Hello. Thanks for having me, and HELP, my VG/VG vape juice attempts are disastrous so far.

[PaulyWauly]

Hi. Thanks again for having me.
I’m having a nightmare getting to grips with making some vape juice.
I’ve followed instructions found online, but am getting very disappointing results.

Following 1g to 10ml juice approach with 40/60 PG/VG, and starting with 1g of decarbed weed, I’ve tried infusing into 4ml of pure PG with the intention of adding the 6ml VG afterwards to make it up to 10ml (as I’ve read VG is next to useless at infusing).

The result, after infusing, straining through 3 layers of cheesecloth is just a thick gloopy mess that’s probably half the original amount, and adding the 6ml VG makes it gloopier. I tried adding more PG to thin it out, but that made it way too harsh on the throat.
It’s got a very cloudy appearance that looks as if it’s trying to separate into a lighter coloured gloop at the bottom. Also when left for a while, a white tide line appears around the top of the bottle.
And having tried it, apart from burning through coils, there’s not that much of a hit.

For full disclosure, I'm doing this process using a Nebula Boost Decarboxylator & Infuser, using the stock 'Decarb' and 'Infuse' settings, as they seemed to match the general online opinions on time and temp settings.

I’m at a total loss as to what to try next.

Any wise advice that could point me in the right direction would be really hugely appreciated.

 

[PaulyWauly]

…And apologies for the misleading typo in the title. Should be PG/VG, not VG/VG.

 

[Tincandtoke]

It may be worth taking a look at these pages to see what they recommend for making vape carts
See what they have to say and do some research to see if there are cheaper alternatives
Hope this helps

The BASE™ Terpenes - Lab Effects

Our signature vape carrier oil, The Base, is a pure and odorless solution for your vape products. It ensures smooth vaporization of terpenes and extracts.

labeffects.com

The CUT® Terpenes - Lab Effects

The Cut® is a 100% plant-derived, flavorless terpene diluent for vapes. Prevents crystallization without the dangerous adulterants commonly found in other thinners.

labeffects.com

 

[PaulyWauly]

Thanks for your response Tincantoke. Sadly I’m in the UK, and postage would be a fortune.

I suspect though that the lack of many replies indicates that it’s probably impossible to use PG/VG and decarbed flower in an infuser to make really decent vape juice.

I’ve been experimenting for weeks, have gone through almost an ounce of flower, and just have a bit of a rough throat and stack of burned out vape coils. Maybe a slight buzz now and again but definitely nothing to write home about.
I’ve tried infusing into various PG/VG mixes, and 100% PG (adding the VG afterwards). I’ve also tried leaving it in the infuser for a week or so after the initial heat infusion but none of this seems to make any real difference.

I can’t see any way of making this process any more effective. I’ve read that making vape juice with the decarbed/infusion method is difficult to get wrong, so I must either have a very high TCH resistance, or I’m a genius ;o)

 

[Tincandtoke]

There are many methods and thoughts on how to make homemade carts
The terpene derived additives pose the least amount of risk
A lot of people don't bother with a decarb

There may be cheaper alternatives in the UK
Look into botanicals and the essential oils internet pages and see if they offer similar products
They have to deal with viscosity and crystallization too
Always check patent applications in the various related industries like essential oils
They can have relevant info on the products and process they use

 

[PaulyWauly]

There are many methods and thoughts on how to make homemade carts
The terpene derived additives pose the least amount of risk
A lot of people don't bother with a decarb

There may be cheaper alternatives in the UK
Look into botanicals and the essential oils internet pages and see if they offer similar products
They have to deal with viscosity and crystallization too
Always check patent applications in the various related industries like essential oils
They can have relevant info on the products and process they use

Thanks again Tincantoke. Your advice is really appreciated :o)
Are you saying that I should look into ditching the PG/VG mix completely, and try infusing (Still using the decarb/infuser device) into terpenes instead? I did have a quick look at terpenes, and for a 10ml bottle it costs as much as buying 10ml of THC infused vape juice ready to go. That makes no financial sense, unless I'm looking at the wrong products.

 

[PlumberSoCal2]

Thanks for your response Tincantoke. Sadly I’m in the UK, and postage would be a fortune.

I suspect though that the lack of many replies indicates that it’s probably impossible to use PG/VG and decarbed flower in an infuser to make really decent vape juice.

I’ve been experimenting for weeks, have gone through almost an ounce of flower, and just have a bit of a rough throat and stack of burned out vape coils. Maybe a slight buzz now and again but definitely nothing to write home about.
I’ve tried infusing into various PG/VG mixes, and 100% PG (adding the VG afterwards). I’ve also tried leaving it in the infuser for a week or so after the initial heat infusion but none of this seems to make any real difference.

I can’t see any way of making this process any more effective. I’ve read that making vape juice with the decarbed/infusion method is difficult to get wrong, so I must either have a very high TCH resistance, or I’m a genius ;o)

It's not impossible but I haven't had much luck using PG or VG.

I used vape tobacco to stop smoking cigarettes but that PG/VG mix made it hard to breathe so it was easy quitting tobacco.

I've moved on to the flower vapes and very happy.

 

[PaulyWauly]

It's not impossible but I haven't had much luck using PG or VG.

I used vape tobacco to stop smoking cigarettes but that PG/VG mix made it hard to breathe so it was easy quitting tobacco.

I've moved on to the flower vapes and very happy.

That's a wise move, for sure. Flower vapes are a good alternative. I've used them a fair bit.
I was tooting on my Storz & Bickel 'Mighty' flower vape, and my brother asked me to show it to his (Mid twenties) daughter, as she was looking to quit smoking blunts and kick tobacco (The same reason I'd explained to him why I was using it).
So I speak to her, and say, you really ought to try this. She replies, no, YOU really ought to try this, and brought out her THC vape juice.
So rather than help my niece kick her habit, she gave me an entirely new one ;o) And here I am.

 

[PlumberSoCal2]

That's a wise move, for sure. Flower vapes are a good alternative. I've used them a fair bit.
I was tooting on my Storz & Bickel 'Mighty' flower vape, and my brother asked me to show it to his (Mid twenties) daughter, as she was looking to quit smoking blunts and kick tobacco (The same reason I'd explained to him why I was using it).
So I speak to her, and say, you really ought to try this. She replies, no, YOU really ought to try this, and brought out her THC vape juice.
So rather than help my niece kick her habit, she gave me an entirely new one ;o) And here I am.

Ive bought my share of the THC carts in the past but I don't really need them and it's been about 5 years since I bought any. My da Buda tabletop vape rocks my world but my traveling vape mod

a simple dual battery with the Honey Stick top OR the Armor

as I broke the glass Honey cover.

Looks like the Armor has been upgraded

I like the air ports on the new one. Someday I'll have to check one out but until then my vape works great. I keep one coil just for hash

 

[Tincandtoke]

Thanks again Tincantoke. Your advice is really appreciated :o)
Are you saying that I should look into ditching the PG/VG mix completely, and try infusing (Still using the decarb/infuser device) into terpenes instead? I did have a quick look at terpenes, and for a 10ml bottle it costs as much as buying 10ml of THC infused vape juice ready to go. That makes no financial sense, unless I'm looking at the wrong products.

Believe the base and the cut come to around $160 (US)
They are not one use, you should get a half dozen or more mixes out of them

As for the pg/vg additive for thinning and as a base or filler, I would thoroughly research the relevant medical information regarding vaping these materials
One of my issues with carts is the repeated high intensity heating
Every time you power up, the material cooks
I buy no more than a half gram cart to reduce the cook and maintain the flavor
Exposure to that kind of heat can have all kinds of chemical reactions
That's why making your own vapes is a good idea as long as your source material is relatively clean
You can do carbon and celite 545 filtering to get out the pesticides and other undesirables if you feel inclined to do so
That's what I do on my extractions to get the plant taste out for my edibles

Now the straight up terpenes that you looked at are for adding flavors and effects
I purchased sample size terpene mixes for pain, sleep and anxiety

These are super concentrated and would overwhelm you
The amount I use is a drop from a pin on an entire batch of infused syrup which is about 400ml
If you used it as a filler or a base it would vape in a way that cannot be predictable

This is my roundabout way of advising you to research the additives and make an informed choice
People use glycerine all the time
I personally avoid it and go with live rosin cut with terpene derivative (allegedly) from my dispo

 

[Tincandtoke]

Lost in that stoner response is that you should research what Lab Effects is doing when they make their terpene mixes and diluent
you will get enough info to begin Google searches or whatever to find equivalent products to make your own base and diluent
Cannot guarantee it but as I stated before some botanical places of business may have the products you need for DIY
If you do it under the guise of making essential oils it should not raise suspicions
I'm working on nano emulsion right now so carts are months away

 

[PaulyWauly]

Your help and advice is really appreciated. It seems however after a few months more of looking into it, that the UK isn’t set up to cater for this kind of homebrew, to the point that it’s all financially prohibitive.
On top of that, my regular supply of ‘professionally’ curated vape juice has just vanished, so it seems, at the young age of 54, I’m going to have to give it all up :o(
…unless anyone knows of a US/Can supplier that’d post overseas, though I doubt it… or if the UK changes it ridiculous laws on THC, but that, again, isn’t something I’d hold my breath for.
Thanks again though for your kind help.

 

[trygrowup]

Your help and advice is really appreciated. It seems however after a few months more of looking into it, that the UK isn’t set up to cater for this kind of homebrew, to the point that it’s all financially prohibitive.
On top of that, my regular supply of ‘professionally’ curated vape juice has just vanished, so it seems, at the young age of 54, I’m going to have to give it all up :o(
…unless anyone knows of a US/Can supplier that’d post overseas, though I doubt it… or if the UK changes it ridiculous laws on THC, but that, again, isn’t something I’d hold my breath for.
Thanks again though for your kind help.

I tried that project myself some years ago to partner with a guy with a vape shop.
I didn't get very far because i didn't want to add poly glycol.

What i don't understand is why you want to vape like that when you have the Storz & Bickel?
With that you can vape clean weed oil if you want.
And you can make that with pure alcohol or a press and vape it, without the plastic liquid added.

Is it because of the taste or why, you want to make juice? To me it sounds like you think the taste is bad so i don't really get it.

 

[PaulyWauly]

I tried that project myself some years ago to partner with a guy with a vape shop.
I didn't get very far because i didn't want to add poly glycol.

What i don't understand is why you want to vape like that when you have the Storz & Bickel?
With that you can vape clean weed oil if you want.
And you can make that with pure alcohol or a press and vape it, without the plastic liquid added.

Is it because of the taste or why, you want to make juice? To me it sounds like you think the taste is bad so i don't really get it.

To be honest, it’s more convenience than anything.
I think I’ve realised I’m trying to feed a habit here, rather than give myself a hobby, unless of course, that hobby makes the habit considerably more economical.

…and it’s that tight ass in me that’s now intrigued by the idea of making the weed oil and putting it in the S&B :o)
Is that an involved process?

 

[Tincandtoke]

For rosin you need some form of press
Heat application helps

This can go from hot water in a wine bottle on some wax paper to $10,000 (US) hydraulic press for when you need to be in prison for a long time
Joking aside there are numerous ways to press rosin
Some decent presses can go for around $500 (US)

Nugsmasher Mini Rosin Press Machine

NugSmasher Mini - The Compact, Patent-Technology Rosin Press Machine for On-the-Go Extractions.

nugsmasher.com

Solvent requires high proof ethanol or iso then a reduction to concentrate and then a purge