With what's known about it right now, experts are saying no, it isn't safe—or even safer— to vape marijuana. THC
Tetrahydrocannabinol
Tetrahydrocannabinol is one of at least 113 cannabinoids identified in cannabis. THC is the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis. With chemical name-trans-Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol, the term THC also refers to cannabinoid isomers.
Is vaping actually safer than smoking?
Neither smoking nor vaping is beneficial to human health. Based on the available evidence, smoking appears to be more harmful than vaping. However, this does not mean that vaping is safe. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, vaping may be slightly less harmful than smoking.
Is vaping worse than smoking weed?
Teens who inhale cannabis via vape pens are more likely to develop breathing problems than those who vape tobacco products or even those who smoke either cigarettes or marijuana joints, according to research appearing in the Journal of Adolescent Health this spring led by University of Michigan nursing professor Carol Boyd.
Is vaping cannabis more effective than smoking it?
The researchers have approved that vaping medical marijuana is more effective than smoking it. As vaping centralizes its position as a smoking substitute in mainstream culture, it is also a new technique, and patients can still consider it hard to determine if vaping is their preferred choice for cannabis ingestion.
Why is vaping better for you than smoking?
Vaping yields better flavor than smoking. Vaping gives you a better taste of the flavonoids, and you’re able to feel the flavors of the different brands of marijuana products you’re vaping. Therefore, vaping delivers a richer and purer vapor, unlike smoking, which produces several other substances that mask the flavors of your joint.
See more
What Is THC?
Both CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are the most common cannabino ids found in cannabis products. And even though they are both found in marijuana and hemp, THC is more prevalent in the marijuana plant than it is in the cannabis plant.
How many teens use marijuana in 2018?
In fact, in 2018, more than 11.8 million young adults had used marijuana in the last year. Meanwhile, the number of teens in 8th and 10th grades who say they use it daily also has increased. Additionally, nearly 4% of 12th graders say they vape THC daily. 2 . Vaping THC oil involves heating the oil and inhaling it through a vaporizing device ...
What is the most common cannabinoids found in cannabis?
Both CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are the most common cannabinoids found in cannabis products. And even though they are both found in marijuana and hemp, THC is more prevalent in the marijuana plant than it is in the cannabis plant.
How many people died from evali in 2019?
By December 2019, more than 2,800 cases of the lung disease, often referred to as EVALI, had been reported across the United States. Additionally, nearly 70 people have died so far from the disease and as vaping continues to grow in popularity, the number of deaths is likely to increase. What's more, 82% of the people hospitalized reported using ...
What is the number to call for substance abuse?
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use or addiction, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.
Is vaping THC oil harmful?
In fact, 40% of the respondents felt that marijuana was " not too" harmful. 8 . Ultimately, vaping THC oil can lead to a substance use disorder. In fact, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, between 9% and 30% of people who use marijuana develop some sort of substance use disorder. And, people who begin using marijuana ...
Is vaping safe?
But the issue is that vaping hasn't been around long enough and there isn't enough research to really determine whether or not it's safer. Recent research suggests that vaping THC oil, especially oil that contains vitamin E acetate, can be particularly harmful to your lungs. 3 Vitamin E acetate, which is regularly added to THC ...
What is a vape stick?
Essential oils vs. essential oil vape pens. Diffuser sticks, also called personal diffusers, are aromatherapy vape pens. They use a combination of essential oils, water, and vegetable glycerin that, when heated, creates a cloud of aromatherapy vapor. Essential oil vape pens don’t contain nicotine, but even vaping without nicotine can be risky.
What is vaping in a cigarette?
Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling the vapor from a vape pen or e-cigarette, which are two terms used to describe electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). Amid all the controversy regarding their safety, some people looking for a healthier alternative have started vaping essential oils.
What is essential oil?
Essential oils are aromatic compounds extracted from plants. They’re inhaled or diluted and applied to the skin to treat a number of ailments. Products for vaping essential oils are still very new.
What are the side effects of vaping?
Along with nicotine, other chemicals commonly used in vaping liquid that are known to cause respiratory irritation and other side effects include: 1 propylene glycol 2 methyl cyclopentenolone 3 acetyl pyrazine 4 ethyl vanillin 5 diacetyl
What chemicals are used in vaping?
Along with nicotine, other chemicals commonly used in vaping liquid that are known to cause respiratory irritation and other side effects include: propylene glycol. methyl cyclopentenolone. acetyl pyrazine. ethyl vanillin. diacetyl.
Is it safe to vape with nicotine?
Chiarito and most experts agree that while nicotine is less safe to vape due to its addictive potential, vaping in general isn’ t safe.
Can you vape essential oils?
As there’s currently no research available on the effects of vaping essential oils, avoiding vaping any essential oil is your best bet. Even essential oils that are generally considered safe for inhalation have the potential to change and become toxic when heated for vaping.
Why are vape pens going under?
But with cannabis testing regulations going into effect July 1, Green believes many vape brands will go under due to a lack of compliant product and increased costs related to compliance. "So, you're going to start to see some consolidation among the brands," he said. "There won't be 45 vape pens on the shelf.".
What heating element is used in vape pens?
The actual heating element can vary, from ceramic to glass to metal. Green said the nichrome (or nickel-chromium) wire — the same type of heating mechanism you'll find in a toaster — is the most common heating element found in vape pens.
What is the silver tip on a vape pen?
Green said many vape pens also have silver tips (the part you suck on), which are nickel or chrome plating . "You don't see those on medical devices because they aren't safe," he said. (He said Dosist uses medical-grade plastic for its exterior.)
Why is vaping so popular?
Vaporizing cannabis has grown in popularity in recent years due to its convenience, discretion, and perceived health benefits. But there are safety concerns.
How hot does cannabis oil need to be to be aerosolized?
While cannabis oil only needs to be heated between 160- and 190-degrees Celsius to begin to aerosolize, vaping devices do not heat evenly or consistently. People also use the products differently.
Where are vape pens made?
Jeremy Green, COO of vape pen company Dosist, noted that almost all vape pens are made in Shenzhen, China, which bills itself as the headquarters of the e-cig industry. (Vape pens are made from the same device as e-cigarettes.) The actual heating element can vary, from ceramic to glass to metal.
What temperature is PG 400?
A more recent study, published in November 2017, tested four common thinning agents — PG, PEG 400, vegetable glycerin (VG), and medium chain triglycerides (MCT) — used by the cannabis industry, heating them to 230-degrees Celsius (or 446 -degrees Fahrenheit), the temperature appropriate for cannabis oil vaporization. The results showed that PG and PEG 400, in particular, produced high levels of acetaldehyde and formaldehyde when heated. With PEG 400, formaldehyde production was nearly the equivalent of smoking one cigarette, the researchers found.
What Does It Mean to Vape?
There are many different application methods for using and consuming cannabis ranging from sublingual absorption, topical absorption, digestion of edibles, and various inhalation methods .
What is a Vape Pen or Battery?
Vape oil will come in a small cartridge, but you cannot do anything with the cart ridge without a battery, also known as a vape pen, to turn the oil into inhale-able vapor.
What is a broad spectrum vape cartridge?
For those who can not have THC, a broad-spectrum CBD vape cartridge contains an array of cannabinoids and terpenes found within cannabis – with 100% of the THC removed. This extract is paired with only one other ingredient – naturally occurring cannabis terpenes.
What is vape oil?
Cannabis vape oil is a cannabis concentrate that has been formulated to be used in a vaporizer or with a vape pen. Cannabis vape oil is made from cannabis extracts but can include additional ingredients to make the product physically functional to vaporize with a vaporizer battery. This mixture is packaged in what is known as a vape cartridge.
What is the inhalation method of cannabis?
The inhalation method we are focusing on today is known as vaping cannabis oil. Vaping cannabis oil is a smokeless, low-temperature method of inhaling cannabis vapor. However, it's important to note that this method is different than dry herb vaping.
Why is a higher end vape pen better?
A higher-end vape pen with temperature and voltage control is ideal because all cannabinoids activate at different temperatures. THC and CBD can be activated at lower temperatures, while CBG & CBN requires higher temperatures. There is also a noticeable quality difference.
How hot can a vape pen get?
Cheap vape pens tend to have fixed temperatures that are high enough to hit over 350+degrees without combusting, while higher-end and more expensive vape pens allow for temperature or voltage control.
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.
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 Foram?
As a passionate vegan, environmentalist, and animal rights advocate , Foram hopes to continue using the power of the written word to promote health education and help everyday people live better, fuller lives on a healthier planet. Last medically reviewed on November 9, 2018.
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).
What is the best medicine for seizures?
Studies are currently underway to evaluate the benefits of cannabidiol (CBD), a chemical compound found in marijuana. CBD shows promise as a treatment for a variety of medical conditions, including: seizures. cancer. mental illness. addiction. chronic pain.
Can bullae cause shortness of breath?
Bullae can cause shortness of breath. They can also become infected or rupture, causing the lung to collapse. People with significant bullae may require surgery for treatment. Marijuana smoke may also increase the risk of developing lung cancer, according to the American Thoracic Society (ATS).
What other harmful vape additives should consumers avoid?
The safest thing to do is to avoid any additives whatsoever, according to Rae. “Shop for pens that only contain 100% pure cannabis oil, with no added substances of any kind, including added flavors and even added terpenes, which have been shown to be dangerous too.” In the EVALI outbreak, most people had purchased illicit or low-end vape pens or cartridges to which the vitamin E may have been added because it's similar in appearance to THC oil and would allow the manufacturer to produce more vape juice with less THC oil.
How do you shop for vapes safely?
Even if you are shopping at a licensed dispensary, you still need to do some research into the product you are purchasing. Since states don't always require ingredients to be listed on vape cartridges, certainty can be difficult. Even experienced budtenders may not know. Rae advises consumers to check brand websites and packaging carefully. You may just need to shop around a bit. “Usually, the brands that use 100% cannabis and no additives are very proud of this fact, and they go to great lengths to brag about it. These are the products you are looking for,” Rae said.
Why is vitamin E added to vape cartridges?
In the EVALI outbreak, most people had purchased illicit or low-end vape pens or cartridges to which the vitamin E may have been added because it's similar in appearance to THC oil and would allow the manufacturer to produce more vape juice with less THC oil.
What is the CDC's vaping illness?
Vaping illness has been a frequent topic in the news since August of 2019 when the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) began tracking cases. Formally called EVALI — e-cigarette, or vaping, product use–associated lung injury — the condition has affected thousands of vape product consumers, most of them under the age of 35.
Why are vape pens so popular?
Cannabis vape pens are growing in popularity due to their convenience and perceived safety in comparison to smoking.... Read More. By checking this box you consent to Weedmaps' collection of your email address for the limited purpose of subscribing to Weedmaps' email communications.
How to avoid vaping additives?
One way to avoid encountering additives is to refrain from shopping on the black market where vape cartridges could be counterfeit. Instead, go to a licensed dispensary to make all your cannabis purchases. Shop from licensed dispensaries only to make sure your vape products are safe. Photo by: Gina Coleman/Weedmaps.
How many times can you vape a day?
But CDC research has demonstrated that using a vape pen five or more times per day gives a consumer the greatest chances of developing a lung injury. As with all types of cannabis consumption, moderation is a key factor for a safe experience.
Why is vaping cannabis oil so popular?
Another reason why vaping cannabis oils is fast becoming the new trend, it provides medicinal solutions with minimal to zero psychoactive effects.
What is cannabis oil?
Cannabis oils are sticky, gum-like marijuana concentrates extracted from dried buds. It is made up of cannabinoids, such as phytocannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the prime compound of cannabis that makes it a psychoactive drug.
How to get the best oil vaporizer?
First, select the best oil vaporizer that suits your personal preference. You can either source one from your local vape shop or find a trustworthy online vape store. Many oil vaporizers are actually clearomizers or cartomizers, which have both a heating coil and a cartridge.
How is CBD oil made?
The most effective way of manufacturing cannabis oils is by solvent extraction. Ground dried buds are mixed into the oil, completely dissolving the cannabis buds.
What is the most commonly used type of cannabis oil?
The most widely- used type of cannabis oils is CBD-based. These types of marijuana concentrates contain very little THC and a significant amount of CBD. As stated above, CBD is the non-psychotic component of marijuana concentrates and has numerous medical properties.
What are the different types of cannabis oil?
Different Types of Cannabis Oils. In today’s market, different types of cannabis oils are being introduced for different applications. First, the cannabis oil, a dark green oil used as a medicine. Then, we have the hemp oil from hemp seeds, used in beauty and body care products.
What is the purest oil?
The butane hash oil, also known as honey oil, used for medical purposes as well. The CO2 oil, produced using CO2 extraction method , this is the purest oil in the market and also used when vaping cannabis oils. Then we have the RSO or the Phoenix Tears, that can be consumed orally or used as a topical oil.
Why are People Concerned about Safety when Vaping Legal Marijuana?
Foremost among them are difficulties in breathing. This led to increasing reports of what later came to be known as EVALI.
How many states allow marijuana?
Just 33 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and the US Virgin Islands, have approved comprehensive, accessible marijuana/cannabis health programs. Supported efforts in 13 states allow you to use low THC and high cannabidiol (CBD) products for medical reasons in limited situations or as legal recourse.
What is illegal vape?
Untested, unregulated, and illegal vapes can be made of the contaminated marijuana plant that is blended with low-quality, harmful ingredients. And, these are usually misrepresented or not disclosed to consumers. So, when a person buys marijuana from a wrong source, it can have pesticides, mildew, mold, artificial flavorings, vitamin E, heavy metals, and synthetic cannabinoids.
What is NCSL protection?
The NCSL uses criteria similar to other organizations tracking this issue to determine if the program is “comprehensive”: Protection against criminal penalties for the use of marijuana for medical purposes. Through a household, outpatient clinic, or other system, access to marijuana is likely to be implemented.
What states have medical marijuana laws?
Since then, 32 more states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands have passed similar laws. As of June 25, 2019, 14 states ...
How many scientific abstracts are there on marijuana?
In early 2017, the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine issued a report based on a review of more than 10,000 scientific abstracts of marijuana health research. They also made 100 health-related findings and suggested ways to improve cannabis research.
Does vaping burn weed?
That’s because vaping devices heat the cannabis to produce the vapor that a person inhales. Unlike smoking, cannabis is not burned. Thus, no harmful chemicals or irritants are introduced to the lungs in the form of smoke. This kind of thinking has prompted many people to invest in the best wax pens ( vapingdaily has the full list of products) ...
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.
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 old are e-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 .
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.
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.
