San Francisco, CA: The use of electronic vape pens results in significantly less emissions of harmful toxins as compared to smoking pre-rolled cannabis cigarettes, according to the findings of a study conducted by NN Analytics and sponsored by California NORML and the consulting company MayThe5th.
Researchers compared emissions produced by a pair of California state-licensed vape pens versus those produced by marijuana cigarettes. Investigators used a puffing machine to draw equal samples from the selected products. (Vape pens heat concentrated cannabis oils and are distinct from herbal vaporizers, which heat cannabis flower to a set temperature below the point of combustion.)
Researchers reported that the devices significantly reduced or eliminated the production of most noxious compounds, including formaldehyde, lead, benzene, and acrolein. They also delivered more THC per puff than did cigarettes.
By contrast, electronic devices produced greater emissions of the heavy metals nickel and chromium, a finding that is consistent with other studies. (Elemental emissions are likely released from the structural components of certain electronic devices – including heating coils, wicks, metal cores, and mouthpieces – when they are operated at high temperatures.)
“The data doesn’t call for panic; it calls for immediate, results-driven technical optimization, but most of all, for more research so regulators and legislators stop letting combustion set the benchmark for cannabis inhalation,” said Arnaud Dumas de Rauly, Founder of MayThe5th Consulting and co-author of the study.
California NORML Coordinator and study co-author Dale Gieringer similarly echoed the need for further study of vape pen technology, adding: “Hopefully, the government’s recent rescheduling decision will end obsolete restrictions that have hindered researchers from studying cannabis vape pens that are readily available to millions of US consumers.”
A comprehensive summary of the study’s findings is available from California NORML.