Know Your Vape

The Ultimate Guide to CBD Vape Benefits: Everything You Need to Know

By Know Your Vape · · Updated

Contents

CBD vapes are popular because inhaled CBD tends to act faster than CBD you swallow. This guide covers what the evidence actually supports, the side effects and risks, and what to check before you buy a CBD vape product.

Brief on CBD Vaping

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in hemp and other cannabis plants. It is being studied for anxiety, pain and sleep, but the only FDA-approved CBD medicine is a prescription drug for certain rare seizure disorders.

Vaping CBD means heating a CBD liquid in a device known as a cbd vape pen and inhaling the aerosol. Inhaled CBD skips the digestive system, so effects usually start sooner than with edibles or capsules.

CBD vaping is not risk free. It is for adults only, and anyone who does not already vape or smoke has no health reason to start.

What is CBD Vaping?

Overview of CBD

Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, is one of many compounds in the cannabis plant. People have used cannabis as a folk medicine for centuries, but modern evidence for most CBD uses is still limited.

Unlike delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not cause a high. The FDA warns that some CBD products are sold with unproven medical claims and are of unknown quality.

Explanation of Vaping

Vaping means inhaling an aerosol, often called vapor, made by an e-cigarette or similar device. These devices heat a liquid that may contain nicotine, CBD or other substances.

With a CBD vape, a CBD liquid is heated until it forms an aerosol. The CBD is absorbed through the lungs, which is faster than digestion.

The FDA notes it still doesn't know how vaping changes how much CBD the body takes in. Many CBD vape juices are also flavored, and the long-term effects of inhaling flavorings and carrier liquids are not well understood.

The Benefits of CBD Vaping

Here are the advantages people most often cite for CBD vaping, and what is known about each.

Immediate Relief

The main practical advantage of CBD vaping is speed. Inhaled CBD reaches the bloodstream within minutes, while swallowed CBD can take much longer.

Fast onset does not mean proven relief. Evidence that CBD helps chronic pain or anxiety is limited and mixed, and most of the strongest results come from prescription CBD for seizures. With a cbd vape pen, any effect you feel will usually start sooner, not necessarily be stronger.

Dosage Control

Vaping lets you take a little at a time and stop, which some users prefer. Dosing is still imprecise: the amount per puff depends on the device, the liquid and how you inhale.

Labels are not always accurate either. Tested CBD products have been found to contain less or more CBD than claimed. For general guidance, see our cbd vape dosage section.

Convenience and Discretion

A CBD vape pen is small and portable. Vaping also produces less lingering odor than smoking.

Discretion has limits. Vaping is banned in many places where smoking is banned, so check local rules before you use a cbd vape in public.

In short, CBD vaping offers fast onset and convenience. Whether CBD helps your specific condition is a separate question to raise with a doctor.

Potential Side Effects of CBD Vaping

Vaping CBD has possible side effects from both the CBD and the vaping itself. The FDA and NIH list these known CBD concerns: drowsiness, stomach problems such as diarrhea, decreased appetite, mood changes, liver injury and interactions with other medicines.

Dry Mouth

Some users report dry mouth after vaping. Carrier liquids such as propylene glycol can also dry out the mouth and throat. Staying hydrated while using a CBD vape can help.

Dizziness

Some people feel lightheaded after using CBD. If you have low blood pressure or take other medicines, talk to your doctor before you vape CBD.

CBD can also interact with other medicines, so ask a pharmacist to check anything you take.

Fatigue

Drowsiness is one of the side effects the FDA lists for CBD. Start with a small CBD vape dosage, and don't drive until you know how CBD affects you.

Lung Risks and Contaminants

Inhaling any aerosol can irritate the lungs, especially if you have asthma or COPD. During the 2019 EVALI outbreak, the CDC linked lung injuries mainly to THC vapes containing vitamin E acetate, often bought from informal sources.

Unregulated products labeled as CBD have also caused harm. In Utah in 2017 and 2018, dozens of people were sickened by vape products sold as CBD that actually contained a synthetic cannabinoid.

How to Choose a CBD Vape

Three things matter most: CBD concentration, independent lab testing, and whether you want a disposable or reusable device.

Consider the CBD Concentration

CBD vape products list their CBD content in milligrams, and the amount varies widely between products.

If you're new to CBD, start with a lower-strength product and increase slowly. Higher concentrations deliver more CBD per puff, which also raises the chance of side effects. For more, see our guide on cbd vape dosage.

Check for Third-Party Testing

Choose a CBD vape oil with a recent certificate of analysis (COA) from an independent lab. Match the batch number on the COA to the product you're buying.

A good COA confirms the CBD and THC content and screens for pesticides, heavy metals and residual solvents. It should also show no vitamin E acetate or synthetic cannabinoids.

Choose Between Disposable and Reusable

CBD vapes come in two main options: disposable and reusable.

Disposable vapes come pre-filled with CBD vape juice and are thrown away when empty. They are simple to use, but create more waste and lithium battery disposal issues.

Reusable vapes use a rechargeable CBD vape pen with refillable tanks or replaceable cartridges. They cost more up front and need cleaning, but usually cost less over time if you vape regularly.

Disposable VapeReusable Vape
CostLow initial cost, higher long-termHigher initial cost, lower long-term
MaintenanceNo maintenanceRequires cleaning and refills
CustomizationLimitedWide variety of vape juices

FAQ

Is CBD Vaping Safe?

CBD vaping is not proven safe. CBD itself can cause side effects, including liver injury and drug interactions, and the long-term effects of inhaling CBD liquids are unknown.

Poorly made or counterfeit products add risk. Buy only lab-tested products made for vaping, never vape THC products from informal sources, and talk to your doctor if you take other medicines or are pregnant.

How Long Do the Effects of CBD Vaping Last?

Effects from inhaled CBD usually start within minutes and fade sooner than effects from CBD you swallow. How long they last depends on the dose, the product and your body.

Everyone responds differently, so start low and track how you feel. For more on choosing a CBD vape dosage, follow the link.

Can I Vape Any CBD Oil?

No. CBD oils and tinctures made for swallowing often use carrier oils that should never be inhaled. Only use a product made for vaping, such as a CBD vape juice or a CBD vape cartridge.

Check the label to confirm the product is intended for vaping, and buy from a seller that posts batch lab results.

Conclusion

Recap of CBD Vape Benefits

CBD vaping offers fast onset, flexible dosing and convenience. The health benefits of CBD itself are still being studied, and the FDA has not approved any CBD vape product.

The risks are real: drowsiness, stomach problems, liver effects, drug interactions and lung irritation, plus mislabeled or contaminated products. Start with a small dose and increase slowly.

Final Thoughts

If you choose to vape CBD, check the CBD concentration in your cbd vape oil, insist on third-party lab testing, and pick a device type that suits how often you use it.

CBD is not a substitute for medical care. If you are using it for a health problem, talk to a doctor first, especially if you take other medicines.

Sources

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