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Defective cannabis vape: 5 common problems and how to fix Them

By SQDC.ca | Published on November 20, 2025

What if your vape won’t turn on, is producing less aerosol or the aerosol has a burnt taste? These problems can be frustrating, and they can even increase health risks. Before replacing your battery, read about the five most common vaping device issues and our maintenance tips for reducing the chances of encountering them.

Drawing of three defective cannabis vape cartridges.

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Before we start

Although several types of vape can be purchased on the regulated and unregulated markets, this article only discusses common problems with 510 thread vapes. Certain details may differ depending on your specific device.

Why did my vape stop working?

At some point, your vape could stop working as expected. Each part of the device plays an important role in transforming the cannabis extract into an aerosol. Because a vape is a complex electronic device, it requires a little more care than a joint. The way you use, clean and store it can have an impact on its operation and even its useful life.

The good news is that some problems can be avoided by adopting good usage habits. Here are our tips for reducing the risk of encountering the five most common problems with cannabis vapes.

The basic mechanism of a vape

A vape’s main components are a cartridge and a battery. The battery warms a metal coil, which heats the liquid cannabis extract without burning it. The heat transforms the extract into an aerosol, which flows to the mouthpiece for inhalation.

Everything you need to know about the parts of a vape.

Drawing of a clogged 510 thread vape cartridge.

Clogged cartridge

If you feel resistance when inhaling, your cartridge may be blocked. Vape liquid can sometimes accumulate at the contact point between the reservoir and the neck of the cartridge, forming a plug that prevents the free flow of aerosol.

Tips:

Use the preheat function, without vaping, to liquify the accumulated material.
Between uses, store your vape in a vertical position to keep the neck clear.

Drawing of deposits on the walls of a 510 thread vape cartridge.

Buildup

Over time, residue can accumulate on the walls of a cartridge. To avoid this problem, the viscosity of the vaping liquid must remain stable. Heat, cold or lengthy storage can all change the viscosity by solidifying certain compounds in the liquid, to the detriment of the vape’s operation.

Tips:

Store your vape in a cool, dry and dark place. That means you should avoid leaving it in the car.
If it is unused for a long time, turning it over occasionally can help keep the liquid moving and prevent deposits from forming.

Drawing of an extract leak from a 510 thread vape cartridge.

Leaking cartridge

A leak can occur in several places on the device (mouthpiece, battery contacts, cartridge) and may be caused by several factors.

Tips:

Before each use, check the cartridge for anomalies.
Store the vape vertically to minimize leaks reaching the mouthpiece.
Connect the cartridge to the battery by screwing it on gently, without forcing it.
Be careful when transporting the device, because heat and altitude can lead to leaks.

Are you travelling with cannabis? Read our recommendations for having a safe trip.

Drawing depicting a burnt taste or odour being produced by a 510 thread vape cartridge.

Burnt taste or smell

Sometimes called a “burnt hit,” this problem occurs when the vape cartridge is empty and/or the wick has been dried out by the heating coil. The result is that you are no longer vaping cannabis extract but residue from the burnt wick, which is not only very unpleasant but potentially harmful to your health.

Tips:

Stop vaping immediately and change the cartridge.
Start at the lowest temperature and use the voltage recommended by the manufacturer.
Take short puffs and pause between them, rather than taking repeated long draws without a break. This will prolong the life of the cartridge.
Protect your vape against prolonged exposure to heat and direct light.

Illustration of a 510 thread vape cartridge that is drawing poorly.

Weak draw

You can take a puff, but there’s little aerosol. What’s happening? Unlike a fully blocked cartridge, a weakly drawing one can indicate a dead battery, a nearly empty cartridge or residues partially preventing the vaping liquid from circulating to the heating coil.

A weak draw can also be accompanied by a mildly unpleasant flavour. This “dry hit” is a sign that it’s almost time to change the cartridge.

Tips:

Keep the battery charged.
Regularly check the liquid level and replace the cartridge as needed.
Use the preheat function if the device has one and let the vape warm up before inhaling. Use the voltage recommended by the manufacturer.
Carefully clean the mouthpiece and 510 thread connector using a cotton swab, either dry or slightly dampened with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol.
Check that the ventilation holes located at the bottom of the battery (varies by model) are not blocked.
Check that your cartridge and battery are compatible.

Learn about the different types of cannabis vapes.

Maintenance is the key

Vaping devices are designed for use over a prolonged period, but their useful life depends on how they are used. Good maintenance and safe storage will keep your devices performing as they should and reduce health risks. Here are some simple things you can do to avoid the most common issues with vapes:

Use the preheat function, especially if the vape hasn’t been used for a while.
Avoid prolonged or repeated inhalation, which may overheat the battery.
Screw the cartridge into the battery gently, without forcing, to avoid damaging the threads or connections.
Handle the device carefully and protect it from shocks and falls that could crack the cartridge.
Regularly clean any residue from the battery terminals using a cotton swab, either dry or slightly dampened with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol.
Between uses, store the device with its protective cap or in a case to keep the mouthpiece clean.
Ensure that the battery is fully charged, as a weak battery can cause the vape to function poorly.
Be careful when moving or travelling, because heat or pressure can damage the device.

To reduce the risk of accidental consumption, it is important to store your cannabis products out of reach of children and pets. While cannabis consumption is not risk-free, you know exactly what you are using when you choose the regulated products sold by the SQDC.

Regardless of the specific problem with your vape, our Customer Relations Centre is available to help. For all questions about vaping or other cannabis products, don’t hesitate to contact our advisors in-store or by online chat.

Products

How should I maintain my vape to prevent problems?
- Screw in the cartridge gently, without forcing it.
- Clean the battery contacts regularly.
- Use a protective cap or a case.
- Keep the battery charged.
- Protect the device from shocks, heat and light.
Proper maintenance will extend the useful life of your vape and reduce health risks.
Where can I ask questions or get advice on vaping?

The SQDC’s advisors are there to help. Don’t hesitate to ask them questions to help you choose a product that suits you.
What should I do if I feel resistance when trying to inhale?

A blocked cartridge prevents the aerosol from flowing. Use the preheating function, without inhaling, to liquify accumulated fluid. Always store your vape vertically.
Why is there a deposit in my cartridge?

With time, and depending on storage conditions (heat, cold, light), the liquid can separate and leave a deposit on the cartridge walls. Keep your vape in a cool, dry place and turn it occasionally if unused for extended periods.
What should I do if my vape produces very little aerosol?

A weak draw may indicate a low battery, a nearly empty cartridge or a partial blockage due to residue buildup. Recharge the battery, replace the cartridge as needed and clean the mouthpiece and connector with a cotton swab, either dry or slightly moistened with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol.
How does a vape work?

The vape contains a battery and a cartridge. When you inhale, the battery heats the cannabis extract in the cartridge, creating an aerosol that you inhale.
Why has my vape won't turn on or stopped working?

There could be a few different causes: dead battery, poor coupling of battery and cartridge, or an internal problem. First, check that the battery is fully charged and the cartridge is properly screwed on (do not force it).
My vape has a leak. Is it dangerous?

Yes. The concentrate can damage your device. Inspect the cartridge before each use, store the device vertically and be gentle when coupling the cartridge and battery.
Is it safe to use a vape that has been frozen?

Freezing may alter the extract inside the cartridge. A frozen battery can also present a risk if it’s recharged before warming up. Always let the device reach room temperature before using it. If you notice a notable and persistent change in the liquid (darker colour, unusual smell when inhaling, altered consistency), it’s best to replace the cartridge.
What is the difference between a dry hit and a burnt hit?

A dry hit can happen when the temperature is too high, when hits are too close together and repeated, or may indicate that it is almost time to change the cartridge. In these cases, only a small amount of slightly bitter-tasting aerosol is produced. A burnt hit usually happens when the cartridge is empty and the wick has been dried out by the heating coil. As a result, you are inhaling smoke from a burnt wick, which is not only very unpleasant but potentially harmful. When this happens, change the cartridge immediately.
How do I get started if I’ve never vaped?

Start slowly:
- Choose a product with a low THC content.
- Take a small hit then wait at least an hour.
- Avoid mixing with alcohol or nicotine.
- Be in a quiet, safe place, with people you trust.
Why does my vape have a burnt taste or smell?

A “burnt hit” happens when the wick is no longer in contact with the vaping liquid; the heating coil is now burning the wick instead, and that is what you are inhaling. To avoid this problem, protect your vape against prolonged exposure to heat and direct light, store it vertically and change the cartridge at the first sign of a burnt smell or taste.