Is smoking a disposable weed pen dangerous?

Dear Reader,  

Vapes, pens, disposables, oh my! Cannabis is a plant that contains various chemical compounds that have mind-altering effects. You may also know the plant as marijuana, weed, pot, or bud. Disposable cannabis vapes (or weed pens) are battery-operated devices that contain a potent cannabis concentrate, which is heated and inhaled as a vapor. These vapes are relatively new products, so further research is needed to fully understand the long-term health effects of these smoking devices. However, existing research has already identified several potential health risks associated with their use. These include lung damage, inflammation, and other adverse effects. Additionally, these products may increase the risk of negative mental health outcomes and cannabis dependence. 

What health risks are associated with disposable weed cartridges? 

Research shows that even though vaping reduces exposure to certain toxins and carbon monoxide found in smoke, they still contain harmful chemicals. Examples of these components include:  

• Heavy metals such as copper, zinc, lead, and nickel. Metal particles have been found both in vaping liquid and in vapor. When inhaled, these particles can cause breathing issues, lung damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress.  
• Propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin. These are often used as solvents in the vaping liquid. When heated, these substances break down into toxic compounds which may increase the risk of cancer and lung disease.  
• Vitamin E acetate. This has been used as an additive in cannabis (and nicotine) vaping products. This chemical has been linked to an outbreak of a dangerous lung condition called e-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injury (EVALI).   

Many of these chemicals are found in both cannabis and nicotine vaporizers, leading to similar health concerns. More research is needed to understand the long-term health effects of different types of vaping devices.   

Does it make a difference if vapes come from a dispensary? 

Getting vapes from a dispensary is generally going to be the safer choice. Each state has its own laws and regulations that licensed cannabis sellers must follow. However, even dispensary grade products can contain harmful chemicals that may impact health, such as heavy metal particles and solvents.  

What’s the difference between cartridges and normal cannabis (flower, bud, etc.)? 

The main psychoactive compound in cannabis is called THC (chemically known as tetrahydrocannabinol). In vapes and cartridges, THC can be present in a highly concentrated form. Cannabis concentrates used in vapes can contain THC levels that range from 60 to 95 percent. Cannabis flower generally has a lower THC concentration, although some high-potency flower can approach or exceed 30 percent. 

One hit from a joint is very different from one hit from a vape. When smoking a vape, you can get much higher, much quicker, and this can cause someone to smoke more cannabis than they intended. This can lead to unpleasant symptoms, including: 

• Decreased coordination 
• Dizziness 
• Tiredness 
• Headaches 
• Increased heart rate 
• Nausea 
• Confusion 
• Racing thoughts 
• Anxiety 

List adapted from Healthline 

In fact, research shows that smoking concentrates has been linked to higher levels of cannabis-induced anxiety, paranoia, and even psychosis. Furthermore, the risk of developing a cannabis dependency is higher for people who regularly smoke concentrates than people who usually smoke flower. Considering this, the ease and convenience of weed vapes may have unintended consequences that increase risks for dependence and mental health effects.  

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To vape or not to vape? It’s wise for you to keep asking these questions and learning about possible health effects, so you can make an informed decision for yourself.