To be blunt, we need to talk about what’s in vape cartridges.
Too many THC and CBD cartridges use additives and thinning agents that are potentially damaging to our bodies. These dubious additives have been linked to a series of medical issues from sore throats to popcorn lung. While additional data is needed for conclusions, findings not only urge for further testing but also for these findings to be considered in policymaking.
At TribeTokes, we strive to stand out as an additive-free solution in this often far too questionable CBD vape cartridge and pen marketplace. To help consumers out, we’re unpacking some of the findings and evidence around popular additives so you know what may be in other cartridges.
Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT)
Medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) are fats commonly found in coconut oil and palm kernel oil. MCT in vapes is confusing for customers because it is very healthy to ingest (it is a healthy fat for your brain), so people assume it is also healthy to inhale.
When heated to 230°C, the highest temperature cannabis can be vaporized at before combusting, MCT poses a potential health risk to vape consumers. Some specific claims include lung infections in the form of lipid pneumonia or lipoid pneumonia.
The jury is still out on the long terms effects of vaping MCT. A study conducted by the Medical Marijuana Research Institute found that MCT only "produced negligible levels of harmful byproducts" when heated to 230°C. However, another 2017 study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that while MCT did produce less acetaldehyde than other thinning agents, it still produced heightened levels of one or more potentially harmful particles.
Vegetable glycerin (VG) is a clear, odorless liquid common in vape cartridges in the United States and Canada. Vape companies use it because it's inexpensive (cheapest e-liquid option), for the taste (it is a bit sweet as VG is a sugar compound), and because it produces the biggest clouds, which some consumers like (and mistake for high quality).
It is considered safe for human consumption when ingested, but the heating of glycerol has been shown to generate a wide range of carbonyl compounds, including formaldehyde, acrolein, and acetaldehyde, at high temperatures.
Glycerin is a bit thick, so many e-juice manufacturers mix it with Propylene Glycol ("PG" - see below). The most common mix is 60/40 VG /PG.
CBD Vapes
Unlike MCT or VG oil, the potential effects of propylene glycol (PG) have been more critical than other thinning agents. The petroleum byproduct is a colorless, odorless liquid that has been noted as an excellent tool for fighting smoking thanks to its sweet taste. Additionally, it has found uses in medicines and beauty products as well.
Due to its low oral toxicity, PG has been deemed safe by the FDA. However, some skeptics suggest that this distinction is only applicable to consumption and not inhalation. In 2015, Project CBD noted how THC and CBD cartridges with PG agents had the potential to increase carbonyl exposure to consumers. In a 2017 update, Project CBD detailed, like other reports, how PG can lead to exposure to harmful carcinogenic compounds. Additionally, when reaching specific temperatures, PG can degrade intro stronger toxins. Furthermore, in the studies mentioned above, PG was recognized for producing significantly higher levels of potentially dangerous particles than MCT and VG oils.
Polyethylene Glycol is a synthetic resin that is often used as a solvent. Of all the potentially unhealthy additives going into THC and CBD vape cartridges, PEG is the most scrutinized to date.
The additive which can contain ethylene oxide has produced results that lead some to consider it the most dangerous of all additives when heated. Going off the limited studies into the subject so far, the increased focus on PEG may be justified.
In fact, the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine study found that one inhale of a PEG vape cartridge totaled 1.12% of the daily exposure limit to formaldehyde. Those results put it on the same level as smoking a cigarette.
With just a handful of studies currently available, it is that much more important that consumers understand what is going into their cartridges. This importance will only rise as the benefits of vaping becoming more apparent to buyers.
With faster absorption, higher purity and potency levels, CBD vape pens provide a high-quality consuming experience. Don’t let a subpar product ruin the occasion or potentially, your health.
At TribeTokes, we aim to eliminate that concern. TribeTokes strives to provide consumers with a full spectrum CBD distillate that uses plant terpenes and no thinning agents. Entirely derived from 100% hemp-based CBD, our CBD vape cartridges offer users a superior CBD vaping experience.
Learn more about the best vaping experience with our CBD oil vape pen starter kit. Our cutting-edge signature Saber battery provides consumers with a discreet, clean consuming experience without any PEG, PG, MCT, VG, or any other thinning agents.
Contact us to learn more about all-natural CBD vape pens. We’re happy to help!
