CANNABINOID CRYSTALLIZATION IN VAPE CARTRIDGES
When a cannabinoid extract is packed into a vape cartridge, it sometimes undergoes a process known as crystallization, which creates solid crystals in the concentrate.
The appearance of the crystals can be alarming to those unfamiliar with this phenomenon, and people often mistakenly believe their cartridge to be defective or dangerous. However, crystallization is harmless and manageable, and actually a sign your extract is pure.
WHY DO CARTRIDGES CRYSTALLIZE?
Purity refers to the percentage of whole, active cannabinoids that are free of contaminants or chemicals. This is a core value of our company’s mission; we only use 99.99% pure molecules with zero diluents or cuts aside from natural terpenes.
Crystallization is simply a byproduct of these high standards. Many of our cannabinoids (like CBD and CBDV) are naturally crystalline, and the purer cannabinoids are, the more likely they are to revert back to their original structure.
Exposure to colder temperatures can accelerate the process by making the concentrate thicker and less soluble until the cannabinoids cannot dissolve, causing them to clump into crystals. A solution with more cannabinoids than can be effectively accommodated by the solvent is in a state of supersaturation. Think of supersaturation like trying to dissolve a large amount of salt into a small amount of water: the water’s inability to fully absorb the salt would result in solid formations rather than clear liquid.
HOW DOES IT AFFECT YOUR CARTRIDGE?
Although it can be unsightly, crystallization does not mean your cartridge is unsafe.
Every unit comes with full panel, third-party test results to assuage any concerns about the contents, though ultimately you’ll find that the biggest issue with a crystallized cart is clogging that may make drawing from your device difficult.
CAN YOU PREVENT OR REVERSE CRYSTALLIZATION?
There are some DIY methods you can try to de-crystallize and unclog your cartridge, such as lightly heating it with a hair dryer or rolling it between your hands to generate heat. Similarly to how boiling the water would aid in the dissolution of the salt, heat can promote more fluidity in your cartridge.
We meticulously balance every blend to prevent supersaturation as much as possible on our end, but there’s no other way to directly stop crystallization from happening without compromising the purity of the extracts with additives—which we’ll never do. Clean, quality formulations are our top priority.
WHAT CAN WE DO FOR YOU IF YOUR CART CRYSTALLIZES?
If any of your Bay State Extracts cartridges crystallize, contact us right away. We’ll replace it at no cost and won’t require you mail the old one back. You’ll also receive a 10% off coupon code for your next order.
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