Vape Additive: Uses and Issues

​With all of the new issues being discovered with vaping, the CBD industry is on the lookout. While nicotine vape users several years ago were adding various juices to their mods, this might be a completely different subject to those who use CBD via oral tincture. 

To use a CBD Vape Additive, one would remove the tank from your vape device or mod add E-Liquid, reassemble the vape device and begin to puff away. This brings us to the subject of today's article. As more and more regulations take vaping devices and juices off the market, the consumer needs to know why and how they can protect themselves. 

We've researched to let you know what vape additives to avoid. 

We've researched to let you know what vape additives to avoid. 


As of November 2019, over two-thousand cases of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury (EVALI) have been reported to CDC. Here are the stats so far:

• Forty-two deaths have been confirmed in 24 states and the District of Columbia (as of November 13, 2019).
• The outbreak information is updated every Thursday.
• CDC continues to work closely with FDA, states, public health partners, and clinicians on this investigation.

You may have seen news reports of lung problems; however, if you're a longtime user of vape products, it may leave you wondering what the issues are. Here are the reports:

• Nearly 200 e-cigarette users have developed severe lung disease in 22 states (and the numbers keep rising — a Washington Post story put the number at 354). Most cases were among teens and young adults.
• Experts aren't sure if vaping caused these lung problems, but believe the most likely culprit is a contaminant, not an infectious agent. Possibilities include chemical irritation or allergic or immune reactions to various chemicals or other substances in the inhaled vapors.
• Typically, symptoms had started gradually, with shortness of breath and chest pain before more severe breathing difficulty led to hospital admission.
• The lung disease has not been linked to a specific brand or flavor of e-cigarette.
• The FDA, CDC, and state health officials are investigating these cases to determine the specific cause(s) and how to prevent and treat them.

What we don't know about vaping and lung diseaseThe frequency of vaping and correlation to problematic symptoms hasn't been determined. Additionally, other factors are in question:

• Are lung problems more common among vapers who already have breathing problems (such as asthma) or who use marijuana? 

 

• Is it more common among younger individuals? 

 

• Does the use of e-cigarettes cause the lung disease? 

But what about the benefits?In addition to whatever enjoyment vaping brings, some evidence suggests vaping helps some people stop smoking. However, how it compares to a nicotine patch or other methods of smoking cessation is not clear. 


The true balance between the benefits and risks of vaping remains impossible to assess. The FDA does not regulate these products. And there is no information available about long-term health impact.


While CBD is being researched itself, there are many questions to ask. If you're using vape additives, then you also need to know which are safe and which to avoid. 

Is polyethylene glycol safe to vape?

Most every vape additive on the market will contain this compound. It is one of the base liquids in e-liquid. Allegedly, in a small percentage of cases, PG can cause possible lung damage to vapers, but not to those exposed to second-hand smoke or vape. According to the FDA, propylene glycol can be used for extended periods. 


Vitamin E Acetate


Vitamin E acetate is used as an additive, most notably as a thickening agent in THC-containing e-cigarette, or vaping products. 


Vitamin E is found in many foods, including vegetable oils, cereals, meat, fruits, and vegetables. It is also available as a dietary supplement and in many cosmetic products, like skin creams. 


Vitamin E acetate usually does not cause harm when ingested as a vitamin supplement or applied to the skin. However, previous research suggests that when vitamin E acetate is inhaled, it may interfere with normal lung functioning.


At this time, the thinking is that Vitamin E Acetate is responsible for the vast majority of vaping related illnesses. Most of these products have been pulled from shelves. However, many black-market products could still contain it as a thickening agent. 


Inform yourself and others regarding the current status of vaping illness. The CDC website is updated regularly. Stay safe by staying up to date.