By Luke Sumpter


We’re all aware of the dangers of smoking. Applying a flame to a bong bowl or the tip of a joint combusts the plant material, creating many of the same carcinogens found in tobacco smoke. Smoking cannabis, especially for long periods, increases the risk of respiratory conditions. But is there a less risky way to blaze? Cigarette filters help to block the largest tar particles from entering the lungs, and activated charcoal filters may take things one step further.

What Are Activated Carbon Filters?

Activated carbon filters aren’t exclusive to the world of weed. You can find them everywhere, from air purifiers, modern vacuum cleaners, and water filters. But why does charcoal have a place in all of these devices? Because they possess a whole lot of carbon. Charcoal developed lots of tiny internal spaces or pores following exposure to heat (more on that in a second). This gives activated carbon a vast surface area and plenty of spaces to trap molecules that pass through it in a liquid or gas form. In the context of smoke, activated charcoal manages to trap increased amounts of carcinogens and toxins that would otherwise enter the lungs.

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  • How do they work?

Activated carbon filters work through the principle of adsorption. As opposed to absorption, which involves molecules soaking up into a substrate (like water into a sponge), adsorption refers to individual molecules sticking to the surface of an object. A common example of adsorption includes those small silica gel packets you find in new shoes and handbags that help to prevent dryness by tying up water molecules. Activated carbon filters work in much the same way. As molecules present in smoke pass through them, they become trapped in the many tiny pores and cling to the surface of the carbon.

  • How are activated carbon filters produced?

The production of activated carbon filters requires primarily two things: A suitable carbon source and lots of heat. Typically, several types of coal, coconut shells, and wood are used as carbon-rich materials in this process. But how does the carbon in these sources become “activated”? Well, manufacturers place them in tanks devoid of oxygen and heat them to sweltering temperatures of 600–900°C. After the first round of heating, they apply additional elements (mostly nitrogen) and then reheat the material once again to an even hotter temperature of up to 1200°C. This process changes the structure of the carbon by creating a plentiful amount of pores, creating a much larger surface area.

  • Do activated carbon filters absorb THC?

Here’s the trade-off: Activated carbon filters are highly effective at filtering out organic non-polar molecules (in this context, the word “organic” simply refers to a molecule that contains carbon). Some carcinogens present in smoke, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are non-polar. However, as terpeno-phenolic compounds, so are cannabinoids. Molecules such as THC also have a large molecular weight, which means they’re likely to get caught up in the gauntlet of pores in activated carbon filters. Plus, small molecular weight and polar carcinogens such as hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide can make it through.

The bottom line: You’ll still get high from toking on a joint with an activated carbon filter. Sure, you’ll lose some THC, and some small polar carcinogens will still make it through. However, they decrease the amount of non-polar carcinogens that make it into your lungs, reducing the overall burden associated with joints and blunts smoked without these filters.

Are Activated Carbon Filters Healthier Than Alternatives?

So, are activated carbon filters worth an additional purchase? Is there any evidence that places them above using standard cigarette filters or simple cardboard roaches? Researchers have put quite a lot of effort into finding out how effective they really are. A 2018 study[1] published in the journal Chemical Research in Toxicology assessed the effects of charcoal filters on the free radical contents of cigarette smoke. Researchers found that they let 40% fewer of these unstable molecules through compared to non-charcoal cigarette filters. Another study[2], this one published in the Journal of Biosciences, also landed on similar findings. The research team behind this project found activated charcoal filters reduce p-benzosemiquinone (an irritate found in cigarette smoke) exposure associated with emphysema.

RQS Activated Carbon Filters

Activated Carbon Filters vs Cardboard Filters

Activated carbon filters are a superior choice to cardboard filters, also commonly referred to as roaches. In fact, cardboard tips don’t act as filters. Instead, they merely serve as a “handle” to a joint or blunt. They allow large quantities of carcinogens, tar, and toxins to pass through unabated. However, this open access situation means that cannabinoids and terpenes also pass through without any struggle.

Activated Carbon Filters vs Tobacco Filters

Activated carbon filters are better at capturing carcinogenic compounds than standard cigarette filters. Their many pores, large surface area, and ability to adsorb non-polar compounds makes them much more effective. As the first study mentioned above brought to light, standard cellulose acetate cigarette filters let through much higher levels of unstable free radicals that contribute to carcinogenesis.

How to Use Activated Carbon Filters

You can use carbon filters in the exact same way as a standard filter or roach. Simply insert them on either end of a rolling paper, pack it with bud, and roll away.

Are Activated Carbon Filters Eco-Friendly?

After finishing a smoking session, you need to place your carbon filters in the general waste bin once the remains of your joint have fully cooled down; they’re now loaded with tar, after all. However, some products are more environmentally-friendly than others based on their packaging and what they are made from.

RQS Activated Carbon Filters

RQS Activated Carbon Filters are an exciting collaboration between us and our friends over at Purize. This premium product contains 100 XTRA Slim Size filters in an upcycled glass jar (that you can either recycle or keep to store your bud). Our tips use activated carbon derived from organic coconut shells, and they’re made here in Europe. Not only do they do a great job at removing nasty substances, but each tip features two ceramic caps that contribute to a cool and aromatic smoking experience. We advise using each filter only once, but some of our customers report using them twice with no issues. As long as they remain sealed in their jars, you can keep these filters stored away for several years (they have no expiry date).

External Resources:
  1. Effect of Charcoal in Cigarette Filters on Free Radicals in Mainstream Smoke https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. Activated charcoal filter effectively reduces p-benzosemiquinone from the mainstream cigarette smoke and prevents emphysema https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.

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Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: