09-11-2019, 02:50 PM
My understanding is that almost all of these cartridges contain polypropylene glycol as a solvent medium. Under normal circumstances, this volatile, relatively non toxic substance allows the active ingredient to become aerosolized at a relatively low temperature. The issue seems to be that while polypropylene glycol is present in many food, health supplies, and cosmetics - with a proven track record of relative safety - the same longitudinal data does not exist for the chemical via intentional concentration & inhalation.
Hence the “popcorn lung” concerns that are becoming an ever greater topic among news media and physicians. It’s important to point out the difference between vaping a pure (solventless) extract of THC or cannabis that must be physically heated with a separate device to produce vapor, and such “prepackaged” solutions containing a cartridge of some kind coupled with a heating device, most often seen in the context of disposable/refillable “vape pens”. While I know of no evidence suggesting the danger of vaping pure, medical grade extracts that are NOT “prepackaged” in a cartridge form, I know there are many doctors and health professionals who are beginning to see the effects of chronic exposure to vaporized polypropylene glycol... I avoid that stuff like the plague lol
Hence the “popcorn lung” concerns that are becoming an ever greater topic among news media and physicians. It’s important to point out the difference between vaping a pure (solventless) extract of THC or cannabis that must be physically heated with a separate device to produce vapor, and such “prepackaged” solutions containing a cartridge of some kind coupled with a heating device, most often seen in the context of disposable/refillable “vape pens”. While I know of no evidence suggesting the danger of vaping pure, medical grade extracts that are NOT “prepackaged” in a cartridge form, I know there are many doctors and health professionals who are beginning to see the effects of chronic exposure to vaporized polypropylene glycol... I avoid that stuff like the plague lol