Get Answers on the Addictive Potential of Weed Vape Pens

Many people buy weed pens because it is a discreet and convenient way to consume the drug. However, using weed pens also means that cannabis is more easily accessible to you at times when it would not be otherwise. Often, this leads to an increase in use and tolerance.

Tolerance and dependence can often go hand in hand, leading to our core question: Can you get addicted to weed pens?

What are the risks, and what should you do if vaping marijuana has negative effects on your daily life?

Can You Get Addicted to Weed Pens?

Yes. You can absolutely get addicted to weed pens. In fact, the concentrated THC (the psychoactive component of cannabis) in weed pens means that they are much stronger than traditional marijuana products.

Flower usually contains around 17% to 30% THC, but the concentration in vapes can reach 95% or more. Paired with easy access, the high THC levels found in weed pens make vaping marijuana particularly addictive.

It’s essential that you have the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions regarding the use of weed pens. Because it’s often assumed that they’re a safer alternative, adverse reactions are rarely discussed.

Are Weed Pens Better For You Than Smoking?

Since research is still being conducted on the risks of prolonged weed pen or vape use, it’s hard to say whether it is more or less risky. However, one thing is for sure: Although vaping devices are often seen as safer than traditional smoking methods, they are not risk-free.

Respiratory issues, high THC consumption, exposure to contaminants, cardiovascular problems, and other health issues associated with marijuana (such as impairments in cognitive function) are all possible risks of weed pens.

Weed Pens and Lung Injury Risks

Vaping products containing vitamin E acetate have their own unique risk. Across the nation, 82% of individuals hospitalized with e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) reported that they used products containing THC.

33% of those reviewed by the study only used THC products. So, although the discreet nature and minimal odor associated with weed pens are appealing to many users, it’s important to remember that inhaling the vapor from these products isn’t necessarily safe, particularly when purchased on the black market or at unregulated dispensaries.

What are the Risks of Vaping High THC Content Devices?

Potential risks of high-potency cannabis include but are not limited to:

• An increased risk of addiction. Various studies have found a connection between high THC content and a higher risk of cannabis use disorder (CUD), the formal name for marijuana addiction.
• Mental health risks. If you consume THC in high amounts, you may be more prone to certain mental health issues resulting from cannabis consumption. For example, there is a proven link between larger amounts of THC and an increased risk of psychosis.
• Physical health risks. Consuming higher doses of THC can increase your chances of some physical health risks linked to cannabis For example, cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, lung irritation, respiratory problems, and cardiovascular effects.
• Changes in cognitive function. THC impairs cognitive function. Young adults with developing brains may be at a particularly notable risk of the negative consequences of weed use linked to cognitive function.

When you stop using weed, you avoid new or worsened adverse effects linked to the drug. Seeking professional help for cannabis abuse can also help you overcome challenges that may have emerged in your life as a result of addiction.

Understanding the Nature of Marijuana Addiction

Cannabis Use Disorder is a legitimate and diagnosable substance use disorder in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual used to define psychiatric qualifications for disorders). Although not everyone who uses marijuana will endure addiction, the increased popularity of concentrated forms of cannabis (like the oil in a vape pen) heightens the risk of addiction.

In turn, rates of marijuana addiction have increased over the past decade or so. Approximately 30% of people who use weed develop CUD.

Those struggling with weed addiction often find it hard to stop or decrease the amount of cannabis they use on their own. Failed attempts to quit or decrease use and continued use of marijuana despite negative impacts on your life or well-being are just two possible signs of addiction.

Treatment Options for Cannabis Use at Purpose

Purpose Healing Center has a range of treatment options available for people who have or might have a problem with cannabis. Here are our programs and how they can help:

Inpatient Marijuana Addiction Treatment

Inpatient substance abuse treatment for marijuana entails living on-site at one of our centers. During the day, you or your loved one will follow a full treatment schedule. This will involve groups, individual therapy sessions, mind and body wellness, and other activities.