Does a Carbon Filter Really Reduce Tar in Weed Smoke?

Here at Moose Labs, our team of researchers has been perfecting the technology of using activated carbon filters to smoke cannabis. After seeing these products’ popularity among increasingly health-conscious consumers, I've become accustomed to receiving plenty of questions regarding what our filters can accomplish. Today's question asks about whether activated carbon filters can indeed remove tar from weed smoke – and yes, carbon filters from Mooselabs can filter some tar.

With their microscopic pores and natural properties of absorbing harmful substances, these filters can significantly lower tar levels as well as eliminate other carcinogenic components present in cannabis smoke.

Below, I’ll explain how activated carbon filters work and explain why they are the key component behind healthier cannabis consumption. Stay tuned for the rundown.

What is an activated carbon Filter?

Think about the technologies used in air purifiers, gas masks and hazmat suits, or even water filtration systems. Many of them rely on activated carbon, a material with countless pores and the capability of capturing gases, chemicals, or unpleasant odors via the phenomenon of adsorption.

It is worth mentioning that adsorption and absorption are not synonymous terms – a crucial distinction. Per Merriam-Webster’s dictionary entry, adsorption (ad-sohrp-shuh)n) refers to "the adhesion of molecules of gases, liquids, or dissolved substances to a surface."

In essence, an activated carbon filter for weed operates similarly to the aforementioned: It cleanses your smoke of any unwanted toxins, odors, or even tar without interfering with your high.

Also read: Is there Tar in Marijuana

How Are They Made & How Do They Work?

First off, let’s discuss the science behind activated carbon.

Activated carbon lives up to its moniker by undergoing intense heat treatments of around 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit to 2,300 degrees Fahrenheit within an oxygen-free chamber. Sounds pretty intense, doesn’t it?

Those high temperatures help create millions upon millions of minuscule tunnels and pores in the carbon molecules. This drastically increases the substance’s total surface area, reaching levels greater than 3,000 square meters per gram.

Think of packing an entire football field surface area into less space than a sugar cube, and you’re starting to grasp the magnitude here.

That massive surface area of activated carbon filters makes for excellent filtration properties. When smoke passes through those pores, molecules such as tar adhere to the carbon itself. Meanwhile, lighter-weight molecules such as THC and CBD slip right on through, leaving your buzz perfectly intact.

Does a Carbon Filter Really Reduce Tar in Weed Smoke?

Absolutely! The smoke of marijuana, just like tobacco, contains tar, resins, and volatile organic compounds. When you draw through the activated carbon filter while smoking weed, the pores that you now know about absorb all those bigger and heavier molecules before they reach your throat and lungs.

The Research Speaks Volumes

Research involving carbon-filters and smoking weed may reference research involving tobacco smoke. The composition and properties of both types of smoke aren't drastically different; combustion creates many similar tar products and carcinogens.

Stopping Free Radicals

According to research published in Chemical Research in Toxicology, cigarettes containing charcoal filters produced 40 percent less free radical gas than normal cigarettes using cellulose acetate filters. Free radicals, highly reactive molecules that damage cellular health, contribute to various diseases. Additionally, particulate phase radicals were reduced by 25-27 percent.

Preventing Lung Damage

Research published in the Journal of Biosciences reported activated charcoal filters could effectively block out p-benzosemiquinone – the compound directly related to causing emphysema.

Cutting Back on Cancer

Several sources indicate that activated carbon filters are effective at removing between 30-70 percent of harmful compounds in tobacco smoke. Percentage removal varies based on the filter and its carbon content.

What are Users Saying About Activated Carbon Filters For Weed?

There is truth in saying that proof lies in the pudding. Therefore, at this time, all our opinions will lie in what previous customers have said about the mooselabs products.

One thing that we see again and again is that customers notice the difference when it comes to the taste and smoking experience. This is particularly true for flower smokers who deal with tar and irritants every single day.

As this customer below says

FELT A DIFFERENCE IMMEDIATELY

"Felt a difference immediately! Hits are way smoother and you quickly see all the gunk that is caught. Also even once it starts getting dirty it continues to work well for a while."

— Hannah J.

Some customers who suffer from asthma say that since they started using Moose labs filters, their coughing frequency has gone down.

5 STAR COMPANY

"Makes smoking much more enjoyable, as an asthmatic, these Filters help more than anything I've ever found! I honestly have been using them for 3+ years now and don't think I'll go back to not using them EVER!"

— Kole L.

Do activated carbon filters absorb THC?

Yet another common question many people will have when using a carbon filter for the first time is: Since my smoke is being filtered, aren't I also losing all of the good things in it? "Will I still get high?"

And the simple answer is no, activated carbon filters do not remove THC or CBD from your smoke. THC and CBD molecules are too small in molecular size to be filtered out by the activated carbon filter. They simply go right through the filter untouched.

Yes, there are some sources telling you that there may be a tiny portion of THC filtered out, but it's a negligible amount that you'll never even notice.

So, your high remains as is and the harshness disappears.

Are Activated Carbon Weed Filters Healthier Than Alternatives?

Now let's compare how carbon filters stack up against other options in the market.

Activated Carbon Filters vs Cardboard Filters

Cardboard filters, otherwise known as clutches filter particles and weed particles from getting into your mouth. However, unlike carbon filters, cardboard filters don't remove tar and toxins.

Activated Carbon Filters vs Tobacco Filters

Filters used to filter cigarette smoke consist of cellulose acetate fibers, which aren't built to handle cannabis smoke's thick viscosity and tackiness. They'll quickly become blocked with resins, while the cannabinoid content you want won't pass. Unlike activated carbon, tobacco filters don't target specific toxins and contribute to environmental waste.

Activated Carbon Filters vs Glass Tip Filters

Like paper filters, glass tips prevent burnt fingers and stop plant matter from reaching your mouth, but they offer zero filtration. Smoke passes through glass unchanged. You get the full dose of tar, resin, and combustion byproducts. Glass tips are reusable and easy to clean, making them convenient but the downside is they dont protect your respiratory system.

Mooselabs Filters: The best Activated Carbon Filters for Weed

At this point, I’m hoping you’re fully versed in everything about weed carbon filters and how they operate, including how porous material effectively collects that nasty tar. Right?

The last question you might have is, what are the best activated carbon filters for weed? And the only correct answer is the Mooselabs filters.

Engineered for maximum airflow that gives you unrestricted draws, along with premium activated carbon that offers you the cleanest hits possible with excellent taste.

Depending on your smoking vessel of choice, you may choose between 3 Mooselabs filters.

• MouthPeace Original for Bongs, Rigs, and Water Pipes

• Mini for Joints, Vapes, and Blunts

• Micro for Hand Pipes and One-Hitters

Check out Mooselabs and taste the difference of tar free smoke for yourself!