800-671-4304Is Vaping Marijuana Safe? Risks, Side Effects & Detox Help
Traditionally marijuana has been smoked or eaten. It’s even available in THC and CBD-infused drinks. But as vaping has grown in popularity it has expanded into vaping marijuana too.
Considering that some people vape because they view it as a safer alternative to smoking it’s natural to ask, “Is it safe to vape marijuana?”
This article examines the issue of marijuana vaping safety and describes the surprising risks you should consider.
Is Vaping THC Safe?
The short answer is no. Vaping marijuana is not safe. Inhaling weed vapor carries significant health risks to include lung damage.
In addition vaping products’ elevated THC concentrations can lead to addiction and severe mental health consequences.
Worried about weed vapes? Call now for help.
SponsoredThe dangers of vaping marijuana are an area of ongoing research as these devices are relatively new. A recent study found 24 chemicals unique to vaping THC whose effects on human health are not well understood.
A 2024 California health report about the dangers of vaping marijuana found that 2% of lung injury (EVALI) incidents associated with vaping are fatal. In 2019, 68 individuals died and over 2800 were hospitalized due to EVALI caused by vaping weed.
5 Facts About THC Vape Health Risks (You Probably Didn’t Know About)
To understand the risks associated with vaping marijuana there are some key facts you should know.
1) Weed vapor still has toxic chemicals, even without combustion.
THC must be heated to exert its psychoactive effects. Despite not being smoked, the heat produced by vaping devices releases multiple chemicals that are harmful to human health.
2) Vaping may feel smoother, but it can harm the lungs.
Vaping products can mask marijuana’s smell and they may feel smoother to inhale compared to smoking but that doesn’t mean they’re gentler. The harmful byproducts emitted during vaping can still penetrate lung tissue and cause damage.
3) Black market vapes often contain unsafe additives.
There are no FDA approved THC vapes so distinguishing fake from ‘’safe’’ products is challenging. You don’t have a reliable way to know what you’re inhaling, which could include harmful vape oil additives that can damage your health.
4) Vaping concentrates THC, increasing addiction risk.
Vaping can result in consuming more frequent and elevated THC doses than users expect, which could lead to developing cannabis use disorder (CUD), an addictive condition that about 30% of marijuana users develop.
5) THC may impair thinking, no matter how it’s consumed.
THC products can disrupt how individuals make decisions, remember events and sustain attention. Regardless of how you use it you’re at risk for these short term and long term effects.
What’s in a THC Vape?
Cannabis and tobacco smoke share 69 compounds associated with cancer, genetic mutations and other toxic effects. While vaporizing THC curtails some of the toxic byproducts of smoking marijuana not all the dangers are prevented.
Cannabis for vaping is a THC distillate which is often mixed with cutting agents like vegetable glycerin or propylene glycol to thin it. In many cases flavors are added too. This liquid mixture goes into a vaping device that heats it and produces a vapor that’s inhaled by the user.
But these are not all the ingredients researchers and authorities have found in mixtures used for cannabis vaporization. Here’s a table with common ingredients, byproducts and contaminants found in vaping mixtures and their potential health risks.
| Component | Purpose | Health Risk |
| THC | Main psychoactive compound in marijuana | Can produce addiction and negative health effects like reduced brain function and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease |
| Vitamin E Acetate | Used as a thickening agent to cut cannabis oil, especially in black market products | May caused life threatening lung injuries and was associated with the EVALI surge in 2019 |
| Propylene Glycol | Solvent and vapor carrier | Can cause respiratory irritation |
| Vegetable Glycerin | Vapor base and thickener | May produce a lung irritant called acrolein |
| MCT Oils | Carriers used in homemade or black market liquids | Can cause lung inflammation and lipid pneumonia when inhaled through a hash oil vaporizer |
| Solvents | Leftovers from the extraction process, like butane | Lung irritants which may cause central nervous system side effects |
| Heavy Metals | Lead and other heavy metals are byproducts from heating coils or cartridge materials | Can disrupt multiple organs like the brain and kidneys, and cause birth defects |
| Pesticides | Residues from unregulated weed cultivation | May cause endocrine problems, organ toxicity and lung irritation |
| Volatile Organic Compounds | Harmful byproducts like benzene resulting from heating certain cannabis compounds (terpenes) and additives | Associated with cancer |
| Other compounds | Carbonyls, hydrocarbons, silicon, herocyclic and oxygenated compounds are all byproducts of heating cartridges, lubricants, oils, fillers and other ingredients involved in vaping weed | Many are lung irritants while some can cause mutations and are associated with cancer |
| Potential drug contamination | Illegal supply chains can contaminate vapes with fentanyl, stimulants, tranquilizers, and other harmful substances | May elevate overdose risk |
Black market brands like Heavy Hitters or Ego-T can be contaminated with these harmful compounds, so it’s safest to avoid them..
Short Term Side Effects of Vaping Weed
Vaping marijuana can have effects in both the short term and the long term. Short term side effects of vaping THC can vary considerably.
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Paranoia
- Restlessness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Elevated blood pressure
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing
- Chest pain
- Lightheadedness
- Losing track of time
- Feeling high
- Psychotic episodes
- Red eyes
- Dry mouth
Vaping cannabis rapidly can lead to ‘’greening out’’ or ‘’whiteying,’’ an adverse reaction that may cause sweating, shaking, or even fainting episodes.
At high doses, cannabis intoxication is possible. Symptoms of weed intoxication can be severe and varied.
- Severe panic attacks
- Feeling like losing control
- Extreme low mood
- Hallucinations
- Movement difficulties
- Mental confusion
- Feeling persecuted
If children accidentally consume edibles or THC this can result in severe medical emergencies. Seek help if you suspect a child ingested cannabis products in any form.
Long Term Risks and Mental Health Effects
While vaping marijuana has immediate effects the risks don’t go away after it’s out of your system. There are potential long term THC vape effects that can affect multiple areas of your health.
Lung Health
Inhaling anything on a regular basis can impact your lungs in lasting ways and vaping THC can cause complications.
- Long term lung irritation
- Diverse lung injuries (similar to those caused to cells by cigarettes)
- Increased cellular stress and damage due to gene changes
- Lung inflammation
- EVALI (can be fatal)
- Respiratory infections
A widespread belief is that vaporizing is healthier than smoking cannabis. But in regard to lung health, this is not always the case. Certain damaging compounds to the lungs may be more active or may be absorbed more fully in vapor form and this can make the lungs more vulnerable to scarring or inflammation.
Mental Health
In addition to your lung function your mental health can suffer when you vape weed repeatedly in a variety of ways.
- Depression
- Psychosis
- Anxiety
- Suicidal ideation
- Addiction
- Panic attacks
- Lack of motivation
It’s estimated that 2,6 million American adolescents vape THC. Early THC exposure increases lifelong mental health risk because developing brains are more susceptible to marijuana’s negative effects.
Cognitive Decline
Your brain’s ability to function is impaired when you vape THC and the long term effects can add up.
- Memory loss
- Executive dysfunction such as difficulties concentrating and managing tasks
- Learning difficulties
- Low work and academic performance
Cardiovascular Risks
Your heart health is at risk if you’re using a marijuana vape repeatedly as well. You can develop cardiovascular issues that contribute to heart disease.
- High blood pressure
- Elevated heart rate
- Arterial thickness
A recent study found that THC in any form may elevate blood pressure, heart rate and arterial thickness. These are risk factors for heart attacks and stroke.
Cancer
Cannabis vaping aerosol may alter cellular pathways linked to cancer development, pointing to the similarities in how cigarette smoke and vaporized cannabis can harm human cells. Keep in mind that these findings are relatively new and that more study is needed to determine if these cellular changes are caused by vaping weed.
Is Vaping THC Addictive?
Can you get addicted to weed pens? Yes, you can get addicted to cannabis, as THC is a compound with the potential to generate psychological dependence and some level of physical dependence.
THC is the compound in marijuana that makes people feel ‘’high’’ or ‘’stoned.’’ Vapes can have more concentrated THC compared to marijuana that is smoked and higher THC concentrations can elevate the risk of developing cannabis use disorder or CUD.
Think you may be addicted to cannabis vapes? Call now.
SponsoredVaping can increase the risk of addiction, as it’s been estimated that users can end up consuming up to 4 times more THC with vaping devices compared to traditional weed joints. Additionally, the potency of illegal cannabis products has quadrupled in the last 30 years.
The DSM-5 notes several weed addiction signs.
- Persistent use despite harm
- Cravings
- Tolerance or withdrawal symptoms
- Spending excessive time using or procuring weed
- Failed attempts to stop
- Mood swings when not vaping
- Social withdrawal
- Anxiety
- Low academic or job performance due to marijuana use
Not everyone who vapes THC develops an addiction. Still it’s impossible to predict who will end up becoming addicted, so vaping weed is a dangerous health gamble.
How to Detox from THC Vapes
If you believe you’ve developed an addiction to vaping weed, where do you go from here? The first step may be to detox, quitting using the THC vapes and allowing your body to adjust to its new normal without the THC.
How Long Does it Take to Detox from THC Vape?
Quitting marijuana can result in experiencing withdrawal symptoms that peak in the first 4 to 8 days and may last between 1 and 3 weeks in most cases. Depending on how long an individual used marijuana and the amount consumed, some symptoms can persist up to 5 weeks.
THC Vape Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal from marijuana is real, even from vaping and can affect sleep, mood and appetite. The symptoms can be extensive.
- Tiredness
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Unsettling dreams
- Low appetite
- Mood swings
- Muscle pains
THC Vape Detox Timeline
What can you expect while you’re detoxing from vaping weed? Everyone’s experience can vary but there’s the general timeline that withdrawal often follows.
- Days 1 to 3
- First withdrawal symptoms emerge.
- Days 4 to 8
- Most intense withdrawal symptoms are experienced these days.
- Weeks 2 to 4
- Most symptoms subside. Sleeping difficulties can linger up to 5 weeks.
If you experience severe withdrawal symptoms after quitting vaping weed, professional help may be necessary for support.
How to Quit Vaping Weed
Approximately 19.2 million Americans are addicted to weed. This substance use disorder can affect relationships, health and life plans. Fortunately recovery is possible.
Effective treatments exist and quitting marijuana vaping for good is something thousands of individuals like you accomplish every year. Our detox directory can help you find licensed centers that can guide you to recovery.
Call now for help quitting cannabis vapes.
SponsoredThere are some strategies for quitting vaping marijuana that could help you recover from your addiction.
- Set a quit date.
- Trash all weed related paraphernalia.
- Educate yourself on the harms of cannabis.
- Evaluate if you are experiencing mental health challenges that may require professional support.
- Replace the ritual associated with vaping, possibly replacing it with something healthy like enjoying tea, taking walks or rekindling a hobby.
- Access psychological therapy, the most effective approach to quitting weed, or join support groups.
- Involve friends and family for emotional support or to drive you to support meetings.
- Associate with individuals committed to healthy lifestyles.
- Start an exercise regimen.
- Avoid environments, activities and individuals that may encourage vaping.
- Use tracking apps or journals to evaluate your progress.
Quitting weed cold turkey may work for some individuals, but to minimize withdrawal effects, it can be better to gradually taper cannabis consumption under professional guidance.
What If I Got Sick from a Vape?
Sometimes it’s difficult to know if your vape may be to blame if you aren’t feeling well.
Here are symptoms associated with lung injury to consider if you feel sick after vaping weed:
- Breathing difficulties like shortness of breath
- Cough
- Chest tightness
- Chills
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea or vomiting
These signs can take days or even weeks to develop, so it’s wise to seek immediate medical help if you experience any of them, even if you’re healthy. Many EVALI cases occurred in young individuals with no previous lung conditions.
Most severe lung injuries from cannabis vapes have been linked to black market cartridges. Hospitals will treat anyone experiencing symptoms like chest pain, cough, or breathing difficulties. You can access care no matter where the vape came from, so be honest when you seek medical care.
If possible, bring the product with you to help doctors assess your condition.
Safer Alternatives to Cannabis Vaping
Vaporizing THC exposes you to health risks, including addiction, lung injury and mental health challenges. There are healthier alternatives to consider.
- Holotropic breathwork, a conscious breathing technique that supports emotional release and altered states without substances.
- CBD only products which contain not THC but CBD, a cannabis compound that may have beneficial medicinal properties but won’t get you “high,” although keep in mind that CBD products often have traces of THC so follow medical guidance if you’re considering CBD.
- Tinctures or topicals which may offer some medical benefits for specific conditions without the need to vape, but please rely on medical advice to access products based on science and your unique needs.
- Cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT) is a therapy technique that can teach you relaxation techniques that are safe and effective so you don’t need to use marijuana to relax.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vaping Marijuana
THC vapes’ effects generally last 1 to 3 hours, but heavy users may feel residual effects for much longer. Inexperienced cannabis users or individuals exposed to vapes with high THC concentrations may feel more intense and prolonged effects.
Yes, you can get addicted to weed vapes as they often contain very high levels of THC and THC is a potentially addictive compound that increases the risk of developing cannabis use disorder. Around 30% of individuals who regularly consume marijuana become addicted to it.
After quitting THC vapes, individuals may experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Insomnia, irritability, anxiety, cravings, and vivid dreams are some of the most common ones.
THC in any form of consumption can lead to addiction and may cause negative psychological and physical consequences. While vaping avoids combustion, reducing certain compounds emitted in cannabis smoke, vaping still heats weed, which releases harmful chemicals associated with many health hazards like lung injury and other complications.
Vape pens are so potent because they contain concentrated cannabis extracts which often have over 80–90% THC. Also, people who use dabs may take more puffs or be unaware of the potency of the mixture and end up ingesting massive THC doses.
Yes, weed pens can be dangerous. Vaporizing cannabis can open the doors to addiction, while substances released when heating weed and contaminants in vape products may cause lung irritation, heart complications and an increased risk of cancer.
Get Help Quitting THC Vapes
If you’re struggling with weed pen addiction, you’re not alone. Addiction to marijuana can happen to anyone.
If you need assistance on how to quit vaping weed, we can help you. Detox, therapy, and support groups are all alternatives worth exploring.
Detox.com’s treatment locator offers the most comprehensive guide in the United States for finding rehab centers.
You can also call the helpline below for immediate support. Here, compassionate people can guide you in finding the most appropriate healing path for your recovery journey.
Recovery is possible. Today is a good day to start again. Call now.
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