Bubbles in Your Vape Cartridge? Here’s What That Really Means

Shawn Dabster
May 22
3 min read

If you’ve ever looked closely at your VapeMeds cartridge and spotted tiny, suspended bubbles in the oil — you’re not alone. Some customers ask about them. Others assume it's a sign of low quality. But the truth? Those bubbles are a mark of precision extraction, and they tell a story of how we handle THCa differently than the rest.

Let’s unpack it.

What Is THCa — And Why Do We Use It in Liquid Form?

Before we talk bubbles, let’s talk diamonds. THCa (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is the raw, non-psychoactive form of THC found in live cannabis. In its natural state, THCa is a crystalline solid — what we often refer to as THCa diamonds.

THCa only becomes THC (and gets you high) when it’s decarboxylated, which is a scientific way of saying “activated by heat.” That usually happens when you spark a joint, dab a rig, or hit a hot coil in your vape pen.

But here’s the twist: at VapeMeds, we start with pure THCa diamonds and partially liquefy them — not fully convert them to THC. Why?

Because the liquid form of THCa offers a smoother vape, better control over the experience, and the ability to maintain a high level of purity. It also allows us to comply with laws in hemp markets where Δ9-THC must remain below a certain threshold.

So Why the Bubbles?

Let’s get into the good stuff.

To turn solid THCa diamonds into a liquid that can be filled into a vape cartridge, we have to apply heat — but we don’t go all in. Instead, we use low temperatures under vacuum pressure to gently coax the diamonds into a syrupy, pourable state without fully decarbing them into THC.

This is what scientists and extractors call a partial decarboxylation process.

It’s a delicate balance:

Too much heat? You destroy terpenes and convert THCa into THC.
Too little? You can’t fill the oil properly or ensure consistent vaporization.
Just right? You get clean, rich oil that retains the THCa molecule’s integrity, preserves more of the plant’s natural flavor, and avoids harshness.

But because this process doesn’t fully "finish the job," there’s residual off-gassing — meaning tiny CO₂ bubbles can get trapped in the viscous liquid. They don’t rise or pop because the oil is thick and stable. What you're seeing is the paused result of a natural reaction.

No, It’s Not a Sign of Cheap Oil

Let’s get this myth out of the way: bubbles are not a red flag. In fact, if you understand how premium THCa oil is made, they’re the exact opposite.

Here’s why:

THCa is hard to work with. It takes time, technique, and tight temperature control to get it into a vape-ready form.
Most brands fully decarb to simplify production — but that sacrifices flavor, purity, and often legal compliance.
We don’t cut corners. If our oil has bubbles, it’s because we refused to overprocess it just for the sake of looks.

Why We Choose the “In-Between” State

You could say we live in the “liminal space” between raw and active.

By partially decarbing our THCa diamonds:

We retain higher THCa levels for those seeking the unique benefits of this compound.
We preserve more terpenes, giving each strain its signature aroma and effect.
We provide a cleaner experience — one that reflects the plant’s original blueprint, not something cooked and reconstituted.

The result is a THCa-rich, liquid concentrate with real character. And yes, sometimes that character includes a few beautiful bubbles.

The VapeMeds Difference

This isn’t about hype — it’s about intention. From day one, VapeMeds has been committed to crafting products that stay true to the plant. We don’t dilute our oil. We don’t blast it with heat to force conversions. And we sure as hell don’t sacrifice quality for aesthetics.

So next time you see a few bubbles in your cartridge, know this:

They’re a signature of quality, not a flaw.They’re a reminder that what you’re vaping was handled with precision, not poured off an assembly line.They’re proof that you’re getting something real.

Still Curious? Let’s Talk

Our goal isn’t just to make premium cannabis products — it’s to educate, empower, and elevate the experience for our customers. If you have questions, drop us a DM, reach out via our Telegram channel, or explore more deep dives like this one at vapemeds.com.

Stay curious. Stay elevated. Stay true.

— The VapeMeds Team