Many smokers in general, whether they are cannabis smokers or nicotine smokers, are turning to vape products as an alternative in a bid to be healthy - But is it really healthier?
There is one thing to get straight about health concerns surrounding smoking - Inhaling the smoke of any kind is detrimental to lung health, whether from cannabinoid-containing cannabis, cigarettes, or another substance.
Cannabis smokers, in particular, hold the smoke in their lungs for longer than tobacco smokers, exposing them to more tar which is detrimental to the lungs.
According to health authorities, tobacco smoke from cigarettes, cigars, and pipes has been known to cause cancer for decades.
Is it healthier to smoke cannabis than cigarettes?
Some studies suggest that cannabinoids, which are found in cannabis, may have some health benefits.
CBD is one of the most well-known cannabinoids. As a result, some individuals assume that smoking cannabis is less hazardous than smoking cigarettes.
Cannabinoids, such as CBD, are distinct from tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis.
Chronic cannabis smoking has many detrimental health consequences, including:
- Air spaces in between the lungs and the chest wall
- Bronchitis (chronic)
- Cough
- Excessive mucus production
- Immunocompromised patients, such as those with HIV, may be at a higher risk of infection.
- A potential increase in the risk of infections in the lower respiratory system
- Immune system dysfunction
- Wheezing
Is it healthier to vape cannabis than it is to smoke it?
Tar and other toxic by-products are produced when you smoke cannabis or anything else, for that matter. It still relies on combustion, whether through a bubbler, joint, pipe, or ten-foot bong. Even though bongs can also be used for vaping.
While there haven't been many studies, particularly on the consequences of vaporising cannabis, leading UK scientists agreed that vaping nicotine is at least 95 per cent safer than smoking cigarettes. Making this presumption about cannabis isn't a great leap. As a result, vaporising medicinal cannabis is the most suggested method of administration.
Various products on the market continue to cause valid worries—specifically, the low-cost Chinese models. It is strongly advised that you only use known brands and trusted equipment, regardless of where they were made.
Only ceramic, stainless steel and quartz are used in the best vaporisers, with no plastics, rubber, adhesive, or soldering near the heating elements.
Should you vape cannabis with an e-cigarette?
Inhaling heated oil using a vaporising device, commonly referred to as an e-cigarette, is the process of vaping cannabis. Using a vaporiser to produce vapour from dried plant material is also known as vaping cannabis.
Because vaping does not entail inhaling smoke, some people believe it is safer than smoking. However, when it comes to the negative health impacts of vaping cannabis, the truth is that far less is known.
According to current studies, vaping THC oil may be hazardous to lung health. The most serious issue right now is the harmful effects of breathing vitamin E acetate. Many THC-containing vaping products incorporate this substance as an addition.
What you should know about illnesses caused by vaping cannabis
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 2,561 cases of lung injury (EVALI) are caused by inhalation of vitamin E acetate, or "popcorn lung," resulting in 55 deaths.
Children are among those who are affected by vaping ailments.
People should avoid using e-cigarettes and vaping devices, especially those using THC oil, because they are likely to include vitamin E acetate, according to the CDC.
According to preliminary studies, vaping liquids and oils, even once, can injure your lungs. Because vaping is new and hasn't been thoroughly investigated, it may have harmful side effects that aren't yet understood.
Some states that have legalised cannabis advise users that vaping liquids has been linked to severe lung damage and death.
Check the CDC's website for frequent updates on the most recent vaping-related illness news.
Alternatives to smoking and vaping
There are many alternatives to smoking and vaping cannabis, and one of them is to look at CBD edibles.
CBD oil and its products are a good option if you want the alleged health benefits of cannabis without the high. Vaping any liquid, including CBD oil, is not recommended by the CDC.
CBD edibles come in many different forms, such as:
Last but not least
While further research on the effects of cannabis consumption is needed, it appears that we can safely infer that smoking any substance, including cannabis, is harmful to your health.
According to new research, vaping liquids can be harmful to one's health and create significant complications, including death. As a result, it appears that eating cannabis is the least dangerous method of consumption.
However, according to studies, long-term cannabis usage and THC exposure may raise the risk of psychosis and mental health issues.
CBD products appear to be the way to go if you want the health advantages of cannabis with the least number of hazards — however, you won't get high from using them.
Is CBD a legal substance?
CBD products made from hemp (with less than 0.3 per cent THC) are permitted in the United States; however, they are still banned in several states. CBD products produced from marijuana are prohibited on the federal level, although lawful in several states.
Check the laws of your home state as well as the laws of any country you visit. It's important to remember that nonprescription CBD products aren't FDA-approved and may be mislabeled.
