How to Vape CBD Oil

Vaping is becoming increasingly popular, with approximately 1 in 20 Americans now using e-cigarettes. Additionally, one in three of these individuals use this type of product daily. [1]

While some people are vaping nicotine, others are vaping cannabidiol—more commonly known as CBD—which is one of the cannabinoids found within the cannabis plant that has been linked to a variety of positive health benefits. But what makes vape products so appealing to CBD oil users?

One advantage of vaping CBD oil is, when consumed via this method, the CBD is fast-acting. This means that you’re able to notice its effects almost immediately, which is important if you’re using the CBD oil for relief.

Additionally, research has found that if you vape CBD versus taking capsules or gummies, your body is able to use more of this industrial hemp plant extract. For example, one study found that oral consumption only allowed for 6 percent bioavailability of certain hemp oil cannabinoids, whereas inhaling was three times that amount, or 18 percent. [2]

This is partially because, by being absorbed via the lungs versus through your digestive tract, the CBD oil isn’t subjected to first pass metabolism. First pass metabolism refers to a process whereby your digestive juices work to break down the CBD, ultimately reducing the amount that is available for use.

Another benefit of choosing CBD vape juice over some of the other CBD products on the market is that many users find the process of vaping relaxing. Similar to the calm that cigarette smokers feel when they “take a drag,” individuals who use a CBD vape pen experience that same soothing feel.

Use of a CBD vape oil also enables you to control how much CBD you get. If you want a low dose, you can select an e-liquid that is only 25 mg CBD. Alternatively, if it’s a higher dosage you want, you are able to choose a CBD e-liquid with as much as 4,000 mg per bottle.

There’s also the fact that it’s way more discreet to vape your CBD than it is to smoke it. It’s easier to carry with you too.

So, how does vaping work? There is a heating element within the vaporizer that converts the vaping CBD oil to a mist. This is known as the atomizer.

This mist then passes through an inhaler cartridge which contains either vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, or some combination of the three. Kind Seeds explains that in some cases, the cartridge also has flavorings, enabling users to decide what they want their CBD vape to taste like. From there, the CBD e-juice mist enters the mouth, where it is then transported into the lungs.

Some vaporizers are rechargeable and reusable, whereas others are only good until the vape cartridge containing the hemp oil is emptied and it must then be thrown away.

One question that many users have when it comes to vaping is whether you can vape any type of CBD oil, such as a tincture that is made to be taken under the tongue. The answer is no.

CBD vape oil contains special chemicals to make the oil work in the vape pen. Therefore, any other CBD oil that is not made specifically for vaping purposes should not be used in this way.

Although the positive effects CBD oil are numerous—ranging many healthcare providers are concerned that vaping CBD oil may not be as safe as one would hope.

For instance, thinning agents are used in CBD vaping e-liquids to make them work inside the vape pen. Yet, these substances are not necessarily good for your lungs. This is especially true for individuals who have pre-existing lung conditions as CBD vape could aggravate that condition and make it worse. [3]

Until more research can be conducted on the side effects of CBD vapes, Spruce has decided to not manufacture CBD products that require users to consume CBD vape juice and providing them with a line of high-quality, full spectrum CBD tinctures instead.

As we begin to learn more about the full effects of CBD vapes, and as governmental agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) begin to weigh in, we will have a clearer idea of whether the effects of CBD are helped or hindered during the vaping process.

 

 

Sources:

[1] Rapaport, L. “Almost One in 20 U.S. Adults Now Use E-Cigarettes.” Reuters. Aug 27, 2018. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-ecigs-us-adults/almost-one-in-20-u-s-adults-now-use-e-cigarettes-idUSKCN1LC2DN

[2] Ohlsson, A et al. “Plasma Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol Concentrations and Clinical Effects After Oral and Intravenous Administration and Smoking.” Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics. Sep 1980; 28(3): 409-416. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6250760

[3] “The Pros and Cons of Vaping CBD Oil.” CBD School. Accessed Sep 20, 2019. https://www.cbdschool.com/vape-cbd-oil-pros-and-cons/