'Just Smoke The Weed': Why This Physician In California Urges Against Cannabis Vaping

Dr. Laurie Vollen, a medical professional from Berkeley, spent decades advocating for cannabis use, but against cannabis vaping.

Vollen’s concerns center on the potential dangers associated with cannabis vape cartridges, particularly the exposure to harmful substances like heavy metals and pesticides.

"You’re just getting an increased exposure to another toxin," Vollen told SFGATE, reinforcing her long-held skepticism toward vape products.

As a California-based physician, her concerns escalated this year after a pesticide scandal emerged, revealing that several cannabis vapes sold in the legal market tested positive for contaminants.

Read Also: California Lawsuit Takes Aim At Cannabis ‘Lab Shopping’ As Dangerous Pesticides End Up In Popular Weed Products

Dangers In Cannabis Vaping

Cannabis vape cartridges have gained popularity for their convenience, and is becoming a mainstream method for consuming rosin, accounted for nearly $100 million in sales in California last month.

However, this ease of use comes with hidden risks. Studies have shown that components of vape cartridges can leach heavy metals into the vapor, directly exposing users to potentially toxic substances. The cheaper the vape, the more likely it will the metal inside the vape will make direct contact with the vape juice or oil. When the oil vaporizes, so are the metals that compose the vape. 

But there are also risks associated with the oil itself. The cannabis oil inside the cartridges results from an extraction process that might concentrate contaminants, including pesticides. Vollen and other experts argue that this makes vaping even riskier than smoking cannabis flower, which typically contains far fewer toxins.

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California’s Struggle To Regulate The Industry

California has implemented stringent pesticide testing for cannabis products, but recent reports suggest regulatory gaps.

Investigators recently tested 42 products for contaminants. As a result, 25 contained pesticide concentrations exceeding state and federal safety standards numerous legal vape products contained banned pesticides, casting doubt on the effectiveness of state oversight.

Thus, cannabis vaping might carry an extra risk even when substances are supposed to be controlled regularly by the state’s authority.

Taking notice about the risks associated to using this products, Dr. Vollen remains advices: "Just smoke the weed. There's no reason to use vape cartridges if you can use the flower itself."

• Read Next: Cannabis Regulator Whistleblower Sues California, Alleges Retaliation After Reporting Lab Testing Misconduct

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