How harmful is smoking and what are the benefits of vaping?

Disclaimer: All information in this article is for educational purposes only. This article is in no way intended to entice, encourage or incite anyone to abuse any substance. The article is not suitable for persons under the age of 18.

What is vaping?

Vaporization is the process by which substances (herbs, oils or concentrates) are heated to a high enough temperature to change from a solid or liquid state to a vapor. The vapour containing the active substances (for example, cannabinoids) is then inhaled. Devices called vaporisers are used for heating. 

There is a whole fleet of these timeless devices, from large desktop vaporizers suitable for use in space stations, to portable vaporizers and vape pens that you can take with you on any mission and fit in the smallest pocket of your spacesuit. 

And why do so many experienced astronauts prefer vaping? One of the main reasons is that vaping doesn't burn the material, and doesn't produce the carcinogens and toxic fumes associated with conventional smoking. Let's focus our telescope on this and other advantages.

Less pollutants? Smoking vs. vaping

It is already known in all galaxies that cigarette smoking is not good for your health. Space laboratories have repeatedly confirmed that smoking is a major culprit in lung cancer and cardiovascular disease. Scientific studies report that smoking astronauts are four times more likely to die from heart disease. Smoking also contributes to many other chronic diseases, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Cigarette smoke is not much better than the exhaust from a rocket launch. Smoke contains about 4 800 different compounds, of which about 100 are carcinogens, cocarcinogens and mutagens. The mixture also contains harmful gases such as:

  • ozone
  • formaldehyde
  • ammonia
  • carbon monoxide
  • toluene 
  • benzene

From this point of view, vaporisation seems to be the better option. In fact, explorers experience less respiratory irritation, as studies have shown. The number of reported respiratory syndromes is lower when using a vaporiser. On the other hand, it is fair to say that vaporisation is relatively new and therefore it is likely that not all risks have been assessed by the space laboratory. Some studies have reported that new compounds are formed when heated, which can be dangerous.


 


It can be done without nicotine

It's not just the carcinogens and harmful gases mentioned above that are harmful about cigarette smoking, but also nicotine - an alkaloid found in tobacco. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance that acts on receptors in the brain and negatively affects the cardiovascular, respiratory, immunological and reproductive systems. 

Fortunately, you can explore new galaxies without nicotine, for example with electronic cigarettes or disposable vape pens that contain only HHC or CBD distillate or a combination of different cannabinoids enriched with terpenes. 

CBD or HHC flowers are another option. Organic flowers of industrial hemp contain a natural blend of cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes. These substances work together (entourage effect) and can be much more effective. This works in a similar way to the solar system, where each planet, star, comet and asteroid has its own function and interacts with each other. 

Vaporization of cannabinoids

According to some information from space laboratories, when cannabis is burned, only 12% of the cannabinoids are released, the rest disappear irretrievably in a black hole. In contrast, the vaporisation of cannabis releases almost 95% of the cannabinoids into the vapour (the rest are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and caryophyllene). 

By interacting with endocannabinoid receptors, cannabinoids such as HHC, CBD, CBN and other compounds from cannabis can influence a wide range of body processes such as sleep, mood regulation and pain perception. Vaporisation of cannabinoids has the advantage of high bioavailability and rapid onset of effects. This is influenced by temperature, among many other factors. 

The ideal temperature for vaporisation of cannabis (activation of the active substances) is 180-200 °C, but some terpenes and flavonoids are released at lower temperatures. If you want absolute control over the effects, i.e. take-off, flight and landing, choose a vaporizer that allows you to regulate the temperature. 

Discreet vapor for travel

The downside of conventional cigarettes is the unpleasant smoke that is produced when they burn, polluting planet Earth and the entire universe. In contrast, the vapor from a vaporizer dissipates very quickly when you exhale, so you don't have to worry about smelling your spacesuit or bothering other astronauts with the smoke. 

Vaporising cannabinoids also provides a better taste and aroma experience. You can enjoy the active ingredients in the vapour without the burnt and bitter smell. Disposable vape foams and liquid vaporizer refills (liquids) are available in a variety of scents and flavors.

If you want to be inconspicuous, choose a compact and lightweight device such as a portable vaporizer. Or add a discreet vape pen to your kit to enjoy the benefits of cannabinoids on all your space expeditions.


 


Finally

Vaporisation originated as an alternative to smoking and has become increasingly popular in recent years. Astronauts who prefer vaping to smoking particularly appreciate the high bioavailability, the preservation of large quantities of active ingredients (cannabinoids and terpenes), the control over dosage and intensity of effects, the improved taste and aroma experience and the discretion. Vaporisation does not produce carcinogens such as tar and heavy metals. 

It also has the advantage that flowers, liquids and cannabis concentrates do not contain highly addictive nicotine. However, the International Space Station warns that vaporisation may also carry certain risks (formation of unknown compounds when heated), some of which may not yet be known. 

Whether you're heading to Jupiter or Pluto, check the condition of the shuttle before launch, make sure you have enough fuel, and always include only certified products from reliable vendors in your gear.

 

 

Foto: Shutterstock

"All information provided on this website, as well as the information provided through this website, is for educational purposes only. None of the information contained herein is intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis and such information is not to be considered medical advice or recommended treatment. This website does not promote, endorse or advocate the legal or illegal use of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances or the commission of any other illegal activity. Please see our Disclaimer for further information.“