Legal Regulations & Material Selection in Cannabis Vape Pens

There are now more ways to consume cannabis than ever before. There are countless cannabis products hitting the shelves of marijuana dispensaries across the US and beyond. Cannabis vape pens have proven to be particularly popular, and there are various advantages of using vape pens over other cannabis consumption methods.

However, when it comes to vaping cannabis, consumers need to be aware of the relevant legal regulations, as well as understanding the different materials which may be used. This guide will examine both key aspects, highlighting important information that consumers should know about.

Legal Regulations for Cannabis Vape Pens

The legal regulations regarding cannabis vape pens is tied into the legal landscape around cannabis in general. And, with cannabis laws constantly changing and evolving in many parts of the US, it can be tricky for consumers to keep up with the latest legal developments on their favorite cannabis products, including vape pens.

At a federal level, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that products with less than 0.3% THC content are legal. Anything above 0.3% THC is illegal, at a federal level. Things can get more complicated when we look at state level, as individual states each have their own laws regarding the use of cannabis, including laws imposed on cannabis dispensaries, cannabis product manufacturers, and the general public of cannabis users.

Some states are very lenient. New York marijuana laws, for example, are quite relaxed, with residents able to use cannabis both medically and recreationally. However, other states can be much stricter, imposing firm regulations and harsh penalties which make it very hard to use any kind of cannabis product, including vape pens.

In addition, the vape industry is subject to its own laws and standards. Vape pens must be designed and manufactured according to certain guidelines for public safety, and states also have their own rules on buying, using, manufacturing, and distributing vape devices. These rules are also subject to change and can be enforced by state and governmental agencies.

Consumer Safety Concerns

Despite the many medicinal uses of cannabis, there are various risks associated with its use. Users should be aware of the potential side effects and dangers that can come from consuming cannabis products or using cannabis vape pens. Such risks may include:

Possible Addiction

One of the most talked about risks of cannabis usage in any form is addiction. Users may grow to depend on the therapeutic effects and benefits of cannabis, using it more and more often, which could impact their lives in various ways, such as their finances or personal relationships.

Unknown Long-Term Health Implications

Give that vaping is a relatively new phenomenon, there hasn’t been much research into how it might affect people in the long-term. Some experts worry that long-term vaping could lead to a higher risk of certain illnesses or health complications later in life.

Paranoia and Anxiety

When vaping with cannabis oils that contain high levels of THC, there’s also a risk of feelings of paranoia and anxiety. THC is the cannabinoid in cannabis that produces the intoxicating feeling of being “high”, but it has also been linked with paranoia.

Respiratory Risks

The usage of vape devices like cannabis vape pens may also pose a threat to a person’s respiratory system. Vaping involves inhaling vapor containing various molecules, chemicals and ingredients, often at high temperatures. The long-term respiratory risks risks of this have not yet been examined.

Burns and Other Physical Injuries

Due to a lack of regulation in the vaping industry, it’s possible for certain parts or entire vape devices to be poorly-made with low quality designs and materials, which could lead to accidental burns or injuries. This is why material selection is so crucial for vape pens.

Material Selection in Cannabis Vape Pens

Many different materials may be used to make cannabis vape pens, including:

Plastics

Plastics have the benefit of being affordable and easy to mold into many different shapes. They can be perfect for the outer shells and decorative elements of vape pens, and they’re also available in lots of different colors and styles.

Metals

Metals are great at conducting heat, as well as being very strong and resilient. These components can last longer, but typically cost more to work with, resulting in higher prices.

Ceramics

Ceramic elements are also often used in vape pens, thanks to their ability to conduct high levels of heat and vaporize even thick and viscous oils. They’re also relatively easy to maintain but can break if handled without care.

When deciding on the right materials to use, vape pen designers need to consider a range of factors, like durability, heat resistance, affordability, and so on, as well as the safety of the end user.

Conclusion

The cannabis vape pen industry is still in its infancy, but clearly has much room for growth. It's up to industry insiders and new companies to set the standard, adhering to legal regulations and guidelines while choosing the most appropriate materials and design elements to offer safe vaping experiences for every user. In the meantime, vaping enthusiasts and those interested in the benefits of cannabis should continue to research and learn about the changing legal landscape.

Related Blog Posts

Traveling plus Flying with a Vape Guide

Study About Medical Cannabis Laws and Adolescents

Vaping Regulations in the US and UK - Things to Know