Are Cheap Vape Pens Safe? Understanding the Risks and Benefits
Some of the ways available to cannabis users to enjoy marijuana are vaping, dabbing, and smoking. Of all three, vaping is widely considered the best option.
The reason for this is simple: Vaping is viewed as a safer alternative to smoking cannabis. Rather than burning tobacco, it heats oil, herb, or wax forms of cannabis, which are inhaled through the device.
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And let’s be real: When buying vapes, quality is usually not the priority. The average smoker wants the least expensive vape pen around to take them to ‘cloud nine’ in an instant, ignoring consequences that may become costly down the line.
With cheap vape pens, a lot could quickly go wrong. In short, you get what you pay for. So, to help you choose wisely, we’ve put this article together to help you understand vape pens. You’ll learn of the risks and benefits and what to look out for:
What is a vape pen?
A vape pen is a handheld electronic device made to vaporize substances into inhalable vabor — usually cannabis concentrates, marijuana, or nicotine.
In terms of their structure, they closely resemble the shape of a pen, which makes them discreet and portable. They work by heating the liquid (in this case, the cannabis oil or vape juice) in the cartridge. Once this happens, the liquid converts into an aerosol to be inhaled by the cannabis user.
Also referred to as e-vaporizers or e-cigarettes (where the content is nicotine), vaping has become the choice method for cannabis users seeking less harmful ways to consume cannabis. Their ease of use and portability also make them preferred among users.
Components of a Vape Pen
A typical vape pen comprises separate mechanical moving parts that work together to deliver vaporized substances. Here’s a quick rundown of these parts:
- Battery: The battery is the energy source of the vape pen. It is typically rechargeable via USB and can be located internally or externally.
- Atomizer (or Coil Assembly): This chamber contains the heating element (usually made from materials like cotton, ceramic, or quartz) that vaporizes the e-liquid or oil.
- Tank/Cartridge: This part houses the cannabis oil. It is refillable, while cartridges are pre-filled.
- Mouthpiece (also called the Drip Tip): This part serves as a conduit that delivers the vapor to your mouth. It is detachable and made with materials like silicone, glass, or plastic.
- Power Button and Sensor: These days, it is common to see vape pens that require manual activation using a power button to kick-start the atomizer, while others are activated through suction.
How Vape Pens Work with Vape Juice
Vape pens work by heating up a liquid solution, known as e-liquid or vape juice, into an aerosol that users can inhale.
The vape juice usually contains nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, or cannabis oil. Vegetable glycerin is known to produce thick vapor clouds while propylene glycol is thinner.
When a user sucks in some vape juice using the mouthpiece, the battery signals to power the atomizer which heats the vape juice. The result of this chain reaction is an aerosol that is inhaled into the lungs. The user then exhales the vapor, and the process can be repeated as often as needed.
Risks Associated with Cheap Vape Pens
| Risk Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Low-Quality Materials | Cheap vape pens may contain substandard metals and plastics that can release harmful toxins when heated. |
| Battery Explosions | Poorly manufactured batteries or lack of safety features can lead to overheating, explosions, or fires. |
| Toxic E-Liquid Ingredients | Some low-cost vape pens may use unregulated or contaminated e-liquids containing harmful chemicals. |
| Heavy Metal Contamination | Cheap devices may leach heavy metals like lead, cadmium, or nickel into the vapor, posing serious health risks. |
| Inconsistent Heating | Poor temperature control can cause e-liquids to burn, leading to the production of carcinogenic compounds like formaldehyde. |
| Short Lifespan | Budget vape pens tend to have poor durability, leading to frequent malfunctions and replacements. |
| Leaking Issues | Poorly designed cartridges may leak, wasting e-liquid and creating potential exposure to harmful substances. |
| Lack of Safety Regulations | Some low-cost vape pens are not tested for safety or compliance with industry standards, increasing user risk. |
| Unknown Brand Origins | Many cheap vape pens are made by unknown or unregulated manufacturers, making it difficult to verify their safety and quality. |
Cheap vape pens come with health and safety risks due to the presence of heavy metals and inferior quality in their components.
A major problem with cheap vape pens is that they often contain heavy metals (e.g., lead and cadmium), which may leach into the vape juice or cannabis oil. Usually, these metals are toxic and may cause serious health issues that range from organ damage to neurological problems.
Another risk that you take when buying cheap vapes is low-quality ingredients in the e-liquids they come with. These ingredients may include harmful chemicals like diethylene glycol, an industrial solvent that is poisonous.
Some low-quality e-liquids may also contain diacetyl, which can be linked to popcorn lung, a condition that causes incurable lung damage.
Inferior ingredients can also cause respiratory issues like lung diseases, allergies, and other health conditions. To make things worse, the vaping industry is largely unregulated, essentially giving manufacturers the freedom to include heavy metals or banned chemicals. This may also increase the risk of poisoning and long-term health damage.
Very frequently, cheap vape pens have shoddy batteries that can lead to device failure, overheating, or even explosions.
Batteries may not have proper safety features like thermal regulation or overcharge protection, which may cause them to overheat or catch fire. This poses not only a risk of burns and injuries but also increases the chances of an explosion, which could be fatal.
Another potential consequence of poor battery quality is irregular heating patterns. This affects how a vape pen performs. Even worse, these irrregular heating patterns may lead to more toxic compounds forming in the vapor, which poses increased health risks.
In sum, cheap vape pens may cost less, but the hidden cost of its health and safety implications can outweigh any amount you’re saving on. As such, users should be mindful and take these risks into consideration when choosing their vaping products.
Health Risks of Vaping
Whether Directly or indirectly, cheap vape pens are likely to cause one or more of the following health conditions:
Popcorn Lungs
Popcorn Lung is a condition medically known as “Bronchiolitis Obliterans”. It is caused by inhaling diacetyl, a chemical used to boost flavors in some vape juices.
The presence of this chemical in your vape can lead to certain ailments, like inflammation and scarring of your lungs, which may lead the shortness of breath, or coughing, in the best case.
In the worst case, it may cause respiratory failure. High-end vape manufacturers make it a point of duty to inspect their products for traces of this substance (Diacetyl), which is why it is more commonly found in mass market e-cigarettes, especially those with flavored liquids.
EVALI: Potentially Fatal Lung Injury
EVALI stands for Vaping Use-Associated Lung Injury. It’s a severe condition that is, more often than not, fatal. Several symptoms signal the presence of this injury, with some of the more common ones being short breath, chest pain, and coughing.
Several studies like this one on the role of vitamin E Acetate in the development of EVALI have linked the said — which is a thickening agent commonly found in THC vaping products (for instance, THC Oils) — to EVALI. But that is not to say that Vitamin E Acetate is the only culprit — it may occur with other substances as well.
The outbreak of the EVALI reached its peak during late 2019 and early 2020, putting several people in the hospital. Since then, at least 68 people have died.
EVALI cases have since been on the decline. Still, the likelihood of getting it remains, especially with the upsurge in vapes containing THC oil and other substances.
Other Respiratory Issues
There are also other respiratory issues that may arise due to the presence of harmful chemicals, including propylene glycol and glycerol. These two can turn carcinogenic when heated.
Also, they can irritate the mouth and airways, leading to persistent coughing and other respiratory problems. Furthermore, inhaling toxic chemical or particles can lead to conditions like bronchitis and asthma, which may make users even more prone to lung diseases.
Nicotine Addiction
Nicotine is highly addictive and present in most e-cigarettes. It can lead to serious health issues that may include heart disease and stroke. It has been noted to be particularly harmful to the cognitive development of infants, and even into their adolescence, thereby increasing the risk of future smoking.
Other Health Concerns
Nicotine addiction remains a major concern among smokers. Vaping can increase the risk of exposure to cancer from having inhaled carcinogenic compounds.
What’s more? Aerosol, the vaporized end-products that get inhaled deep into the lungs, contains dangerous substances that may bring harm to the body.
Benefits of Vaping and Vape Pens
Vaping with vape pens is the real deal for many cannabis users. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why:
| Benefit Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Reduced Harm Compared to Smoking | Vaping eliminates combustion, reducing exposure to tar and many harmful chemicals found in traditional cigarettes. |
| Variety of Flavors | E-liquids come in a wide range of flavors, offering a more enjoyable and customizable experience. |
| Controlled Nicotine Intake | Users can choose e-liquids with varying nicotine levels, helping with gradual nicotine reduction if desired. |
| Less Odor | Vapor has a less lingering and less offensive smell compared to cigarette smoke. |
| Cost-Effective in the Long Run | While initial costs may be higher, refillable vape pens and e-liquids can be more affordable than buying cigarettes regularly. |
| Convenience and Portability | Vape pens are compact, easy to carry, and can be used discreetly without needing lighters or ashtrays. |
| Less Secondhand Smoke Exposure | Vapor dissipates faster than cigarette smoke, reducing the risks of passive inhalation for others. |
| Customization Options | Users can adjust wattage, airflow, and temperature settings to enhance their vaping experience. |
| Potential for Smoking Cessation | Many smokers use vaping as a tool to quit smoking by gradually reducing nicotine dependence. |
| Less Fire Hazard | Unlike cigarettes, vape pens don’t require an open flame, reducing the risk of accidental fires. |
Vaping as a tool to wean you off smoking
Quality vaping pens can help manage nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms like irritability and mood swings. With vaping, smokers can easily taper off traditional cigarettes (tobacco) and transition into a healthier alternative.
This makes it easier for smokers to transition away from traditional cigarettes. The lesser probability of health issues compared to smoking is another health benefit. Less smoking means less exposure to the harmful substances usually found in cigs.
In this study, it was found that Nicotine e-cigarettes are more effective than nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in the bid to quit smoking. They provide a similar hand-to-mouth action and throat sensation that help smokers gradually let go of smoking habits.
Therapeutic benefits of vaping marijuana
Much like smoking marijuana, its therapeutic properties can also be enjoyed through vaping. For instance, vaping can help in reducing pain and inflammation.
As people seek alternatives to traditional pain management methods (which make us prone to drug abuse),they’d be better off vaping to harness THC’s therapeutic use.
Much like vaping nicotine, vaping marijuana takes away the combustion process in smoking, thereby reducing the intake of toxic combustion byproducts.
Choosing a Safe Vape Pen
For any cannabis user that wants to reap the rewards of THC’s therapeutic properties, buying a safe vape pen is an absolute must. With many options to choose from, we’ve drawn up certain parameters to consider in your search:
Look out for FDA-approved/regulated products
E-cigarettes are not generally approved to help quit smoking. But over time, the FDA (Food & Drug Administration) has approved certain products for sale after rigorous testing and review.
At the very minimum, you should ensure your vape pen complies with FDA requirements on safety, labeling, and transparency about its ingredients.
Check quality control and testing
For the e-liquids and devices, products that are tested for the presence of heavy metals, pesticides, and other contaminants should be the focus here.
To add a layer of credibility regarding product safety and quality, companies engage third-party testing services for their products. So, third-party certifications are another place to look—ensure products are certified by reputable third-party testing institutions.
Research the manufacturer and read reviews
Some manufacturers have a bad reputation. You would be wise to research them and avoid their products. Another place to look out for is their customer reviews. Very often, a good reputation means they adhere to regulatory standards regarding product quality and safety.
There are also other considerations. For one, the extent of nicotine concentration in the e-liquid should also be noted. Ideally, it should not exceed 20mg/mL. You also want to opt for more child-resistant packaging so that it’s tamper-proof and not open to contact from minors.
Red Flags to Watch Out for When Buying a Vape Pen
| Red Flag | Description |
|---|---|
| Unbranded or Unknown Manufacturers | Vape pens from unverified brands may lack quality control and safety certifications. |
| Extremely Low Price | If a vape pen is significantly cheaper than market standards, it may be made with low-quality materials. |
| No Safety Features | Lack of overcharge protection, auto shut-off, or temperature control increases the risk of battery malfunctions. |
| No Ingredient Transparency | If the manufacturer doesn’t disclose e-liquid ingredients or material composition, it may contain harmful substances. |
| Poor Battery Quality | Low-grade batteries can lead to overheating, explosions, or reduced lifespan. |
| Leaking Cartridges | Poorly designed vape pens may leak e-liquid, causing wastage and potential skin exposure to harmful chemicals. |
| No Warranty or Return Policy | Reliable brands offer warranties or return options, while shady sellers often avoid them. |
| Fake Certifications | Counterfeit safety certifications or a lack of compliance with industry standards (like CE, RoHS) indicate a risky product. |
| Harsh or Burnt Taste | A burnt taste upon use can indicate poor-quality heating elements or temperature control issues. |
| No Customer Reviews or Negative Feedback | A lack of customer reviews or numerous complaints about performance and safety should be a warning sign. |
Before buying a vape pen, let the following signs put you on red alert:
First and foremost is the price. If the price is cheap, then you’re more likely to be on to a bad vaping pen.
When inspecting the vape pen, your priority should be the vape liquid. Basically, this is what you would inhale.
As a rule of thumb, vape liquids that look dark or watery may be of poor quality. You also want to look out for poorly made vape pens. These can lead to malfunctions such as leakage or overheating, which is risky and may not work.
Unusual packaging is another dead giveaway. This likely suggests that the vape pen is a counterfeit product or one that comes from a rather unreliable source — these usually contain harmful additives like Vitamin E acetate.
Lastly, if the packaging fails to display brand information, ingredients, contact details, and serial or batch numbers, or if there’s no third-party test to confirm that there are no harmful substances in the product, then look elsewhere.
Safer Alternatives to Cheap Vape Pens
Rather than risk your safety or gamble with your health or even your life, why not opt for a safer, high-quality alternative? You may consider it an investment that will serve you for years to come.
High-quality vape pens are known for its more durable materials. They are subject to stricter safety standards, and built for customization and performance.
Conclusion
Whether you’re shopping for vape pens, or you’re in the market for vape devices in general, carefully considering these factors can help you make a more informed decision about what vape pen to purchase (hint: FDA-approved, regulated products with quality control and testing procedures) and why cheap vape pens are generally not considered the best choice.
