Vaping is considered one of the most effective ways to consume CBD (cannabidiol). Part of the appeal is the fact that the dose reaches the lungs instantly and is quickly absorbed.
Another advantage is the rising popularity of vaping in general, vaping CBD, and the growing popularity of heated tobacco products, as well as the availability of these items in markets worldwide. What’s even better is that due to the low doses of THC in CBD vapes and other CBD products, they do not get you high.
The potential benefits of hemp-derived CBD are numerous, and they range from enhancing mood and athletic performance to treating severe medical conditions.
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1. Things to Consider before Vaping CBD
While legalized in many US states and around the world, it should be noted that CBD is still illegal in many states and countries. As a result, many of the products available to consumers are not properly tested and regulated. The lack of regulation has, unfortunately, resulted in harmful products reaching the marketplace.
If you do plan to take up vaping CBD, you should first get familiar with the laws in your area. Then, you should find trusted suppliers that adequately label their products.
Products that are available ‘under the counter’ can be both illegal and detrimental to your health. When shopping for CBD vapes and oils, it’s paramount to know which ones are suitable for vaping. For example, under the federal laws in the US, CBD products that are derived from hemp (as opposed to marijuana) and that contain less than 0.3% are legal. Furthermore, some CBD vape oils contain dangerous levels of vitamin E acetate that causes EVALI, a potentially lethal lung disease.
In addition to the potential legal and health risks associated with vaping CBD, it's important to consider the potential side effects. While CBD is generally well-tolerated, some people may experience dry mouth, drowsiness, and changes in appetite or mood. It's also important to note that CBD can interact with certain medications, so it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating it into your routine. Additionally, be cautious of companies making exaggerated claims about the benefits of CBD, as there is still limited research on its effectiveness for various health conditions. It's always best to do thorough research and consult with a trusted medical professional before trying any new wellness products.
2. CBD Tinctures Vs. CBD Vape Oils
Hemp seed oil is an oral tincture, and it is not suitable for vaping. Using these tinctures with e-cigarettes can cause pneumonia due to the coconut-derived MCT oil that is not to be inhaled.
This seems fairly clear, but many do not make the distinction. There are even CBD tinctures sold in bottles similar to those used for vape oils. To make matters worse, these often do not come with a warning that they are only to be ingested, never inhaled.
Further confusion is caused by the name ‘CBD vape oil’ when in fact these liquids do not actually contain oils! A more proper name, therefore, would be CBD vape juice or CBD distillate. So what is in these vape juices? The ingredients should be limited to propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), CBD extract, terpenes, and cannabinoids. Also, check if the label contains distinctions such as ‘vape juice’, ‘e-liquid’, ‘e-juice’, or information related to vaping. If the product contains actual oils and doesn’t have the vape-related information, it’s best not to take the risk.
Another option available on the vape market is CBD cartridges or pods. These are nothing else than e-cigarette tanks that contain CBD e-juice.
Frequently asked questions
3. Next Steps
Once you’ve considered the legality of CBD vapes where you live and the potential risks, you may be wondering about the dose you should use.
The dosing will depend on your tolerance and the purpose you want to use CBD oils. For certain medical conditions such as anxiety, a single dose may provide an instant sense of relief. If you want to use it to treat chronic pain, prolonged use has yielded promising results.
As with anything new, you should start low and slow (1-2 mg of CBD) and build your way up by increasing the dosage by 5mg if necessary. You may experience mild side effects that will seize when you stop vaping CBD. If the symptoms are more persistent or severe and include cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, fever, nausea, diarrhea, chills, or weight loss, you should consult a physician. Note that these are usually associated with ‘under the counter’ products that contain vitamin E acetate.
If you’re feeling the benefits and no side-effects, stick to the dose and the product you’re comfortable with.
