What are THC inhalers?

Did you know that you can ingest cannabis by breathing through a weed inhaler? Cannabis inhalers are touted as being combustion-free, odor-free, battery-free, and are known to provide rapid effects. But what are weed inhalers, how do they work, and are weed inhalers safe? Keep reading to find out.

What is a THC inhaler?

THC inhalers operate similarly to asthma inhalers, delivering precise doses of cannabinoids into your body. Each time you inhale from a THC inhaler, you receive pre-measured amounts of THC. But what exactly are you inhaling? Is it aerosolized cannabinoids or some type of vaporizer?

Cannabis inhalers: how do they work?

To understand how a cannabis inhaler works, one needs to be familiar with the way the human lungs function. Our lungs contain millions of alveoli, which are air sacs in the lungs that facilitate gas exchange. 

When we inhale, the alveoli in our lungs absorb oxygen and transport it into our bloodstream. When we exhale, carbon dioxide is released from our bloodstream through the alveoli and then leaves our bodies through our mouths or nostrils.

Cannabis inhalers deliver the active ingredients right into your lungs. In the same way oxygen enters the body, these substances enter the bloodstream. In this sense, cannabis inhalers work through inhalation. However, there is no combustion in a cannabis inhaler, so this ingestion method is safer than smoking, and may be better for consumers who cannot smoke or prefer not to smoke.

The effects of weed inhalers don’t exactly mimic inhalation: effects typically start 3-5 minutes after ingestion, and then there is a secondary onset from orally ingested cannabinoids (the residue that doesn’t make it into your lungs).

Does THC act as a bronchodilator?

In asthma, a serious lung disease, airways can narrow and become inflamed. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, wheezing, and tightness in the chest. Some asthma symptoms can be relieved by bronchodilators, which relax the bands of muscle surrounding the airways. 

Some research suggests that THC might increase bronchodilation through a different mechanism than traditional bronchodilators. The researchers were studying the CB1 receptor as a potential target for bronchodilators. They concluded that there was evidence to suggest THC acted as a bronchodilator, but that further research is needed, and they recommend that clinical trials be undertaken to learn more

Interestingly, studies from decades ago already suggested THC's bronchodilator effects. For example, according to research in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1973, inhaled marijuana causes bronchodilation.

However, smoke may also irritate the lungs and numerous studies have demonstrated that smoking cigarettes or marijuana can lead to respiratory problems. As cannabis inhalers do not involve combustion, they carry lower respiratory risks than smoking cannabis.

What is a CBD inhaler?

CBD can be delivered effectively through an inhaler, just like THC.

To ensure that the same amount of CBD is used in every spray, micellized CBD molecules are combined into a solution. By using this innovative method, you can always control the dose.  

Are weed nebulizers safe?

During the nebulizing process, an aqueous medication (liquid, usually water-based) is aerosolized by bubbling air or oxygen for the patient to breathe in. The only way to deliver cannabis vapor to the lungs without it being heated or burned is with nebulizing.

It should be noted that it may be difficult using a THC nebulizer with standard cannabis flowers or oils. The oil extracts of cannabis and its derivatives are hydrophobic; they dislike water. This means that nebulizing certain cannabis extracts may not be as effective as other methods, including a cannabis inhaler.

Final thoughts on cannabis inhalers 

If you're looking for an easy and efficient way to consume cannabis without smoking, a cannabis inhaler may be the perfect solution. This discreet device is small enough to fit in your pocket and contains pre-measured doses of THC so that you can microdose as needed. Plus, there's no noticeable smell of smoke.

Find top-rated products for your goals 

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If you're ready to discover new products and reach your goals, download the Jointly app today on the App Store or Google Play, or shop your matches on the Jointly website.   

Are you curious about Jointly?

Whether you want to improve sleep, relieve daily stress, or just relax and refresh, Jointly can help you reach your goals with cannabis.  

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The Jointly app also helps you improve your cannabis experiences by uncovering what’s working and what’s not with reflections and personalized insights. In fact, the quality of your diet, how much you slept, who you’re with, and the time of day are just some of the factors that can impact your cannabis experience.  

So if you're ready to find your best products and enjoy your perfect cannabis experience, download the Jointly app today on the App Store or Google Play, or shop your matches on the Jointly website. Discovery awaits.