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Is Vaping Harmful?

Is Vaping Harmful?

Jan 12th 2024

The recent public health crisis within the cannabis industry, notably involving Vitamin E Acetate, has sparked concerns among regulators, industry watchdogs, and consumer advocacy groups. In response to these worries, a comprehensive testing project was initiated to shed light on potential dangers associated with cannabis vape products. The focus of this investigation revealed a crucial factor: the impact of temperature on the safety of cannabis distillate vaporization. This scientific experiment involves data obtained from the testing performed by a certified third-party laboratory, Supra Research and Development Inc. in Kelowna, British Columbia in conjunction with Extract Consultants in Granger, Indiana. This scientific experiment involved six (6) cannabis distillate samples infused with various terpene and flavor products that were subject to a battery of laboratory temperature tests. The data obtained from these tests were compared to the USP 467 (United States Pharmacopeia) to determine the safety profile, including potential health risks, of the resulting vapor.

The Role of Temperature in Cannabis Vaping:

The study data consistently emphasizes that the primary cause of potential hazards in cannabis vape products is excessive temperature. The safe temperature range for terpene-infused cannabis distillate vaporization was found to commence at the boiling points of included terpenes, cannabinoids, and other flavor molecules, peaking at around 400°F (204°C). Below this range, consumers risk not receiving the desired target molecules, while above it, residual solvents are produced, escalating potential health risks.

Understanding the Safe Zone:

The laboratory experiments conducted by Supra Research and Development Inc. in this study underscore the importance of maintaining a safe vaporization temperature. Flavored cannabis distillate vaporized at or below 400°F was determined to be non-recognizably harmful for patients and consumers. Beyond this threshold, the thermal degradation of residual solvents and toxins becomes a concerning factor for inhalation.

Implications for the Cannabis Industry:

The findings of this project advocate for a logical and responsible vaporization target temperature of 400°F within the legal cannabis industry. This temperature not only ensures the desired therapeutic effects but also minimizes the risk of inhaling potentially harmful residual solvents. The study urges other companies and organizations to conduct similar experiments to validate and enhance these results, fostering a collective effort to establish a standard for safe cannabis vaporization.

Challenges in Formulation:

While the ingredient mix of a cannabis product formulation intended for vaporization is an understandable area of investigation for potential consumer harms, this study brings attention to the fact that even acceptable and safe product formulations may yield toxic results if subjected to vaporization temperatures exceeding the observed safe zone. It highlights the necessity of a holistic approach to product development, encompassing both formulation and vaporization parameters.

Conclusion:

In the face of the cannabis vaping concerns, this study provides valuable insights into the critical relationship between vaporization temperature and the emergence of potentially harmful residual solvents. By establishing a recommended vaporization target temperature of 400°F, the legal cannabis industry can prioritize consumer safety. This research not only raises awareness but also encourages further experimentation to solidify these findings, paving the way for a safer and more informed cannabis vaping experience. At Drop of Sunshine we care about our consumers and use all solvent-free terpene blends with a small percentage of any additives to our formulas. We care about the taste profile as well as the effects we are seeking. We work closely with companies such as Extract Consultants when it comes to botanical terpene infusions for our products, as well as Inca Terpenes for all our Live Resin terpenes we infuse into our vapes. We care about you and your safety, for the entire article follow this link .