The Harm Minimization Thread

So I thought we needed a one stop thread shop where we could share information on harm minimization for all things vaporization and combustion. I know, there is less (basically negligible) harm done by efficient and well designed vaporization devices than combusting - but we may as well include any info helpful there too.

I'm going to start the thread off with this one. Holding in smoke/vapor does not get you any higher. Do not inhale anything in your lungs for any longer than you need to get it both into and out of your lungs is a good basic rule.

See http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.202.4159&rep=rep1&type=pdf for more information from a 1998 source.

Any advice related to vaporization and harm minimization is good here, but please, try to share scholarly information or information that can be otherwise well substantiated. When it comes to taking care of people's health, it behooves us all to be as accurate as possible.

Of course, if you have an idea and are not sure whether it reduces harm or not, please say so and let's look into it and discuss it here! Please do flag that you are unsure on the veracity of your claims though

Decreased respiratory symptoms in cannabis users who vaporize
Harm Reduction Journal 2007


"Data from a large Internet sample revealed that the use of a vaporizer predicted fewer respiratory symptoms even when age, sex, cigarette smoking, and amount of cannabis used were taken into account. Age, sex, cigarettes, and amount of cannabis also had significant effects. The number of cigarettes smoked and amount of cannabis used interacted to create worse respiratory problems. A significant interaction revealed that the impact of a vaporizer was larger as the amount of cannabis used increased."

After some staff discussion this thread was closed as we feel that it's too susceptible to becoming a source of misinformation and contention. I suggest looking for existing threads that cover more focused topics specific to the idea. For example:

• How long does it take to absorb vapor?

It's a noble pursuit, but as noted in the OP it must be approached with great care.