Written by Brandon Topp

If you're a fan of THC vape cartridges, you may have noticed they get foggy or cloudy from time to time. A foggy cart can be a bit alarming, especially if you just bought it and want to make sure it's safe to use.

In this post, we've put together a list of the most common causes of a foggy, cloudy vape cart to give you a clearer sense of what might be going on with your vape. We also provided some helpful tips on proper storage conditions and care for cartridges so that they stay powerful and safe.

Why Do Vape Cartridges Get Foggy? 5 Causes

There's no single cause behind foggy carts; various factors can cause this common problem. Here are some of the main issues to look out for:

Vape Juice and Extreme Temperatures

Vape carts need to be stored carefully to keep their potency and freshness. One of the biggest don'ts when storing any THC product is temperature fluctuations during storage.

When the temp gets too high or too low, vape oil can get thicker and take on a crystalline, foggy appearance. This can lead to changes in the potency of the cannabinoids in the cartridge, and while it's not a cause for worry, it's also not what you want.

To avoid foggy vape carts, caused by temperature and light changes, always store your vape cartridges in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. That way, you can count on your carts to stay stable and powerful for as long as possible.

Cannabis Oil Content

A vape cart contains extracts derived from the cannabis plant, including terpenes. These natural compounds give weed its distinct flavors and scents, and they can also change the taste, color and clarity of vape oil.

High-quality vape oil might have a bit of a cloudy appearance at times because of its high terpene content. In this case, a cloudy vape cart definitely isn't an issue. If you notice a cloudy cart, it might simply be because that particular cart contains lots of flavorful, aromatic terpenes.

On the other hand, lower-quality oils can sometimes look cloudy as well. This is sometimes because these oils contain lots of additives, which affect the consistency of the final product. For the best experience, look for high-quality carts that come from a trustworthy source like the Mood Shop.

Cartridge Materials

Just like the quality of the oil can cause cloudiness, the material used to make the vape cart itself can do the same.

Sometimes, materials like plastic and metal in cartridges can react to compounds in cannabis oil, which can make a cart look foggy. As you might expect, this is usually an issue with lower-quality carts that are made with cheaper components.

When you buy from a reputable seller, you're investing in the quality of the cartridge itself, not just the liquid cannabis oil inside. While you might pay a bit more, the payoff is worth it for a better experience and a longer-lasting cart.

Expired Cannabis Oil Leads to a Cloudy Cart

Cannabis oil and other vaping products do have a shelf life; like all good things, they come to an end eventually.

As cannabis oil degrades (usually within around three months of manufacturing), it loses potency and can change in consistency and appearance. After this point, it's best not to use the cart anymore.

Different forms of contamination, including exposure to moisture, can make the cannabis oil inside a cart break down faster, leading to fogginess. Like we mentioned earlier, the best way to avoid an early expiration due to moisture and temperature fluctuations is to store your carts properly.

Vape Juice Oxidation

Last but not least, carts need to be properly sealed to avoid oxidation (exposure to air). When cannabis oil isn't in an airtight cart, a chemical reaction can change its appearance and lower its potency.

Lower-quality vape carts are more likely to unseal, which can speed up the process of oxidation and lower the quality of the oil inside. For the best possible vaping experience, go with carts made from high-quality, sealed materials.

Is It Safe To Use a Foggy Cart?

As you can tell based on the causes we just listed, a foggy cart usually isn't any reason to worry. However, there are some cases when changes in the consistency of your cannabis oil should raise some alarm bells.

Here's when it might be unsafe to use a foggy vape cart:

It's Past the Expiration Date

Most vape cartridges and other cannabis products come with an expiration date, which is a standard practice in the cannabis industry. For carts, this date is usually a few months after manufacturing.

For the best vaping experience, it's always smart to throw vape cartridges away after they've expired. While it isn't always dangerous to use expired vape cartridges, it's never recommended, as, at best, you won't experience a satisfying high.

It Smells or Tastes Weird

If you take a hit from your vape and it smells weird or tastes funny, it's possible that it's not safe to use anymore. Changes in taste and smell can indicate that your vape cartridge has been contaminated, which might mean that it could make you feel unwell after too many hits.

It's Contaminated

Speaking of contamination, this is always the key safety issue to look out for with vape cartridges. Several factors can lead vape juice to become contaminated, but the main problem is usually a lack of proper storage or low-quality materials.

If you inspect your vape juice or oil and it looks like it has objects floating around in it, it's best to throw it away

for the sake of both your safety and your vaping experience. While cloudiness can often be normal, larger debris might be mold particles or other contaminants, which can make you sick.

Cloudy Vape Carts: The Solution

While a cloudy vape cart usually isn't an issue, it's still worth doing what you can to keep your vape carts from fogging up. The solution is storing them away from high humidity and extreme temperatures, making sure they're tightly sealed, and paying attention to the expiration dates.

In addition, it's always worth it to invest in high-quality vape juice. You can find disposable, rechargeable carts in the Mood Shop that are carefully crafted with quality in mind. Our carts are made from premium materials that are made to last, making them perfect for newcomers to vaping and seasoned vaping enthusiasts alike.

Head to the Mood Shop to check out our full selection of premium cannabis extracts. Subscribe to save 15% on your order.