Is Vaping Cannabis More Safe Compared To Smoking? Imagine you’re trying to understand the different ways people can inhale cannabis, either for medical or recreational purposes. This recently published study aims to provide a summary of the most important information about using vaporizers to consume cannabis.
The researchers didn’t conduct a new experiment or clinical trial. Instead, they collected and combined information from various sources to create a comprehensive overview that’s easier to understand. They used their own expertise as doctors and educators, along with the questions they frequently hear during medical training sessions, to identify the most relevant topics to cover.
To gather the information, they searched for articles in scientific databases and looked at research they were already familiar with from medical education programs. Since there isn’t a lot of scientific research on this topic yet, they also included information from other reliable sources, like news articles, blog posts, and educational websites about cannabis. This study also discusses vaping THC oil vape cartridges, which is a concentrated form of cannabis.
Learn About The Most Important Facts About Vaping Cannabis
After collecting all this information, the researchers discussed and agreed on the most important points to include in their review. The goal was to create a resource that healthcare providers can use to better understand the different types of cannabis vaporizers and how they might affect their patients’ health.
In summary, this study is a comprehensive review that combines expert knowledge and available information from various sources to provide a clearer understanding of cannabis vaporization technology and its potential impact on health, rather than conducting a new scientific experiment.
What’s the difference between Vaping and Smoking Cannabis?
Vaporization of cannabis can be safer compared to smoking under certain conditions, and we’re sharing information acquired from the above report.:
- Vaporization heats cannabis at lower temperatures than smoking, reducing the inhalation of harmful combustion byproducts like carbon monoxide and tar.
- Using regulated, quality-controlled cannabis products in vaporizers reduces the risk of exposure to contaminants, pesticides, and other harmful additives that may be present in unregulated products.
- Vaporizing cannabis flower (with THC content typically <30%) is likely safer than vaporizing high potency concentrates or e-liquids (which can contain 70-90% THC), as higher THC doses are associated with increased risk of adverse effects.
- Among vaporizers, using dried flower vaporizers is considered the lowest risk option, as they typically use lower potency products and have lower potential for contaminant exposure compared to concentrate or e-liquid vaporizers.
However, it’s important to note that vaporization is not entirely risk-free. Factors such as device type, heating mechanism, and product composition can still influence potential health risks. More research is needed to fully understand the long-term health effects of cannabis vaporization.
In summary, while vaporization may pose lower risks compared to smoking when using regulated, low-potency products in dried flower vaporizers, it is not completely safe. Proper education and harm reduction strategies are necessary to promote lower-risk use patterns.
Recent Study in 2023 on Vaping Cannabis
The study, “Cannabis vaporization: Understanding products, devices and risks,” published on December 20, 2023, is a narrative review conducted by Caroline A. MacCallum, Lindsay A. Lo, Carly A. Pistawka, April Christiansen, and Michael Boivin. The authors aimed to provide healthcare providers with a comprehensive resource on cannabis vaporization technology and its clinical applications by combining their expertise, frequently asked questions from medical education sessions, and information from both scientific and non-scientific sources. Rather than conducting a new scientific study, the review seeks to help healthcare professionals better understand the various types of cannabis vaporizers and their potential health effects on patients.
1.Metered dose inhalers:
- Provides precise, consistent doses of aerosolized raw cannabis plant material
- Low and accurate dosing reduces risk of adverse events
- Ideal for medical use with dose monitoring
2. Dry herb vaporizers (desktop and portable):
- Uses dried cannabis flower with lower THC potency (<30%)
- Heating temperature is controlled to produce vapor without combustion
- Reduces respiratory risks compared to smoking and vaping concentrates
- Convection heating in some models allows for more even and controlled temperature
3.Thermal extraction devices:
- Uses dried flower, cannabis oil, or solid concentrates
- No electricity required, but external heating source may lead to combustion if overheated
- Lack of evidence confirming absence of combustion during regular use
4. THC Oil Vape Cartridges and vape pens (1st to 4th generation):
- Uses cannabis oil with high THC concentrations (70-85%)
- Regulated products are safer, but unregulated cannabis oil vape options may contain harmful additives or impurities.
- Potential for leaking and inconsistent heating
- Not recommended for medical use
5. Smoking:
- Involves combustion at high temperatures (600-900°C)
- Produces smoke containing toxins and carcinogens
- Highest risk of negative respiratory effects