Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Would You Like Cannabis-Flavored E-cigarettes?

I'm not sure how similar a cannabis-flavored electronic cigarette is to the real thing, but the European company that created it claims the e-cig "contains no nicotine, tar, THC or toxins." Its e-liquid is made of propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and 100% natural flavor - harmless components that turn into water vapor when inhaled and exhaled.

The flavoring has terpenes, which are natural aromatic compounds found in plants, including cannabis.

common terpenes and terpenoids
Image via SPEX CertiPrep


So, what are terpenes and how safe are they? Terpenes are the reason for the particular color, scent and flavor of fruits, herbs and other plants. When the plants are dried, the terpenes turn into terpenoids. Terpenes found in cannabis are also found in rosemary, basil, mint and oregano.

Terpenes are also found to be beneficial to your health. Pinene, which is found in pine trees and in oils made of rosemary and sage, is believed to be an effective topical antiseptic. It also works as an expectorant and bronchodilator, and helps increase energy and improve mental focus.

Limonene that's found in citrus plants and their fruits has a relaxing smell. This aromatic compound found in juniper, lemons, oranges and rosemary is also believed to have potent anti-carcinogenic, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-depressant properties.

The ingredients of the cannabis-like e-cigarette won't get you high, but they will help you relax. This cig-alike product doesn't even have nicotine, which is useful for ex-smokers who successfully killed their need for the addictive substance, but unwilling to stop vaping.
Marijuana Flavored E-Cigarettes Create Questions about Liberty

Like e-cigarettes, the e-joint uses a liquid composed of propylene glycol, glycerin, and flavoring that is then vaporized into water vapor to produce an experience that mimics smoking without many of the harmful effects.

According to a March 5 press release from E-njoint, the e-joint "contains no THC, CBD, nicotine, tar or toxins. [It’s] completely legal, but [it] still gives smokers a high-like feeling."

Previous versions of the e-joint, which is built to look and feel like a typical marijuana cigarette, provided a fruit flavoring, but E-njoint's most recent model includes organic compounds that the company claims gives the user a "cannabis aroma and flavor."

Unfortunately, it will probably be banned like other e-cigs because it looks too much like a cigarette and vapers blow clouds of vapor that look too much like smoke. You know how some people are. If it looks like smoking, then it's probably smoking (which is a stupid way of thinking, if you ask me).

For more information, watch this Leafly video on terpenes in cannabis profiles.

2 comments: