Get Answers on the Addictive Potential of Weed Vape Pens
Many people buy weed pens because it is a discreet and convenient way to consume the drug. However, using weed pens also means that cannabis is more easily accessible to you at times when it would not be otherwise. Often, this leads to an increase in use and tolerance.
Tolerance and dependence can often go hand in hand, leading to our core question: Can you get addicted to weed pens?
What are the risks, and what should you do if vaping marijuana has negative effects on your daily life?
Purpose Healing Center provides comprehensive treatment for cannabis addiction and other substance use disorders. We are here to answer your questions about the addictive potential of weed vape pens and discuss how treatment can help.
Can You Get Addicted to Weed Pens?
Yes. You can absolutely get addicted to weed pens. In fact, the concentrated THC (the psychoactive component of cannabis) in weed pens means that they are much stronger than traditional marijuana products.
Flower usually contains around 17% to 30% THC, but the concentration in vapes can reach 95% or more. Paired with easy access, the high THC levels found in weed pens make vaping marijuana particularly addictive.
It’s essential that you have the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions regarding the use of weed pens. Because it’s often assumed that they’re a safer alternative, adverse reactions are rarely discussed.
Are Weed Pens Better For You Than Smoking?
Since research is still being conducted on the risks of prolonged weed pen or vape use, it’s hard to say whether it is more or less risky. However, one thing is for sure: Although vaping devices are often seen as safer than traditional smoking methods, they are not risk-free.
Respiratory issues, high THC consumption, exposure to contaminants, cardiovascular problems, and other health issues associated with marijuana (such as impairments in cognitive function) are all possible risks of weed pens.
Weed Pens and Lung Injury Risks
Vaping products containing vitamin E acetate have their own unique risk. Across the nation, 82% of individuals hospitalized with e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) reported that they used products containing THC.
33% of those reviewed by the study only used THC products. So, although the discreet nature and minimal odor associated with weed pens are appealing to many users, it’s important to remember that inhaling the vapor from these products isn’t necessarily safe, particularly when purchased on the black market or at unregulated dispensaries.
What are the Risks of Vaping High THC Content Devices?
Potential risks of high-potency cannabis include but are not limited to:
- An increased risk of addiction. Various studies have found a connection between high THC content and a higher risk of cannabis use disorder (CUD), the formal name for marijuana addiction.
- Mental health risks. If you consume THC in high amounts, you may be more prone to certain mental health issues resulting from cannabis consumption. For example, there is a proven link between larger amounts of THC and an increased risk of psychosis.
- Physical health risks. Consuming higher doses of THC can increase your chances of some physical health risks linked to cannabis For example, cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, lung irritation, respiratory problems, and cardiovascular effects.
- Changes in cognitive function. THC impairs cognitive function. Young adults with developing brains may be at a particularly notable risk of the negative consequences of weed use linked to cognitive function.
When you stop using weed, you avoid new or worsened adverse effects linked to the drug. Seeking professional help for cannabis abuse can also help you overcome challenges that may have emerged in your life as a result of addiction.
Understanding the Nature of Marijuana Addiction
Cannabis Use Disorder is a legitimate and diagnosable substance use disorder in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual used to define psychiatric qualifications for disorders). Although not everyone who uses marijuana will endure addiction, the increased popularity of concentrated forms of cannabis (like the oil in a vape pen) heightens the risk of addiction.
In turn, rates of marijuana addiction have increased over the past decade or so. Approximately 30% of people who use weed develop CUD.
Those struggling with weed addiction often find it hard to stop or decrease the amount of cannabis they use on their own. Failed attempts to quit or decrease use and continued use of marijuana despite negative impacts on your life or well-being are just two possible signs of addiction.
Treatment Options for Cannabis Use at Purpose
Purpose Healing Center has a range of treatment options available for people who have or might have a problem with cannabis. Here are our programs and how they can help:
Inpatient Marijuana Addiction Treatment
Inpatient substance abuse treatment for marijuana entails living on-site at one of our centers. During the day, you or your loved one will follow a full treatment schedule. This will involve groups, individual therapy sessions, mind and body wellness, and other activities.
Since staff members are present 24/7 and our center is a dedicated substance-free environment, this level of care is an ideal starting point for many people. It’s a chance to get a fresh start and build new daily routines that will support your long-term recovery.
Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Treatment
We offer multiple levels of outpatient care. These include:
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP). Our PHP meets for most of the day. PHP can be a step down from or an alternative to inpatient rehab, depending on your needs.
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP). One step down from PHP, our IOP meets for shorter sessions. Clients who choose this level of care can balance obligations such as work or school with treatment due to the reduced time commitment.
These programs are ideal for those who can refrain from using cannabis concentrates and all other substances while living at home or in sober housing.
Programs to Help With Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders
People with mental health conditions are at a greater risk of alcohol or drug addiction. When applicable, our treatment centers in Arizona treat substance abuse and mental health conditions comprehensively. This is called integrated, or dual-diagnosis, treatment.
Available at all care levels, dual-diagnosis treatment is strongly recommended for those who have co-occurring disorders. We work with anxiety and depression, other forms of mood and behavioral disorders, trauma, and similar challenges.
Call Purpose to Get Help and Stop Vaping Marijuana Today
Purpose Healing Center provides treatment for cannabis use in a supportive environment. With two locations in Arizona, our facilities in Phoenix and Scottsdale campus are here to help you or your loved one stop using weed pens for good.
Please call our admissions line to start on a path to putting down THC today. We address the physical and psychological aspects of weed pen use to help people from all walks of life achieve lasting positive outcomes.
Reach out confidentially to get support options for yourself (or your loved one) today.
FAQs About Vaping Marijuana and Addiction
Is it possible to be addicted to weed vapes?
Yes. Like with alcohol use disorder, the fact that cannabis is a legal substance in some areas does not mean that you can’t have an addiction to the drug.
Are weed vape pens bad for your health?
There are significant concerns linked to weed vape pen use. In addition to their addictive nature, these include but are not limited to lung injury, new or worsened mental health issues (e.g., psychosis), and common physical health concerns associated with marijuana use.
What happens to your body when you stop smoking weed?
If you stop consuming marijuana after prolonged use, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. Decreased appetite, trouble sleeping, headaches, anxiety, anger, and stomach problems are some common examples of marijuana withdrawal symptoms.
What are the best methods to overcome marijuana withdrawal symptoms from THC vapes?
The medical professionals at Purpose Healing Center can help you get through marijuana withdrawal symptoms. A healthcare provider at our center may prescribe medication, monitor your vital signs, or assist with hydration and nutrition as part of the process.
What are the long-term effects of weed vape pens?
We do not know all of the long-term effects of weed vape pens yet. However, we do know that they have the same effects and risks as other cannabis products, and that the high THC levels, paired with the risk of things like contamination, lung irritation, or the addition of vitamin E acetate, can be dangerous.
What is considered chronic vs casual use of weed pens?
Daily or near-daily marijuana use is generally considered chronic. This is the case regardless of delivery method.
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