Vaporizers have become a popular alternative to traditional smoking methods since they came onto the market in 2006. Depending on the brand and design, these electronic smoking devices can be used for tobacco or cannabis.
JUUL is one of the more widely known e-cigarettes on the market, so much so that it accounted for 76% of the market in 2018. Its popularity is in large part due to the many aspects that users enjoy, including its sleek design, user-friendly function, wide range of flavors, and discreetness.1
Although it has many favorable features and functions, a JUUL device can only vaporize tobacco cartridges. This has led to many attempts to create similar products in the cannabis market. While it's certainly possible to find THC JUUL pods, questions swirl about the safety of these products.
What are THC JUUL Pods?
Vaporizers have undergone several design developments as their popularity has grown. The introduction of JUUL in 2006 was part of the 4th generation wave called "pod mods," with pre-filled pods that contain nicotine or cannabis. The nicotine in these cartridges is a salt (rather than freebase), which has a lower pH and allows high nicotine levels to be inhaled. The same is true for cannabis mod pods, as they contain concentrated levels of cannabinoids, usually THC.
While JUUL is by far the most popular option, hundreds of other brands have attempted to recreate or top its best features — other top labels include SMOK, Uwell, Vaporesso, and Blue eCigs. While plenty of reputable companies try to recreate the JUUL, there are also many counterfeits. Always make sure you are purchasing from a licensed retailer.
JUUL vapes are only compatible with their nicotine pods, but they have a sister company, PAX, that creates cannabis-specific vaporizers. PAX pens and pods are in various dispensaries in states where cannabis is legal, and they are usually not what people are referring to when they use the term "THC JUUL Pod." In fact, JUUL pods won’t fit into PAX vaporizers and vice versa. However, in places where cannabis isn’t legal, consumers have gotten creative with their JUUL vapes to make THC JUUL pods.
THC JUUL Pods are usually modified from their original state. Consumers take their devices apart and replace the nicotine oil with cannabis concentrate. This practice can be tedious, isn’t always successful, and is not recommended.
How Do You Use THC Pods?
Vaporizers are user-friendly, even for beginners. As long as your pod and battery are compatible, you can place your cartridge onto the battery quickly and consume. Pods are similar to cartridges, and the term can be used interchangeably. However, typically, cartridges refer to a concentrate container that twists onto a universal battery with a thread pattern known as a 510 thread. If you need help, ask your retailer if the pod you are buying is compatible with your pen. It can be helpful to have it on you to show them.
Since THC JUUL pods are just manually modified nicotine JUUL pods, they will only work with JUUL batteries.
Depending on the battery, there may be adjustable heat settings. These are available because cannabis extracts can be heated at different levels, which adjusts the flavor and intensity of the inhale. A few different types of concentrate can be found in THC pods, like distillate, live resin, or solventless rosin.
Refer to the user manual for your device to check how to set your battery to the desired heat setting. Ensure your battery is charged, then place the pod onto the battery. Some vaporizers require you to hold a button while inhaling, but others, like PAX (and JUUL), are breath-activated. If you have a button-operated vape, hold the button down while inhaling. If not, a slight inhale should activate the heating device in the battery.
Can You Get High on Weed Pods?
Whether a manually modified THC JUUL pod or a legitimate PAX pod, cannabis vaporizers can induce intoxicating effects known as the "high." Due to their concentrated levels of cannabinoids, delivered rapidly to the body, the effects can be more potent than traditional smoking methods but maybe not as intense as edibles. Beginner consumers should inhale slowly and with caution.
The onset of effects can happen as quickly as just a few moments but can take up to 10 minutes.2 Once a consumer feels these effects, they can last anywhere from 2 to 4 hours.
Since no licensed producers manufacture THC JUUL pods, and they are unregulated, it is unclear what the effects and the duration of those effects are. It is best to look for a trusted retailer that sells regulated, test cannabis pods, like those for the PAX.
Are Weed Pods Safe to Use?
Cannabis pods made by a licensed manufacturer that are regulated and undergo the appropriate testing before being sold are safe to consume.
In 2019, there was an outbreak of lung injury due to counterfeit vape pens containing an unregulated additive, vitamin E acetate. Two thousand eight hundred cases were reported, some of which resulted in death. The CDC and FDA strongly recommend not using vapes, “particularly from informal sources like friends, family, or in-person or online dealers.”
While vaping is considered a healthier way to consume than traditional smoking, it still introduces smoke to the lungs, adversely affecting lung health. Researchers and health professionals advise against vaping for these reasons but strongly note that counterfeit vapes, whether nicotine or cannabis, should be avoided.3
You may find that alternative consumption methods, like edibles or tinctures, better suit your situation if you have underlying health issues, especially if they're related to the cardiovascular or respiratory systems.
Pros of Using THC Pods
THC pods are a popular option for consumers for a few reasons.
- Discreet – THC pods and their batteries are handheld devices that are easy to consume and store discreetly.
- Minimal odor – Vape pens emit odor but are usually less pungent than regular cannabis smoke from a joint or bong.
- High potency – The concentrated cannabis inside the vape pens is higher potency than dry flower and can deliver more intense effects quickly.
- User-friendly – THC pods and pens are easy to use, even for beginners.
- An alternative method to traditional smoking inhalation – Smoke inhalation can damage the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. While vaping can still be harmful, it is at a much lower intensity.
Cons of Using THC Pods
There are a few reasons THC pods may not be the best method of consumption.
- Easy to counterfeit – Counterfeit vape pens are a large problem in both the cannabis and tobacco markets. They can be challenging to spot if you are not careful.
- Safety concerns – There have been reported cases of lung injury and death due to fake vapes.
- Availability – Depending on the legal status of cannabis in your state, it may be hard to find vape pods and pens where you are. Even in states where cannabis is legal, they can be challenging to find as their designs are proprietary.
- Proprietary designs - Pods will typically only fit the same brand battery, as opposed to cartridges, which usually work with any 510 battery. For example, Stiiizy pods can only fit Stiiizy or Left Coast batteries, but not PAX. This can limit the amount of options you have for cultivars and effects.
- Price – Due to their proprietary nature, THC pods can be expensive – sometimes upwards of $40 or more for a gram.
THC Pods FAQ
Are THC pods legal?
In states where cannabis is permitted, yes, THC pods are legal.
Can you use cannabis oil with any vape pod?
No. Vape pods require a concentrate like distillate or live resin. They are not compatible with cannabis oils like tinctures.
How long do weed pods last?
How long a weed pod lasts will depend on how often you inhale and how hard you inhale. On average, a 1-gram pod can last as little as a few days to up to a few weeks or longer.
Can you make your own THC JUUL pods?
While you can make your own THC JUUL pod, it is not recommended for health and safety reasons.
References
- Fadus MC, Smith TT, Squeglia LM. The Rise of e-cigarettes, Pod Mod devices, and JUUL among youth: Factors Influencing use, Health implications, and Downstream Effects. Drug and Alcohol Dependence. 2019;201:85-93. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.04.011
↩︎ - MacCallum CA, Russo EB. Practical considerations in medical cannabis administration and dosing. European Journal of Internal Medicine. 2018;49(49):12-19. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejim.2018.01.004
↩︎ - Boyer EW, Levy S, Smelson D, Vargas S, Casey A. THE CLINICAL ASSESSMENT OF VAPING EXPOSURE. Journal of addiction medicine. 2020;14(6):446-450. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/ADM.0000000000000634
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The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
