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Vape pens have been gaining in popularity as a way to consume cannabis. According to some estimates vape pens command about 20% market share of the cannabis consumption market, and it’s even higher in the under-35 demographic. But there is growing evidence that they may be doing more harm than good to the way the general public perceives the cannabis market and the health and well-being of cannabis customers.
Although vape pens are growing faster than other forms of cannabis consumption they may have negative externalities that do a surprising amount of harm. Vape pens can be dangerous, lead to waste in the environment, and can be easily abused. All of these factors could eventually lead to negative consequences for the cannabis industry as a whole.
Vape Pens Can Be Dangerous to One’s Health
Vaporizing cannabis with vape pens can present significant danger to one’s health, as the oil used in many of these pens is adulterated with dangerous and untested chemicals. Additionally, their fine particles are easily inhaled into the lungs, and regular use of this method can cause irritation, lung illness, and other long-term respiratory issues. Moreover, given the lack of adequate regulation regarding THC oil concentration and the lack of clear information on ingredients present in vape pens, consumers have no idea what it is that they are actually consuming when using vape pens.
These factors combine to make cannabis vape pens a very risky endeavor for cannabis users and in some cases making some users very ill. There is even a troubling amount of instances where vaping abuse has led to death – something unheard of by smoking organic cannabis products.
Vaping cannabis products can offer an attractive alternative to smoking, yet there is still much we don’t know about their effects on the lungs of adolescents. Research has found troubling levels of toxins and carcinogens present in many such devices – including carbonyls, volatile organics, nitrosamines and heavy metals – which should cause concern for health professionals when considering the safety implications these substances could have upon developing young bodies.
Vape Pens Lead to a Lot of Waste and Environmental Damage
Given the plethora of components that comprise a traditional vape pen, such as plastic cartridges and batteries, special disposal procedures must be taken after their use in order to protect our environment from potentially hazardous materials. Unlike rolling papers, vape pens leave evidence when done that cannot be easily discarded. Unfortunately, most cartridges and batteries are rarely recycled, leading to an alarming amount of waste all over the nation; this not only pollutes our environment, but it also presents a serious detriment to the cannabis industry’s reputation. Investing more into environmentally friendly practices for disposing vape pens can be beneficial for everyone in the long run; if done properly, it will demonstrate the sustainability and contribution to green efforts which is so often sought after.
By improving the disposal practices for vape pens and educating consumers about their potential risks, we can ensure that these products are used responsibly and closer to the levels of the way cannabis growers dispose of product waste. Furthermore, this will help reduce waste in our environment from dangerous materials associated with vape pens and give the cannabis industry a better reputation as an environmentally responsible industry. With greater awareness of safety measures and environmentally friendly practices, we can all work together for better cannabis consumption.
Vaping Can Be Easily Abused
Vape pens are often abused due to their discreteness, ease of access, and high potency. Since vape pens are incredibly easy to use and require no real skill or knowledge, they have become very popular among teens and young adults. People using vape pens can easily consume them just about anywhere and anytime, which can increase the consumption levels.
Furthermore, they contain a much higher concentration of THC than a traditional cannabis plant, increasing the chances of an overdose or adverse reaction. A THC oil cartridge can contain as high as 90% THC levels whereas a cannabis plant is usually 15-20%. This makes vape pens particularly dangerous for children and teenagers who might not understand the risks, but can easily access these products from friends or stores.
For new smokers, smoking THC vape pens as their introduction to cannabis THC can lead to an unhealthy relation with cannabis from a very early age. As much as 15% of teenagers report to vaping THC despite the illegality of the sale of the device. High levels of tolerance can also quickly occur as users can take multiple hits in short periods of time, leading to addiction. Vape pens therefore pose serious safety concerns for people who choose to use them, regardless of their age.
Overall, vape pens can be a convenient and efficient way to consume cannabis, but their lack of regulation and potential for abuse are cause for concern. It is important that we consider the potential ramifications of these products on our health, the environment, and society as a whole before continuing to rely solely on them as a form of consuming cannabis.
By taking into account all of these factors, we can ensure that everyone in the industry has access to safe consumption methods while still allowing people to enjoy the benefits of marijuana without putting themselves at risk. With proper education and regulation around cannabis consumption devices like vape pens, we can help protect consumers’ health while also helping to promote sustainability in the industry.