Vaping cannabis has become a popular alternative to smoking, but it comes with its own set of risks. Read on for tips to help vape cannabis safely for a healthier experience.
For hundreds—if not thousands—of years, smoking was the favored way to consume cannabis in cultures around the world. Even today, inhaling cannabis remains one of the most popular methods for both medicinal and recreational use.
However, in recent years, vaping—inhaling vapors produced by heating cannabis flowers, extracts, oils and distillates—has changed the cannabis consumption landscape. Vaping allows consumers to avoid the risks associated with traditional smoking, but harmful additives in vaping oils, as well as toxins created when vaping at high temperatures, introduce new potential risks.
Vaping Marijuana: Advantages Over Smoking
Vaping refers to various methods of consuming cannabis by inhaling vapors produced from heated cannabis flower, oils or other plant extracts. Unlike smoking, which involves combustion (burning), vaping heats cannabis to a point where the active compounds are released as vapor without burning it.
Both smoking and vaping are highly efficient at delivering cannabis to the body, since they allow the active compounds to pass directly into the lungs, where they are absorbed by the bloodstream. This rapid delivery leads to quick effects, typically within minutes.
Smoking cannabis has its drawbacks, though. While it’s generally considered less harsh on the lungs than smoking cigarettes, cannabis smoke still contains harmful toxins and carcinogens created by combustion. Furthermore, the strong odor of burning cannabis can make it hard to consume discreetly.
Vaping, on the other hand, has been promoted as a cleaner and more efficient way to inhale cannabis. Proponents argue that since there’s no combustion involved, users can avoid the toxins found in smoke. But the methods used to extract cannabis oils and the way those oils are heated during vaping can introduce their own risks.
Cannabis Vape Oils and Their Potential Risks
Cannabis oils for vaping are typically created by extracting essential oils from the cannabis plant. These extraction methods often rely on solvents like ethanol, ammonia and even lighter fluid. Residues from these solvents can remain in the oil, which may then be inhaled.
For example, butane is commonly used to create butane hash oil (BHO), a popular concentrate in dabbing, but it is highly toxic and flammable. Since vaping delivers cannabis oils and other ingredients directly into the lungs, toxins can enter the bloodstream quickly.
In addition to solvents, cannabis concentrates may contain other potentially harmful additives, including:
- Ethanol
- Polyethylene glycol
- Propylene glycol
- Pesticides
Some of these additives are used for flavoring and are considered safe for ingestion. However, when heated to high temperatures, they can break down into harmful substances. For instance, propylene glycol, safe to ingest, can turn into carbonyls (including formaldehyde) when vaporized—a group of toxic, carcinogenic chemicals.
Vaping Cannabis Oils at High Temperatures
When oils are heated beyond their flash point, they begin to degrade and release harmful byproducts like acrylamide, a toxic and potentially carcinogenic chemical. This risk is heightened if the oils are contaminated with toxic additives or solvents.
Many vaporizers, including homemade rigs and some commercial devices, lack temperature controls, leading to overheating. Even commercial vape pens often operate at preset temperatures without allowing users to adjust the heat, which could expose them to harmful chemicals. Additionally, some vape pens have metal heating elements that can release toxic heavy metals, such as nickel, into the vapor.
How to Vape Cannabis Safely: A User-Friendly Guide
While there is some inherent danger involved in using vaping devices or concentrates, there are steps you can take to minimize risks. Here’s a list of strategies to vape cannabis as safely as possible:
- Check labels: Always read product labels to look for harmful additives like propylene glycol or unknown chemicals. Stick with reputable brands that provide full ingredient disclosures.
- Choose devices with temperature controls: If possible, choose vaporizers or dab rigs with adjustable temperature settings. Avoid devices that lack temperature regulation, as they can overheat and create harmful chemicals.
- Use ceramic heating elements: Opt for vaporizers and pens with ceramic heating elements. These are less likely to release heavy metals and other harmful substances compared to metal components.
- Monitor the heat: If you’re using a device without temperature controls, be mindful of overheating. Avoid long sessions or excessive use of the vape pen to minimize exposure to overly heated concentrates.
- Buy high-quality concentrates: Ensure the concentrates you buy are free from additives or contaminants. Reputable companies will provide a complete list of ingredients in their vape oils.
- Avoid long inhales: Inhaling too long or pressing the controls for too long can expose your lungs to overly concentrated vapors, which may increase the risks. Keep your inhalations short and controlled.
- Store devices properly: Keep your vape pens and concentrates in a cool, dry place. Exposure to heat and light can degrade cannabis oils and concentrates, which may increase the risk of harmful substances forming when vaporized.
The Bottom Line on Vaping Cannabis
Cannabis vaping has grown in popularity as a perceived safer alternative to smoking. And, while vaping can be less harmful than traditional smoking, it still carries risks. By being careful about the devices you use, the oils you purchase and the temperature at which you vape, you can minimize your exposure to harmful chemicals and enjoy the benefits of cannabis more safely.
Image: Shutterstock/oneinchpunch
