THC Vape Juice
Jul
Most people in the UK now understand that CBD is safe and good for health when used responsibly. They are now exploring more potent products, like THC vape juice, since most understand that legal THC vape juices are safe and good. Indeed, these are full-spectrum cannabis products containing THC in legally permitted and safe amounts.
The popularity of THC vape juice has soared in recent years. THC vape juice, also known as THC e-liquid or THC vape oil, offers a potent, fast-acting, and flavourful way of enjoying the benefits of full-spectrum cannabis extract. This comprehensive guide will explore everything you need to know about THC vape juice, from its production and benefits to its safety and legal considerations.
What is THC Vape Juice?
THC vape juice is a liquid cannabis concentrate designed for vaporisation. So, it does not produce smoke. Inhaling vapours is much safer than smoking.
THC vape juice typically contains most cannabinoids found in a cannabis plant. Thus, it includes the major cannabinoid CBD (cannabidiol), numerous minor cannabinoids, along with THC. What makes this juice different from other vape juices is its tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content in legally permitted amounts.
Is THC legal in the UK?
No, not really. THC is a controlled substance in the UK.
So, how come that THC vape juice contains THC?
This is because the law understands that removing THC from some full-spectrum cannabis extracts is not possible without compromising on the quality. So, the law allows a maximum of 1 mg of THC in a container of the legally sold THC vape juice (1). This amount is sufficient to experience its benefits without a high.
UK law forbids selling vape products for enjoying THC. However, it allows the production and selling of products that contain some THC as a part of natural extract.
The primary components of THC vape juice include:
CBD and minor cannabinoids: These are proven to be safe, and most health benefits of THC vape juice are associated with these cannabinoids. THC in vape juice is not about negating CBD’s health effects but rather about boosting its health effects.
Some THC: This is the main psychoactive ingredient that produces the “high” associated with cannabis use. However, in the legal vape, THC is in small amounts. Its total amount is below 1 mg per container.
Even in small amounts, THC can significantly boost the health benefits of CBD due to the entourage effect. This is the reason why all UK MHRA-approved medications/medical cannabis products contain THC (2).
Carrier Liquids: These are typically propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerine (VG), or medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) oil, which help to create vapour and affect the viscosity of the juice.
Terpenes: These are natural aromatic compounds found in cannabis that contribute to its flavour and aroma. They also play a role in the entourage effect, which enhances the therapeutic effects of THC (3).
How is THC Vape Juice Made?
The production of THC vape juice involves several key steps: extraction, winterisation, distillation, and blending.
Extraction: The first step in making THC vape juice is extracting THC from the cannabis plant. There are several methods for extraction, including CO2 extraction, solvent extraction, and olive oil extraction. CO2 extraction is the most popular method due to its safety and efficiency. It involves using supercritical carbon dioxide to dissolve the cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant material. The CO2 is then evaporated, leaving behind a pure THC extract.
Winterisation: After extraction, the THC extract undergoes winterisation to remove unwanted fats, waxes, and lipids. The extract is mixed with ethanol and placed in a freezer for 24 to 48 hours. The cold temperature causes the impurities to precipitate out of the solution, which are then filtered out.
Distillation: The purified THC extract is then distilled to refine and concentrate it further. During distillation, the extract is heated to vaporise the cannabinoids, which are then collected and condensed into liquid form. This process separates the THC from other compounds based on their boiling points, ensuring high purity and potency.
Blending: Finally, the distilled THC extract is blended with carrier liquids and terpenes. The ratio of carrier liquid to THC extract can vary depending on the desired potency and viscosity of the vape juice. Terpenes are added to enhance the flavour and aroma of the vape juice.
Benefits of THC Vape Juice
THC vape juice offers several benefits:
Discreetness: Vaporisation produces less odour than smoking, making it a more discreet option for cannabis consumption.
Convenience: Vape pens are portable and easy to use, allowing for on-the-go consumption.
Fast-Acting: Inhalation delivers THC directly into the bloodstream, producing rapid effects compared to edibles or tinctures.
High bioavailability: When cannabinoids like THC, CBD and others are ingested, most fail to make their way into the bloodstream due to the intestinal barrier and metabolism in the liver (called first-pass metabolism in medicine). However, inhaled cannabinoids, including THC, are able to enter the bloodstream in significant amounts and quickly (4).
Flavour: The addition of terpenes enhances the flavour and aroma of the vape juice, providing a more enjoyable experience. Of course, terpenes also have other benefits, such as contributing to the entourage effect and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (5).
Potential Risks and Safety Considerations
While THC vape juice offers numerous benefits, it is important to be aware of potential risks and safety considerations:
Quality and Purity: Ensure you are purchasing high-quality products from reputable manufacturers. Poor-quality products may contain harmful additives or contaminants.
Dosage: It is easy to consume too much THC when vaping, as the effects are felt rapidly. Start with a low dose and gradually increase as needed.
Health Risks: Inhaling vaporised substances can have health risks, especially if the vape juice contains harmful additives like vitamin E acetate. Always choose products tested for safety and purity. At our platform, all products undergo multiple testing, including third-party lab testing, to ensure that products are free of contaminants and toxins.
Choosing the Right THC Vape Juice
When selecting THC vape juice, consider the following factors:
Look for total cannabinoid content: Any legal THC vape would not contain more than 1 mg of THC in a container. Apart from THC, the potency of THC vape juice significantly depends on its content of CBD and other minor cannabinoids. So, always look at the total cannabinoid content in the vape juice, which is often mentioned in milligrams.
Terpene Profile: Different strains of cannabis have unique terpene profiles that affect the flavour, aroma, and effects of the vape juice. Choose a strain that suits your preferences.
Carrier Liquid: The carrier liquid type can affect the vape juice’s viscosity and vapour production. Propylene glycol (PG) produces a stronger throat hit, while vegetable glycerine (VG) produces larger vapour clouds. MCT oil is a common alternative that is smooth and easy to vaporise. Some THC vape juices may rely solely on terpenes to produce vapour, and such products have a really strong flavour.
The Importance of Lab Testing
To ensure the safety and quality of THC vape juice, always purchase products that third-party laboratories have tested. Lab testing verifies the potency and purity of the vape juice, ensuring it is free from harmful contaminants like pesticides, heavy metals, and residual solvents.
Reputable manufacturers will provide lab reports, also known as certificates of analysis (COAs), for their products.
The Role of Terpenes in THC Vape Juice
Terpenes play a crucial role in the overall experience of THC vape juice. These aromatic compounds are responsible for the unique flavours and aromas of different cannabis strains. They also contribute to the entourage effect, which enhances the therapeutic effects of THC (6).
Common terpenes found in THC vape juice include (6):
Myrcene: Known for its earthy, musky aroma, myrcene is believed to enhance the relaxing effects of THC.
Limonene: This citrus-scented terpene has uplifting and mood-enhancing properties.
Pinene: A fresh, pine-like aroma enhances alertness and memory retention.
Linalool: This floral-scented terpene is known for its calming and anti-anxiety effects.
When choosing THC vape juice, consider the terpene profile to select a product that matches your desired flavour and effects.
THC Vape Juice vs. CBD Vape Juice
While both THC and CBD vape juice are popular options for cannabis consumption, they offer different effects and benefits. THC vape juice is relatively more potent. One can experience greater health benefits by using THC vape juice.
However, with power comes the responsibility. Do not overdose on THC vapes. They are more likely to cause certain side effects, especially in those who lack CBD or THC vaping experience.
CBD vape juice, on the other hand, is THC-free and is often used for its potential therapeutic benefits, such as reducing anxiety, pain, and inflammation. All these health benefits are also associated with THC vape juice, as it also contains CBD along with minor cannabinoids.
Generally, CBD vape juice is regarded as a safer and milder option. It is also relatively more accessible. But, then, THC vape juice may offer some unique health benefits and a more robust flavour.
The Future of THC Vape Juice
The cannabis industry is rapidly evolving, and THC vape juice is at the forefront of this growth. As legalisation spreads and consumer demand increases, we expect to see further advancements in vape technology and product formulations.
Innovations such as temperature-controlled devices, improved extraction methods, and new terpene profiles will enhance the vaping experience and provide consumers with more options.
Conclusion
THC vape juice offers a convenient, discreet, and flavourful way to enjoy the benefits of cannabis. Understanding the production process, benefits, safety considerations, and legal landscape can help you make informed decisions and enjoy a safe and satisfying vaping experience.
Always choose high-quality products from reputable manufacturers, follow dosage guidelines, and be mindful of the potential risks. As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, THC vape juice will likely remain a popular and innovative option for cannabis consumers worldwide.
References
- The Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 [Internet]. King’s Printer of Acts of Parliament; [cited 2024 Jul 16]. Available from: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2001/3998/regulation/2
- Sativex Oromucosal Spray – Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) – (emc) [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jul 18]. Available from: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/602/smpc#about-medicine
- Ferber SG, Namdar D, Hen-Shoval D, Eger G, Koltai H, Shoval G, et al. The “Entourage Effect”: Terpenes Coupled with Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Mood Disorders and Anxiety Disorders. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2020 Feb;18(2):87–96.
- Millar SA, Stone NL, Yates AS, O’Sullivan SE. A Systematic Review on the Pharmacokinetics of Cannabidiol in Humans. Front Pharmacol. 2018 Nov 26;9:1365.
- Roell MS. Terpenes in Cannabis: Solving the Puzzle of How to Predict Taste and Smell. Plant Physiol. 2020 Sep;184(1):8–9.
- Cox-Georgian D, Ramadoss N, Dona C, Basu C. Therapeutic and Medicinal Uses of Terpenes. Medicinal Plants. 2019 Nov 12;333–59.
