My latest feature article for Prohbtd.com is up - this one covers everything you need to know about VAPI — the Vaping-Associated Pulmonary Illness that’s hospitalized nearly 1,500 people in the United States.

In the article, I mention Storz & Brickel’s Volcano as a better alternative to vaping THC oil and the research associated with the product. Though there have yet to be any studies conducted on Storz & Brickel’s new Volcano Hybrid (which is at a more affordable price point than the original, with complete temperature control via a smart phone app), the vaporization process remains the same: nothing is being inhaled except for pure, vaporized cannabis from the plant material.

There are also a handful of devices designed for vaping cannabis concentrates known as dabs, resin, and shatter. Since the freshly-harvested (or immediately-frozen) cannabis crystals don’t contain any other substances (and a little goes a long way), generally speaking, these are also among the safer options for vaping enthusiasts right now. 

If you or anyone you know vapes, here are warning symptoms/what to watch out for:

• Rapid onset of coughing, or a chronic cough

• Chest pain, shortness of breath or significant breathing difficulties

• Weight loss and flu-like symptoms such as fever and fatigue

• Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea

• Symptoms generally appear over the course of a few days after using a vape pen, but can take as long as a few weeks to arise. 

Read about what’s causing the vaping epidemic (no, it’s not cannabis) here.