Firstly – caution. Be aware that there is now research linking vaping with lung damage, https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html
So you have decided to use vaping to take CBD but how do you actually do it? It may seem obvious to some but just in case we will be going through how to take CBD via a vaping stick or e-cigarette.
We’ll also look at why there is interest in vaping CBD, the right dosage to take and the general health aspects that you should bear in mind.
A bit of background on CBD and vaping
Vaporizers or e-cigarettes were introduced to offer smokers a way of simulating the smoking experience without inhaling tobacco smoke.
The liquid is nicotine mixed with a sweet oil (ex. Coconut oil or equivalent). The CBD version is mixed similarly and has become a popular way to try CBD, partly because inhaling allows the product to pass quickly into your system and can mean that you also feel the results more quickly.
Most vaporizers or e-cigarettes heat what the industry calls an “e-liquid” – this is the liquid containing the CBD – through an electric coil which is activated by pressing a button.
E-liquids generally contain some combination of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin and a flavoring agent.
Both propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin are there to create the vapor that you inhale and help transport the CBD to your lungs.
Health concerns
It is important to bear in mind that the effects of vaping are not entirely known at present. The public view seems to be that vaping is less harmful than smoking but “more research is needed, in particular on long-term health effects” (https://ec.europa.eu/health/sites/default/files/scientific_committees/scheer/docs/scheer_o_017.pdf)
What we can say is that there is significant concern about the substances included in e-liquids, which can contain and/or produce carcinogenic effects especially when higher voltage e-cigarettes are used (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28937746/).
As with any CBD product, it is critical to study the product’s ingredients and laboratory reports. Special attention should be paid to the levels of flavoring agents, nicotine, and potential nicotine impurities. Please see our article on how to interpret these.
Why Vape?
There are many other ways you can take CBD (edibles, oils, creams) but vaping is popular because it avoids the CBD being broken down and diluted as it passes through your digestive system.
A research paper produced by Virginia Commonwealth University (US) describes it as an “effective drug delivery system” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5002419/
Vape pens or e-cigarettes are readily available and so are many CBD vaping products.
What dose to take?
Firstly, how CBD interacts with us is different from person to person. Secondly, the purity and concentration of CBD affect the impact we can expect it to have.
You’ll notice that there is often a recommended dosage shown on the label of each product, but don’t assume this will be the right amount for you. Many factors affect the amount of CBD we get and its effect on us.
What are these different factors?
The amount of CBD you have taken in the past can affect the amount you need to take to maintain the same results. Your body effectively gets used to CBD and so diminishes its impact.
The strength of the product you take (see our guide on choosing a CBD product). Obviously the stronger the CBD the more effect it should have on you.
Bioavailability
As explained early, bioavailability means the amount of CBD that is present in your body after you have taken it. This varies depending on the type of CBD you take.
CBD that you vape or take via drops placed under the tongue has some of the highest rates of bioavailability
Your condition and the medication you may be taking
The type of condition you are suffering from and its severity will also affect the results you can expect to achieve.
Equally, the medication you are taking may enhance or reduce the effect of CBD. We advise you to consult a doctor before starting a course in CBD.
This will mean that you will be fully aware of the potential risks and understand what effects or side effects you may encounter.
Best dosage for vaping
It is always best to start with a small quantity of CBD in the first instance, monitor yourself, and assess the results. Depending on those results you can then vary the amount you are taking.
One of the benefits of vaping is that you should feel the effects more quickly than with other forms of CBD.
It makes sense to start with small puffs of the products and to monitor how you feel. If you start to get a positive effect then you are probably at the right dosage.
If on the other hand, you experience any side effects then you should reduce or stop taking the product until you have received guidance from your doctor.
Types of CBD vapes
Disposable CBD Vape Pens
These “throw away” or disposable pens are seen as the easiest way to start vaping. You buy them “ready to use” as the e-liquid is already inside.
There’s an environmental downside here, we would also draw attention to the fact that most of them can not be adjusted to reduce/increase the power of the battery and the amount of product you are receiving per puff.
Pod Vapes
This is a reasonably new arrival on the market. They are more aesthetic (better designed) and powerful than traditional e-cigarettes or vape pens.
They offer low-temperature heating of the e-liquid. In terms of refills, there is a closed and open versions.
The open type allows you to add your e-liquid whereas the closed version means you have to purchase a particular type of refill. Cost wise they are often comparable to e-cigarettes.
Refillable Vape Pens
The refillable version is very popular as you get more steam from them and a more robust flavor. You can also make your own choice of an e-liquid.
CBD Oil Cartridges
These come pre-filled and ready to vape but you need a vape pen. They come in varying sizes and are a quick and easy way to get vaping quickly.
How to vape
Insert your cartridge/e-juice/e-liquid depending on your chosen type of vape and turn it on
Hold the button down when you are inhaling and begin with small puffs/draws
Take a break between puffs to give the CBD time to take effect. You should feel some reaction after about 5 minutes.
Reduce or increase your dose depending on how you feel. Varying the length and depth of your inhalation can also affect results.
How long does it take for CBD oil to work
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