In a recent Toxicological Science study, scientists evaluate the challenges posed by cannabinoid vaporization products while analyzing their effect on consumers ’respiratory health.
Study: Cannabinoid vaporization products present new challenges for the evaluation of respiratory health effects. Image Credit: Shannon L. Price / Shutterstock.com
Cannabinoid vaporization products
Some of the common cannabinoid vaporization products include D9-tetrahydrocannabinol (D9-THC), D8-tetrahydrocannabinol (D8-THC), as well as cannabidiol (CBD) products.
Several studies related to e-cigarettes or vaporization have indicated adverse effects, especially in terms of their ability to cause lung damage, associated with cannabinoid vaporization products. According to a report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in February 2020, 2,807 people were hospitalized and 68 died due to the use of cannabinoid spray products.
Several studies have shown that among users of electronic cigarettes / vaping with product-associated lung injury (EVALI), 82% reported using THC vapeo products, while only 16% reported using CBD vapeo products.
Two of the main reasons associated with limited research on vaporization products containing THC and CBD are regulatory factors and the significant evolution of the cannabinoid market. For example, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency’s Controlled Substances Act has classified THC in Appendix 1, which restricts accessibility to THC-containing products for scientific research.
Previous studies have shown that both THC and CBD vaporization products contain silicones, moisturizers, vitamins, flavorings, terpenes, pesticides, and metals. In addition, cannabinoid vaporization products are typically characterized as concentrated “oils” and diluted “vaporization juice”. Pen-type devices are used for both types of products, in which concentrated oils are used at concentrations ranging from 700 to 1,200 mg / ml and steam juices from 15 to 50 mg / ml.
As of September 2019, D8-THC can be legally sold in many US states. Similar to D8-THC, D9-THC is very analogous to marijuana use and produces perceptual, somatic, and psychoactive effects. Compared to D8-THC, D9-THC has a less psychoactive effect.
According to a recent Google Trends study, since August 2020, there has been a significant increase in D8-THC-related searches. This compound is a minor constituent of hemp and can be easily extracted by acid-catalyzed intramolecular cyclization of CBD. The method for isomerization of CBD to D8-THC is readily available online; however, an improper chemical reaction could result in contamination of the product.
Users of cannabinoid vaporization products
Researchers have noted a gap in research associated with the health effects of cannabinoid vaporization products, especially related to vaporization and inhalation exposures. One reason for this lack of data is that the U.S. cannabinoid market is still relatively new. Interestingly, most data on the effect of cannabinoid vaporization products have been associated with adolescents.
According to a recent meta-analysis, the lifetime use of THC vaporization products in adolescents was found to increase from 6.1% to 13.6% between 2013 and 2020. These studies reported that adolescents they preferred THC vaporization oil to the cannabis flower.
Similar to this report, a U.S.-based survey showed a higher use of cannabinoid vaporization products in adolescents and young adults. However, this survey further reports that 26.1% of adult study participants used CBD, while 18.9% used CBD vaporization oils.
Previous findings on the health effects of cannabinoid vaporization products among American adolescent participants identified an increased risk of multiple respiratory symptoms, such as wheezing and dry cough. In addition to affecting the lungs, it seems that these products also affect the brains and vasculature of users. In addition, prenatal studies on THC use have shown altered brain development.
Toxicological evaluation of cannabinoid vaporization products
In the current study, scientists performed toxicological profiles of cannabinoid vaporization products. Here, they assessed relevant dose-response patterns, toxicity of additives and diluents, as well as inhalation exposures to inform federal policy.
In vitro experiments examining the effect of exposure to the CBD vaporization product on airway epithelial cells have revealed a high concentration of toxicity markers present in exposed cells. Some of these markers include reactive cellular oxygen species, as well as those involved in cytotoxic processes and inflammation.
Recently, the U.S. Cannabis Council examined the chemical content of 16 commercially available D8-THC steam cartridges. This study showed that all samples contained a higher level of D9-THC compared to the 0.3% federal limit. In addition, seven of the 16 samples contained a high level of chromium, nickel, or copper.
It is important to note that cannabinoid-like compounds unknown were also found in the samples. Previous studies have shown that the use of synthetic cannabinoids causes psychosis, panic, dysphoria, anxiety and accidental death in users.
Conclusions
Scientists recommend further research to assess the lung toxicity of emerging cannabinoid vaporization products, as these studies are essential to determine the effects of these products on inhalation exposure. Further studies are also needed to elucidate the cardiovascular and neurological toxicity associated with cannabinoid vaporization products.
Magazine reference:
- Love, AC, Schichlein, KD, Clapp, PW, et al. (2022). Cannabinoid vaporization products present new challenges for assessing respiratory health effects. Toxicological Sciences 188 (1); 1-3. doi: 10.1093 / toxsci / kfac050.