New research sheds light on South Africans who consume dry herbs, cannabis concentrates as well as CBD and THC infused oils. More than 1000 individuals from all nine provinces participated in the study conducted by vapestore.co.za with most responses coming from Gauteng, Western Cape and KwaZulu Natal respectively.

Following several nicotine vape-related injuries and fatalities reported in the US, the dangers of e-cigarettes and liquids have been widely publicised. Dry herb cannabis vaporising has attracted a lot less attention. Even so, Nicola Malvicini, who founded Cape Town-based Vape Store in 2013, says cannabis vaporising is often mistakenly cast in the same unfavourable light as e-cigarettes. “There is a lack of research to aid our understanding of South African cannabis culture. Because of this, we set out to measure the practices and preferences of the local market, to educate people about responsible vaporisation and its benefits, and highlight the vast differences between cannabinoid vaporising and mass market e-cigarettes,” said Malvicini.

In early 2020, Vape Store gathered insights from adults in South Africa between the ages of 18 and over 65 who use marijuana as an alternative healing or lifestyle choice. Males led the gender split at 85%, rounded out by females who accounted for 15%. Research contributors represented a range of economic and cultural identities, and the data clarifies why a growing number of people are taking up cannabis and its organic extracts. “As regulation governing the cultivation and consumption of cannabis for personal use have relaxed, there is growing interest in the local market,” said Malvicini. While 68% are recreational or social consumers, 31% name medicinal purposes as the primary reason for partaking. 


Medicinal marijuana 

The research reaffirms the advantages of marijuana for treating a range of physical and mental conditions. Anxiety, insomnia, PTSD and depression ranked as the mental health conditions cannabis vaporising helps people cope with the most. In terms of physical conditions, South Africans apply cannabis to manage pain, muscle spasms, appetite loss and nausea.

Medicinal users attested to health advantages with one individual saying, “I am 72. I am much more relaxed. I sleep through 8 hours a night. My blood pressure stabilised to normal levels. My joint pain (knees) is tolerable. I have lots more energy.” Others emphasised the efficacy of cannabis to treat stress, appetite loss and inflammation (from physical activities) with a 25 to 34-year-old male saying, “I am able to run extreme races and triathlons and recover to do work the next day.” 

Of the thirty one percent who vape cannabis for medical reasons, 50% said they vape at least once a day and 30% engage every few hours. Furthermore, there is evidence that supports cannabis vaporisation to reduce dependence on prescription pharmaceuticals. Feedback indicated that homegrown marijuana is more affordable and a healthier alternative to clinical drugs. A 45 to 54-year-old female said, “I can reduce my use of pharmaceuticals by using cannabis instead, where appropriate. If cannabis alone cannot relieve my pain, I combine it with an 1/8 to 1/4 of the recommended dose of pharmaceuticals for effective relief.”

Nearly 80% of the group who vaporise for medicinal reasons discovered the benefits through their own research. Twelve percent said they followed the recommendation of friends or family and 10% followed the advice of a medical practitioner – Malvicini says this indicates a need for more official, impartial sources to study the numerous medical benefits. 

Cannabidiol (CBD) also has the potential to limit the severity and progression of the coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) for several reasons. CBD down‐regulates the expression of the two key receptors for SARS‐CoV2 virus , including  the ACE2 receptors. CBD is also known to exert a wide range of anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, and can mitigate the uncontrolled cytokine production responsible for acute lung injury.


Consumer behaviours

At the time of the research, dry herb cannabis vaporisation was the most popular method of administration among South Africans at 72%, followed by cannabis concentrates, THC oil and CBD oil. Thirty eight percent of research participants have used a vaporiser for more than three years against 30% who started using an electronic inhalation device in the past 12 months. Fifty three percent believe vaporisation offers a healthier and cleaner (less odour) means of consuming cannabis while 37% cite the varied experience, such as the ability to control temperature and customise the effects, as top motives for using a cannabis vaporiser. Twenty four percent started vaporising to quit smoking.


Regulation & safety

Malvicini hopes the research offers a foundation for constructive dialogue as South Africa’s progressive marijuana laws propel uptake. He highlights the important role regulation plays in safeguarding consumers and is hopeful laws will evolve to reduce the prevalence of low-quality suppliers in the market. “Currently, consumers face a number of risks including low grade e-cigarette juices and THC/CBD oils which contain Vitamin E acetates, liquids that burn at high temperatures and other potentially harmful ingredients. Regulation must advance to weed out black market products and prevent manufacturers from misrepresenting shady products as fashionable and harmless,” he added.

 “We heard from more than one thousand unique South African cannabis enthusiasts who were genuine about sharing their experiences. Although we set out to understand consumer behaviour and challenge misguided stigma bought on by mass market categories such as e-cigarettes, we were most inspired by stories of how cannabis helps people from a diversity of backgrounds overcome or alleviate mental health illnesses and physical ailments,” said Malvicini.

As demand increases for cannabis vaporisation, we at the Vape Store will continue to help South Africans navigate the market and speak out against bad actors who litter the space with questionable devices and liquids.