Using a vape is one of the most popular ways to consume CBD. It’s fun and relatively inexpensive, and it gets CBD into your body fast. But with more and more evidence coming to the fore about the dangers of e-cigarettes, should you be worried about the effects of vaping CBD? Here’s what you need to know about the pros and cons of this method of consumption, and what to look out for if you’re thinking of using a CBD vape.
The controversy
Over recent years, we’ve been hearing more about the potential dangers of using a vape. Although vaping was first introduced as a “healthy” alternative to smoking, some components contained in vapes could also be toxic and even cause cancer.
But are CBD vapes safer than other types of vapes? And are their health benefits worth the risk? Here’s our take on their pros and cons.
The risks of vaping CBD
Some CBD-based vaping liquids are safer than others. That being said, inhaling substances always presents certain risks for the lungs and the respiratory system. What’s more, we’re now finding that a lot of CBD liquids are contaminated with harmful chemicals and that vape pens may contain heavy metals.
The first thing to note is that some people can have an adverse reaction to vaping. When you’re inhaling CBD e-liquid, it has been mixed in with other substances like glycerin and propylene glycol that are used to thin it out. The problem is that these chemicals can cause irritation in the throat, headaches, and even nausea in some people. Not everyone will experience these issues, but it’s a definite risk.
Secondly, some studies show that the heating coils in vapes may release metal nanoparticles into your body. As of yet, we don’t have enough studies on the topic, but it appears that some cheaper vapes could release harmful particles when they heat up.
Finally, it’s good to remind ourselves that vapes are a fairly new invention. As a result, there aren’t any studies on their effects in the long term. Can vapes cause lung cancer if you’ve been using them for 30 years? Possibly, but there’s no way to find out.
To sum things up, the biggest risks you expose yourself to when vaping CBD are:
- Having an adverse reaction to the chemicals used in vaping oils
- Heavy metals from the vape pen entering your system
- Possible long-term effects on the respiratory system
The benefits of vaping CBD
The number of ways in which you can take CBD is pretty impressive. Some people prefer to use CBD as a topical cream, while others like placing CBD drops under their tongue. And then there are CBD edibles, transdermal patches, and even CBD suppositories.
The difference between them? All these products will affect your body slightly differently. For example, although CBD edibles like gummies and cookies can be very attractive, they also have a low rate of bioavailability. This means that most of the CBD oil that is contained in them will leave your body without being absorbed. Let’s be clear: some methods of consumption are just money thrown out the window.
One of the most attractive features of vaping CBD is its high bioavailability. When you inhale CBD, either by smoking CBD hemp flowers or by vaping a CBD-based liquid, the cannabinoids go straight to your lungs, and from there into your bloodstream. As with any method of consumption, some of the product is lost. But unlike eating CBD-based edibles, vaping does allow you to retain most of the benefits of the compounds.
Vaping CBD also allows you to feel the effects of the compound faster. Inhalation is one of the best ways to get quick relief out of your CBD, which could be useful if you are taking it for something like pain or insomnia.
A vape pen is also easy to transport or keep in your purse or pocket. This means you’ll be able to use CBD on the go when you’re on your way to work or walking your dog. For people who need a reminder to take their CBD, vaping can be a good way to make the process easier and more fun.
Finally, vaping CBD is not the healthiest way to consume it, but it’s a lot better than smoking CBD flowers. Some people who are used to smoking and enjoy it consume CBD by rolling CBD joints. The problem with joints is that a lot of cannabinoids are destroyed when burned at such a high temperature. When you vape CBD, the temperature at which it burns is a lot slower and more controlled, which preserves the virtues of the different cannabinoids. So if you’re going to smoke, it’s safer to go for a CBD vape over a CBD joint.
Let’s sum up some of the main benefits of vaping CBD:
- It has very high bioavailability
- It enters your body quickly
- It’s convenient (and for some, even fun!)
- It’s a good way to feel like you’re inhaling something, without the detrimental effects of smoking
Can I legally buy CBD to vape?
CBD is legal on a federal level in the United States, as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC. However, it is still prohibited by certain state laws and doesn’t have FDA approval. We encourage you to consult a physician before you start taking CBD.
A guide to choosing CBD vape products
When we talk about vaping CBD oil, this is not to say that every type of CBD oil can be placed into a vape and inhaled. CBD vape products have to be manufactured specifically for vaporizers.
If you want to get started vaping CBD, your first step will be to get a vaporizer. If you already own one, that’s great news! Most vaporizers that you can fill with vape liquid or “vape juice” are also compatible with CBD-enriched e-liquid. If you don’t have one already, you have two options:
- Getting a disposable CBD vape
- Getting a reusable vape
Many CBD shops and manufacturers sell disposable vapes. These are (usually) small vape pens filled with CBD liquid. They are ready to be used straight away, and you can use them until the CBD liquid runs out. This can be a good option if you’re new to vaping and want to make sure it’s for you before committing to a bigger purchase.
If you want to get a reusable vape pen, you have a lot of choices! The good news is that you don’t have to look for a device that’s meant specifically for vaping CBD. In fact, you can get some of the best deals shopping for regular vape pens, which can be filled with any sort of liquid.
But that’s not to say you should necessarily go for the first vape pen you find. When it comes to materials, cheaper vape pens have greater odds of releasing heavy metals into your body. The crux of the issue lies in the heating coil used in the vape. When they’re not manufactured properly or are using cheap materials, heating coils can release nanoparticles of metal as they heat up your CBD. Ideally, you want to go for a vape with a titanium heating coil, rather than materials like nickel or stainless steel.
If you want to start vaping CBD, the most important thing is to fill your vape with the right products. In general, you’ll find CBD-based vaping liquids under names like “CBD e-liquid” or “CBD vape oil,” Be careful, though, as not all of these products are safe.
In general, vape oils are made using CBD extract that is placed in glycerine or propylene glycol.
These ingredients are used to thin out CBD extract so that it can be vaped and produce vapor. Unfortunately, propylene glycol has been shown to be carcinogenic (cancer-causing) when heated up. As much as possible, try to avoid it, and go for glycerine-based products instead.
Takeaways
Vaping CBD can be one of the best ways to consume this compound: it absorbs into your body quickly, has a high bioavailability, and can be very attractive to people who enjoy the act of smoking. Unfortunately, there may also be a couple of downsides to using a CBD vape, namely harmful chemicals entering your body, and potentially damaging your lungs. Is vaping CBD healthier than smoking? Yes, definitely. Nevertheless, it is not the healthiest method of consuming CBD. So before you decide to get a CBD vape, take some time to weigh the pros and cons. Vaping can be a great way to ingest CBD, but it’s not for everyone.
