Vaping FAQs

is vaping marijuana flower dangerous

by Dr. August Abshire MD Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Though cannabis vaping is thought to generate fewer toxic emissions than cannabis smoking, it has been associated with several cases of acute lung injury and often involves high-potency forms of cannabis, exposing youth to several acute and long-term health risks.Jun 15, 2020

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Is it safe to vape marijuana flower?

Although smoking cannabis is one of the most popular methods to use, it doesn't come without risk. Alternatively, vaping cannabis flower is a much safer option when compared to smoking marijuana. Due to the significantly lower temperatures used by vaporizers, smoke isn't produced.

Is vaporizing flower healthier?

The vapor is about 10 times cooler and far cleaner than smoke, less irritating to the lungs, and odor-free. The vaping process also preserves more of the beneficial cannabinoids, so that a little flower goes a long way.

Is vaping dry herb safe?

This means you can get all of the good element from your herb by the heating temperature and prevent no toxic smoke created at all. There is also no worry about second-hand smoke, so people who around you will not be influenced. We could say that dry herb vaporizers do not pose any health risks.

Is vaping flower healthier than oil?

As you can see, there's no clear winner between vaping dry herb and oil. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. For some, vaping oil can be a discreet and portable option if they're on-the-go. Vaping flower can seem like a healthier choice for those concerned about e-cigarette-related vaping illnesses.

Is smoking flower better than oil?

Vaporing concentrated oil in cartridges is more convientent compared to vaporizing flower. It also tends to be stronger and a little more harsh compared to vaporizing flower. One hit from a vape cartridge may provide the same amount of THC as a couple hits from a dry herb vaporizer.

How do lungs heal from vaping?

However, there are certain lifestyle behaviors you can practice to try and accelerate the rate at which your lungs heal.Drink Lots Of Water. ... Eat Healthy Foods. ... Exercise Regularly. ... Cough. ... Clean Your Living Space. ... Practice Deep Breathing. ... Try Steam Therapy.

Is vaping worse than smoking?

1: Vaping is less harmful than smoking, but it's still not safe. E-cigarettes heat nicotine (extracted from tobacco), flavorings and other chemicals to create an aerosol that you inhale. Regular tobacco cigarettes contain 7,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic.

What's the safest vape to use?

If you are looking for the safest vape kit then you might want to consider disposables or pod kits. These are often low powered and have safety cuts offs as well as other features to prevent them from overheating. Not only as disposables one of the safest vape kits, but they are also super easy to use.

Are dabs more potent than flower?

As mentioned previously, dabs are much more potent than your run-of-the-mill cannabis flower. Even the highest THC concentration among strains don't compare to the significant cannabinoid content in any type of concentrate. Concentrates can boast between 50 and 90 percent THC.

What lasts longer flower or vape?

If you use vapes, the good news is that they will last longer than flower. This is because the oil is made of THC concentrate instead of raw plant material. Cannabis oil is made of molecules and lipids that bind together, making it more durable than plant matter.

Is Rosin better for you?

Rosin is a full-spectrum product that is becoming highly popular amongst medical marijuana patients. With no solvents or other harmful by-products, it is arguably a healthier option than concentrates that use chemicals like butane.

Are dabs better than carts?

Yes, dabs are stronger than cartridges. These devices are cheap. Hence, you will go a long way to saving a few bucks in the long run. However, our bodies are different, and there are many other factors to consider when choosing between dabs and carts.

How many high school students in Connecticut have tried marijuana?

However, teenagers quickly discovered their potential for inconspicuous marijuana use. In 2015, Yale University researchers surveyed 3,847 Connecticut high school students and found a surprising number of the kids—close to 30 percent—admitted having tried marijuana or hashish.

How much THC is in a concentrate?

The concentrates can contain up to 90 percent THC and, to make it worse, they can also contain decidedly unhealthy substances like lighter fluid and pesticides. The Yale study concluded that rates of vaporizing cannabis using e-cigarettes were high.

Can you use butane hash oil in e-cigarettes?

Concentrated liquid forms of marijuana are even more problematic. So-called butane hash oil (BHO) can be substituted for the nicotine solution in many e-cigarettes, and some vendors even sell e-cigarettes specifically designed for use with marijuana leaves or wax infused with THC.

Can e-cigarettes vaporize cannabis?

The study, published in the journal Pediatrics, also discovered that nearly one in five e-cigarette smokers have used the device to vaporize cannabis or byproducts like hash oil. Many physicians believe that marijuana use is especially problematic for teenagers and young adults.

Does marijuana affect the brain?

Studies show that regular marijuana use can change the structure of the teenage brain, specifically in areas dealing with memory and problem-solving. Unfortunately, the risk perception among children for marijuana use has decreased significantly in the last decade. The low-risk perception is even greater among 18–24-year-olds for 2014.

Is vaping bad for you?

The Dangers of Vaping Cannabis. Many people understand that smoking is bad for your health, and that would certainly include smoking marijuana. This has prompted many cannabis users in recent years to start vaping cannabis as a supposedly healthier and less smelly alternative.

Is smoking marijuana bad for you?

Many people understand that smoking is bad for your health, and that would certainly include smoking marijuana. This has prompted many cannabis users in recent years to start vaping cannabis as a supposedly healthier and less smelly alternative. E-cigarettes were introduced as a safer alternative to smoking tobacco. However, teenagers quickly discovered their potential for inconspicuous marijuana use. In 2015, Yale University researchers surveyed 3,847 Connecticut high school students and found a surprising number of the kids—close to 30 percent—admitted having tried marijuana or hashish. The study, published in the journal Pediatrics, also discovered that nearly one in five e-cigarette smokers have used the device to vaporize cannabis or byproducts like hash oil. Many physicians believe that marijuana use is especially problematic for teenagers and young adults. Krista Lisdahl is the director of the Brain Imaging and Neuropsychology Lab at the University of Wisconsin. She told NPR, “It’s a mistake for teenagers to use cannabis.” “It’s the absolute worst time because the mind-altering drug can disrupt development. Think of the teen years as the last golden opportunity to make the brain as healthy and smart as possible.” Studies show that regular marijuana use can change the structure of the teenage brain, specifically in areas dealing with memory and problem-solving. Unfortunately, the risk perception among children for marijuana use has decreased significantly in the last decade. The low-risk perception is even greater among 18–24-year-olds for 2014. In that cohort, 86.5 percent perceive no great risk from smoking marijuana once a month, the highest low-risk perception of all age groups. In view of these figures, it is hardly surprising to find that widespread marijuana use continues into adulthood. A recent Gallup poll found that 19 percent of 18–29-year-olds are current marijuana users. The same poll revealed that 13 percent of all adults are current cannabis users, up from 7 percent in 2013. Gallup concluded that “states’ willingness to legalize marijuana could be a reason for the uptick in the percentage of Americans who say they smoke marijuana, regardless of whether it is legal in their particular state.” At the same time that the perception of cannabis as harmful is fading, the potency of the drug has increased dramatically in recent decades. Marijuana potency is measured in percentage levels of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), its main psychoactive ingredient. The buds currently vaped in e-cigarettes are 15–20 times more powerful than the weed baby boomers smoked in the 1970s. Concentrated liquid forms of marijuana are even more problematic. So-called butane hash oil (BHO) can be substituted for the nicotine solution in many e-cigarettes, and some vendors even sell e-cigarettes specifically designed for use with marijuana leaves or wax infused with THC. The concentrates can contain up to 90 percent THC and, to make it worse, they can also contain decidedly unhealthy substances like lighter fluid and pesticides. The Yale study concluded that rates of vaporizing cannabis using e-cigarettes were high. “These findings raise concerns about the lack of e-cigarette regulations and the potential use of e-cigarettes for purposes other than vaping nicotine.” “The increased use of e-cigarettes by teens is deeply troubling,” says CDC Director Tom Frieden. “Nicotine is a highly addictive drug. Many teens who start with e-cigarettes may be condemned to struggling with a lifelong addiction to nicotine and conventional cigarettes.” They also continue to be popular among young adults. According to the CDC, e-cigarette use is significantly higher among 18–24-year-olds.

How does smoking cannabis affect your heart rate?

Heart rate increased by 12.2 beats per minute half an hour after smoking , and 10.7 bpm half an hour after vaping. An hour and a half after the dose, people who ate the cannabis saw a 13 bpm increase in heart rate, which dropped to 10.2 bpm after three hours. Only those who smoked the cannabis had increases in the amount of carbon monoxide exhaled, which continued up to 6 hours after smoking, compared to the vapers, who showed no such increase.

How much THC is in the volcano?

The testing showed that the vapor produced by the Volcano was 95 percent pure THC, with one suspected cannibinoid, an oil deriving from the cannabis plant and one polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (a PAH – a family of toxic chemicals) making up the rest of the mixture.

What was the first vaporizer?

An early model of vaporizer called the Tilt was released in the 80s, and it was also the subject of one of the first tests of the overall theory. The device was tested at 185 to 195 °C and the emissions were compared with those from a similar sample smoked from a clay pipe. The results showed a 79 percent reduction in tar, no detectable carbon monoxide, an 80 percent increase in THC and a 60 percent increase in CBD. Overall, the ratio of THC to tar was increased by eight and a half times, showing that you get much more of what you’re looking for with a drastic reduction in harmful components. Other early studies were similarly positive but limited by the poor design of vaporizers at the time.

How to test the theory of vaping?

The easiest way to test the overall theory behind vaping marijuana is to test the chemicals given off by a vaporizer. If it’s true that combustion doesn’t occur and this makes it safer to vape, you’d see a reduction in the amount of harmful chemicals given off, compared to the smoke from a joint.

Does vaping reduce your exposure to toxic chemicals?

Overall, the evidence on cannabis vaping is limited but appears to paint a consistent picture: vaping rather than smoking reduces your exposure to toxic chemicals and likely does much less damage to your body.

Does smoking cannabis cause carbon monoxide?

Only those who smoked the cannabis had increases in the amount of carbon monoxide ex haled, which continued up to 6 hours after smoking, compared to the vapers, who showed no such increase. Yet again, the evidence is admittedly limited but ultimately points to vaping as a way to reduce harm compared to smoking cannabis.

Is vaping hard evidence?

As with nicotine vaping, this isn’t hard evidence and you do need experimental confirmation to back this assumption up. And from there, ideally there would be some further indication that this reduced exposure to harmful chemicals resulted in fewer health issues as a result. However, it’s important to remember this and not lose sight of the pretty solid rationale behind vaping instead of smoking to reduce health risks.

Why is it important to be cautious when using cannabis?

Amanda Winn Lee of “A Mom’s Guide to Cannabis” says people under the age of 25 should exercise extreme caution when using cannabis because a young adult’s brain is still growing and neural development is still occurring.

How long does it take for a puff of cannabis to take effect?

Inhaled cannabis can take 10 to 15 minutes to take effect. “You can take a whole lot of puffs in that time,” Tishler said. “Restraint is a good policy.”. But for users under the age of 25, restraint is the best policy. Many health officials have changed the antiquated “Just Say No” campaign to “Delay, Delay, Delay.”.

Does vaping make you high?

A recent study determined that vaping cannabis can produce a significantly stronger high than smoking the drug. Researchers suggest people trying marijuana for the first time build up a tolerance to the drug before vaping it.

Is vaping a good way to consume cannabis?

Vaping has become a popular way for people to consume cannabis. In this manner, the cannabis is housed in a thin, pen-like device. It’s less odorous and more discreet than smoking. Many users also find it much less irritating on their throats than traditional smoking.

Is there a fatal overdose on cannabis?

While a fatal overdose on cannabis has yet to occur , the major risk to any casual cannabis user is overintoxication, which is directly tied to dose, Tishler said.

Does THC affect reaction time?

But no matter the dose, researchers in this small double-blind placebo trial found that no matter the amount of THC, those who vaped marijuana reported more powerful effects, including serious impairment in their reaction time and overall cognitive abilities.

Does marijuana affect your heart rate?

Jessie Gill, the registered nurse behind MarijuanaMommy.com, says in the beginning cannabis can affect the heart a lot like exercise — a patient’s heart rate and blood pressure may increase.

What is the difference between smoking and vaping?

As the name implies, smoking marijuana involves burning the plant and inhaling the smoke, which delivers the cannabinoids. Vaping, on the other hand, creates a vapor using heat, which is breathed in to create the “high”.

Why do people vape?

Those who choose to vape note that they get more enjoyment and positive benefits from their cannabis use because of the mindfulness required to do it successfully. Novice users also tend to find vaping easier to manage.

Is vaping more affordable?

In other words, there’s almost twice as much THC in the vapor, which can produce a stronger, longer-lasting high. And as a side note, this also makes vaping more affordable. Although a vaping cartridge for instance at an Arkansas marijuana dispensary is more expensive than a similar ounce of marijuana, it lasts much longer ...

Does vaping cause anxiety?

A study at Johns Hopkins found compared participants’ high after vaping or smoking different doses of marijuana, and found that those who vaped had were significantly more impaired and had a greater likelihood of experiencing negative effects (such as anxiety, paranoia, and vomiting) compared to those who smoked.

Can you vape over smoking?

It’s not only your lungs that can benefit from vaping over smoking. The entire experience of using marijuana can be improved with a vape pen or vaporizer.

Is vaping marijuana more dangerous than smoking?

The simple fact that they made headlines has some people asking whether vaping marijuana is actually more dangerous than smoking. The answer isn’t as simple as it might appear. In truth, the only thing that most doctors can agree on is ...

Does vaping cause respiratory problems?

However, in general, vaping is less likely to lead to illnesses like bronchitis or respiratory infections than smoking. READ RELATED STORY. Vaping Travel Essentials. Doctors note that the benefits of vaping, including a decrease in coughing, phlegm production, and chest tightness, are less likely to occur among those who vape, ...

Why are cigarettes dangerous?

The reason cigarettes are dangerous isn’t because of the nicotine. The tar and other chemicals that cause emphysema or cancer make it so dangerous. Burning or inhaling is a bad idea. That’s why we will probably discover that marijuana is bad for your lungs, too.”.

What is the active ingredient in marijuana?

Two drugs that are a synthetic laboratory version with chemical structure of or similar to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another active ingredient in marijuana, are approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Why are e-cigarettes bad for youth?

These are similar in nature to vaporizers used for marijuana, and can greatly impact youth because of the potential cancer-causing substances they release.

How many states allow medical marijuana?

The research on medical marijuana looks promising. However, we still don’t know whether it’s an effective treatment. Beyond that, only 31 states , as well as Guam, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia allow the use of marijuana for medical use.

Can smoking marijuana cause damage?

Smoking marijuana can cause damage with rupture to the walls of adjacent alveoli (small air sacs in the lungs) into larger, ineffective air sacs called bullae. The risk is higher in male smokers under the age of 45.

Does smoking marijuana cause bronchitis?

This is associated with an increased likelihood of developing chronic bronchitis. The inhalation patterns when smoking marijuana are different than when smoking cigarettes.

Is marijuana good for you?

Health benefits of marijuana. Marijuana may provide calming effects that improve certain mental and physical conditions. For instance, a doctor might recommend medical marijuana to people with Crohn’s disease as an alternative way to ease inflammation, nausea, and vomiting .

What is vaping flower?

Vaping flower is a flavorful, enjoyable and comfortable way for older adults to inhale cannabis. It also enables them to economically sample many types of medicine to find what works best for them. But at least in the beginning, they will probably need help learning how to use their device.

Who recommends vaping flower?

Dr. Benjamin Caplan, founder of Boston’s CED Clinic, frequently recommends vaping flower to his older patients. “For the less experienced consumers, vaping flower provides a slow ramp up to a desirable result, whether pain relief, anxiety reduction or help falling asleep.”

How does vaping flower work?

Vaping flower, on the other hand, involves heating the cannabis to a temperature where the active compounds in the flower boil and are converted into vapor, which is then inhaled. The vapor is about 10 times cooler and far cleaner than smoke, less irritating to the lungs, and odor-free. The vaping process also preserves more of the beneficial cannabinoids, so that a little flower goes a long way. (For an overview of vaping benefits, see this video .)

What is the advantage of vaporizing flowers?

An additional advantage of vaporization is the efficiency of specific temperature consumption, allowing for repeated use of the same material multiple times, as different effects can be elicited by different heat settings.

How to inhale nano?

Inhaling from the Nano is through a borosilicate glass straw, which some older adults may find easier to draw from than the Pax’s flush mouthpiece. Small metal pods that can be pre-filled by a caregiver and left for future use are also included with the device.

Is vaping a safe way to consume cannabis?

And vaping cannabis flower – the actual green buds of the plant – can be a safe, economical way for older adults to consume their medicine.

Does smoking cannabis incinerate the plant?

Smoking cannabis, in a joint, pipe or other device incinerates the plant material, which inefficiently releases the activated cannabinoids, changes the structure of some components, and produces tars and other unwanted byproducts. The smoke can be harsh and irritating to the lungs.

What is a vaporizer?

A PAX web page explains: A vaporizer is an electronic device that heats dry herb or concentrated cannabis to release vapor. Vaporizing does not combust the plant material, reducing odors. Vaporizing herbs has its roots in ancient history.

Is vaping e-cigarettes dangerous?

What appears to be dangerous is vaping e-cigarettes containing nicotine, and vaping THC cartridges that contain additives and oil.

Is THC stronger than cannabis?

The cartridges are used with vaping devices. They contain concentrated THC that is considerably stronger than cannabis flower.

Is vaping safe?

September 27, 2019. Not all vaping is dangerous. Vaping cannabis flower is safe. I ingest THC and CBD by vaping every day. It's my substitute for a nightly glass of red wine, because I believe cannabis is more beneficial and safer than alcohol. So it bothers me when reports of vaping illnesses and deaths (including two here in Oregon) ...

Can you grind cannabis in a vaporizer?

I buy cannabis flower ("buds") that's been tested in accord with Oregon cannabis growing/selling regulations. I grind it into small pieces using my Santa Cruz herb grinder. Then a small amount of ground cannabis goes into the heating receptacle of the PAX3 vaporizer.

Is vaping dangerous?

Thus it isn't vaping that is dangerous. What's causing illnesses and deaths is something in a product that's being vaped. Note in the quotation above that a vaporizer can heat "dry herb or concentrated cannabis.". It's the concentrated cannabis that health authorities are worried about, not the dry herb (cannabis flower).

Why do you vaporize cannabis?

The reason behind this is because vaporizers heat your medical marijuana to a specific temperature. Vaporizers utilize a low temperature that does not destroy the natural terpenes found on the flower. Terpenes are organic compounds that are found in abundance on cannabis ...

Why do you need a vaporizer for smoking cannabis?

This is once again because smoking cannabis requires combustion, which instantly destroys the terpenes present in the flower. Cannabis terpenes are delicate compounds, and you’ll need a vaporizer to fine-tune the temperature to experience the exquisite taste that terpenes provide.

What are terpenes in cannabis?

Terpenes are organic compounds that are found in abundance on cannabis flowers, alongside THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids. Terpenes have recently been determined to play a significant role in how you feel while consuming cannabis. This means, the more terpenes present, the stronger the effects.

What is the most potent method of vaping?

Lastly, depending on the type of vaporizer, vaping medical marijuana concentrates is the most potent method of all. The vast majority of cannabis concentrates test between 40-90% THC, which is leagues ahead of cannabis flowers that are capped at ~33% THC.

Is vaping marijuana better than smoking marijuana?

Although it seems that vaping cannabis flower and medical marijuana concentrate is better than smoking marijuana – it’s up to you to decide. Now that you understand the differences between smoking and vaping cannabis flower, you can make an informed decision when it’s time to indulge in your favorite medical marijuana strain.

Is vaping marijuana safe?

Tiny particles that are released while vaping may still irritate the lungs, especially for those who suffer from asthma. Until more studies are available, vaping the whole cannabis flower is potentially safer than smoking.

Is vaping cannabis flower safe?

Although smoking cannabis is one of the most popular methods to use, it doesn’t come without risk. Alternatively , vaping cannabis flower is a much safer option when compared to smoking marijuana.

Why is a vaporizer not recommended?

It should be noted that vaporizers made with metal alloys are NOT recommended because they emit high heat. Some other vaporizers that contain plastic pieces near the heating elements are also not recommended as they release harmful compounds alongside the cannabis.

Why is vaporization better than smoking?

The researchers concluded that vaporization has more advantages because it gives the users the ability to fine-tune the temperature such that their cannabis experience is more beneficial.

What are combustion and vaporization?

Basically, combustion entails burning something, which in this case is cannabis. Vaporization is quite a different process that entails the transition from liquid to vapor. Some cannabis users are quick to point out that vaping is better than smoking, but you can use both methods, depending on your preferences.

What temperature does a vaporizer burn?

Some vaporization devices heat the cannabis below the combustion point between 180-190 degrees Celsius (this is 356-374 Fahrenheit). With combustion, the lighter produces an open flame that goes beyond 315 degrees Celsius or 600 degrees Fahrenheit. The combustion process offers a very high temperature that takes off a substantial amount of cannabinoids and terpenes before the cannabis is even consumed.

What are the factors to consider when choosing a cannabis pathway?

A good step to take entails considering the temperature used with each method, your purpose for taking cannabis, and the option that offers more flavor and aroma.

Why is cannabis so popular?

Cannabis has become a highly sought-after plant globally. Its healing properties and wide array of impactful benefits on patients dealing with critical health issues have been the major reasons behind the astronomical growth.

When was cannabis research conducted?

There was a cannabis research conducted in 2009 that analyzed the medicinal qualities of cannabis through various consumption methods. The researchers analyzed the differences between vaporization and the traditional “cannabis smoke.” The temperature was the primary factor used in this analysis.

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Chemical Emission Studies

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The easiest way to test the overall theory behind vaping marijuana is to test the chemicals given off by a vaporizer. If it’s true that combustion doesn’t occur and this makes it safer to vape, you’d see a reduction in the amount of harmful chemicals given off, compared to the smoke from a joint. An early model of vapor…
See more on ecigarettereviewed.com

Self Report Studies

  • There are a few studies worth mentioning that depend on self-reporting from users. The first two are quite simple and basically show that users perceive a health benefit from vaping marijuana as opposed to smoking it. These studies are both fairly recent – one from 2014 and one from this year– but users in both of them identified harm reduction as a key reason for vaping marijuana r…
See more on ecigarettereviewed.com

Clinical Studies

  • Lab-based studies of people using vaporizers are the best way to look at the precise effects vaping has on users, and there are a few such studies that can be drawn on to answer the question: is vaping marijuana safe? One of these studies, mentioned earlier, showed a reduction in the carbon monoxide exhaled after vaping vs. smoking, but there are a couple of others that it’s …
See more on ecigarettereviewed.com

Concerns About Oils and Concentrates

  • The research presented so far specifically addresses vaporizing cannabis plant material, but many vapers use oils and concentrates in devices more like traditional vape pens. These are still likely to be safer than smoking cannabis because they still avoid combustion and the slew of toxic chemicals that come with it. However, there are some additio...
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Smoking vs. Vaping Marijuana and Your Lungs

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As the name implies, smoking marijuana involves burning the plant and inhaling the smoke, which delivers the cannabinoids. Vaping, on the other hand, creates a vapor using heat, which is breathed in to create the “high”. In general, vaping marijuana is considered less harmful than smoking for several reasons. First, smoking any su…
See more on blog.vapefuse.com

How Vaping Changes Your Marijuana Consumption

  • It’s not only your lungs that can benefit from vaping over smoking. The entire experience of using marijuana can be improved with a vape pen or vaporizer. People who vape note that vaping is preferable to smoking because it tastes better and does not create the smell that some find unpleasant. Perhaps more importantly, though, is evidence that vaping weed can get you higher …
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Additional Benefits

  • Vaping also affects the experience of using cannabis by making users more mindful. Using a vaporizing device requires you to be more mindful about your breath. Mindful breathing is actually a cornerstone of meditation and relaxation. Those who choose to vape note that they get more enjoyment and positive benefits from their cannabis use because of the mindfulness required t…
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Conclusion

  • If vaping is the safer option, though, it begs the question of why so many health experts and government leaders are so concerned about the habit. The answer comes down to how the product is used, and where it comes from. There’s evidence that the individuals who were sickened after vaping marijuana used tainted products, purchased on the black market. Incorrec…
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