Of particular concern: Propylene glycol, a widely used chemical that is mixed with cannabis or hemp oil in many vape pen cartridges. A syrupy, thinning compound, propylene glycol is also the primary ingredient in a majority of nicotine-infused e-cigarette solutions.
What ingredients are in vape cartridges?
The "e-juice" that fills the cartridges usually contains nicotine (which is extracted from tobacco), propylene glycol, flavorings and other chemicals. Studies have found that even e-cigarettes claiming to be nicotine-free contain trace amounts of nicotine.
Is propylene glycol in DAB pens?
Propylene Glycol in Vape Pens Of particular concern: Propylene glycol, a widely used chemical that is mixed with cannabis or hemp oil in many vape pen cartridges. A syrupy, thinning compound, propylene glycol is also the primary ingredient in a majority of nicotine-infused e-cigarette solutions.Jul 14, 2015
Do vape cartridges contain propylene glycol?
Glycols & Glycerin They include Polyethylene Glycol (PEG), Vegetable Glycerin (VG) and Propylene Glycol (PG). These are used to make THC oil that will work in e-cigarettes. You can also find these thinners in cartridges on the shelves of your dispensary.Jan 23, 2018
What is the difference between propylene glycol and polyethylene glycol?
The key difference between polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol is that polyethylene glycol is a polymer, whereas propylene glycol is a single molecular compound that can be named a diol. Polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol are important organic compounds.Jan 5, 2022
What is a vape pen?
Available online and in medical marijuana dispensaries, vape pens contain a battery-operated heating mechanism, which at high temperatures can transform solvents, flavoring agents, and various vape oil additives into carcinogens and other dangerous toxins.
Why are vape pens so popular?
Portable electronic devices, known as “vape pens,” are increasingly popular among medical marijuana patients and others because they provide a convenient, discreet, and presumably benign way to administer cannabis. But how safe are vape pens and the liquid solutions inside the cartridges that attach to these devices?
What is propylene glycol?
At high temperatures, propylene glycol converts into tiny polymers that can wreak havoc on lung tissue. Scientists know a great deal about propylene glycol. It is found in a plethora of common household items—cosmetics, baby wipes, pharmaceuticals, pet food, antifreeze, etc.
Can propylene glycol cause asthma?
A 2010 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health concluded that airborne propylene glycol circulating indoors can induce or exacerbate asthma, eczema, and many allergic symptoms. Children were said to be particularly sensitive to these airborne toxins.
What is the biggest variable in vaping?
The biggest variable is the device itself . The performance of each vape pen can vary greatly between different devices and sometimes there is considerable variance when comparing two devices of the same model.
Is propylene glycol harmful?
An earlier toxicology review warned that propylene glycol, ubiquitous in hairsprays, could be harmful because aerosol particles lodge deep in the lungs and are not respirable. When propylene glycol is heated by a red-hot metal coil, the potential harm from inhalation exposure increases.
Is nicotine e-cigarette dangerous?
Another hazardous-when-inhaled- but-safe-to-eat flavoring compound is cinnamon ceylon, which becomes cytotoxic when aerosolized.
What happens when you burn cannabis?
Burning cannabis oils can produce some of the same free radicals that are formed when you burn cannabis or tobacco, which is why people have turned to vaporizing (vaping). Vaporizing means that cannabis is heated without combustion. Active ingredients are released by the heat into a fine-mist vapor.
What is CO2 extraction?
Others are using different extraction methods such as CO2 extraction to achieve an oil thin enough to be consumed in a cartridge without the need for additive thinners. As vaporizing oil cartridges becomes more popular, products specifically designed for this purpose are emerging in the marketplace.
Who is Jacqueline Havelka?
Jacqueline Havelka is a contributing writer for Leafly. She's a rocket scientist turned writer, having worked in the space program for many years managing experiments on the Space Station and Shuttle. Jacqueline currently owns her own firm, Inform Scientific, specializing in technical and medical writing and research program management. When she’s not writing, she is likely watching college football.
Is cannabis oil harmful?
Harmful agents to avoid in cannabis oil. When vaporized, cannabis oils are frequently mixed with thinning agents for better performance in a vaporizing device. However, when some thinning agents are heated, potentially harmful carbonyl compounds can be produced.
Is vaping safer than smoking?
Since combustion does not occur, smoke is not created. People who vape cannabis perceive vaping to be safer and less harmful to their health than smoking.
What is a THC vape pen?
THC vape pens are just one of the many ways to vaporize weed and concentrates. Whether you are looking for weed pens, pre-filled carts for oil, or vaporizers for weed and dabs, here are the top products in each category based on our testing.
How tall is the Kandypens C box?
The Kandypens C-Box Pro is designed for 510 oil tanks. It utilizes magnetic adapters so you can just drop your tank in. The device stands at only 3 inches tall and is lightweight, despite its powerful 390 mAh battery. The C-Box Pro has four adjustable voltage settings up to 4.0 volts, charges via micro USB.
What is vessel wood?
The Vessel Wood Edition is a rare breed of vape pens that feature a variety of luxurious wood finishes. The device is compatible with most standard 510 oil carts and features a 240 mAh battery with three power settings and utilizes a magnetic charging cable or an optional charging dock.
What is the most important thing to keep clean?
The most important thing to keep clean is the connection . Typically, cannabis pens have a 510-connection— that’s the threading that connects to the cartridge that contains the oil. That connection should remain relatively clean to keep the current flowing.
What is a special K black?
The Kandypens Special-K Black is a swanky and stealthy take on the classic weed pen design. It works as good as it looks, and it comes with two 1 mL tanks, temperature control battery with three heat settings, and several handy accessories. With a lifetime warranty on the battery, the Special-K Black is the pen to get!
What is a VRTCL?
The VRTCL is a robust and stylish weed pen. Featuring five power modes and a 380 mAh high capacity lithium-ion battery. It provides smooth and consistent hits, and won’t burn out your coil. It works perfectly with SPRK cartridges and most popular 510 threaded oil carts. It performs like the PCKT but it’s slimmer.
What is the battery capacity of the Expedition?
It’s the most robust version of the Vessel, designed for an active lifestyle. The Vessel is compatible with 510 oil cartridges and features a 240 mAh battery with three power settings. It also utilizes a magnetic USB charging cable or an optional charging dock sold separately.
What is VG in vapes?
Vegetable Glycerin (VG) Other medium chain triglycerides (MCT) Going beyond the cannabis oil itself, it’s also a good idea to look at the cartridge and even the vape. Immediate red flags can be seen in the cartridge itself. It’s best to avoid plastic and low-grade wire.
What is the cutting agent in cannabis oil?
The most common and criticized cutting agent is polyethylene glycol (PEG), which can contain ethylene oxide. Similarly so, propylene glycol (PG), which is used in the production on polymers and food processing, is often added.
Is vape cartridge good?
Vape cartridges are great for on-the-go use, just be sure to find a quality product free of potentially harmful additives. Thankfully, there’s a decent variety of brands that live up to these claims and more and more quality products made without cutting agents or non-cannabis additives are popping up across the country.
Does propylene glycol cause asthma?
As Rolling Stone noted, "A study from 2010 showed inhaling propylene glycol can exacerbate asthma and allergies, and multiple studies have shown that propylene glycol and polyethylene glycol break down into the carcinogens formaldehyde and acetaldehyde — especially when vaped at high temperatures.”.
Is terpene oil safe?
In fact, they are sometimes seen as an alternative to PEG and PG and also used to thin out thicker cannabis oils. Terpenes can be derived from cannabis itself or from other natural plants, and are generally safe for consumers.
Is vaping safe?
Yet, if its ease of use is countered by dangerous chemicals and additives, then it is potentially no safer than many products currently offered.
Is vape cartridge 100% cannabis?
Doubling down, producers are starting to focus on selling products with 100% cannabis-sourced products. This has created a top-shelf criteria for vape cartridges, much like alcohol. For now though, there appears to be room for both inexpensive, potentially harmful cartridges and the higher- end, more thoroughly sourced products. With a fragmented market and varying levels of concern on the issue, there should be room for all companies for the foreseeable future. However, we’re hoping that quality products will begin to drive out the lower-end options as the market continues to progress.
