A Dutch company has introduced the world’s first electronic joint, though some are asking what connection the e-dubbie has to do with weed apart from its well-positioned and timely brand.
Shaped like a typical joint with a green cannabis leaf lighting up through a chrome-plated tip every time you take a toke, it certainly has the look of pot paraphernalia.
But the fake “100 percent legal” joints don’t contain THC – the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis. Rather, they vaporize so-called 'safe components,' such as natural Propylene Glycol, Vegetable Glycerin and “100 percent biological flavor,” into water vapor.
The product costs around $12 and comes in six different flavors, including green apple, passion fruit, red cherry and watermelon.
They also hope to release other, more advanced joints in the future. There is a 100 percent THC-free rechargeable joint in the works, a dry herb/wax vaporizer, and as the world is gripped with football fever, a World Cup joint that comes in orange/apple flavor.
“Holland is well known in the world for its tolerant and liberal attitude toward soft drugs, and the introduction of this new product clearly makes a statement,” said Menno Contant, the CEO of E-Njoint BV., which is making 10,000 E-Njoints a day out of its manufacturing facilities in Shenzhen, China. “As long as you don’t bother or disturb other people and stay within the legal boundaries, all is well.”
He added: "Everyone should feel fine, because what we are doing is no crime."
In a promotional video posted on YouTube, however, some commenters were asking a question on everyone’s mind: without THC, what’s the point?
Responding to one user, E-Njoint stated “our products are made for fun, but not to get you high.” Our products does [sic] not contain cannabis, but we are working on a cannabis flavor...”
When pressed on what was fun about smoking chemicals which don’t have a psychoactive affect, the Delft-based company replied: “The purpose is to enjoy a fun product with 6 great flavors without cannabis, nicotine or tobacco... Just like you would enjoy a sisha or a regular waterpipe!”
On the firm’s Facebook page, E-Njoint BV says, “We distinguish ourselves by providing constant innovation and unique designs of electronic vaporizing products.”
However, much like the far more conspicuous vaporizer pen, users can reload a spent e-joint with concentrated forms of marijuana oils to get high.
E-Njoint BV is currently in negotiations with medical cannabis company Tikun Olam to see if their e-joint can be marketed as a health product, in what could likely be an attempt to capitalize on the legalization wave sweeping through the US.