CBD Crystals Inside Your Vape Cartridge Explained

It’s a common misunderstanding that discovering CBD crystallizing inside your vape cartridge is a sign that it’s faulty or defective. 

What is it that they say? One man’s trash is another man’s treasure? Well, in this case, there’s no trash at all! Instead, CBD crystallizing is actually a positive thing. We know, we know. It doesn’t seem like it but stick with us as we explain why. 

Like all other organic organisms, there’s much more to cannabis than meets the eye, and CBD is just one cannabinoid out of hundreds found in weed. 

However, even inside that tiny cannabinoid is a complex combination of molecules and bonds that comprise this healing, soothing compound. 

It’s this precise chemistry that causes your CBD vape cartridge to crystallize in the first place! 

So, why does this happen, what does it mean, and what can you do to rectify it? Friends! That is exactly what we are here to discuss today. 

So, strap in because we’re about to throw a whole bunch of knowledge your way!

Why Does CBD Crystallize? 

Let’s take you back to high school chemistry class. No! Don’t click away just yet! We promise we’ll go as slow and make it as straightforward as possible. 

After all, we’re just trying to strengthen the bond between you and your CBD cartridge – ba dum tss. It’s fine. At least we think we’re funny. 

Moving on! 

Essentially, CBD has two OH groups where THC only has one. So, if you were to expose the two to the appropriate temperature and purity level, CBD is much more likely to crystallize, depending on the concentration ratio. 

This process naturally occurs due to the specific properties of CBD. What happens then is that it starts to granulate and separate from the concentrate inside your vape cartridge. What results is a hardened yet still malleable substance that isn’t an oil but isn’t quite solid, either. 

If this has happened to you, your initial reaction was likely something along the lines of “Ew. What happened!” or “This product is subpar or defective.” 

However, you should actually interpret it as a positive sign! 

Allow us to relate this process to another organic substance, one of the most famous (and delicious) pride and joys of the Great White North, maple syrup! 

Little did you know that your favourite pancake topping could be so complex. 

As you likely know, there are multiple types of maple syrup available at grocery stores, gift shops, etc. 

Some contain artificial preservatives and ingredients. However, if you’re more inclined to keep things natural, there are also organic options. 

That said, what you’ll likely notice over time is that the syrup will crystallize in the pantry. 

While the first idea might be to think it’s gone bad, it hasn’t. 

This is due to the oversaturation of sugar inside the syrup, creating an unstable molecular environment, which causes the sugar to granulate and crystallize.

In other words, it’s literally too sweet to handle, but in a good way! This isn’t something that will happen if you were to buy a generic brand full of low quality, artificial ingredients. 

The same process happens with the CBD inside your vape cartridge, but instead of syrup, it’s your CBD concentrate, and instead of sugar, it’s the CBD itself. When this oversaturation happens, the molecular environment becomes unstable, and the CBD will then crystallize.

What Does it Mean?

We’ve said it over and over that crystallization should actually be seen as a good thing, but why? Well, we’re going to tell you! 

For the most part, CBD distillate’s purity needs to be between 80 and 85% for this crystallization to even happen in the first place. So, following this logic, if your vape pen does crystallize on its own, it’s actually a sign that your CBD oil’s purity is 80% or higher. 

The higher the purity, the less low quality filler content inside of your vape and lungs! 

In this sense, if this doesn’t happen inside your vape cartridge, it may be time to question why. 

Depending on how much the specific product went for, you may have overpaid if wherever you 

bought it from told you that the CBD was high-quality, but it doesn’t crystallize. Who would’ve thought! 

What this could mean is that the producer is filling their cartridges with faulty or unsatisfactory products. Alternatively, some manufacturers may add extra ingredients to hinder crystallization from occurring. 

That said, this in itself is sort of sketchy, especially when it comes to a product that you inhale into your body. This lack of transparency surrounding what these chemicals or additives are could be cause for concern regarding an increased health risk. 

Additionally, while the chemicals used to inhibit crystallization from happening may seem like a good thing, they actually come at the cost of your CBD oil’s overall quality. 

What to Do

While it may look weird and unappealing to some, crystallized CBD vape crystals are entirely safe to consume. You can toke away without fearing any consequences. 

So, take a sigh of relief. You’re in the clear, and the product you’re using is high quality! 

Still, if you’d rather your CBD go back to its more versatile and easily utilized oil form, there are things you can do to melt the crystals back down. 

The Hot Water Technique

All you need for this method is a tightly sealed, waterproof bag or container and a hot water tap. 

Place the CBD vape cartridge in the bag or container and close it uptight. Then, run it under hot water for roughly five minutes or until the CBD crystals start to dissolve. 

The Hairdryer Technique 

A second viable solution for de-crystallizing your CBD cartridge is to take your handy dandy hairdryer, set it on the warm setting, and point it directly at the cartridge. Let it run for about five minutes. 

A hairdryer isn’t just for keeping your locks looking fresh. Who knew! 

Whichever method you choose, be sure to let the vape cartridge cool down for a bit before using it. After going through all this effort, the last thing you want is to burn your lip on the piping hot metal mouthpiece because you were impatient! 

CBD Vape Crystals – From Potential Problem to Promise of Purity 

The next time you see CBD vape crystals forming in your vape pen, don’t stress! Take it as a sign that the concentrate you’re using is of high quality and superior purity. 

While some may view it as an inconvenience, crystallization is a far cry from a faulty or defective product. As long as you know what to do to transform your CBD back into its more versatile and workable oil form, you’re golden! 

As you’ve since discovered, CBD crystallization is a naturally occurring process resulting from your CBD’s composition and molecular structure, so you can take solace in the fact that it’s entirely fixable and an indication that you are getting a natural and safe product. 

Stay safe and enjoy!