THC VAPES - the new trend in cannabis use

Cannabis concentrates consist of psychoactive THC extract and CBD. Chemicals are used to extract the cannabis molecules from the flower and create the concentrates. The resulting substance is sold in either liquid form, a waxy substance or a premade disposable vape pen end.

There are many ways to buy and use cannabis concentrates or even make your own, however Pre-filled THC Vape pens are without doubt the most popular product on the legal concentrate market. Easy to conceal due to the minimal vapour that is produced and quickly dissipates, they are also able to deliver a more precise dose than you can achieve through smoking, making them ideal for medicinal users who want consistent, uniform, discreet effects.

Despite the relaxing of cannabis legislation, cannabis concentrate remains illegal in many areas that have otherwise legalised both recreational and medicinal cannabis use.  These areas include the whole of Canada along with some of the ‘legal’ US states.

So why are concentrates and vaping still viewed with such caution in this new age of the relaxing of cannabis laws? Well it is mainly to do with how the concentrates and oils are made. The common perception is that vape pens give you a cleaner high because you are not inhaling burnt plant matter, however this is not totally true as vape oils can contain thinning agents as well as traces of extraction agents, all of which may pose a risk to long term health.

[caption id="attachment_10568" align="alignnone" width="779"] The author vaping a THC vape pen[/caption]

There are concerns also about the high potency and intense effects of vaping. Cannabis concentrates contain very high THC levels that could range from 40 to 80%, which is up to four times stronger in THC content than high quality cannabis flower. The worry is that vaping could prove too much for many with the effects being more psychologically and physically intense than that of inhaling via traditional smoking methods.

The bottom line is that there is currently no effective way to regulate these products and there won’t be until more research is carried out and evidence provided. So whilst it may be legal in some states and countries, until official health regulations are in place, those who are purchasing concentrates will be taking a risk, as there is no assurance of what is in the products until they have been properly regulated.

Despite this caution, cannabis concentrates remain popular and have made many converts from both the recreational and medicinal world. With this in mind, let’s have a closer look at how pre-filled THC vape pens work and what you should look out for when buying and using them.

Pre-filled THC oil cartridges are mini vape tanks filled with oil made from cannabis concentrate. The tank contains a small coil, which heats the oil and creates vapour which you then inhale. Each cartridge usually contains between 0.5-1ml of oil and they are generally good for around 200-400 puffs. There are two main styles of pre-filled THC cartridges. The most popular is the industry standard 510 e-cig tank, which connects to standard e-liquid and vape pens. The other style of cartridges are called pods and are paired with a specific branded device.

[caption id="attachment_10569" align="alignnone" width="2362"] Close up of distillate disposable THC vape pen from White Jesus genetics[/caption]

When using a pre-filled THC oil cartridge for the first time, it is useful to bear the following in mind. If you can adjust the voltage on your pen, always start off at the lowest possible setting first, you can always experiment with it later to get a stronger hit but be wary of any dry or burnt taste as this could be a sign that you are burning the coil. Likewise, as the potency of vape pens can vary its advisable to begin with small 3 second puffs until you have assessed the strength of the oil. Most cartridges can be refilled with your own THC or CBD or e-liquid before you need to replace them. If it’s a 510 style cartridge it is a simple case of unscrewing the mouthpiece and filling the tank up, for accuracy and less mess it is a good idea to use a syringe.

There is such a wide variety of pre-filled cartridges available however that you can just attach, vape, and replace when empty or when the flavour starts to taste burnt. The selection of flavours available is great too, allowing you to experience your favourite strains in a new and pure way.

There are many oil cartridges on the market to choose from, but what should you be paying attention to in order to ensure that you are getting the best quality whilst minimising any potential risks to your health?. Well, the first and most obvious thing of course is don’t buy cheap! Obviously not everyone can afford to buy the highest quality pharmaceutical grade oil cartridges, but you should always try and buy the best you can afford. Cheap oil cartridges are often high in filler and residual solvents and so to safeguard your health, are best avoided.

Next, you should consider the extraction method that has been used to produce your oil. CO2 extraction is currently the most popular and safest method for making cannabis oil, distillate and live resin cartridges. The reason why is because when it is extracted via CO2 the THC oil doesn’t contain residual solvents like alcohol or butane.

[caption id="attachment_10566" align="alignnone" width="780"] Close up THC pen[/caption]

Thinning agents are another hot topic for debate. Most THC oil cartridges contain some kind of thinning agent, required to create and maintain a consistency of oil that is optimal for vaping. The most common thinning agents found in regular e-liquid are vegetable glycerin (VG) and propylene glycol (PG). Some cartridges will contain other fillers such as PEG and TEC Temper, which is a brand new formula that has been derived from natural terpenes. Its a good idea to look at terpene content when choosing a cartridge also as terpenes serve as a natural filler.

From a taste experience terpenes are important as they dictate the flavour of your vape. Terpenes are organic compounds that are found in all plants giving them individual flavours. In the case of cannabis they determine the taste of each strain as well as interacting with the cannabinoids through the “entourage effect” to create each strains signature effects.

Some vape manufacturers actually add in extra terpenes to enhance flavour and effects, in an attempt to give you the best version of your selected strain. These additional terpenes are carefully blended from a variety of pure, powerful terpenes that work together to create the desired effect, whether that is increased energy, relaxation, stress reduction, or improved mental clarity.  This can actually be a beneficial as long as you ensure that the terpenes added are of a 'food grade quality' which implies that not only are they one hundred percent organic but that they have not been sitting on a shelf for months as purer terpenes equal a more powerful user experience.

Cannabis tolerance is a varied and individual thing and so getting the right cartridge for your needs and personal limits is crucial. Too strong and you could be in some real trouble and too weak and you may not feel the effects. If you are looking for something at the stronger end of the spectrum then go for distillate or live resin as these contain the least amount of filler and have the highest levels of terpenes and THC.

[caption id="attachment_10565" align="alignnone" width="779"] Different flavours and strengths THC vape pens from White Jesus genetics[/caption]

Pre-filled cartridges can come in a range of combinations of THC and CBD. Research has shown that THC can actually enhance the benefits of CBD and vice versa and oils are generally found in various ratios like 50/50 or 80/20 THC:CBD. Some cartridges may even incorporate other cannabinoids such as CBN or THCv into the mix  and claim to have additional benefits beyond those of standard THC and CBD vape oil.

There is no denying that vaping is big business with industry insiders suggesting that cannabis vape pens and other concentrate products could outgrow the dry bud market within five years.

Figures published on forbes.com in September 2018 from a report carried out by Arcview Market Research in partnership with BDS Analytics, predicted that spending on cannabis concentrates in the USA was projected to reach almost $3 billion by the end of the year, which would’ve been an increase on the previous year’s sales of 49%. Further to this the same report forecast that by 2022, U.S. concentrate product sales are estimated to hit $8.4 billion which is nearly a match with the $8.5 billion in dry flower sales forecast for that same year. Vaping accounts for the largest proportion of concentrate sales with 58 percent of concentrate spending in 2018 expected to have come from prefilled vaporizers.

[caption id="attachment_10563" align="alignnone" width="780"] Burnt coil with Burnt THC distillate[/caption]

This pattern is only expected to be repeated in Canada when by the end of the year the sale of concentrates including vape oil are set to be legalised in some if not all of the provinces. Potential is big, leading to estimates that the Canadian vape market could be worth as much as C$600 million by 2021.

The landscape of the cannabis industry is in constant evolution as legalization gains pace and the public image and perception of cannabis becomes more positive. The money that is being invested in new innovation and technology is helping to bring new, convenient and effective cannabis products too market. There is not doubt that the rise in vape pens and concentrate sales is showing us that we are just at the start of a true revolution in how cannabis is consumed and that we should be very excited about the developments to come.