Vaping THC Liquids: What Science Still Doesn't Know

Vaping Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) in liquid forms: pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and regulatory implications.

Expert review of clinical pharmacology • • Review • Moderately Relevant
🤖

AI Summary

The rise of Δ9-THC liquid vaping products has created a significant knowledge gap in understanding their pharmacological effects. Currently, there are no comprehensive human studies that fully explain how these concentrated cannabis products interact with the human body. This review highlights the critical need for research into the complex factors that influence Δ9-THC delivery and absorption when consumed through vaping.

The study identifies five key factors that potentially impact Δ9-THC delivery: product concentration, device efficiency, user behavior, aerosol bioavailability, and chemical interactions. Surprisingly, consumer use behaviors appear to be the most significant determinant of Δ9-THC dosage, even more so than product specifications like concentration or device power. Researchers emphasize that while these high-potency vaping products are becoming increasingly popular, their long-term health implications remain largely unknown.

Regulatory and scientific communities face a complex challenge in understanding these emerging cannabis consumption methods. The review calls for continued creative research approaches, despite existing restrictions on Δ9-THC studies. Future investigations must prioritize understanding the potential health impacts of highly concentrated liquid cannabis vaping products, particularly focusing on how different consumption patterns might affect user experiences and potential risks.

📄 Original Abstract

Little is known about the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) when vaped in liquid formulations. As prevalence of vaping Δ9-THC in liquid forms grows, understanding the factors that influence PK/PD profiles is critical to guide future research and cannabis regulation. Currently, no human studies have elucidated the PK/PD profile of Δ9-THC from vaped liquids, as confirmed by searches of PubMed and Embase. Using existing research on smoked cannabis and nicotine-containing e-cigarettes, this review examines the potential influence of product potency, vaporization efficiency, consumer use behaviors, aerosol bioavailability, and other constituents on the PK/PD profile of Δ9-THC vaped in liquid forms. Further, we hypothesize whether the PK/PD of Δ9-THC in liquid forms may differ from smoked cannabis and address potential regulatory implications (United States-focused) of novel vaping products. While more potent than smoked cannabis, vaped liquid formulations with Δ9-THC may have a similar PK/PD profile through modulation of Δ9-THC delivery by consumer use behaviors. Potential health effects of high-potency vaping products with Δ9-THC in liquid form need to be carefully studied. Lastly, researchers should continue to think creatively about how this important work can progress while restrictions on Δ9-THC continue to hinder research. The use of vaped cannabis liquids, particularly those with highly concentrated Δ9-THC, is increasing. However, scientists do not yet understand how using these products may affect people who use them, especially in the long term. This review explores how five factors may influence doses of Δ9-THC delivered from vaping products and their potential effects on the users: 1) the concentration of Δ9-THC in these products, 2) the level of transfer of Δ9-THC from the device to the user, 3) the way a consumer uses the product, 4) the amount of Δ9-THC in aerosol (‘vapor’) emitted from vaped products that is absorbed into the bloodstream, and 5) the interaction of other chemicals in these devices, such as CBD, with Δ9-THC. Based on the evidence summarized in this paper, we assume that some product features (such as high Δ9-THC concentration or high device power) will influence the Δ9-THC doses delivered by vaping products; however, the way a consumer uses the product will be the most significant factor. We also acknowledge that more research is needed to support our hypotheses, and that future research should also consider the health implications of these new vaping products with highly concentrated Δ9-THC liquids.

Explore More Research

Stay informed about the latest cannabis science.

Your stash, decoded.