1. Gather Materials and Equipment
- Extracts or Delta-9 THC (D9) Distillate: Ensure you have high-purity extracts or distillate, typically over 90% purity.
- Terpenes: Use food-grade or cannabis-derived terpenes to flavour and enhance the effects of your vape.
- Mixing Tools: A precision scale, syringe, and glass stirring rod.
- Vape Cartridge: Choose a high-quality cartridge, preferably ceramic, to avoid any metal leaching or contamination.
- Heat Source: A heat mat or a controlled hot plate to gently warm your distillate for easier mixing.
- Diluent (Optional): Viscosity control agents like MCT oil, PG/VG (propylene glycol/vegetable glycerin), or other cannabis-derived diluents. Note that many prefer to avoid diluents due to potential health concerns.
2. Prepare Your Workspace
- Ensure your workspace is clean, dry, and free from contaminants.
- Use gloves and ensure all utensils and containers are sanitized.
3. Measure the Ingredients
- Distillate: Measure the desired amount of D9 distillate. Common sizes for carts are 0.5g and 1g.
- Terpenes: Add terpenes to your distillate. A typical ratio is 5-10% terpenes by weight, but this can vary depending on personal preference and the strength of the terpenes.
- Diluent (Optional): If using a diluent, add a small amount (usually no more than 10-15%) to adjust the viscosity if necessary.
4. Mixing
- Heat the Distillate: Gently heat the distillate to around 100-140°F (38-60°C) to make it easier to mix. Do not overheat, as this can degrade the cannabinoids and terpenes.
- Combine Terpenes and Diluent: Slowly add the terpenes and any diluent to the warmed distillate. Stir thoroughly using the glass rod or shake gently if in a sealed container. Ensure a homogeneous mixture.
5. Fill the Cartridge
- Using a syringe, carefully fill the vape cartridge with the mixture. Avoid overfilling or introducing air bubbles.
- Allow the cartridge to sit upright for a few minutes to let the mixture settle and the air bubbles to rise to the top.
6. Seal and Test
- Seal the cartridge and let it cool to room temperature.
- If possible, test the cartridge with a small puff to ensure proper airflow and functionality.
7. Storage
- Store the filled cartridges in a cool, dark place to preserve the potency and flavor.
- Keep away from direct sunlight and high temperatures to avoid degradation.
8. Quality Control
- Always test a small batch before mass-producing to ensure the potency, flavor, and vape quality meet your standards.
- Consider having the final product lab-tested for purity and potency if possible.
Safety Considerations
- Purity: Use only high-purity distillates and terpenes that are safe for inhalation.
- Avoid Harmful Additives: Steer clear of additives like Vitamin E acetate, which has been linked to severe lung injury.
- Legality: Ensure that your use and production of D9 or cannabis extracts comply with local laws and regulations.
Tips for Enhancing Quality
- Flavour Profiles: Experiment with different terpene blends to create unique flavor profiles that complement the effects of the D9.
- Cartridge Quality: Invest in high-quality cartridges, as poor-quality hardware can negatively affect the vaping experience.
