Propylene glycol Propylene glycol is an organic compound with the chemical formula CH₃CH(OH)CH₂OH. It is a viscous, colorless liquid which is nearly odorless but possesses a faintly sweet taste. Containing two alcohol groups, it is classed as a diol. It is miscible with a broad range of solvents, includin…Propylene glycol
What is the best cutting agent for vaping?
· In vape cartridges, these concentrates do not properly vaporize unless changed to a more liquid form. Many companies use a variety of cutting agents including PEGs (polyethylene glycols), glycerin, and other chemicals to liquefy extracts. Propylene glycol and glycerin are particularly common cutting agents used in cannabis vaporization blends.
Are cutting agents bad for vaping THC?
· Vitamin E Acetate While no single contaminant or cutting agent was present in every one of the compromised vape cartridges that were tested, vitamin E acetate is a significant common thread. For example, it was discovered in 13 of the 15 bootleg THC cartridges that were tested by CannaSafe, a pioneer in cannabis lab testing, at the behest of NBC.
What is a marijuana vape pen?
· Some THC vape juice contains cutting agents similar to those used in e-cigarettes, which are added to improve vape cloud production and the mouthfeel of the cartridge. The most common cutting agents include PEG, PG, and VG.
Can cannabis vape thinning agents be heated?
What chemicals are in cannabis vape?
Instead of containing nicotine, cannabis vape cartridges typically contain a mixture of cannabinoids, terpenes, various solvents used as thinning agents, and flavoring additives. By pressing the power button, the vape oil is heated to create an aerosol that the user inhales.
What are vape cartridges cut with?
Cartridges cut with an additive such as vegetable glycerin or propylene glycol (used in e-cig juice) will give more of a sweet taste than any type of distinctive terpene taste. While neither of these ingredients is dangerous to ingest, inhaling them may be a different story.
Are terpenes safe to vape?
Inhaling pure, concentrated terpenes can cause damage and irritation to the lungs and may cause further damage once absorbed into the bloodstream. Some terpenes are directly toxic as well — such as benzene or methacrolein.
How can I make my cart better?
Tips to Make your THC & CBD Oil Cartridges Last Longer#1 When you vape, make sure that you are inhaling the vapor into the lungs.#3 Switch off between oil and flower.#4 Be aware of the temperature you're vaping at.#5 Leave your cartridges in a cool and dry place.#6 Always keep your cartridge up right.More items...
What does vitamin E acetate do?
Specifically, vitamin E acetate is most commonly used as an additive in THC-containing vape/e-cigarette products; vitamin E acetate is an oily chemical added to THC vaping liquids used to thicken or dilute them. A vape-related injury concerning a teenage boy in Canada has recently gained the media's attention as well.
Is vegetable glycerin safe to vape?
Is Vegetable Glycerin Safe to Vape? So, is vegetable glycerin safe to vape? Nope! But, ironically enough, it's one of the most common base fluids used in e-cigarettes or vape pens.
What is a terpene pen?
Here, we'll explore the concept of terp pens — vape devices that are optimized to preserve the terpene content of hemp or marijuana concentrates. By optimizing the vaporization of terpenes, you can get more out of your cannabis extracts and enjoy a more flavorful vaping experience.
What happens when you smoke terpenes?
A study out of Portland State University found that synthetic terpenes turned into harmful compounds like cancer-causing benzene when heated to similar temperatures as if they were dabbed at high heat - while it's important to note that this study did not look at cannabis-derived terpenes specifically due to legal ...
What is Honey cut?
Honeycut is a San Francisco–based band, part of the Quannum Projects. Its members are Bart Davenport (voice), RV Salters (keys and samples) and Tony Sevener (beats, MPC drum machine). The band was formed in 2003.
How many times should I hit my cart?
1. Hit the Vape Every Few Days. Avoid leaving your vape sitting around at room temperature for long periods with a cart full of delta 8 THC. Once you use the cart, try and hit the vape every day or two to ensure the chamber doesn't have time to flood.
How does a fake cart feel?
Any THC cartridge that has a burnt flavor, a metal aftertaste, or that makes you cringe is a good sign that the cartridge is counterfeit. These “off-flavors” should not be present and may indicate that it has contaminants or other additives that are causing a bad reaction when heated up into vapor.
How do I get more hits from my cart?
Just turn the cartridge upside down until all the liquid reaches the mouthpiece. If it won't come down try applying heat to the outside of the cartridge like we mentioned above. Just run the lighter back and forth on the glass for a few seconds. That should be enough to get all the good stuff out.
What’S in Your Vape Pen Oil Cartridge?
Vaporization is gaining popularity in the medical cannabis community, and for good reason. Not only does vaporizing provide you with a means of saf...
Commonly Used Cutting Agents in Vape Oils
Most vape oils are comprised largely with ingredients other than the beneficial cannabis compounds, and are usually diluted with one or a mixture o...
Tips For Choosing The Best Vape Oil Cartridge/Pen
In today’s market, it is hard to feel confident that you have made the right choice in a vape oil. The problem is there are so many different ways...
What are the three companies that have been subpoenaed to collaborate with the FDA in their investigation?
Furthermore, vitamin E acetate was found in the products of each of the three companies that have been subpoenaed to collaborate with the FDA in their investigation — Mass Terpenes, Honey Cut, and Floraplex Terpenes. All three companies sell diluting agents.
Is vaping a THC?
The Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) report specifically states that “THC is present in most of the samples tested by FDA to date, and most patients report a history of using THC-containing products.”
Is cutting agent bad for you?
In short, those culprits include hazardous cutting agents. Cutting agents aren’t bad themselves, and are generally used to lessen the viscosity of THC oils so they can be vaped properly.
Is vitamin E acetate a contaminant?
While no single contaminant or cutting agent was present in every one of the compromised vape cartridges that were tested, vitamin E acetate is a significant common thread. For example, it was discovered in 13 of the 15 bootleg THC cartridges that were tested by CannaSafe, a pioneer in cannabis lab testing, at the behest of NBC.
Commonly Used Cutting Agents in Vape Oils
Most vape oils are comprised largely with ingredients other than the beneficial cannabis compounds, and are usually diluted with one or a mixture of cutting agents, the most common being:
Terpenes as Additives
In addition to natural and artificial flavorings, terpenes can be added for flavor and effect. The quality and source of the terpenes used in the vape oil goes a long way in determining if these compounds are beneficial, or harmful.
Why do vaporizer cartridges use terpenes?
Instead, many are turning to terpenes as they help thin the oil while improving flavor. 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.
What temperature was the thinning agent heated to?
These thinning agents were heated to 230°C (450°F), and scientists tested the resulting vapors to detect the presence of harmful compounds like formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein.
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 the chemical that causes abortion?
Carbonyls are a group of cancer-causing chemicals that includes formaldehyde, which has been linked to spontaneous abortions and low birth weight. A known thermal breakdown product of propylene glycol, formaldehyde is an International Agency for Research on Cancer group 1 carcinogen.
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.
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 are vaporizers?
The process of vaping weed involves heating cannabis flower or concentrates to a temperature that turns the active cannabinoids and terpenes into vapor. Most vaporization devices are engineered to heat cannabis products just below the point of combustion, which ranges from 180 to 190 degrees Celsius (356 to 374 Fahrenheit).
Tabletop vaporizers
Tabletop vaporizers are stationary temperature control units that require a solid surface upon which to sit. Tabletop vaporizers come in many varieties, but all include four main features:
Portable vaporizers
Portable vaporizers are small, discreet vaporizers that operate in much the same way as tabletop vaporizers with the exception that they are, well, more portable. Portable vaporizers include a chamber to hold the cannabis flower or concentrate, a heating element, and a battery.
Vape pens
Vape pens, weed pens, and hash oil pens are all terms for a type of vaporizer designed specifically to vaporize cannabis distillates and oils. They are called pens because the compact design of the vape device closely resembles that of a traditional pen.
How to buy vapes safely
Vaporization can be a healthier alternative to smoking because this process occurs at relatively low temperatures. The flame from a lighter or match heats the flower to the point of combustion, and combustion can release harmful tar and carcinogens — no tobacco necessary.
Frequently asked questions
Unlike a standard vape pen, which is designed for compatibility with vape cartridges filled with oil or distillate, a dab pen is used to consume dabs, which can be defined as an unspecified dosage of concentrate. Most dab pens, also known as wax pens, are essentially made up of the same components as a vape pen: a battery and heating element.
What do vape pens use?
Today's vape pens use a tiny heater to do the vaporizing, and of course marijuana consumers use a cannabis concentrate instead of nicotine liquid.
What are the parts of a vape pen?
Overall, there are four main parts of a vape pen: 1 Tank or cartridge: The container for the cannabis oil that will be vaporized. Tanks made of plastic, glass, or steel are refillable. Pre-filled cartridges are used until they're empty and thrown away. 2 Atomizer: The heating element that vaporizes the cannabis oil. 3 Battery: The rechargeable lithium ion battery that powers the vape pen and heats the concentrate. Some batteries activate with the manual press of a button, while just inhaling activates others. Rechargeable batteries often come with a USB charger included. Disposable pens have a pre-charged battery. 4 Mouthpiece: The piece through which vapor is inhaled.
How to thin distillate?
Thick Distillates can be thinned by mixing them with vegetable glycerin (VG), propylene glycol (PG), naturally derived terpenes, or strain-specific terpenes. All will allow the oil to be absorbed by the pen's wick more easily and will vaporize the oil with less energy from the battery, but may also change the color of the oil.
Why do I like using a vape pen?
I like using a vape pen because it's more discreet and there's no smoke.
What is the heating element that vaporizes cannabis oil?
Atomizer: The heating element that vaporizes the cannabis oil.
What is a tank for cannabis?
Tank or cartridge: The container for the cannabis oil that will be vaporized. Tanks made of plastic, glass, or steel are refillable. Pre-filled cartridges are used until they're empty and thrown away.
What is the mouthpiece?
Mouthpiece: The piece through which vapor is inhaled.
What Cutting Agents Are in Your Vape Cartridge?
As it currently stands today, many consumers are unaware of what’s actually inside of their vape cartridges – and we really can’t blame them. Most people find the convenience factor of vape pens and cartridges to be extremely valuable.
What about Pesticides and Electronics?
Recent reports from California have surfaced suggesting that vape cartridges also have a pesticide problem. Chemicals from California farmers include avermectin, myclobutanil and bifenazate. Each has been proven to be toxic or carcinogenic with effects ranging from nosebleeds to comas.
Avoiding Potentially Harmful Substances
Vaping has proven itself to be an efficient way for consumers to get high. Yet, if its ease of use is countered by dangerous chemicals and additives, then it is potentially no safer than many products currently offered.
What to Look for When Buying Vape Cartridges
Ultimately, it’s up to you to find out if your product is safe or not. Many states with legal markets require manufacturers to clearly list every ingredient used in a given product so always be sure to inspect the label before buying. Another general rule of thumb is to only consume products that you fully understand.
The Final Verdict
There is no clear-cut overwhelming answers regarding the safety of each additive and chemical found in vaporizer cartridges. However, public sentiment and some data is enough to shift a few minds and businesses. Now, the health conscious movement is underway and forming a market share for itself.
Nearly all cases in illegal states
Most importantly, no cases are associated with adult-use or medical cannabis products from legal state-licensed stores. Almost all affected states do not have adult-use legalization in effect.
West Coast Carts, Dank Vapes named
Public health officials have interviewed patients and obtained samples of tainted products in California, Wisconsin, Illinois, and other states. Officials in each state plan to analyze the seized carts. The California Department of Public Health had no test results to share as of Friday morning.
What could taint the carts?
Consumers have used disposable vaporizer cartridges with standard additives—propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, or medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil—for many years. That alone gives regulators pause.
Big profit incentive
Cannabis is a $52 billion US industry, according to a 2019 estimate by the RAND Corporation. Legal state-regulated sales represent $11 billion of the total—only 21%. That leaves a massive $41 billion illegal market open to anybody willing to take the legal risks necessary to supply it. Demand for vape carts has also surged nationwide.
A trend that started in Los Angeles
If the past dynamics of the cannabis industry hold true, trends in vape additives likely began in Los Angeles and emanated nationwide.
Legal additive, off-label use
As health officials investigate the source of the lung injuries, another possibility includes legal substances used incorrectly. Think of an extreme version of off-label use, where a physician prescribes a legal medication for a condition beyond the drug’s intended use.
Similarity to mineral oil poisoning
In some media stories and online cannabis forums, discussion has centered around the possible mineral oil content of some thickening diluents.
What are the cutting agents in THC vape juice?
The most common cutting agents include polyethylene glycol (PEG), propylene glycol (PG), and vegetable glycerin (VG). When vaporized at high temperatures, both PEG and PG break down into the carcinogens formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, which cause cancer and lung disease. These cutting agents can dry out the mouth and make asthma and allergies worse.
What color is marijuana e-liquid?
You see small liquid cartridges around the house or in their personal belongings. Marijuana e-liquid for the device is generally thick and has a yellow/gold color.
What is a dab pen?
Dab pens are refillable devices specifically used to vape marijuana waxes. Just like disposable electronic cigarettes, there are all-in-one marijuana vape pens with flavors like mango passionfruit and Blueberry Kush.
How to teach your child about vaping?
Educate yourself and have a conversation with your children about the health risks and dangers of vaping. Ask them about their knowledge of vaping and if they have tried e-cigarettes. Listen to their response. It is important to help them understand the risks of vaping at an early age and why they should not vape.
Why is vaping so popular among youth?
Vaping marijuana may appeal to youth for two key reasons: Vaping may be perceived as a safer alternative to the traditional method of smoking marijuana (joints, blunts, pipes). Vaping is easier to hide from adults because it has less odor.
Is it reasonable for people to be skeptical about the amount of attention being paid to VAPI?
Depends who you ask. Andrew Hathaway, an associate professor of sociology at the University of Guelph in Canada, says it’s reasonable for people (i.e., vapers) to be skeptical about the amount of attention being paid to VAPI. “Not to diminish the tragedy, but when you see this panic in a country of 300 million people, that has the markings of a moral panic,” he says. “I think there is some cause to be cynical about that.”
Is vape safe?
While some vape cartridge brands have been eager to distance their products from VAPI, most have continued business as usual, often with little to no substantive proof behind claims that their products are safe — a difficult claim for any company to make truthfully, given the lack of regulation nationwide.
Can you buy THC vapes from unlicensed retailers?
Many marijuana advocacy organizations have warned consumers not to buy THC vape products from unlicensed retailers. Meanwhile, the CDC currently recommends total abstention from vaping THC. Before the CDC identified vitamin E as a causal factor, the Cut spoke to a range of experts who study and work with cannabis to determine best practices for cannabis users both casual and frequent in this period of vape-related uncertainty.
Is it safe to vape without vitamin E?
This is not to say that we know all THC cartridges without vitamin E are totally safe ; because these products are relatively new, and regulations vary state-to-state, there’s still a lot we don’t know about vaping’s safety. Annoyingly, when we say “vaping,” we could be referring to the use of either e-cigarettes or cannabis, thereby conflating the two. In the early months of the vaping crisis, the weed-related part of the story flew under the radar, except on cannabis-specific sites like Leafly.
Is vaping weed safer than smoking weed?
In short — yes, potentially. Vaping THC oil has become a popular alternative to smoking weed in recent years, largely due to the product’s convenience, lack of odor, and potency. Just as Juul likely captured segments of the otherwise non-smoking market, weed pens are especially attractive to marijuana newcomers. “It gave people who weren’t your committed chronic pot smokers — your soccer moms, your grandmas — a way to enjoy the benefits of cannabis consumption without the fear of smoke-related harm,” says Hathaway. And much like Juul has been promoted as being inherently safer than smoking cigarettes, advertising for liquid cannabis cartridges tends to promote their ability to deliver a “cleaner” high.
