Is Vaping Cannabis Bad?

There are risks involved whether an individual vapes or smokes. Because vaping is relatively new in comparison to smoking, there is less data compiled on the long-term effects of vaping. However, some research is starting to surface and providing more insight into what vaping can do to the human body. So, is vaping cannabis bad?

American Addiction Centers, the nationwide leader in addiction treatment, treats those who struggle with marijuana abuse, inhalants, and many other substances. Our treatment services are provided under the care of licensed physicians and a professional healthcare staff. If you or a loved one is battling marijuana abuse, you’re not alone. Please reach out to get the help you need today.

Vaping Weed vs. Smoking Weed

According to the American Lung Association, inhaling smoke created by tobacco, weed, or another substance is bad for lung health. And since individuals who smoke marijuana tend to hold the smoke in their lungs longer than tobacco smokers, putting them at an increased risk for tar exposure, smoking weed compared to tobacco doesn’t make the smoking experience any safer as some may have been led to believe.

But what about the different between vaping weed and smoking weed?

In order to vape marijuana, oil is heated through a vaporizing device (i.e., an e-cigarette), whereas smoking weed may be rolled up into a piece of paper, or joint, and smoked. Marijuana may also be placed in a cigar after taking out the tobacco (also known as a blunt).

Although the CBD (cannabinoid compounds) found in marijuana may have some benefits, inquiring minds can’t ignore the THC (tetrahydrocannabinol chemical) found in the substance, which is responsible for getting an individual high. Furthermore, THC may not be the only chemical harmful to lung health. Vitamin E acetate may also cause health problems, as it’s a chemical additive present in some vaping products that also contain THC.

By the end of 2019, 55 deaths were reported from over 2,500 cases of EVALI (lung injury) caused by the inhalation of vitamin E acetate across the United States, its capital, and its two  territories. The fact that the problem is nationwide speaks volumes about there being an actual challenge that needs to be addressed.

Smoking weed:

Smoking weed in the traditional sense still comes with its list of negative health problems as well. For those that believe that sticking with smoking weed as opposed to vaping is the healthier option, think again.

Possible health effects of chronically smoking weed include:

• Coughing.
• Bronchitis
• Weakened immune system.
• Possible increased risk of respiratory tract infections.
• Possible increased risk of infection in immunocompromised individuals (e.g., those with HIV)
• Wheezing.
• Excessive mucus production.

What conclusions can we draw about cannabis?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Marijuana use impacts the brain, specifically the parts associated with attention, decision making, memory, learning, reaction time, and emotions.
• 1 in 10 marijuana users will become addicted; the statistic adjusts from 1 in 6 for those who began using before the age of 18.
• Marijuana is the most commonly utilized drug in the United States.

There are risks associated with the use of any mind and body altering substances. Although more data needs to be provided, there is enough to support the fact that vaping can lead to some healthcare issues, specifically with vaping cannabis. Smoking weed doesn’t offer a positive alternative option either.

If you or a loved one is battling with an addiction to marijuana, inhalants, or other substances, you’re not alone and you don’t need to fight the battle on your own. There are resources available to help you achieve long-term sobriety, starting with the first step that you take today, and beyond. Don’t let a battle with substance abuse overwhelm you. Please reach out to get the help that you need.