Travel Agency

Shop for genuine vape carts with confidence at The Travel Agency. Shopping with a reputable, licensed dispensary is the best way to guarantee the authenticity and safety of your vape carts. With a commitment to offering only legitimate, high-quality products licensed and made in New York State, we prioritize your well-being and satisfaction. Whether shopping in person or ordering for delivery via our online menu, elevate your vaping experience with peace of mind by choosing The Travel Agency as your trusted vape cartridge provider.