what problems do thc vapes cause in the body

THC vapes can cause big health problems you may not know. The average THC level in cannabis went up from 4% in 1995 to 17% in 2017. Some products now have THC levels as high as 90%. This stronger THC can lead to more health risks, like addiction and withdrawal. Research shows that vaping cannabidiol can hurt your immune system and lungs more than nicotine. Studies show higher lung inflammation and damage in users.

Key Takeaways

• THC vapes can hurt your lungs badly. This includes EVALI, which may need hospital care and cause breathing problems.

• Using THC vapes often raises the chance of addiction. It can also cause withdrawal symptoms and affect daily life.

• Vaping THC can harm mental health. It can increase anxiety, depression, and strange thoughts, especially in teens.

• Using THC vapes is linked to more heart problems. This includes strokes and heart attacks, especially for daily users.

• When choosing between vaping and other cannabis ways, think carefully about the health risks.

Lung Injuries from THC Vapes

Using THC vapes can cause serious lung injuries. Many users do not know how much damage these products can do. One major problem linked to vaping is EVALI. This stands for e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury. This issue has affected many people, especially young adults.

A study in Utah found 83 confirmed and likely cases of EVALI from August to October 2019. The results showed some shocking numbers:

These numbers show the dangers of THC vapes. Many patients went to the hospital, and some needed extra help to breathe. Having conditions like asthma, anxiety, and depression makes things worse.

You should know that breathing in vapor can irritate your lungs. This irritation can cause swelling and damage over time. If you have symptoms like coughing, trouble breathing, or chest pain, get medical help right away. Knowing the risks of THC vapes is important for making smart health choices.

Addiction Risks of THC Vapes

Using THC vapes can cause serious addiction problems. Many people do not know how fast they can get hooked on these products. Studies show that vaping devices, including THC ones, often attract young users. This design makes teens use them more.

Long-term studies show that teens who vape are three times more likely to start smoking regular cigarettes than those who do not vape. This scary fact shows how THC vapes can lead to other smoking habits.

The addictive nature of vaping affects the brain's reward system. When you use THC vapes, your brain releases dopamine. This chemical makes you feel happy. Over time, your brain may depend on this outside source of pleasure. You might need to vape more often to feel the same way, which can lead to addiction.

Here are some important points about addiction risks:

• Increased Dependence: Using THC vapes regularly can create a strong urge to keep using them.

• Withdrawal Symptoms: If you try to quit, you may feel irritable, anxious, and have cravings.

• Impact on Daily Life: Addiction can disrupt your responsibilities, relationships, and overall health.

Knowing these risks is important for making smart health choices. If you or someone you know has trouble with THC vape addiction, getting help from a doctor can be an important step toward recovery.

Mental Health Issues Linked to THC Vapes

Using THC vapes can cause different mental health problems. Many users do not see how vaping affects their minds. Research shows that vaping THC can raise the chance of having psychotic symptoms. A study in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that college students who vaped THC were 1.9 times more likely to have psychotic experiences. This study looked at data from 29,232 students at 36 colleges in the U.S.

The increase in THC strength is also worrying. In 2019, 37% of high school students in the U.S. said they used cannabis in the last year. Out of those, 22% used it in the last month. The average THC level in cannabis went up from 4% in 1995 to 12% in 2014, and it keeps rising. Using cannabis often during teenage years is linked to higher chances of depression, anxiety, and psychosis.

Here’s a summary of the findings:

You should think about these mental health risks when using THC vapes. If you see changes in your mood or mind, getting help from a doctor is very important. Knowing how THC vapes can affect your mental health can help you make better choices.

Cardiovascular Effects of THC Vapes

Using THC vapes can hurt your heart health a lot. Many users do not know how serious these risks are. Research shows that using cannabis is connected to heart problems. Here are some important points:

1. Daily cannabis users are 42% more likely to have a stroke than non-users.

2. Cannabis use raises the chances of early stroke, heart attack, and heart disease by 36% for younger adults at risk.

Also, studies show that cannabis use increases the risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. How you use cannabis does not change these risks much.

"Cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and marijuana can harm the heart's electrical activity and structure, showing serious bad effects on heart health."

A study found that 20% of cannabis users with heart risks had a higher chance of major heart or brain problems while in the hospital compared to non-users. Also, 13.9% of cannabis users had major heart and brain issues during hospitalization, while only 6% of non-users had heart attacks.

High blood pressure and high cholesterol often lead to heart problems in marijuana users. Dr. Avilash Mondal says it is important to know these risks, especially since cannabis use has doubled in the U.S. since 2015. The American Heart Association also says that marijuana use is linked to a higher risk of heart diseases, including heart attacks and strokes.

Knowing these heart effects can help you make smart choices about using THC vapes. If you have heart issues or risks, talk to a healthcare professional about your cannabis use.

Comparing THC Vapes to Other Ways to Use Cannabis

When you look at THC vapes and other ways to use cannabis, there are some big differences. Many people think vaping is safer, but studies show it has risks too.

Strength and Effects

One study found that vaping cannabis with 25 milligrams of THC gives stronger effects than smoking the same amount. Here’s a quick comparison:

Also, vaping raises blood levels of THC more. This means when you vape, you might feel the effects stronger:

Health Outcomes

Even if vaping seems healthier, it can still cause serious health problems. Here are some important points:

• Vaping cannabis can cause bad breathing problems, like coughing and trouble breathing.

• EVALI, which means e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury, mostly affects people using THC products.

• People who use vaporizers often say they have fewer breathing issues than those who smoke cannabis, like cough and tightness in the chest.

But, long-term vaping can still harm your lungs and heart. While vaporizing may lower exposure to some bad chemicals, it doesn’t remove all risks.

Personal Preference

In the end, choosing between THC vapes and other ways to use cannabis depends on what you like and your experiences. You should think about the possible benefits and risks before deciding how to use cannabis.

THC vapes can cause big health problems. You might get lung injuries, addiction, and mental health issues. Strong THC products can make you feel anxious, paranoid, or see things that aren't there. Using them often raises the chance of cannabis use disorder and dependence. Also, illegal THC vape products can cause serious lung damage, even making it hard to breathe. Long-term vaping can lead to ongoing lung issues like COPD and asthma. It is important to think about safer options and know the risks involved.

FAQ

What signs show lung problems from THC vapes?

You might have coughing, chest pain, or trouble breathing. Wheezing can also happen. If you feel these symptoms, see a doctor fast. Lung problems can get worse quickly and need quick treatment.

Can using THC vapes make you addicted?

Yes, THC vapes can cause addiction. Using them often may make you want to keep vaping. If you stop, you might feel anxious, cranky, or have strong cravings.

How does THC vaping affect your mental health?

Vaping THC can raise the chances of anxiety and depression. It can also lead to psychosis. Teens who vape often may have worse mental health. Watch how vaping affects your mood and mind.

Are THC vapes less harmful than smoking cannabis?

Some think vaping is safer, but it still has risks. Vaping can harm your lungs and heart, just like smoking. Always think about the dangers before picking a method.

What can I do to stop vaping THC?

If you want to quit, talk to a doctor. They can help with tips and support. A doctor can also guide you through withdrawal and recovery steps.