The widespread hype about the dangers of vaping and its adverse effects have raised more questions in the minds of enthusiasts across the country. The stimulus package signed by the outgoing Trump administration contained a vital clause that is directed at all kinds of vaping delivery systems. Not just nicotine, but all other CBD oil and marijuana vaping devices are now banned for USPS delivery. The intention here is to make vapes inaccessible primarily to underage users at higher risk from the ill-effects. But, the one controversy that stands out is – nicotine or marijuana – which is worse for your health. Let’s explore some important facts.
Vaping Associated Pulmonary Illness – The Worrying Issue
Lung damage associated with vaping is one of the leading causes for concern for apex health agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This fact is true regardless of the kind of e-juices used in the vapes, nicotine or marijuana. Statistics gathered from across the country affirm that 68 people have died and another 2,807 admitted into the hospital for treating EVALI cases. Or, “popcorn” lungs as the condition is also called.
Although E-cigarette or Vaping Product-use Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) is mainly associated with nicotine inhalation, health authorities have identified the key culprit responsible for the damage – vitamin E acetate. This chemical is present in all liquids used in electronic inhalation systems. It is extracted from corn and vegetable oils but can also be synthesized from petroleum products.
Vitamin E Acetate is Only Safe for Using in Food and Cosmetics
Vitamin E acetate is a food additive and is often used to fortify breakfast spreads, cereals, and fruit juices. Applying it on your skin in creams and toners is also safe unless you’re particularly allergic to the compound. However, illegal manufacturers often use vitamin E acetate as a thinning agent to dilute e-juices, CBD oils, and THC oils. And, research clearly shows that breathing in the chemical is exceedingly harmful to health.
Vitamin E containing alpha-tocopherol is the most commonly used version since it is resistant to oxidation and has a longer shelf life. When inhaled, tocopherols form a layer on the lung’s fluid lining and interfere with the exchange of gases. As a result, your lungs are unable to absorb adequate oxygen and filter out carbon dioxide. Over time, the lung cells start to die.
Let’s Talk About Marijuana
The federal government considers marijuana illegal, though many states have permitted the drug for recreational use. Medical authorities have also accepted the benefits of marijuana for various conditions such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, pain management for chronic diseases like cancer and arthritis, and numerous others. Patients can get prescriptions for the drug and consume it in pill form. However, the trouble starts when users combine marijuana with vitamin E acetate and add it to vaping and inhaling devices.
Vaping Marijuana is Not Recommended
Research shows that vaping with liquid marijuana is consuming the drug at high concentrations. You can expect that the high you get from smoking will be faster and much more potent than if you were to smoke the dry herb. The vaping delivery system intensifies the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on your body. If you’re trying vaping marijuana for the first time or use it only occasionally, you could expect to experience more adverse reactions than if you were to smoke the herb.
What About Nicotine Vaping to Quit Smoking
Nicotine vaping is an effective way to give up smoking for good. However, it is critical to use devices, e-liquids, and e-juices sold by certified vendors and online sellers. Should you visit licensed websites, you can read more about the components of the e-juices so you can make an informed choice. Select brands like Hyde Vape that use safe and permitted ingredients like Vegetable Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, and liquid nicotine. You must also match the nicotine content to your smoking habits and phase out the dependence gradually.
Vaping Nicotine or Marijuana – Be Wary About Vitamin E Acetate
Regardless of whether you’re using nicotine or marijuana, take care to eliminate vitamin E acetate entirely. Know that purchasing e-liquids on the street or from unauthorized social media sites raises your risk of getting popcorn lung or hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by your immune system reacting to the damage. Whether you’re using vaping for smoking cessation or marijuana for medical purposes, consult your general practitioner for information about the safer channels for consuming the compounds.
Choose Safer Methods for Consuming Nicotine or Marijuana
The answer to your next question – what are safer methods to consume nicotine or marijuana? Several methods are available to smokers wishing to quit the habit. Aside from vaping with e-liquids without vitamin E acetate, you can try options like nicotine chewing gum, patches, and lozenges. You can also get a nasal spray or inhaler or nicotine-free medications like Chantix and Zyban to help you kick the habit with the proper prescription.
If you need medical marijuana to help you with health issues, you can consume it safely with food. Your doctor will advise you to add it to items like brownies, cookies, candies, and gummy chews. Adding it to your coffee in creamers or drinking a tea made from the herb can also give you the complete benefits with none of the potential downsides. Of course, it is essential to consume only the recommended amount and prevent the possibility of getting addicted.
The Bottom Line – Is Vaping Safe?
In recent times, vaping with nicotine, marijuana, or even CBD oils is being scrutinized. Health agencies are raising awareness about the dangers of vaping with any e-liquid containing vitamin E acetate. This compound has been identified as the key ingredient that causes serious medical complications. When purchasing your supplies, take care to examine labels and get the necessary information. Stay informed about the health risks and phase out smoking – with nicotine or marijuana.
