Vaping is a growing trend among cannabis consumers. It is easy and discreet to consume cannabis, and many consider it a safer alternative to smoking.
Vaping is a process that involves heating cannabis flowers or concentrates at a temperature high enough to turn the active compounds (cannabinoids and terpenes) into vapor. Vaping may seem to be a healthier alternative to smoking, but it comes with its risks.
Vaping is most dangerous because of the chemicals found in the liquid that is being vaporized and inhaled. These chemicals usually negatively affect individuals, leading to a lot of health risks such as lung infections.
Some of the ingredients found in vaping products include:
- Heavy metals: Vape pens may facilitate the entry of heavy metals or other debris into the lungs. The tiny coils found in most vape pens are manufactured with a wide variety of metals that can get weak over time.
- Carcinogenic compounds: Some vaping products can also release potentially dangerous, cancer-causing compounds when they’re heated up. This is due to the presence of THC blockers and other chemical additives.
- Ultrafine particulates: Since vaping doesn’t involve burning, it doesn’t leave tiny pieces of debris that are found in combusted products like pipes or cigarettes. Nonetheless, research shows that vaping fluids contain microscopic particulates that enter the system and cause irritation.
- Flavorants: Flavor additives are popular in vaping products with cannabis compounds. A common chemical used to flavor vape fluids called diacetyl can prompt severe lung issues when inhaled. As of Feb. 1, 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned the manufacture and sale of flavored vaping products (excluding menthol and tobacco).
Common vaping products
There are many vaping products for cannabis consumption. The popular types of vaping products include tabletop vaporizers, portable vaporizers, and vape or “hash oil” pens.
Tabletop vaporizers are stationary temperature control units that usually sit on one solid spot.
Portable vaporizers are compact, discreet vaporizers that have the same functionality as tabletop vaporizers. Portable vaporizers have a chamber that holds the cannabis flower or concentrate, a heating element, and a battery.
Vape or “hash oil” pens are a type of vaporizer specifically meant to vaporize cannabis distillates and oils. They usually come in a small design similar to a traditional pen.
Effects on health
- Lung injury: As of September 2019, the U.S reported 530 cases of lung injury and seven deaths due to vaping. Common symptoms of vaping-related lung injury include instant coughing, respiratory difficulties, weight loss, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
- Teeth and gum health. Vaping also leads to dental issues such as damage to the teeth and gum. Several reports show that vaping cannabis irritates the gums and throat, facilitating tooth decay.
For instance, a 2016 study discovered that people who vaped have a higher chance of developing periodontal diseases.
A 2014 review that analyzed 44 articles on the effects of vaping on health also discovered that vaping could irritate the gums and throat.
A follow up from 2018 discovered that vaping with sweet-flavored liquids makes an individual more prone to tooth decay and increased bacterial growth.
Sources
https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html
https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html