Regardless of whether you are a smoker or you know someone who smokes, chances are that you are familiar with the concept of vaping. Vaping has evolved as an alternative to standard smoking and is perceived as a healthier option, especially for heavy tobacco smokers. However, vaping is not common only among tobacco smokers as it can be used to smoke marijuana or other herbs and products.
If you are not interested in smoking marijuana for the “buzz” effect or getting high but are rather intrigued by the health benefits of the compounds found within the cannabis plant, perhaps your attention should shift towards CBD – the valuable and magical cannabinoid found in cannabis. Cannabidiol or CBD has a powerful effect on the body in communicating with our endocannabinoid system and triggering certain responses in our CB1 and CB2 receptors. Although the cannabinoid can be taken in a range of ways, vaping has made the consumption of CBD particularly interesting, due to its specific effects and influence on the body.
CBD vape oil – what is it?
We have covered in previous articles the difference between CBD oil derived from hemp and from marijuana, pointing out that the major difference between the two is the concentration of CBD and THC and the difference in the levels found within the product. CBD hemp oil remains a preferred product for most as it includes lower doses of THC, making it legal in countries such as UK and USA (THE levels should not exceed 0.2%) and safe to use. The reason behind this distinction is that while CBD causes no mind alterations, the psychoactive nature of THC exposes the consumer to the risk of experiencing new and possibly negative emotions and states that may be difficult to handle, especially for beginners.
The difference between ordinary CBD oil and CBD vape oil is predominantly found in the way the product is delivered to the body, which will also have an influence on its effects and duration. If you are looking for CBD oil that can be vaped, the product will most likely be found in cartridges or refill bottles that can be consumed via a vaporizer. The good news is that the market quickly adapts to the needs and desires of consumers and nowadays it is easy to find CBD vape oil mixed with mouth-watering tastes and rich aromas for the ultimate experience.
How is CBD vape oil consumed?
CBD vape oil can be consumed by using a vaporizer or a vape pen. If vaporizers are your choice, it’s worth mentioning that they are not all the same. Some vaporizers are specifically designed for oil, while others have been created with the purpose of smoking herbs or wax. Vape pens are another alternative for vaping CBD oil and are preferred by those looking for a more discreet way of getting some CBD into their system. Vape pens are easy to carry around, they are usually cheaper, and can successfully transport the CBD from the oil into the body of the consumer.
For the vape enthusiasts who decide to give this method a try, it may be useful to have an understanding of the temperature at which CBD vaporizes. There are vaporizers out there who have an adjustable temperature. The CBD cannabinoid is known to vaporize at 210°C and 230°C or 410°F to 446°F. The higher the temperature, the higher the concentration of CBD vapor that you will get.
Apart from vaping, CBD can be consumed as an edible, in the form of tinctures, lotions and creams, oil, and many more. What is interesting is that the different methods of consumption will have slightly different effects on the body. While one method may trigger an instant result, another method may require a certain time to pass before the effects can be felt. In addition, while some may have a duration in the body of an hour others can stay for a number of hours. Depending on the condition that the consumer is looking to tackle with CBD, the most appropriate method will vary. Let’s look at what the effects of vaping on CBD oil are for the consumer.
Vaping CBD oil – the effects
Vaping CBD oil is the perfect choice for consumers in search of a quick and effective way of transporting some CBD into their body. The explanation behind the process is quite simple. CBD influences the body by communicating with CB1 and CB2 receptors from the endocannabinoid system. By reaching these receptors, the cannabinoid can successfully trigger certain reactions, which can, therefore, improve certain parts of the body and its functions. For instance, the cannabinoid can be useful in stimulating appetite, regulating hormones, boosting your mood, and more.
In order to communicate with the receptors, CBD must first reach them by entering the consumer’s bloodstream. Consuming CBD as an edible will require more time for the cannabinoid to reach the bloodstream as it has to travel through the digestive system where it will be metabolized by the liver. After the process is complete, the compound will be spread into the bloodstream. The effect of consuming CBD via vaping is completely different from that of taking in CBD as an edible.
Just like the oxygen that we inhale when breathing, CBD can travel way faster to make its way to the bloodstream when vaped. The substance is inhaled into the lungs, travels through membranes and is then distributed in the bloodstream. As you can see, the process is faster and more direct when compared to other methods of consuming the compound. Although this may seem wonderful, there are certain drawbacks. For instance, the duration of the effect of the CBD in our body will be less in contrast to eating CBD. This may not be a serious issue as consumers can vape repeatedly and take regular doses if necessary.
Unlike vaping marijuana or other powerful mind-altering herbs, CBD vape oil will not get you high. If you are expecting to feel a certain kick or buzz after inhaling, you might as well reconsider. In addition, you don’t have to worry about gaining unnecessary weight as there are no munchies associated with vaping CBD oil as is the case with smoking weed. Furthermore, there are no risks of experiencing paranoia, weird sensations, hearing voices, or getting red eyes. In other words, the magic of CBD will calmly work its wonders in your body without causing any damage. The best part is that there is no evidence of overdosing on CBD and the substance is not addictive.
The duration of CBD vape oil
We slightly touched upon the fact that different CBD consumption methods will mean that the CBD will have different duration in your system and will require different dosing. In the case of CBD vape oil, most products come in a bottle or cartridge between 25mg and 300mg. Chances are that you will not be able to finish the whole bottle in a day or two. In most cases, CBD vape oil can last between four and fourteen days, depending on the dosing that you have been prescribed or you have chosen based on your health condition. It is natural that towards the beginning of your CBD therapy you will be advised to take higher doses until the body absorbs the compound.
Potential threats of CBD vape oil
Now that we have covered the beauty of CBD vape oil it is time to look at the consumption method from a different perspective. Depending on the health condition of the consumer, CBD vape oil may not always be a perfect choice. For instance, vaping puts a lot of weight on the lungs and therefore people suffering from lung problems may be advised to choose an alternative method. In addition, there have been concerns regarding the potential inhaling of propylene glycol – a chemical used in the production of CBD vape oil. The chemical can also be found in a range of nicotine-infused e-cigarettes. When heated at a certain temperature, the chemical can become toxic and harmful for the body especially the respiratory organs and can potentially lead to cancer, asthma, or other serious conditions.
It is advisable to arrange a consultation with an expert from the medical field and discuss CBD vape oil therapy based on your personal condition, preferences, and goals. CBD vape oil can also be used for prevention against certain health conditions and can be helpful in maintaining overall balanced health.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6042662/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5023687/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
