“Hitting a blinker” refers to a prolonged, deep inhalation from a vaping device, typically containing cannabis oil, until the indicator light flashes. This blinking light is a built-in safety feature designed to signal the end of the heating cycle and prevent overheating. Continuing to draw past this cutoff exceeds the manufacturer’s recommended operational limits for a single draw. This practice exposes the user to chemical risks from thermal breakdown and physiological risks from high-concentration dosing.
The Mechanics of Overheating
Vaping devices function by using a battery to power a heating element, or coil, which vaporizes the liquid concentrate. Most pens are programmed to cut power after eight to ten seconds, which is when the blinker light activates. When a user continues to draw past this point, the coil is subjected to excessive heat and strain, leading to accelerated degradation of the heating element.
This extreme thermal stress can cause localized scorching or burning of the carrier oil, resulting in an unpleasant, harsh taste. High temperatures can also damage the coil’s structure, potentially causing micro-fractures in ceramic or metal components. This mechanical failure at the heat source creates many subsequent chemical hazards.
Inhalation of Thermal Byproducts
The primary danger of a blinker hit is the creation and inhalation of toxic chemical compounds that form when the vape liquid is superheated. Carrier solvents in vape oils, such as propylene glycol and glycerol, begin to thermally decompose when temperatures exceed safe vaporization ranges, sometimes above 260°C. This decomposition generates harmful carbonyl compounds, including acetaldehyde, acrolein, and formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a known irritant that can damage the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs.
Exposing the heating element to excessive heat also increases the liberation of tiny particles from the device’s hardware. Overheated coils, which often contain metals like nickel and chromium, can release these heavy metals into the aerosol. Inhaling these metallic nanoparticles and ultrafine particles can cause acute lung irritation and inflammation. Repeated exposure is associated with a risk of respiratory distress and may contribute to serious conditions like bronchiolitis.
Impact of High Concentration Dosing
A blinker hit delivers an extremely concentrated dose of the active ingredient, such as THC or nicotine, in a single inhalation. Vaping is a highly efficient delivery method, often resulting in higher blood concentrations compared to smoking the same dose. Pushing the device to its limit maximizes this effect, causing a rapid spike in the substance’s concentration within the bloodstream.
This sudden, high-concentration delivery can overwhelm the body and central nervous system, leading to acute adverse effects. Users may experience symptoms such as an elevated heart rate, intense anxiety, paranoia, and nausea. Excessively high doses have been linked to severe reactions, including vomiting or temporary hallucinations. Regularly seeking this dosing contributes to an accelerated development of tolerance and an increased risk of physical dependency.