Dr. Laurie Vollen, a Berkeley-based physician with decades of experience recommending cannabis for various health issues, has issued a strong warning against the use of cannabis vape cartridges. Despite her long-standing advocacy for marijuana, Vollen is adamant that vaping cannabis is fraught with risks, primarily due to concerns over heavy metal exposure and untested long-term health effects.
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Vollen's concerns have intensified this year following a major pesticide scandal in California, where many vape cartridges sold in legal dispensaries tested positive for harmful pesticides. “You’re just getting an increased exposure to another toxin,” Vollen said. “It’s one more piece of evidence that people should not be vaping.”
**The Appeal and Risks of Vaping**
Cannabis vape cartridges have surged in popularity due to their convenience. These compact devices, which work with a small electronic battery, allow users to consume cannabis discreetly and without the traditional smoke. In California alone, nearly $100 million worth of vape pens were sold last month, surpassing sales of pre-rolled joints and edibles, according to Headset, a cannabis data company.
However, the rise of vape pens has brought new health concerns. A 2021 study revealed that heavy metals from vape cartridge components can leach into the vapor, exposing users to toxic substances. Additionally, cannabis oil used in vapes often contains over 90% THC, which, while potent, also risks higher levels of contamination compared to traditional cannabis flower.
**Pesticide Contamination and Regulatory Failures**
California’s Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) has stringent pesticide regulations for cannabis, requiring tests for over 60 chemicals. Yet, recent investigations have exposed flaws in enforcement. An SFGATE report highlighted that some vape cartridges with banned pesticides were still on store shelves despite preliminary recalls. The DCC admitted that its labs were struggling to perform all required tests, and recent findings showed that some legal vape pens contained pesticides not currently on the state's testing list, such as pymetrozine, a suspected carcinogen.
Retailers like Elliot Lewis, CEO of Catalyst, are stepping up with their own rigorous testing programs to ensure product safety, testing for additional pesticides beyond those required by the state. Despite these efforts, concerns remain about the effectiveness of current regulations and the potential health risks posed by contaminants.
**Industry Reactions and Health Advice**
Some industry leaders argue that contamination issues are due to a few bad actors and emphasize that most legal vape products are safe. Douglas Fischer from VapeSAFER attributes the problem to regulatory failures rather than widespread industry issues.
However, Vollen remains unconvinced. She points to the extensive research supporting the safety of smoking cannabis compared to the unknown risks associated with vaping. “There’s no reason to use vape cartridges if you can use the flower itself,” Vollen said. “Just smoke the weed.”
As the debate over cannabis vapes continues, Vollen's advice is clear: stick to smoking cannabis flower to avoid the uncertainties and potential dangers of vape cartridges.
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