:format(webp))
The bottom line
THC vapes are devices such as cartridges and dab pens that heat THC into a vapor that is inhaled. Side effects include lung irritation, shortness of breath, anxiety, paranoia, psychosis, and worsening of underlying depression, as well as burns related to device malfunction. E-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injury (EVALI) is severe lung damage from vaping that can be fatal.
Prevention tips
Store THC vaping devices and THC-containing cartridges and pens up, away, and out of reach of children.
Avoid vaping around children, as they may imitate behaviors they see adults doing.
Talk to teens about the hazards of vaping.
Buy vaping products from a licensed dispensary.
Avoid unregulated or illicit vaping products.
If you choose to use THC vapes, start with a low dose.
Wait at least 15 minutes after a dose to judge its effect before taking more.
Do not mix with alcohol.
Do not mix with other drugs.
This really happened
A 23-year-old man presented with cough, fever, vomiting, and a complaint of “feeling malnourished.” He had a history of THC vaping for years with last use the day before presentation, as well as benzodiazepine and methamphetamine use. Vital signs were abnormal including increased respirations, heart rate, and temperature. Physical exam found gurgling lung sounds. Chest x-ray was abnormal, as was a chest CT scan showing cloudy areas and fluid in both lungs. He was admitted to the hospital and treated with oxygen and antibiotics. On day 2 his respiratory status worsened, so he was transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU), intubated, and given corticosteroids. On day 3 he self-extubated. On day 7 he was transferred out of the ICU since his respiratory distress resolved. He was discharged on day 8 after counseling on drug and smoking cessation. The final diagnosis was THC vaping-associated lung injury (from Lucero et al., 2021).
Poisoned? Get expert help.
Don't guess what you should do. Get accurate answers online or by phone. Both ways are free and confidential.
OR
call 1-800-222-1222
What are THC vapes?
THC vapes are devices that heat oil or concentrate containing THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the main active ingredient in cannabis, into a vapor. The vapor is inhaled, with an onset of 1–5 minutes, a peak at 15–30 minutes, and a duration of 1–3 hours. The devices consist of a battery, which charges a heating element that then heats the cartridge that holds the THC.
There are several types of THC vapes. Cartridges are prefilled with cannabis oil. Pens are slimmer and more easily portable. Dab pens are used for cannabis concentrates such as wax rather than liquid oils. Vapes can be disposable (single use) or refillable.
Are THC vapes dangerous?
THC vapes can be dangerous to your physical and mental health. Inhaling THC vapors can lead to irritation and inflammation of the lungs. Vaping can also adversely affect mood and psychological health. Other risks include increased tolerance, as well as dependence and development of cannabis use disorder. When unregulated, THC vapes can be cut with dangerous chemicals such as heavy metals and vitamin E acetate.
What should I do if someone has a bad reaction to a THC vape?
If someone vapes and experiences shortness of breath or chest pain, seek immediate medical attention. If someone is experiencing an adverse effect from THC vaping, or if you have a question about THC vaping, use the webPOISONCONTROL® online tool to get help, or call your poison center at 1-800-222-1222. Whether online or by phone, expert guidance is always free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.
Secondhand THC exposure: Is it a threat?
Secondhand THC exposure is not a major threat. Although not common, it is possible to experience mild psychoactive effects if the room is small and poorly ventilated.
Side effects of THC vaping
Side effects include lung irritation, shortness of breath, bronchitis, anxiety, nausea, dry mouth, and eye irritation. Chronic use can result in paranoia, psychosis, and cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (severe cyclic nausea and vomiting). Worsening of underlying mental health problems such as depression is possible. There are also reports of injuries related to malfunction of the vaping devices in which they overheat, explode, and cause serious burns.
What is EVALI and how is it linked to vaping?
E-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injury (EVALI) is severe damage to the lungs that can be fatal. It has been linked to vaping e-cigarettes and THC products, especially those with vitamin E acetate working as a diluent and thickening agent. EVALI can occur within a few days or weeks of vaping, with symptom onset beginning either immediately or gradually. Patients with EVALI usually require hospitalization.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines EVALI as severe lung disease in someone who vaped or dabbed within 90 days before symptoms started, with fluid or inflammation visible on a chest x-ray, no sign of lung infection on initial testing, and no other explanation for the illness.
Symptoms include dry or hacking cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, fever, chills, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Respiratory rate and heart rate are often increased. Some people experience lingering effects such as cough or fatigue after the acute illness is treated The long-term effects of vaping, both in people who have experienced EVALI and those who have not, are still unknown.
What are the symptoms of THC vape overdose or toxicity?
The symptoms of THC vape overdose or toxicity are the same as for any type of THC product. Symptoms include extreme anxiety or panic attacks, psychotic reactions, and cognitive impairment. Other effects include dizziness, increased heart rate, palpitations, nausea, altered mental status, and unresponsiveness.