Q&A with a Budtender: What They Wish You Knew Before Ordering Vapes

Vape cartridges have become a top choice for cannabis consumers seeking convenience, potency, and discretion. But before clicking “order” on your next vape delivery, there’s more to consider than just strain and THC percentage. To help consumers make more informed choices, we interviewed an experienced budtender from a licensed dispensary who shared what they wish every customer knew before ordering a vape product online.

Q: What’s the biggest mistake customers make when ordering vapes?

A: “Most people only look at the THC percentage, thinking higher means better. But that’s not always true. A vape with 90% THC might hit harder, but that doesn’t mean it will give you the experience you’re looking for. Terpene profiles matter. They determine flavor, aroma, and the kind of effect—uplifting, relaxing, or focused—you’ll actually feel.”

Q: What should first-time buyers know before making their first vape order?

A: “Start by understanding what type of device you’re ordering. If it’s a 510-thread cartridge, you’ll need a compatible battery. A lot of new customers assume the cartridge comes ready to use, but unless it’s a disposable, that’s not the case. Read product descriptions carefully, and if you’re not sure, ask your dispensary before checking out.”

Q: Are there any red flags to watch out for when shopping online for vape products?

A: “Yes—big time. Always make sure you’re shopping from a licensed dispensary or delivery service. Counterfeit cartridges are still a major issue in the unregulated market. If the prices seem too good to be true or the packaging doesn’t show testing info or batch numbers, that’s a sign to walk away. Your health isn’t worth the risk.”

Q: How do you recommend customers store their vapes once delivered?

A: “Keep them upright, out of direct sunlight, and in a cool, dry place. Heat can degrade both potency and flavor. If you toss it in your glove box or leave it on a windowsill, you’ll likely end up with a cartridge that’s clogged or leaking—and it’ll taste burnt. Also, don’t overcharge your battery. That shortens its life.”

Q: What’s one thing you wish more vape customers asked about?

A: “The extraction method! There’s a big difference between live resin, distillate, and CO₂ oil. Live resin gives you a full-spectrum effect and a richer flavor, while distillate is more potent but often has added terpenes. If you’re flavor-focused, go live resin. If you’re just looking for high THC and a clean hit, distillate might be your pick.”

Q: Do you have any tips for getting the best experience from a vape?

A: “Start slow. Even experienced users can get caught off guard by a strong pull. Use a battery with variable temperature settings—lower temps preserve flavor and terpenes, while higher temps deliver a more intense hit but burn off some flavor. And take small puffs. Holding it in longer doesn’t make it stronger—it just irritates your lungs.”

Q: Anything else you wish customers understood before ordering?

A: “We’re here to help, not just push products. Ask us questions! The more you tell us—like what you’ve enjoyed in the past or what effects you’re looking for—the better we can recommend something that works for you. Vaping is a great option, but the best experience starts with the right knowledge.”

Key Takeaways

Ordering a vape is more than just choosing between sativa and indica. From understanding hardware to reading labels and checking lab results, informed buyers have better, safer experiences. When in doubt, reach out to your local budtender—they’re your best guide to getting the most out of every puff.