While vaping remains a relatively safe alternative to smoking, you may from time to time experience some side effects from this recreational activity. Some of them are caused by the ingredients in the vape juice, while others are purely because of the technique you use when using a vape pen.
Here’s a list of side effects to look out for, as well as some potential remedies:
1. Dry mouth
This is a pretty common side effect of vaping and can be caused by PG and VG base ingredients used in some vape pens and cartridges (note LiT does not use PG and VG in our vape juices). PG (propylene glycol) is the main culprit here because it’s a humectant that absorbs the moisture in your mouth, although CBD can also give you a dry mouth. The solution to this problem is to use a vape juice that doesn’t contain PG. Alternatively, you can try drinking more water during your vape pen or use a hydrating oral rinse whenever you vape. These two simple methods should sort out your dry mouth. If the problem doesn’t go away, consult a dentist before the problem gets more complicated.
2. Sore throat
Many vapers, especially newbies, experience a sore throat when vaping but you shouldn’t let this problem put a damper on your vaping activities. It could be your body reacting to your new hobby and it will probably go away given time. A sore throat can be caused by any one of these things:
- High PG levels – PG helps deliver a better throat hit. Unfortunately, it can also dry your throat. Until your mouth is used to vaping, keep sipping on some water as you vape. If the problem persists consider switching to a lower PG e-liquid.
- An empty cartridge – it’s a no-brainer, but it happens to all of us at some point. Drawing on an empty cartridge can scratch your throat. Always check to see if your tank is burned out before vaping.
- The type of vape coil. Some people are allergic to nickel or nickel-based vape pens, so you need to check the specs of your device. If you notice nickel content – often written as Ni80- switch to a stainless steel device.
- Quitting tobacco – a sore throat can be a withdrawal symptom if you’ve recently quit smoking. The best thing to do is to wait it out until your mouth and throat get back to normal.
3. Coughing
A lot of times coughing is caused by using the wrong technique when vaping, especially the inhaling part of it. Some devices are designed for mouth to lung (ML) vaping while others require direct lung (DL) vaping. To tell what kind of vape pen you’re using, try drawing on it while it’s not activated. If you have to pull hard to feel any effect, it’s a mouth to lung device and should be inhaled like you do with cigarettes. If you require little effort to draw, it’s a direct lung device, where you more or less breathe through your vape pen. ML is done at a lower wattage while DL is done at a higher wattage and produces more clouds.
4. Constipation
Although not very common, some people report experiencing constipation from vaping. This could be due to the THC in your vape juice. At higher doses, THC is capable of slowing down the digestive tract because it activates the CB1 receptors in the gut, impeding their motility in the process. If you’re not used to vaping THC very often or you suddenly consume a large dose, it can lead to constipation. The solution is therefore, to use a vape juice with lower concentrations of THC.
5. Diarrhea
Interestingly, CBD has the opposite effect to THC in your gut. CBD helps in your gut’s motility, but at high doses it can cause diarrhea. This has actually been noted in patients getting treatment against epilepsy using high-dose CBD therapy. Cannabinoids are biphasic, meaning they can have one effect at a low dose and the opposite effect at a high dose. CBD fights constipation, but will give you the runs at higher doses. If you’re experiencing diarrhea when you vape, you should think about using a vape juice with a lower concentration of CBD.
6. Dizziness or headrush
If you’ve ever tried smoking, then you know the heady feeling you get when it’s your first time. Vaping is no different, and feeling light-headedness or dizziness it’s not unheard for first time vapers. Like smoking, you’ll experience fewer of these spells the more you vape. However, if they become a source of concern, you’re best off switching to a vape juice with lower THC levels or reducing how frequently you vape.
7. Nausea
If you constantly experience nausea when vaping, the most likely reason for this is you’re vaping too frequently and need to cut back on your intake. Although THC is known to reduce nausea at lower doses it can have the opposite effect at a high dose. Again, it has something to do with the biphasic nature of cannabinoids. When you start feeling nausea it’s your body’s way of telling you that you need a break.
8. Fatigue
If you’ve ever had a caffeine crash from consuming too much coffee, vaping can have a similar effect when you overdo it. Feeling tired, irritable, and unable to concentrate could be the symptoms of too much CBD in your system.
9. Chest pain from vaping
When you experience chest pain or tightness from vaping it could be the result of excessive heat from your vaping device. Flavors like cinnamon liquids in the vape juice can also produce these symptoms. You could try vaping at a lower wattage, or changing your vaping device altogether. If this doesn’t work, stop vaping. Persistent chest pains are a serious problem that may require you to see a doctor.
10. Vaper’s tongue
Vaper’s tongue is when you can’t taste your vapes. Although this isn’t a side effect in the medical sense, it’s something that affects your vaping for several days and requires a solution. It can happen to both new and experienced vapers. Fortunately, it’s not a permanent condition. If you can’t wait for it to go away by itself, you can try the following things:
- Drink water or steeped juices
- Change the flavor of your vape juice
- Suck on a lemon
- Use mouth wash
About LiT Vape Pen
At LiT we not only provide convenient access to premium cannabis vape pens and refill cartridges, as well as other cannabis products, we also offer a 100% money-back guarantee on all orders placed. Order now for the highest quality THC & CBD Weed Vape Pens, edibles, cannabis flower, concentrates and other products guaranteed to give you the smoothest customer experience.
