If you’re new to cannabis, vape cartridges are one of the easiest ways to try cannabis - requiring little to no setup and maintenance. With no shortage of vape cart options available at your local cannabis shop, it’s as simple as clicking a button and inhaling.

However, vape pens and carts do require a little troubleshooting from time-to-time. Here are a few things to try if you find yourself with a malfunctioning vape pen:

  • Is your vape battery fully charged? No one enjoys settling into a vape session and realizing a vape battery won’t operate. Before trying any troubleshooting methods, ensure that your battery is fully charged. Try turning it on and, if it won’t turn on, let the battery charge up for 2-3 hours. If it still won’t turn on, try another charger or power source. It is best to reference your user manual to determine how to check the battery charge and ensure that there is not an issue while you are charging the pen battery. If still no life in the battery, a broken battery is likely your issue.

  • Is your vape battery locked? If you your battery is fully charged a know you have a working cart and it still won’t work your battery may just be locked. Most vape batteries with a button have a digital locking mechanism. This prevents your battery from being activated when stored in your pocket or packed in a bag. Your battery may have an automatic locking mechanism that is activated after a period with no use, others need to be manually activated but this can happen accidentally. Typically, you can unlock the battery by rapidly clicking the button five times, the number of clicks and function performed by the number of clicks can vary model to model so make sure you read the instructions when you get a new battery.

    Sweet Dirt Vape Pen and Cart
  • Is the vape cart properly connected to the vape battery? If your cartridge isn’t working at all, it may be because the contact (the piece where the cartridge and battery meets to allow the vape pen to work) from the battery and cartridge aren’t properly connected. This can happen following frequent use and connecting and disconnecting of carts.

    Using a small tool like a flathead screwdriver, try slightly pulling the contact piece up until it is even and level. Also, be sure not to overtightened as that can also cause issues.

    Finally, you may need to clean the contact points. With time, your battery contact piece may become clogged with debris or simply due to wear and tear with consistent use. To clean, simply dip a cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol and gently clean the contact point on both the cart and battery. Repeat if necessary. Allow the alcohol to fully evaporate before use (ideally, wait 10 minutes before use).

  • Is your pen vaporizing? When you take a hit, are you able to draw from the cart? If not, your cartridge may just need to be primed. You can do this by gently blowing into your cartridge without it being attached to the battery or while pressing a button battery for added effectiveness.

    Alternatively, there may be an obstruction. Remove the cart from the battery. Allow the cart to warm either in the palm of your hand or in your pocket for 5-10 minutes. Then, reattach and double click the button to preheat for 2 preheat cycles. Try to hit again. You may need to pull hard to free up the concentrate obstruction the first time, but if it unclogs then you should be good to go.
If none of the above appear to be your issue, you can always stop by one of Sweet Dirt’s locations to speak with a member of our team and see if they can help you address the issue or find a replacement battery or cart.