If you smoke nicotine or marijuana and try to quit it, you might have considered vaping as an alternative. Many people say that vaping is a safer and healthier way to enjoy cannabis. Convenience, portability, potency, and lack of odor have made it one of the most popular trends nowadays. Vape pens have caught the attention of stoners as well as non-smokers.
More states have legalized the use of marijuana medically and recreationally. So, marijuana vaporizers and THC oil are more available. Many speculations and myths are there about marijuana, vaping, and THC. Read the full article to learn about vaping THC pens.
What is a THC pen?
THC pens or vaporizers are electronic devices that constitute a heat source that heats the THC oil or flowers and vaporizes the active ingredients without burning. Many kinds of vaporizers are available in the market.
Desktop vapes:
It is a non-portable vaping device, dependent on a wall outlet in which you can precisely adjust the temperature. Temperature plays a significant role in vaping quality. Some devices have a whip or a hose-like mouthpiece, and some devices have a bag like a balloon that fills with vapor.
Portable vapes:
Portable vapes, also known as vape pens, are a compact version of a vaporizer. It looks like a box or a fancy pen, so you can carry it in your pocket and use it anytime. It operates with a battery (rechargeable and non-rechargeable). There are also some big and bulky THC pens available.
What are the different types of vape pens?
Most vapers use a portable vape pen to carry with them. Here are the kinds of vaporizer options you have.
- Cartridge pens:
You do not have to suffer the hassle of filling or cleaning the tank with these devices. They come with a pre-filled cartridge with rechargeable and use-and-throw device options.
- Concentrate pens:
These devices have a tank, and you have to fill it up with concentrates or THC oil. You can mix the concentrate with e-juice if it is too thick to vape.
- Herb vaporizers:
These vape pens are a bit more costly than other ones. You can vape dry herb flowers in them.
What are the benefits of THC oil?
The primary purpose of vaping THC oil is for recreational effects, but it is also a cannabinoid in nature. So, it also has some therapeutic benefits. But unfortunately, we do not have much research or data to prove these claims.
#1 Analgesic effects:
The oldest medicinal use of marijuana is for relieving pain. Tetrahydrocannabinol is a potent analgesic that can help relieve nociceptive and neuropathic pain. Cannabinoids are more effective on neuropathic pains. People also use it for arthritis, back pain, body aches, muscle cramps, cancer, and chemo-related pains. It works through the cannabinoid receptors and blocks the signals from reaching the brain. But the drug does not treat the issue from its roots; it works as a painkiller.
#2 Reduces nausea:
Taking THC can reduce nausea and vomiting in patients. The constant nauseating feeling can be overwhelming to bear for a long time. Cancer and chemotherapy patients also have similar issues. Many doctors prescribe medical marijuana after chemo to suppress nausea. The drug can help manage the problem to some extent.
Nabilone and dronabinol are two THC-based drugs available on the market. They reduce cancer-related nausea and vomiting effectively. In a small study in 2020, researchers found that patients who took THC-based medicines with their standard treatment responded better than others. But we need more research to prove its efficiency.
#3 Ease muscle spasms:
Muscle spasms are involuntary but painful contractions of muscles. It is a temporary health issue and harmless most of the time. Extreme fatigue, low sodium, and potassium are the common reasons. But it is also a symptom of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and paraplegia. THC has shown promising results in helping these patients, but we need more research to prove its efficiency.
#4 Improves sleep:
Sleep disturbance is a common symptom of most physical and mental health issues. THC is a recreational drug with sedative effects. So, it can help with short-term sleep-related problems. It can slow down brain activity and make you feel sleepy. So, it cuts down the time of falling asleep and helps you get a deep sleep. You will feel better the next day after a good night’s rest. But we do not have data on how it affects sleep quality.
Is vaping a safer choice?
The critical difference between vaping and smoking is that no combustion occurs in the first method. So, the number of carcinogens the method releases is lesser. But vaping is not exactly a risk-free way to enjoy cannabis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US has confirmed numerous cases of lung injuries and deaths (EVALI) related to vaping.
THC oil, especially if they contain vitamin E acetate, can severely harm the vapers. According to the CDC, it is better to avoid vaping products that contain THC. They have also warned about buying from unverified sources and adding substances with vape oil.
If novice users take an enhanced dosage, it can produce negative impacts. Concentrates have up to three or four times more THC than top-shelf marijuana, so you have to be careful while using them.
What are the side effects of vaping THC oil?
Vaping THC has short-term and long-term side effects. So, you have to mind the potency and frequency while using them.
After you start vaping marijuana, you might feel,
- Dry mouth
- Red eyes
- Impaired perception
- Short-term memory loss
- Impaired motor skills
- Paranoia
- Increased anxiety
- Rapid heartbeat
- Distorted senses
- Coordination issues
A high dosage can increase the risk of getting side effects. So, try to be mindful of those issues. If you vape THC oil for a long time, it can cause,
- Risk of addiction
- Cognitive problems
- Chronic cough
- Schizophrenia
- Lung problems
Even if you only vape the drug occasionally, you can get,
- Dry eyes
- Dry mouth
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Feel sick
- Increased appetite
- Racing heart
- Memory issues
- Coughing
Now the pros and cons of vaping THC oil are clear. If it is legal in your state, you can easily buy them from a vape shop or an online cannabis store.
