Neither the short nor long term effects of vaping are well known. Vaping may be associated with serious health risks. Initial findings and risk updates can be found on the CDC’s Webpage. You should consider these risks and discuss the potential consequences with your doctor before vaping using CBD vape oil or e-cigarettes.
There are many different ways to use CBD, from topicals to edibles. Vaping CBD is also a popular delivery method. But what are the pros and cons of vaping CBD?
Vaping CBD is a method that involves inhaling vapor that contains CBD. A device, such as a vape pen, will heat up special CBD vape liquid so that you can inhale it.
The advantages of vaping CBD vape oil
CBD vape oil is popular, and for a good reason: there are many advantages of vaping CBD over using other delivery methods. Here’s why some people prefer vaping.
Pro #1: Vaping CBD vape oil is highly bioavailable — and it works fast
When you vape CBD, it enters your bloodstream very quickly. The CBD enters your lungs and moves into your bloodstream, where it travels around the body. You can feel the effects of the CBD within a few minutes.
It’s also very bioavailable, which means that a little CBD may go a long way in terms of the effect.
When you digest CBD through gummies, for example, the CBD has to go into your digestive system where it’s broken down. From there, it enters your bloodstream. This takes far longer—at least half an hour. It’s also less bioavailable, because a lot of CBD is “lost” in your digestive system.
Vaping CBD is one of the fastest, most bioavailable ways to get CBD into your system. This is ideal if you need immediate relief.
Also Read: Do CBD Gummies Get You High? Well, It Depends…
Pro #2: Vaping is potentially a safer alternative to smoking
Vaping may be safer than smoking, but the risks associated with vaping are still being investigated.
You can smoke CBD-rich hemp, but this can irritate your throat and lungs. This is because combusting anything (whether it’s nicotine or hemp) and inhaling the smoke can damage your body.
Vaping CBD vape oil doesn’t involve combustion at all. It doesn’t burn CBD; it simply heats it so that you can inhale the vapors. So in that sense, vaping may end up being safer than smoking. If smoking hemp tends to give you a bad cough or a sore throat, vaping might be a good alternative.
And unlike cigarettes, CBD is not addictive. In fact, the World Health Organization released a report in 2018 that looked at the effects of CBD. The report noted “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential.” No studies have found any suggestion that CBD can be addictive. CBD is also not intoxicating at normal doses like THC.
Many people who want to quit cigarettes start vaping CBD instead because you get to participate in a habit and action similar to smoking without inhaling any addictive substances. So, if you’re trying to quit smoking cigarettes, investing in a CBD vape might be a healthier alternative.
Also Read: 3 Pros and 3 Cons of CBD Flower
Pro #3: Vaping can be relaxing in itself
You probably already know that CBD is often used to help improve a person’s mood. Vaping in itself can be a relaxing act — inhaling mindfully can calm and soothe you. Taking a break to vape can give you a moment to yourself. Enjoy your CBD vape oil with tea, stand outside and soak up the sun, or vape socially — a vape break can be just like a smoke break, but without the harmful effects of nicotine.
Also Read: Can CBD really help with nausea?
The disadvantages of vaping CBD vape oil
As with all delivery methods, CBD has disadvantages as well as advantages. Before you try vaping CBD, it’s important that you’re aware of these drawbacks. Keep in mind that the health risks are still being investigated.
Con #1: It’s not the most intuitive way of using CBD
Although vaping is super easy when you figure it out, it just doesn’t feel intuitive for some people.
If you’re totally new to vaping, it can be confusing. There are many different kinds of vape devices, including vape pens, cartridges, and desktop vapes. Not all kinds of CBD liquid works in vapes: you’ll need to buy vape-specific liquid. You can also vape CBD flower using certain devices.
Since there are so many different ways to vape, it might take a while for you to figure all of this out. You’ll have to do your research before purchasing a vape device or CBD vape oil.
Inhaling CBD might also not feel very intuitive, especially if you’re not used to vaping. Some people simply don’t get used to it and don’t enjoy the feeling of vaping – you’ll only know once you try it for yourself.
Con #2: Disposable CBD vape oil equipment might be bad for the environment
You’ll find that disposable vape pens with CBD vape oil are quite popular. These will last a certain amount of time, and then they’ll need to be disposed of, preferably by recycling with other e-waste.
Unfortunately, many people don’t recycle their CBD vape oil pens and cartridges — and many people aren’t too sure where to recycle these products. If they’re vaping regularly, this could have a really bad effect on the environment.
For those who want a zero-waste lifestyle, vaping might not be the best solution.
Con #3: We don’t know the long-term effects of vaping
Vaping CBD vape oil is controversial because, although it isn’t associated with the exact damage smoking can do, we don’t actually know the long-term effects of vaping. Certain vape liquids contain harmful ingredients that can damage your lungs when inhaled.
Unfortunately, there are many dodgy companies out there that use low-quality CBD vape concentrates. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate the sale of CBD or CBD vapes: while the FDA does occasionally test CBD products, they don’t have to approve of every new CBD product that pops onto the market. This means pretty much anyone can create a fluid and say that it’s CBD vape concentrate.
Some vape concentrates include ingredients like vanillin, acetoin, and formaldehyde, all of which can irritate your lungs and cause negative side effects.
In Conclusion
As always, it’s important to research before you purchase CBD. This is especially true when it comes to vaping CBD vape oil. Do your due diligence when purchasing vape concentrates and double-check all the ingredients. Since the risks of vaping are still being investigated, you should speak with your doctor before you start vaping.
Sian Ferguson is a freelance writer based in Cape Town, South Africa and she has written for publications such as Healthline, Greatist, and Psych Central to name a few.