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THC vape pens allow people to consume marijuana products as a vapor rather than smoke, which can be less harmful. However, there are also risks associated with vaping THC, and strategies that can be used to reduce harm.
- THC vapes use liquid THC products, which are heated and inhaled as an aerosol, then exhaled as a vapor.
- THC vapes may prevent some of the harms associated with smoking marijuana, although they also pose risks to mental and physical health, so they should be used with caution.
- THC products used in vapes can be significantly more potent than even high-grade marijuana, which can increase the risk of psychosis and cognitive impairment.
What are THC vape pens?
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. THC vape pens are e-cigarette devices that contain THC in a liquid form, which is heated up and inhaled as an aerosol. Various types of vaporizers are available, and THC products come in a range of strengths or concentrations. [1]
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), high-grade marijuana contains up to 20% THC, while concentrates or oils typically used in vapes can range between 40-80%. [2]
How do they work?
There are differences between vape types, although their basic purpose is to heat a liquid containing THC, which is then inhaled as an aerosol (small airborne droplets) and released through the mouth as a vapor. [3]
Vape pens can come as prefilled or disposable products, or they can exist as devices that can be refilled or cartridges replaced. Some vapes are modifiable, which means they can be altered, including changing the voltage or coil, which can influence the amount of vapor produced or the strength of each inhale or hit. The concentrations and compositions of different vape solutions also vary. [1]
Vaporizers work slightly differently from vapes, although the terms are often used interchangeably. They work by heating dried marijuana, hash, wax, or oil, rather than liquid THC products. Like vape pens, vaporizers also produce vapor instead of smoke. [3]
Effects of THC vape pens
THC vape pens can cause effects that are considered pleasant or desirable, such as: [4]
- A sense of euphoria or “high”
- Sedation or relaxation
- Altered perception
- Reduced nausea
Other short-term effects of THC vape pens can include: [4]
- Dry mouth
- Increased appetite
- Drowsiness
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
- Increased heart rate
- Impaired memory and thinking
Health implications of vaping THC
Long-term health effects of vaping THC products can include: [4]
- EVALI: E-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injury (EVALI) is a serious lung condition caused by vaping, thought to be caused by substances added to THC vapes, such as vitamin E acetate (VEA). EVALI can cause nausea, vomiting, fever, dizziness, chest pain, severe lung injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and death. [5][6]
- Mental health issues: THC has been linked to increased risks of mental health conditions, particularly psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia. This risk may be increased if THC is used at a young age. [4]
- Cognitive impairments: Long-term use of THC can be associated with impairments in cognitive functioning, including issues with memory, language, learning, and attention. [4]
- Cancer: The use of THC can increase the risk of certain types of cancers, such as neck, throat, or head cancers, especially when it is smoked or vaped. [4]
- Heart problems: THC is linked to increased risks of cardiovascular issues, such as stroke and heart attack. [4]
THC vapes vs. smoking marijuana: Is vaping a safer alternative?
In some ways, vapes are considered a healthier alternative to smoking marijuana. However, as the use of THC vapes increases, research into the effects of this mode of consumption also increases and suggests that vaping comes with significant risks.
Pros to vaping rather than smoking
- Vape pens produce vapor rather than smoke, so the person inhales fewer carcinogens and less carbon monoxide. [7]
- Some people smoke marijuana in joints made with tobacco, which adds significant health risks that are not present with THC vapes. [8]
Cons to vaping vs. smoking marijuana
Addiction potential and dependency risks
Regular and prolonged use of THC can lead to the development of cannabis dependency or cannabis use disorder (CUD). Research suggests that 22% of people who use cannabis or THC products have CUD. Signs of CUD can include: [4]
- Using increasing amounts of THC
- Being unable to stop or cut down the use of THC
- Experiencing regular urges to use THC
- Large periods of time are spent obtaining, using, or recovering from the use of THC
- Continuing to use THC regardless of issues with relationships or functioning
- Experiencing physical, psychological, social, or professional issues due to THC use
- Requiring increasing amounts of THC to achieve the same effects
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms after not using THC
People with signs of CUD may require professional advice and support to reduce or stop using THC vapes. Treatments can include psychotherapy and behavioral therapies, recovery services, and support groups. [4]
Safety and responsible usage
People who wish to use THC vapes can utilize harm reduction strategies to reduce their potential risks. This could include: [5][8]
- Lower frequency: Using the vape on infrequent occasions.
- Lower amount: Picking a vape with a lower THC content.
- Credible brands: Researching which products have undergone rigorous testing and been screened for unsafe chemicals and pesticides.
- Choosing unflavored: Avoid flavored vapes, which may be more likely to contain harmful chemicals.
Legality of THC vape pens
THC vape pens, like any marijuana products, are illegal in the United States under federal law. However, laws vary significantly between states. [9]
Some states, such as California, Oregon, and Colorado, have fully legalized marijuana, so THC vapes are legally sold in these states.
In some states, marijuana is decriminalized, permitted for medical use, or both, which means that THC vapes can be sold in certain circumstances or that people in possession of a THC vape will not be penalized.
At the time this is written, marijuana remains fully illegal in four states: Wyoming, Idaho, Kansas, and South Carolina, where THC vape pens are not permitted to be used for any purpose and can be punishable with fines or prison sentences. [9]
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