When cannabis is burned, it releases a complex mixture of gases, particulates, and volatiles often referred to collectively as smoke. This mixture contains hundreds of different compounds, including cannabinoids like THC and CBD, terpenes, and byproducts of combustion such as tar and resin.
Cannabis smoke is drawn through the water-filled chamber of a bong where it cools and some of the particulates are filtered out by the water. However, a substantial amount of the smoke, continues up into the main body of the bong and out through the mouthpiece.
During this process, the smoke comes into contact with the inner surfaces of the bong. Some of the components in the smoke, particularly the heavier tar and other hydrocarbons, will adhere to the glass surface. This is due to a variety of factors, including the stickiness of these compounds and the temperature differences between the smoke and the glass.
Over time and with repeated use, these compounds build up layer by layer, creating a coating or stain on the glass. This coating is often brown or black due to the presence of tar and other combustion byproducts.
To further understand why resin sticks and stains, let's delve into the specific factors:
Viscosity and Adhesion: When cannabis is combusted, it forms a sticky, tar-like substance in the smoke, known as resin. This resin is a complex mixture of compounds, including heavy hydrocarbons and other organic substances. These substances tend to be viscous and sticky, which naturally allows them to adhere to the surfaces they come into contact with, such as the inner walls of the bong. This adhesion occurs at a molecular level, with the compounds in the resin forming intermolecular forces, such as Van der Waals forces, with the glass surface.
Temperature Gradient: The temperature difference between the hot smoke and the cooler glass surface of the bong can cause condensation of the resin onto the glass. As the smoke cools down while traveling through the bong, the resin compounds may move from a gaseous phase to a more solid or semi-solid phase. In this state, they're more likely to stick to the glass.
Mixture of Compounds: The resin contains a wide variety of compounds, including plant waxes, fatty acids, and flavonoids, many of which are not very soluble in water. These substances can form a film on the glass that's resistant to washing away with water, leading to stains.
Photooxidation: Resin stains are also photosensitive, meaning they react to light. When exposed to light, especially UV light, these stains can undergo a process called photooxidation. During this process, the light causes the resin compounds to react with oxygen in the air, which can change their properties and make the stains more stubborn and harder to remove.
The longer the resinous compounds are in contact with the glass, the more time they have to bind to the surface, harden, and accumulate. These processes make the resin more difficult to remove and increase the likelihood of residual staining.
To understand why this happens, let's look at the science:
Hardening of Resin: Over time, the resinous compounds can undergo a hardening process. Initially, the resin is a sticky, viscous substance. However, as it dries out, it becomes more like a solid film that is tightly bound to the glass surface. This hardening process makes the resin more difficult to remove.
Layering Effect: With repeated use and over time, more and more layers of resin build up. Each smoking session deposits a new layer of resin, which sticks to the previous layer. The more layers there are, the thicker the coating of resin, and the harder it is to completely remove.
Oxidation and Polymerization: Over time, the compounds in the resin can undergo chemical changes. Exposure to air can lead to oxidation of the compounds, and they can also undergo reactions that link them together in a process called polymerization. Both of these processes can change the properties of the resin, making it more stubborn and harder to clean.
To conclude, the longer the resinous compounds from cannabis smoke are in contact with the glass of a bong, the harder they are to remove, and the more likely they are to leave residual staining. This is why regular cleaning is so important - it prevents the build-up of layers and stops the resin from hardening and undergoing these chemical changes. By cleaning your bong promptly after use, you can help prevent stubborn, residual stains.
Therefore, while borosilicate glass (commonly used in bong manufacture) is resistant to many chemical interactions, the unique conditions presented by frequent bong use might contribute to processes reminiscent of the early stages of glass disease.
To mitigate this, regular and thorough cleaning of the bong, along with proper drying and storage, are crucial. This not only maintains the appearance and functionality of the bong, but it may also help extend its lifespan by reducing potential glass surface degradation.
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As the glass art market continues its upward trajectory, both the quality and value of these artistic pieces have shown exponential growth. In fact, some enthusiasts invest an amount comparable to the cost of a small house on a single pipe to indulge their hash passion. Consequently, the desire to preserve and enhance the value of these exquisite pieces is paramount.
This blog aims to serve as a comprehensive guide to the realm of glass care, outlining the best practices for maintaining these valuable pieces of art. Our goal? To ensure your glass art not only retains its value over time but also appreciates as the scarcity of older designs increases when artists transition to new concepts. Dive in, and let's explore how to make your investment in glass art a timeless treasure.
Artist: Steve and Sovereignty Glass
Each time a piece is used, it’s exposed to heat and plant matter, leading to inevitable resin build-up and potential thermal stress to the glass. The key to preserving the condition of a high-end bong is an immediate, post-use cleaning regimen. Leaving the resin to dry and stick can cause permanent staining, and even the slightest residue and its harbored bacteria can be inhaled during the next use, causing potential health risks.
Tap water contains various dissolved solids and gases, which can leave behind residue and deposits on your bong, potentially affecting its long-term value. These impurities can interact with the glass at a molecular level over time, causing surface degradation, etching, and staining.
The use of distilled water mitigates this risk. Distillation removes nearly all minerals and impurities, reducing the chance of residue and ensuring a purer smoking experience. It's also beneficial for a deeper cleaning process when combined with appropriate cleaning agents.
Piece By: Illadelph Glass
Storage Considerations
Storage plays a crucial role in preserving the pristine condition of your high-end bong. Factors such as stable temperature, humidity control, inverted storage, cushioning, and regular check-ups are essential considerations for your bong's longevity and value preservation.In the rapidly evolving world of vaping, convenience and modernity often take center stage, with little thought given to the underlying components of your vape cartridge. As consumers, we often rely on brands to provide us with safe, quality products. However, a recent article by Analytical Cannabis [Article] has highlighted the potential risks associated with the use of low-quality glass in vape cartridges, emphasizing that it's not just up to manufacturers to ensure quality – consumers have a role to play too.
The choice of glass used in containers plays a pivotal role in the pharmaceutical industry, primarily because different types of glass can react differently with the substances they hold. In this industry, USP Chapter <1660> offers comprehensive guidelines on evaluating the durability of the inner surfaces of glass containers to prevent unwanted reactions.
A detailed study by Schott AG, a German technology group, brought this issue into sharper focus, illustrating the varying chemical durability of different types of glass when exposed to aggressive substances. The findings underscored the fact that not all glass is created equal, particularly when it comes to handling chemically aggressive solutions or solutions with high salt components.
These findings have serious implications for the cannabis industry, where vaping has become a predominant mode of consumption. With nearly half of all cannabis consumers choosing to vape, the safety of vape cartridges is of utmost importance.
However, unlike the pharmaceutical industry, the cannabis sector lacks standardized regulations, especially regarding the choice of glass used in vape cartridges. Consequently, some manufacturers may not be using the optimal grade of glass, leading to potential safety concerns. Low-quality glass in high-temperature applications, such as vaping, could potentially lead to the release of heavy metals and other contaminants into the vape juice.
Emerging studies have raised concerning red flags. A recent Canadian study discovered traces of metallic particles in the vape juice of unused THC vape cartridges, with potential indications of glass tank breakdown, known as delamination. Although further research is needed, the preliminary evidence strongly suggests a need for more stringent standards for glass used in vape cartridges.
Data from this study relays the quantities of heavy metals detected were high enough to cause serious health problems in humans.
“Inhaled metals are rapidly absorbed through the respiratory tract and can be further transported to other organs. In the present study, a large number of cannabis vape liquids contained Ni and Pb significantly above the established tolerance limits. Lungs are particularly susceptible to Ni toxicity, which adverse effects can range from lung inflammatory changes to induced rhinitis and sinusitis or allergic dermatitis. Similarly, only low exposure to inhaled Pb can result in an increased risk of cardiovascular and kidney diseases.”
What Can You The Consumer Do?
As consumers, we must understand that we also play a part in promoting product safety and demanding high-quality products. While individual companies need to prioritize using safe materials and high-quality glass, it is also up to us to make educated choices about the brands we support. This means opting for products from reputable manufacturers that prioritize safety and quality, and using our purchasing power to support brands that are transparent about their materials and manufacturing processes.
By demanding the quality we pay for and asking the right questions, we can encourage better practices within the industry, promoting not only our safety but also the overall quality of products in the market.
As the cannabis vaping industry continues to grow and evolve, it's imperative to keep the discussion on safety standards alive. With knowledge and vigilance from both manufacturers and consumers, we can ensure a safer future for all cannabis vape users.
In this blog post, we delve into the critical relationship between cannabis consumption and cardiovascular health. By understanding how smoking cannabis impacts your heart, you can take necessary precautions to protect your well-being. We'll be referencing research studies like those conducted by Mittleman et al. (2001) and Shariff et al. (2020) to provide you with credible information.
Cannabis consumption can affect your heart due to its vasoconstrictive properties. By narrowing blood vessels and raising blood pressure, smoking marijuana forces the heart to work harder. Studies indicate that the risk of heart attacks significantly increases in the hour following marijuana use. Moreover, the oral health complications resulting from cannabis smoking can further impact your cardiovascular health.
The temperature of cannabis smoke plays a significant role in its toxicity level. High-temperature consumption leads to increased psychoactive effects, but it also exposes you to more toxins and carcinogens. These harmful substances can cause oxidative stress and necrotic cell death in tissues directly exposed to the smoke, leading to oral health issues like periodontitis. This connection between gum disease and heart disease highlights the importance of oral health when smoking cannabis.
To preserve your cardiovascular and oral health, consider using a water-filtered bong to cool the smoke and remove harmful substances. Regularly clean and maintain your bong for optimal health benefits. Alternatively, explore consumption methods like vaporization, edibles, or tinctures to minimize the impact on your cardiovascular and oral health.
Mittleman, M. A., Lewis, R. A., Maclure, M., Sherwood, J. B., & Muller, J. E. (2001). Triggering myocardial infarction by marijuana. Circulation, 103(23), 2805-2809. Retrieved from https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/01.CIR.103.23.2805
Shariff, J. A., Ahluwalia, M., Papapanou, P. N., Loomer, P. M., & Genco, R. J. (2020). The effect of marijuana on periodontal disease: A systematic review. Journal of the American Dental Association, 151(11), 783-792. Retrieved from https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(20)30481-6/fulltext
]]>In this blog post, we will explore the first of three major health implications related to smoking cannabis: respiratory health. While cannabis has numerous health benefits, it is essential to be aware of the potential adverse effects of smoking it, especially when it comes to the respiratory system. This post is supported by research, such as the findings of Tashkin (2013) and Martinasek et al. (2016), which highlight the potential risks and ways to minimize them.
Smoking cannabis can damage lung cells and affect the immune system, leading to issues such as bronchitis and emphysema. Inhaling irritants like tar and carbon monoxide in smoke can cause these respiratory problems. Furthermore, smoking out of a bong with stagnant, dirty water can lead to pneumonia and streptococcus, bacterial illnesses that thrive in such environments.
When you inhale smoke, you damage your lung cells, which can kill them and prevent mucus secretion. The immune system and the cilia are affected, leading to a higher likelihood of contracting illnesses or developing conditions. The bacteria that cause these infections can also be found in the stagnant water of a bong, which can be aerosolized and inhaled when smoking.
Using a bong with clean water and proper filtration can help reduce the harmful effects of smoking cannabis. Be sure to clean your bong regularly and replace the water to ensure the removal of bacteria and other harmful substances. In addition, consider alternative consumption methods like vaporization, edibles, or tinctures to decrease exposure to potential respiratory health problems.
Cannabis is known for its medicinal and recreational uses, but it may also have the potential to help clean up the environment.
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Soil pollution is a major environmental problem, caused by a variety of factors such as industrial activities, agricultural practices, and improper disposal of waste. These pollutants can contaminate the soil and water, posing a serious threat to human health and the environment.
Cannabis plants have the ability to absorb and remove toxins from the soil, a process known as phytoremediation. This is possible because the plant has a unique ability to extract nutrients and minerals from the soil, while also absorbing contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and other pollutants.
What is Phytoremediation?
The process of phytoremediation involves planting cannabis in contaminated soil, allowing it to grow and absorb the pollutants, and then removing the plant and properly disposing of it. This method is a natural and sustainable way of cleaning up contaminated soil, as it does not involve the use of harmful chemicals or machinery.
In addition to being a natural and sustainable solution for soil remediation, cannabis can also be used to produce a variety of eco-friendly products such as biodegradable plastics, building materials, and paper. This means that by supporting the cannabis industry, consumers can also support a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly economy.
Could Cannabis Help Clean Up The Environment?
While more research is needed to fully understand the potential of cannabis in soil remediation, the early results are promising. As the world continues to face environmental challenges, cannabis may prove to be a valuable tool in the fight against pollution and climate change.
Snyder, H. (2019, August 16). Cannabis can absorb heavy metals. Agri-View. Retrieved from https://www.agupdate.com/agriview/news/crop/cannabis-can-absorb-heavy-metals/article_58c0363b-605b-5084-afb8-6a19ceac85b9.html
]]>Over the past decade, social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook have had a significant impact on the heady glass industry, driving its rapid growth and expanding its reach to a wider audience.
]]>Over the past decade, social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook have had a significant impact on the heady glass industry, driving its rapid growth and expanding its reach to a wider audience. Prior to the advent of social media, the heady glass industry was relatively small and insular, with a few dedicated collectors and enthusiasts who were passionate about the artistry and craftsmanship of glassblowing.
The history of the heady glass industry can be traced back to the 1960s and 1970s, when a group of artists in California began experimenting with glassblowing techniques to create functional and artistic glass pieces. These early pioneers of the heady glass movement included artists like Bob Snodgrass, who is often credited with developing the technique of fuming, and Marcel Braun, who is known for his intricate and colorful glass designs. This scene remained relatively isolated; the industry remained relatively small and focused on a niche audience of collectors and enthusiasts.
Riley McDonnell the Founder of GlassPass, an App for buying and selling Glass that is very popular in the industry had this to say about the early days of the scene,
“Even before social media was popular, back when most people use the Internet through a computer rather than a phone, there were websites dedicated to the glass art community. For example, glasspipes.org has a couple thousand posts with some dating back as far as 2004 or so. The scene added the community back then, before I ever even knew about it, was so small and very tight knit. If you read through some of the posts dating back to 2006, you’ll find a lot of popular artists of today posting super intricate and beautiful OG style glass. There’s an ‘06 post from Illadelph of some worked cups, martini glasses, and figurine sculptures; stuff you would never see them go near today”
This all changed with the advent of social media in the early 2000s. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook allowed glassblowers to showcase their work to a much larger audience than ever before, and to connect with collectors and buyers from all over the world. Glassblowers began using social media to share photos and videos of their work, offering a behind-the-scenes look at their creative process and building a fanbase of dedicated followers.
“All the big artists of now were a bunch of fledgling lamp workers back then, and they really all relied heavily upon each other to build the beginnings of the community that exists today. You can tell in the way they put a lot of effort into every caption, describing the techniques, technicalities, and colors to help each other grow. Every post ended with a 'tysm for looking' sort of phrase, and it was clear the passion was strong”(Riley McDonnell)
This had the additional effect of increasing demand to the point that a secondary market developed. In the beginning sales and acquisitions were fraught with scamming. Initially it was Facebook groups and instagram communities that attempted to police themselves, removing or blocking members who had broken communities rules. Riley explained to us that this was a driving force behind the concept of GlassPass,
“Glass has always been underground and hidden on the internet, first existing on old, slow, ugly websites. As the various social media platforms grew popular, artists were able to connect with their collectors more easily, and spread the reach of their work much farther than possible before. But, social media was never designed to be sales-oriented.”
With the invention of GlassPass, marketplaces designed and engineered specifically for buying and selling glass, this process has become much more accessible and eliminates any risk when transactions are done through the app.
Today, the heady glass industry is thriving, with glassblowers from all over the world creating stunning and intricate pieces that are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. Social media continues to play a major role in the growth of the industry, with platforms like Instagram and Facebook allowing artists to connect with a global audience and build a brand around their unique style and aesthetic. While there has been an massive influx of glass artists market prices have somewhat stabilized. Allowing the best of the best, artists like Banjo for example to charge upwards of a hundred thousand dollars for certain pieces.
In conclusion, we asked Riley what the future of GlassPass looks like?
“Now, with Meta actively blocking glass posts daily, there’s a new shift coming in the industry. We’re building a home for glassblowers, lovers, and collectors that will have anything you can imagine about glass. We want to show the world that our functional glass art community is just as legitimate, valuable, and important as any other form of art. We want to help spread that message”
So ultimately the impact of social media on the heady glass industry over the past decade has been enormous, driving the rapid growth of the industry and expanding its reach to a much larger and more diverse audience. While the industry was once a niche community of dedicated collectors and enthusiasts, it has now become a global phenomenon that continues to evolve and push the boundaries of what is possible with glassblowing.
]]>Smoking cannabis is a popular way to consume the plant, but it comes with several health risks, including exposure to harmful compounds like PAHs. PAHs are produced when cannabis is smoked and can cause respiratory problems and even cancer. However, one method of smoking cannabis, using a bong, may offer a solution to this problem.
PAHs are a class of organic compounds that are produced by the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing materials. They are found in a variety of sources, including tobacco smoke, engine exhaust, and charred food as well as combusted cannabis. PAHs are known to be toxic and carcinogenic, meaning they can cause cancer in humans.
PAHs are produced by the incomplete combustion of cannabis, particularly when it is smoked. When cannabis is burned, it releases a variety of harmful chemicals, including PAHs. The levels of PAHs produced by cannabis are similar to those produced by tobacco smoke. The heat generated during the combustion process breaks down the cannabis plant material, producing a number of different compounds, including PAHs.
Consumers can take several steps to reduce their exposure to PAHs produced by cannabis. One option is to choose alternative consumption methods, such as edibles, tinctures. These methods do not involve the combustion of cannabis, and therefore do not produce PAHs.
Another option is to use smoking devices that are designed to reduce PAH production, such as water pipes or "bongs." These devices can help to filter out harmful compounds, including PAHs, before they reach the lungs.
When cannabis smoke is filtered through percolation in water, the smoke is cooled and passes through the water, which acts as a filter. As the smoke is filtered through the water, some of the particulate matter, such as ash and tar, is removed from the smoke, reducing the amount of these harmful compounds that reach the lungs. Additionally, the water can absorb some of the water-soluble compounds, such as PAHs, which are present in the smoke.
The process by which the water absorbs the PAHs is called adsorption, which is the adhesion of a thin layer of molecules to the surfaces of materials. In the case of bongs, the water in the chamber absorbs the PAHs in the smoke, effectively trapping them and preventing them from reaching the lungs. This means that less harmful smoke reaches the lungs, reducing the risk of respiratory problems and other health issues.
It's worth noting that while bongs can help to reduce the amount of harmful compounds in cannabis smoke, they do not completely eliminate them. Some of the harmful compounds, such as carbon monoxide and benzene, are not water-soluble and therefore cannot be filtered out by the water.
While bongs can help to reduce the risk of exposure to harmful compounds like PAHs, it is important to keep your bong clean to maintain these filtration benefits. Over time, resin and other compounds can build up in the water and the pipes, reducing the effectiveness of the filtration system. This can lead to a higher level of exposure to harmful compounds, including PAHs.
To maintain the filtration benefits of your bong, it is recommended that you clean it regularly. The frequency of cleaning will depend on how often you use the bong and how much cannabis you smoke. Generally, it is recommended that you clean your bong after every use, or at least once a week, to maintain its effectiveness. Cleaning your bong involves removing any buildup of resin or other compounds and replacing the water in the chamber.
In conclusion, bongs can be a safer way to smoke cannabis, as they help to filter out harmful compounds like PAHs. However, it is important to keep your bong clean to maintain these filtration benefits. By cleaning your bong regularly, you can reduce the risk of exposure to harmful compounds and protect your respiratory health.
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Plastic has become so ingrained in our daily life that it can be hard to imagine how we could function as a society without it. However, it has only been roughly 50 years since plastic came into mainstream production.
After World War II, plastic production skyrocketed as “consumers craved plastics to replace traditional materials because they are cheap, versatile, sanitary and easy to manufacture into a variety of forms”(1). The plastics industry exploded — and production boomed.
The popularity of plastic has continued to rise, resulting in our modern culture where plastic is used for almost everything. The problem that quickly emerged for these manufacturers was that consumers were disturbed by the amount of plastic that found its way into the natural environment around them.
This issue has grown especially bad over the past decade. Today it is hard to go anywhere — even the most remote places on the planet — and not find plastic pollution.
Today, 40% of all plastic is used as packaging that is then discarded after products are opened. On top of that, “...of the seven billion tons of plastic generated globally so far, less than 10% has been recycled” (2). And “...the recycling rate for post-consumer plastic was just 5-6% in 2021”(8). With all this plastic production and the resulting waste, more and more plastic pollution has found its way into our shared habitat.
According to research conducted by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, “Between 4.8-12.7 million tons of plastic enter the ocean each year”(9). Once these plastics find their way to the seas, they are there to stay. In fact, it has been estimated that “roughly 70% of the plastic that ends up in the ocean sinks to the ocean floor”(4).
So, if this plastic isn’t recovered before it breaks down to unrecoverable microplastics, then we could find ourselves in a very difficult situation. If we do not make some significant behavioral changes, scientists estimate that “plastic is expected to outweigh all the fish in the sea by 2050”(3).
Well, plastic pollution in the ocean is negatively affecting marine life. Studies indicate that “Marine plastic pollution has impacted at least 267 species worldwide, including 86% of all sea turtle species, 44% of all seabird species, and 43% of all marine mammal species”.
Additionally, “In a 2008 Pacific Gyre voyage, Algalita researchers began finding that fish are ingesting plastic fragments and debris. Of the 672 fish caught during that voyage, 35% had ingested plastic pieces”(7).
Why was recycling introduced? In the 1980’s, many large manufacturers began working together to solve the growing pollution problem. Their goal was to figure out how to deal with the excessive waste that their single-use products were creating — items like bottles, cans, and cardboard packaging.
Did you know? Aluminum is highly recyclable and it “takes 95% less energy to transform into another aluminum can than it takes to mine the aluminum ore and make a can from scratch”(5). |
It made a lot of sense to implement can recycling as it could produce quite a bit more revenue. Plastic and paper recycling, however, made much less financial sense. Ultimately, they decided to implement some recycling centers across the country to test their viability and public interest.
They knew if this were to even have a chance at working, the general public would need to support it, as they would be the ones paying for these recycling centers with their tax dollars.While these corporations were aware that only two of the many forms of plastic were physically capable of being recycled, they hoped there would be new emerging markets if the material became available.
These hopes never came to fruition, as recycling these plastics is not economically viable.
However, the public was optimistic and encouraged by ad campaigns that were funded by the plastic manufacturers themselves. The corporations saw recycling as their saving grace, because if people recycled all their plastic waste, they could keep producing high-profit plastic products.
The dirty truth about plastic recycling is that the majority of plastic produced is never going to be recycled. But our education in schools and offices across the country for the last 30 years has been: If it's plastic, it's recyclable. This is not only a misrepresentation of the facts but also results in significant additional sorting, or much of it being put in a landfill as it would be too costly to sort.
The US had neither the capability nor desire to do this labor-intensive work at home, so we outsourced it to other countries. This created a large market, and financial credits (cash) began to be given to companies who exported recycling from the US. What’s more, a desire to move as much material as possible arose, adding to the decline in the sorting and export of legitimate recyclable material.
So, the system was set up in a way that seems to encourage deception on the exporter's part. Why? Because there is typically no follow-up by authorities in terms of oversight and checking of contents. This system results in shipping garbage thousands of miles around the globe where it will ultimately end up in a landfill.
I implore you: How crazy is that?
This can all be very frustrating to digest. So, what are our options as consumers? How can we make daily actions to reduce our single-use plastic impact, and plastic waste in general?
Some of the best eco-friendly decisions include the following:
Most importantly, watch your personal consumption and identify how, when, and why you produce the most waste. Choose sustainable alternatives whenever possible.
If you find yourself going through a 30-pack of plastic water bottles a week, it might be time to consider a nice refillable water bottle. Or if you go through a box of plastic bags a week, consider buying something that is reusable and easy to clean.
The hardest option for many people is reducing your online ordering — companies like Amazon tend to use quite a bit of disposable packaging.
The last thing I will add is this: be very aware of what you are trying to recycle. As only a portion of plastic is recyclable, you’ll be doing the workers at the center a big help if you only recycle the right items. Anything that can’t be recycled should just be placed in the trash.
There are a lot of simple things you can do every day that can make an impact on our environment. Start with checking out our inventory of sustainable, eco-friendly and waste-free products.
Author: Sam Claytor
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We’ve all been there. The bong is dirty, and we are tired and just want to wind down. It’s tempting to just dive into the next session, but here is why it’s worth your time to keep your smoking equipment clean.
We’ve all been there. The bong is dirty, and we are tired and just want to wind down. It’s tempting to just dive into the next session, but here is why it’s worth your time to keep your smoking equipment clean.
In short, dirty bongs can be dangerous because they can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
A study published in 2017 documents a case involving a young, healthy 23-year-old male who was a regular cannabis user smoking through a contaminated water pipe.
He was admitted to the emergency room after complaining of fever and difficulty breathing. After running a CT scan on the patient doctors concluded that he had a “non-expanding “trapped” lung with thickened pleural”(1). Pleural is the condition where fluid builds up in the lungs preventing expansion and reception of oxygen.
They concluded that he had contracted pneumonia by inhaling “contaminated aerosol water that resulted in pseudomonas NP through smoking marijuana through a supposedly filtered bong.
This was confirmed by consistent cultures from both sputum and swab samples of the device”(1). This patient recovered but has continued to struggle with ongoing impairment of his lungs.
Stagnant bong water is a haven for growing bacteria that can result in a multitude of infections in the body when inhaled. Even more concerning is that, when you smoke through your pipe, you are heating that bacteria-filled water, which only accelerates their growth.
When you inhale through these pipes, you essentially aerosolize the water and whatever bacterial organisms have developed in your pieces.
This study is a bit frightening, to say the least, since we have all smoked from dirty bongs before. Moreover, when dealing with cannabis specifically, it has been shown that “Compared to cigarette smoking, marijuana inhalation demonstrates a greater damaging effect” when your bong water is contaminated.
“There is replacement of ciliated bronchial epithelial cells by predominant hyperplastic mucus‐secreting (goblet) cells and severe impairment in clearance of mucus that traps harmful particles and organisms, thus resulting in a defective protective mechanism of the lower respiratory tract”(1).
While this finding is concerning, it is very infrequently discussed in the cannabis community. As a result, there is very little education about the potential negative health effects of being a cannabis user.
Our approach is different. We care a lot about our customers and their health, and as a result, we have decided to take an open and honest approach to this challenge. With proper cleaning and use, cannabis can be an incredibly beneficial medicine, and we believe it helps a lot of people.
An Article Published by Harvard Health details just a few of the potential benefits of Marijuana when used properly; “The most common use for medical marijuana in the United States is for pain control.
While marijuana isn’t strong enough for severe pain (for example, post-surgical pain or a broken bone), it is quite effective for the chronic pain that plagues millions of Americans, especially as they age.
Part of its allure is that [cannabis] is clearly safer than opiates (it is impossible to overdose on and far less addictive), and it can take the place of NSAIDs, such as Advil or Aleve, if people can’t take them due to problems with their kidneys or ulcers or GERD.”(2)
With the growing epidemic of opioid abuse in this country and across the world, cannabis may begin to play an increasingly large role in pain management and improvement of life.
This is all very exciting news. However, if used in an unhealthy manner by smoking through contaminated devices, you can wave goodbye to all of these benefits! Clean that bong!
Sources:
1). Kumar, Agni Nhirmal, et al. “Marijuana ‘Bong’ Pseudomonas Lung Infection: A Detrimental Recreational Experience.” Respirology Case Reports, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 22 Dec. 2017, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5756717/.
2). Peter Grinspoon, MD. “Medical Marijuana.” Harvard Health, 10 Apr. 2020, https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/medical-marijuana-2018011513085.
The dirty truth about plastic recycling is that the majority of plastic produced is never going to be recycled. But our messages in schools and offices across the country for the last 30 years has been, "If its plastic, its recyclable." This is not only a misrepresentation of the facts, but it also results in significant additional sorting or all of it being put in a landfill — as it would be too costly to sort.
]]>In the world we live in today, plastic has become so ingrained in our daily life that it can be hard to imagine how we could function as a society without it. However, it has only been roughly 50 years since plastic came into mainstream production. After World War II plastic production quickly rose as “consumers craved plastics to replace traditional materials because they are cheap, versatile, sanitary and easy to manufacture into a variety of forms”(1). The plastics industry exploded, and production boomed.
The popularity of plastic continued to skyrocket until we arrive where we are today, where plastic is used for almost everything. The problem that arose for these plastic manufacturers was that consumers began to become disturbed by the amount of plastic that seemed to be finding its way into the natural environment around them post-consumption. This problem despite many attempts has continued to persist and worsen over the past decade. Today it is hard to go anywhere, even the most remote places on the planet, and not find plastic waste.
Here are the facts, 40% of all plastic made is used as packaging that is discarded after products are opened. On top of that “of the seven billion tons of plastic generated globally so far, less than 10% has been recycled” (2). And “the recycling rate for post-consumer plastic was just 5-6% in 2021”(8). With all this plastic production and resulting waste, more and more of it has found its way into our surrounding environment and ultimately the ocean.
According to research conducted by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, “Between 4.8-12.7 million tons of plastic enter the ocean each year” (9). This means a lot of plastic is entering our oceans each year, and it isn’t going anywhere. Over time it has been estimated that “roughly 70% of the plastic that ends up in the ocean sinks to the ocean floor”(4).
So, if this plastic isn’t recovered before it breaks down to unrecoverable microplastics and then is followed by limiting single-use plastic production then we could find ourselves in a very difficult situation. If we do not make some changes scientist estimate that “At current rates plastic is expected to outweigh all the fish in the sea by 2050. (3). What does all this mean?
Well, the results are, “Marine plastic pollution has impacted at least 267 species worldwide, including 86% of all sea turtle species, 44% of all seabird species, and 43% of all marine mammal species” and, “In a 2008 Pacific Gyre voyage, Algalita researchers began finding that fish are ingesting plastic fragments and debris. Of the 672 fish caught during that voyage, 35% had ingested plastic pieces” (7).
Why was recycling introduced? In the 1980’s large plastic manufacturers convened. The goal of their meeting was to figure out how to deal with the excessive waste their single-use products were creating, such as bottles, cans, and cardboard packaging. Aluminum is highly recyclable and it “takes 95% less energy to transform into another aluminum can than it takes to mine the aluminum ore and make a can from scratch” (5).
So, it made a lot of sense to implement can recycling as it could produce quite a bit more revenue. Plastic and paper recycling, however, made much less sense financially. Ultimately, they decided to implement some recycling centers across the country to test their viability and public interest; As they knew if this were to even have a chance at working the general public would need to support it as they would be the ones paying for these recycling centers with their tax dollars.
While these corporations were aware that only two of the many forms of plastic were physically capable of being recycled, they hoped there would be new emerging markets if the material became available. There hasn’t been because it is not economically viable. However, the public was optimistic and encouraged by ad campaigns funded by the very plastic manufacturers themselves. They saw recycling as their saving grace; if people recycled all their plastic waste, they could keep producing high-profit plastic products.
The dirty truth about plastic recycling is that the majority of plastic produced is never going to be recycled. But our education in schools and offices across the country for the last 30 years has been, ‘If its plastic, its recyclable’. This is not only a misrepresentation of the facts but also results in significant additional sorting or all of it being put in a landfill as it would be too costly to sort. The US had neither the capability nor desire to do this labor-intensive work at home, so we outsourced it to other countries.
This created a large market, and financial credits (Cash) began to be given to companies who exported recycling from the US. This resulted in a desire to move as much material as possible, adding to the decline in the sorting and export of legitimate recyclable material. So, the system was set up in a way that seems to encourage deception on the exporter's part because there is no follow-up by authorities typically in terms of oversight and checking of contents. This system results in shipping garbage thousands of miles around the globe where it will ultimately end up in a landfill. How crazy is that?
This can all be very frustrating to hear and see. So, what are our options as consumers? How can we make daily actions to reduce our single-use plastic impact and plastic waste in general? Some of the best things and easiest are: Switching to reusable cutlery, using Tupperware, reusable water bottles, and so on. But mostly just watch your consumption and find where you produce the most waste and decrease that.
If you find yourself going through a 30-pack of plastic water bottles a week, it might be time to consider a nice refillable water bottle. Or if you go through a box of plastic bags a week, consider getting something that is reusable and easy to clean. The most annoying one to hear would be, to try and reduce your online ordering through stores like amazon that tend to use quite a bit of disposable packaging.
The last thing I will add to this is, to be very aware of what you are trying to recycle. As only a portion of plastic is recyclable, you’ll be doing the workers at the center a big help if you only recycle the right things and just throw away anything that cannot be recycled.
There are a lot of simple things you can do every day that can make an impact on our environment. Start with checking out our inventory of sustainable and waste-free products.
Author: Sam Claytor
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