[Cannabis] extracts are not diluted in propylene glycol or glycerol like nicotine due to their hydrophobic properties. Instead, various forms of oils including vegetable oils, terpenes, and tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E acetate) have been reported as diluents. In most reported cases of EVALI, additional flavoring additives are also added to products.

Although many of these diluent agents and flavorings have been “generally recognized as safe” for oral ingestion by the FDA, recent research shows that when heated to form an aerosol and inhaled, conditions including bronchitis, bronchiolitis, acute hypoxic respiratory distress, lipoid-associated pneumonia, and pneumonitis may result. [1]

The terpenes used in vape carts to dilute and reintroduce flavor and aroma (which is lost in some extraction methods) also produces harmful byproducts when vaped. [2]

Another problem with cheap vape pens and e-cigs is the cheap atomizers/coils used. There have been confirmed cases of these coils/atomizers leeching heavy metals into the vapor produced.[3]

However, dry herb vapes do not have these problems. Dry herb vapes only vape the flower itself. Unless you are running the vape high enough to result in benzene (205–365°C / 401–689°F) [4], then the only thing to worry about with dry herb vapes the quality of their coils. Again, cheaper atomizers/coils have been known to leach heavy metals into the vapor.

[–] carlosdanger_@lemmy.world 3 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (6 children)

I don't know the last time I saw a cartridge that had vitamin e oil in it. Most cannabis products have moved away from using fillers. Usually the only additive, which is mainly used in distillate carts, are botanically derived terpenes. And BHO does not strip cannabis extracts of their aromatic compounds, that's blatantly false and doesn't even make sense scientifically. It's hard to take advice from a study like this that can't even get established facts correct.

Edit: Nice edit above. Still not very convincing when looking at today's cannabis market though

[–] GONADS125@lemmy.world -1 points 1 year ago (4 children)

Not only did I edit it, I adressed the mistake with you in my response.. Did you think that was some sort of gotcha? Hahaha.

You can believe whatever you want, but the evidence is there. Choosing not to believe it is definitely your free choice, but it doesn't make you right or your beliefs true.

Facts remain true regardless if you believe them. And the fact is that combusting bud and dabbing, and vaping most concentrates will result in benzene production.

Live in denial if you want. I remember when most people denied the harmful effects of second-hand cigarette smoke. They were wrong.

[–] carlosdanger_@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

All I was getting at is that you should probably annotate your edits after someone responds to it, instead of changing it and not bringing any attention to it. When I made my edit, your comment did not show up. And I never said I didn't believe the study, it's just not a very accurate study of how the cannabis market has shifted in the past few years since the vitamin E acetate scare. Also, dabbing shouldn't create benzene, as there is no combustion, only vaporization

[–] GONADS125@lemmy.world -2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

I don't think removing a word or 2 needs to be annotated. It wasn't some devious edit.

Also, dabbing shouldn't create benzene, as there is no combustion, only vaporization

Well it does, as I already cited. Source

[–] carlosdanger_@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

If you're going to actually cite a study, you should maybe link the actual abstract itself instead of some random article that regurgitates as little info as possible.

If you actually read the study itself it says that they "dabbed" the extract at over 700 degrees F, which is not how most people dab. When you put a dab into a banger at that temperature there is definitely some combustion occurring, which would result in benzene. But if you're dabbing at temperatures that a normal human would actually do, you're looking at temps between 450-600. The basis of the study is flawed in that it is not even emulating how people actually use these products. The lowest temperature that they tested (322°C) is slightly above the highest temperature that most people usually dab at. While these data points are very important to have and be aware of, citing this study the way you are is disingenuous to the conversation that is being had. Most things when used improperly can be dangerous, as this study shows.

[–] GONADS125@lemmy.world 1 points 1 year ago

I totally may have overlooked that. It may not have been the study I was thinking of. I've had a lot going on and was skimming for an article I had read before. I'll admit it was hasty and you might be right. I'll have to go back and re-read it at some point.

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