Today, cannabis vape cartridges are more popular than ever. However, due in large part to their exploding popularity, there has been an increase in fake carts trying to cash in on the trend.
Cannabis vape cartridges are more popular than ever thanks to their convenience, portability, and potency. But with that rising demand comes a darker side: an increase in counterfeit vape carts trying to cash in on the trend.
These fake vape carts have been linked to serious health risks, including a 2019 national outbreak of lung injuries associated with illegal vape products. Unfortunately, counterfeiters are still out there today—more sophisticated and harder to detect than ever.
So, how can you protect yourself and enjoy your vape with peace of mind? Keep reading for the top ways to spot fake vape carts and answers to the most common FAQs, all updated for 2025.
Why Fake Vape Carts Are So Dangerous
Let’s start with the “why” before the “how.” Fake vape cartridges gained widespread notoriety in 2019 when hundreds of people were hospitalized—and dozens died—due to vaping-associated pulmonary injury (VAPI) linked to illicit THC vape products.
Here’s what makes fake vape carts risky:
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Unregulated Ingredients: Counterfeit carts may contain harmful additives like vitamin E acetate, which is not safe for inhalation.
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Toxic Hardware: Cheap materials used in fake carts can release heavy metals or noxious fumes when heated.
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Combustion Risk: Poorly made batteries or cartridges may overheat or explode.
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Unknown Contents: No testing means you have no clue what you’re inhaling—yikes.
6 Easy Ways to Spot a Fake Vape Cart
Not sure if your cart is legit? Here are the top signs to look for:
1. Buy From Licensed Dispensaries and Trusted Brands
Avoid pop-up shops, online marketplaces, and "friend of a friend" deals. Stick with state-licensed dispensaries and established brands that are subject to strict testing and compliance standards—like O.pen. 💨
2. Research the Brand
Before you buy, Google the brand name. Check if they’re listed on trusted cannabis sites like Leafly, I Heart Jane, or Weedmaps. Look for customer reviews, licensing info, and lab test results. No online presence? Huge red flag.
3. Inspect the Packaging Carefully
Compare the cart’s packaging with verified product photos from the brand’s website. Look for:
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Typos or low-quality printing
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Missing lot or batch numbers
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No lab testing or QR verification codes
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Cartoons, candy imagery, or flashy graphics (often illegal in licensed states)
If it looks like it belongs in a gas station snack aisle...it’s probably fake.
4. Verify Online Authenticity
Some counterfeiters go so far as creating fake websites to sell their knockoff products. Double-check the domain and licensing info. Many legit brands now include QR codes on their packaging that you can scan to verify product authenticity.
5. Read the Ingredient List
Avoid any carts listing:
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Vitamin E acetate
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Polyethylene glycol (PEG)
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Propylene glycol (PG)
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Vegetable glycerin (VG)
While these are sometimes safe for ingestion, they’re not safe for inhalation. A legit cart should contain pure cannabis oil and terpenes, with nothing you can’t pronounce.
Also note: THC levels should typically range between 70–90%. Anything unusually low or suspiciously high (like 99%) is worth questioning.
6. Check for Compliance Labels
Every licensed vape cart should include clear compliance info. Depending on your state, that might include:
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Batch number and expiration date
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Lab testing verification
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Manufacturer details and license number
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Government warning statements
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Full ingredient breakdown
If this info is missing, or the cart looks like it was printed in someone’s garage, pass.
FAQs About Fake Vape Carts
Can a fake vape cart kill you?
Sadly, yes. The CDC has linked counterfeit vape carts to dozens of deaths and hundreds of hospitalizations from lung injuries. Don’t gamble with your health.
What are the symptoms of vaping a fake cart?
Early warning signs include:
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Shortness of breath
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Chest pain
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Persistent cough
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Nausea or vomiting
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Fatigue or fever
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience these after vaping.
Is there a list of fake vape cart brands?
Yes. Here are some known fake vape cart names that have been flagged by authorities or consumers. Keep in mind, some of these may mimic real brands that also sell legal products.
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Dank Vapes
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Mario Carts
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Chronic Carts
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Glo Extracts
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Supreme Vape
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Buddah Bear Carts
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Exotic Carts
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Big Chief (some versions)
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Muha Meds (counterfeit versions)
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Runtz (often counterfeited)
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Space Vapes
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Off White
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Cali Carts
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Cartnite
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Lion’s Breath
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Springfield Farms
Note: Some of these names are used without the knowledge or approval of the original brand owners, especially on the illicit market.
The Bottom Line on Fake Vape Carts
Fake vape carts might be flashy and cheap, but the risks are simply too high. Protect your health—and your high—by sticking with licensed dispensaries and reputable brands like O.pen.
With a high-quality 510-thread battery and lab-tested vape carts, O.pen delivers smooth, flavorful, and safe hits every time.
✅ Safe ingredients
✅ Compliance-tested
✅ Trusted by thousands of consumers
So before your next sesh, double-check your cart and stay informed. And if you found this guide helpful, share it with a friend—because no one deserves a fake.
Looking for premium vape accessories and verified vape carts?
Explore our collection at O.pen and vape with confidence. 🔥
