Pubdate: Thu, 19 Mar 2015
Source: Tucson Weekly (AZ)
Copyright: 2015 Tucson Weekly
Contact:  http://www.tucsonweekly.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/462
Author: William Wallace, azmarijuana.com

THE NEW NORM

Medicating on the Go With Vape Pens

There are many ways to ingest medical marijuana and each has its pros 
and cons. Some folks swear by their edibles while others prefer the 
tried and true approach to medical marijuana: just plain smoking it. 
But thanks to advances in science and tech, vaporizing marijuana is 
the new norm. In fact, next to dabs, vaping (inhaling and exhaling 
the vapor produced by an electronic cigarette or similar device, 
which became Oxford Dictionary's word of the year in 2014) has become 
one of the most popular new ways for patients to medicate.

One of the many reasons people like using vape pens is that they're 
typically odorless which makes it easy to use when you're on the go. 
Some of the newer pens, like Slim Joint, are designed to look stylish 
and discreet and are available in regular and extra strengths, 
depending on one's needs.

How E-Joints Work

Vaping e-cigarettes, which contain nicotine, is the catalyst that 
started the vaping trend. But now, you can vape good old marijuana 
too, getting the THC, CBD and other cannabinoids that you may require 
for health reasons.

When you inhale an e-joint, the tip glows, just like a real joint. 
But what you exhale is vastly different and more comparable to the 
mist that a fog machine creates. E-joints function on the same basic 
principle: a heating element known as an 'atomizer' heats up the 
fluid, turning it into a gas.

Many e-cigarettes are rechargeable, with refillable liquids that come 
in a variety of interesting flavors. The level of customization and 
variety of tastes have turned vaping into a popular hobby. But for 
medical marijuana patients, e-joints are more than just a tool for 
relaxation  they're an important delivery method for medicine. And, 
just like there are many varieties of e-cigarettes there are many 
varieties of e-joints as well. There are also different strains 
available (including indicas, sativas and hybrids) and different 
flavors and methods of vaping.

Depending on the region or dispensary, there are a few options for 
vapes. Some dispensaries will process their marijuana into a 
psychoactive liquid that can be used in a personal vaporizer. 
Disposable e-joints are just like disposable e-cigarettes in that 
they require little maintenance or recharging batteries. Popular 
brands include the Juju Joint and the SlimJ. One major con is for 
environmentalists, as these e-joints are disposable, but many 
producers are working on programs to recycle the devices, especially 
as these devices grow in popularity.

Are E-Joints Safe?

There has been a fair amount of controversy in response to the safety 
of e-joints, especially in regards to health effects. Since users 
inhale a vapor instead of smoke, many believe it's much safer. So 
far, the overwhelming consensus about e-cigarettes and vaping is that 
it's far safer than inhaling smoke. The truth is, not enough research 
exists to be definitive, but according to WebMD, "So far, evidence 
suggests that e-cigarettes may be safer than regular cigarettes. The 
biggest danger from tobacco is the smoke, and e-cigarettes don't 
burn. Tests show the levels of dangerous chemicals they give off are 
a fraction of what you'd get from a real cigarette. But what's in 
them can vary."

E-joints are a different matter entirely as none of the chemicals 
contained inside an e-joint are addictive. Plus, the cannabinoids 
inside are known by a wide scientific consensus to be helpful for 
certain conditions, including cancer, HIV, glaucoma, chronic pain, 
and many other conditions.

Medical marijuana patients are likely already familiar with which 
strains are best for their condition(s). But are e-joints right for 
patients? That's a decision each patient will have to make on your 
own. Who knows, the result could be very positive.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom