When you think of using CBD oil, topical application probably comes to mind. But there are other ways to consume CBD oil to receive the same potentially therapeutic effects.
In this beginner's guide to vaping CBD, you'll learn how to safely vape, as well as which vape products to consider and which to discard.
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Is it safe to vape CBD oil?
CBD oil, which contains medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil derived from coconuts, may offer many health benefits including stress relief and pain management. Consuming it through a vape pen, however, introduces certain health risks.
Vape products have developed a negative reputation due to being possibly linked lung injuries, notably among underage users. Several factors could contribute to such injuries, including poor quality or counterfeit products laced with harmful chemicals. But there are other variables at work, as Erika Sward, assistant vice-president of national advocacy for the American Lung Association, described. In a 2020 article published in Consumer Reports, she wrote, "Ultimately, what is inhaled into the user's lungs can depend, based on the device, its voltage, and even its temperature."
For this reason, it is crucial to purchase a vape pen from a trusted merchant and monitor the voltage and temperature controls, keeping them lower rather than higher. In moderation, and with top-quality cannabis ingredients, vaping CBD oil may be safe if you obtain vape pens and other products from reputable sellers. However, you should always consult with your physician before beginning any CBD vaping regimen.
Choosing the best CBD vape products
The best CBD products will not only include food-grade ingredients but will also omit those that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned may be detrimental to human health. According to a public information page on the FDA website, the vast majority of lung illness patients who vaped CBD used products that contained vitamin E acetate. An additional third of the patients used vape pens with aliphatic esters and a tenth vaped with products containing polyethylene glycol. While users should avoid these ingredients, the FDA stressed that they may not be the only causes of related lung illness.
To find the best CBD vape products, stick with legal sources only, even if choices on the black market are cheaper and easier to obtain. As you shop, be aware of the three different types of CBD oil:
- Full-spectrum CBD oil — contains the full array of naturally occurring terpenes, cannabinoids, and other cannabis plant compounds plus trace amounts (0.3%) of THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis.
- Broad-spectrum CBD oil — contains everything that full-spectrum CBD oil does, except the trace amounts of THC.
- CBD isolate — contains pure, aroma-free CBD derived from industrial hemp.
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Whichever type of CBD oil you choose, be sure that it passed strict quality control measures, so contaminants are much less likely to be present. A reputable cannabis oil company will go through rigorous lab testing before products hit the market and will display detailed labels. Look for "Max Active CBD" and "Max Active THC" on the label to know exactly how much of each cannabinoid to expect. Steer clear of CBD products with potentially hazardous ingredients such as vitamin E acetate, propylene glycol, and vegetable glycerin.
Is flavored vape oil bad for you?
Taste is a touchstone of the cannabis experience, but flavors should come from naturally occurring terpenes rather than synthetic additives. In a 2019 investigative article titled, "How Much Do We Really Know About Flavored Vaping Products?" researchers from the Yale School of Medicine discussed the potential dangers of artificial flavors in vape juice. Of particular concern to researchers are acetals, a group of chemical compounds that can be strong lung irritants when vaped.
Hanna Erythropel, Ph.D., associate research scientist in the chemical and engineering department at Yale, said, "...chemical reactions create new molecules in the liquids… as chemists familiar with such reactions, we expected that the vegetable glycerin would react with vanillin to form acetals, and that's what we found."
The takeaway from this and other studies is to opt for flavorless vape oils that don't cause damaging acetals to form during the process of chemical reaction. These "naked" vape juices are widely available on the market and may provide a safer alternative to flavored vape pens.
Benefits of vaping CBD oil
The possible benefits of vaping CBD oil are similar to those associated with topical and oral use of the cannabinoid through CBD tinctures and other mediums. Here are some ways that CBD vape oil could make you feel good:
Relaxation: Although full-spectrum CBD oil contains only trace amounts of THC, vaping may still help you unwind after a stressful day.
Pain Relief: Easing pain is the most common reason people turn to CBD products, as there are numerous studies that seem to demonstrate the cannabinoid's efficacy in improving the symptoms of migraines, muscle spasms, and other types of discomfort.
Sleep Quality: High doses of CBD vape oil may lead to drowsiness and possibly to more sound sleep.
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Alertness & Concentration: Lower doses of CBD vape oil may have an energy-boosting effect and could make you feel more alert.
Mood Improvement: If you're experiencing any or all of the above effects, your mood will likely get at least a temporary lift. However, vaping CBD oil will not get you high since there is not enough THC present, even in full-spectrum CBD oil, to produce this effect.
It is important to note that the potential therapeutic properties of CBD oil may be activated faster through vaping than other consumption methods. So, be cognizant of what you are consuming when you use a vape pen and observe how quickly your body absorbs CBD. When done in moderation and with your doctor's approval, vaping CBD oil can be an enjoyable experience with possible health benefits.
Major contributions from Dr. Adie Rae.