There are a multitude of ways to self-administer CBD oil; vaping is one of them. It has only really come into the spotlight from the past decade.
You may or may not have come across CBD vaping before.
But, you would have definitely read about the more traditional ways of using CBD oil which includes: edibles, topicals, and oral supplements.
CBD vaping is a booming trend.
By 2020, the US cannabis vaping market is estimated to hit $8.4 billion.[1]
Yet, the dangers involved with vaping remain uncertain and the long-term effects are not understood.[2]
A study looking at the self-initiated use of Cannabis amongst inflammatory bowel disease patients, found 30% of the group using vaping.[3]
Yes, vaping is still less popular than say edibles.
But, the number of adults shifting to CBD vaping continues to climb as, it emerges as one of the most popular novel methods to self-administer CBD oil.
What is CBD Vaping?
Vaping is a process in which a liquid is electronically heated – CBD oil in this case – using a battery-powered device in order to produce vapors that can be inhaled.[4]
It is important to note that CBD vape oil and CBD oil are not at all the same thing.
CBD vape oil contains thinning agents, usually propylene glycerol and vegetable glycerin.
The oil must be thinned in order for it to undergo vaporization. CBD vape oil is also known as CBD vape juice.
There are 2 types of vaping devices. Let’s first consider the more common one – CBD vape pens.
This type will use CBD vape oils whilst, the other, tank style vape, will use CBD e-liquids. We are not concerned with CBD e-liquids in this article.
All CBD vape pens have 4 components: a battery, a heating element (atomizer), a tank where the CBD oil is filled, and a mouthpiece from where the vapors are inhaled.
The heating element in a vape pen contains a coil. The coil is surrounded by the CBD vape oil.
So, when the coil is heated up, it will be able to convert the liquid into a vapor. The coil needs to be replaced after it burns out.
CBD vape oils may or may not be enhanced with flavorings.
There will be more information available on flavorings later in this article. Make sure to get the right type of CBD liquid for each device.
How to Vape CBD Oil?
The steps to using a CBD vape pen are relatively very straightforward.
- First, take out the tank and separate it from the battery.
- Fill the tank with the CBD vape oil, re-attach it to the battery and slide it back in.
- Push the power button and insert the mouthpiece into your mouth to start inhaling the vapors.
Some CBD vape pens use cartridges instead of tanks.
There will be a space in the pen where you insert the cartridge which is already pre-filled with the vape oil. You will have to switch out the cartridges after they are used up.
Furthermore, you may choose to buy disposable vape pens.
These are pre-loaded with a cartridge. Once the cartridge is over, you have to throw away the entire pen (as opposed to just inserting a new cartridge).
Disposable vape pens are definitely more expensive and wasteful in the long-term.
But, they are a good way to see if vaping works for you and you can try out different vape flavors at a lower cost.
Finally, both vape devices require frequent cleaning as, mold and bacteria can grow in them.
The absolute minimum number of times to clean the device is twice a week. You can use white vinegar to clean.
CBD vape oils available in full-spectrum and isolates forms.
Since a study conducted in 2015, scientists are more favorable towards full-spectrum for its entourage effect.[5]
However, if you are not allowed to consume THC then, isolate is the only option.
Why Vape CBD Oil?
The current understanding is that no matter which mode of administration you use, you should be able to gain the benefits of CBD through all of them.
It all boils down to your own preferences which, are to a large extent shaped by the knowledge and exposure you hold.
People vape because they enjoy the sensation of inhaling CBD, as opposed to just eating it or applying it on the skin.
Many do not like the natural earthy flavor of CBD. The vape oils can mask this flavor with something more desirable, like vanilla, mint or orange.
More importantly, CBD vaping can produce beneficial responses relatively faster than edibles. The inhaled vapors can enter the bloodstream directly through the lungs.
Vaping can produce its effects almost immediately.
This makes it an attractive option for symptoms requiring quick relief, such as soothing pain, dealing with the onset of nausea and vomiting in cancer patients and, helping with anxiety just after experiencing a trigger.
On the other hand, with edibles, the CBD oil has to travel all the way to the intestines before it can enter the blood. Thus, it will take longer for CBD to exert its effects.
Furthermore, oral CBD oil has poor water solubility and it is vulnerable to first-pass metabolism.[6]
This is a process by which, the stomach or liver destroys the oil before it can be absorbed into the blood.
As a result, only 6% of the total CBD oil ingested enters the bloodstream and is available to produce active effects.[7]
Vaping CBD oil avoids first-pass metabolism.[8]
So, you may be able to take smaller doses and there may be longer intervals between each dose.
Vaping can be an efficient drug delivery system and you can avoid the disadvantages of ingestion.[9]
A 2007 study with 18 participants and a later study with 10 participants, both found vaping to allow for rapid bioavailability of CBD from the first inhalation.[10],[11]
And, within 15 – 30 minutes the maximum concentration of CBD in the blood was achieved.
However, further research is needed to prove how safe vaping is for the well-being of the lungs.
Vaping CBD oil should help with reducing anxiety, seizure frequency in epilepsy, muscle spasms in multiple sclerosis, withdrawal symptoms for alcoholism, treating acne and psoriasis, weakening tumor aggressiveness, improving quality of sleep and, alleviating pain in arthritis.
Like any other mode of administration, vaping should too allow you to successfully harness the robust anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties of the oil.
Uncertainty Surrounding the Safety of Vaping CBD Oil
Whilst many CBD vape oils are emerging in the market, the research on the effectiveness of CBD through vaping is still limited.
A very recent study (published August 2019) was one of the first to provide some reliable evidence in this matter.[12]
Depending on the cells and conditions used, CBD was exerting both anti-inflammatory effects and pro-inflammatory effects.
Furthermore, CBD was in fact increasing oxidative stress in the cells of the immune system.
This study highlights how much we may be misunderstanding CBD vaping.
Although further research will be needed to prove these findings, individuals should be very precautious with vaping CBD as, it may not be providing the effects CBD is most famous for.
In fact, vaping could be doing more damage than good as, sustained oxidative burdens are known to induce tissue injury and inflammatory diseases.[13]
Scientists are still unsure about whether the benefits of CBD oil can vary with each method of consumption.[14]
This is largely due to a lack of clinical trials where a range of methods are compared all together.
2019 has been one of the most eventful years for the vaping industry. It is the prime time to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of vaping.
Vaping is demanding global concern after causing 6 deaths and many ill young adults in the USA.
Severe pneumonia, shortness of breath, fatigue, fever, coughing and respiratory failure is being seen amongst affected. The FDA is investigating 120 e-liquid samples, some of which contain CBD.[15]
Following these incidences, the future of CBD vaping is highly uncertain and maybe we are finally experiencing the long-term effects of vaping which, scientists have always been unsure of.
Precautions
First and foremost, vaping has often been taken out of context and misinterpreted as ‘safe’. However, this is not at all true.
Vaping has never been found to be completely safe, it has only been said to be safer than smoking cigarettes.[16]
Vaping CBD oil is not an FDA approved treatment for any disease.
Furthermore, for a CBD vape oil to be legal in the US, it must contain less than 0.3% THC.
As more and more people are expressing interest in vaping CBD oil, the market for it is growing enormously in terms of profit.
Companies are false marketing their products and there have been cases of inaccurate labelling.
It is essential that you only buy CBD vape pens and CBD vape oils from trusted companies.
Two commercially available CBD vape products were said to contain 3.3 mg/ml of CBD on the label each.
But, a group of researchers found one to contain 6.5 mg/ml and another to contain 7.6 mg/ml of CBD.[17]
We advise you to start with low doses (5 – 10 mg/kg) and then slowly increase it if you are experiencing positive results.[18]
Consult a doctor for more tailored advice on dosage.
Always carefully read the label on the CBD vape oil to ensure that it does not contain any undesired agents including, nicotine which can also be vaped.
Experts believe that avoiding vape flavorings can reduce the likelihood of vapors being contaminated by metal nanoparticles.
Some people are allergic to propylene glycerol and vegetable glycerin.
Vaping has shown to weaken lung function and cause shortness of breath and asthma.[19],[20]
The benefits of vaping may be outweighed by the damage it can cause to the respiratory functions.
The health consequences of vaping remain largely unknown.[21]
Irritation in the throat and unpleasant smells are some of the first signs of potential respiratory problems.[22]
If you feel these, visit a doctor as soon as possible.
Pregnant and breast-feeding women are not advised to use CBD oil.
CBD can disrupt the metabolism and effectiveness of medicines broken down by the liver.[23]
You must consult a doctor for dosage before vaping CBD with your regular medicine.
Any individual must always talk to a doctor before purchasing CBD vape products.
Summary
Vaping CBD oil can produce faster responses than some of the traditional modes of administration, edibles, and topical applications.
However, the long-term effects of vaping CBD oil remain largely unknown. No clinical trials have been done to evaluate the safety of this technique or how effective it is.
Currently, scientists do believe that vaping can continue to provide the benefits CBD is recognized for, namely anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-cancer, pain-relieving and anti-anxiety properties.
However, vaping can cause respiratory problems by potentially damaging lung function.
It is imperative that you only buy CBD vape oils and CBD vape pens from trustworthy, reliable companies.
Consult a doctor before starting to vape CBD oil and always start with low doses.