vape pens
The middle child of cannabis – Vape pens deserve a little extra attention
By Dr. Ife Abiola
More than two years into cannabis legalization in Canada, many have puffed their way from novices to experienced users. As you make cannabis a regular part of your routine, it’s natural to settle into a certain product format. But are you overlooking a format that provides the best effects and enough options to keep things interesting?
Cartridges and vapes were exclusively black-market products -- until they weren’t. And the people who have grown with legalization may be hesitant to try this unfamiliar format due to its black-market rap sheet. Misunderstanding can breed aversion unfortunately – but that’s where the adage “Don’t judge a book by its cover” comes in, or perhaps its more akin to “Don’t judge a vape product by its black-market past”. This middle-child of the cannabis world is often misunderstood and overlooked but has a lot to offer, even for the most experienced of consumers. These portable options are potent, packed with flavour and offer maximum portability – and no papers, lighters or clean up.
There’s a rich amount of variation that exists in vape product types and details. How much detail? If you can find variations in the plant it’s made from, you’ll find variations in the product. One cartridge class are full-spectrum products. These products are as close to the plant as possible.
They go as far as containing waxes, proteins, and minerals found in the plant in addition to the cannabinoids. Users who prefer staying as close to the plant as possible can get the identical aromas and tastes with the convenience of a cartridge. Plus, you get all the entourage effect benefits, leading to a more balanced, less heady high. Conversely, those who are a little bit pickier with the contents of their cartridge may enjoy broad-spectrum products more. Broad spectrum products have the same contents as full-spectrum with select cannabinoids removed. Don’t want any THC in your natural cartridge? Broad spectrum. Don’t like the plant’s CBD content getting in the way of your high? Broad spectrum. These product types are a little tricky, so ask your trusted FOUR20 sales specialist to guide you through the products available in our stores for the best options for your needs.
If your needs don’t centre around staying natural and you want potency and pungency, distillates may be the best option you’ve never heard of.
Remove those pesky waxes and minerals and you’re left with a delightful golden product mixed with a blend of liquid terpenes for strong tastes and flavours. These are distillate products. The potency of a distillate is higher than full/broad-spectrum products so prepare yourself for 75 per cent THC or more. Adding liquid terpenes afterwards lets the producers create the scents from your favourite strains or completely new and innovative aromas that wouldn’t be possible in a dried product. Be prepared for a great high off just a few puffs and delicious, lip smacking flavour!
Does all this sound too good to be true? Well some people think it is. The news of “vaping-related injuries” grabbed headlines in 2018 and 2019 with cannabis cartridges under fire for causing lung damage throughout the United States. Many cannabis enthusiasts swore off all cartridges for the sake of their safety. But how relevant is that to us in the legal market? We’re worlds apart. The reason we didn’t see the same phenomenon North of the border and why it doesn’t apply today boils down to regulation. While the regulated market can catch some flack, this is the reason it’s in place, public safety above all else. The areas where these lung injuries were seen had unregulated growers, using unregulated manufacturing practices to make unregulated and untracked products. Additives, leftover anti-fungals, and other oversights made having a puff of your favorite strain a roll of the dice. Luckily, we don’t have to take those chances. Every step of the way vape products are subject to product and health standards so we don’t need to take chances with our personal safety. The only chances we should be taking are chances with products. Explore, ask for advice and you will certainly find a format and product that is exactly what you’ve been looking for since you started your journey.
