With the stigma around CBD fast receding, CBD is rapidly gaining popularity as an alternative therapy. The misconceptions around CBD are fast becoming a thing of the past with an increasing number of users educating themselves on the positive benefits of CBD.
More and more governments including the US Federal law have passed legislation to officially make CBD legal. That said, despite the legal approvals, users need to ensure that CBD is consumed in a way that is safe and helps their medical requirements.
The different forms of CBD products available in the market require that users administer CBD in a way that best suits their requirements. The different forms of CBD ensure the flexibility in which CBD can be consumed.
In this article, we will discuss one of the more popular forms of consuming CBD i.e vaping.
CBD Explained
CBD is one of the main active cannabinoid groups of compounds found in cannabis plants. CBD is readily extracted from the hemp plant but has got unnecessary negative publicity from its close relation with THC – the compound in Marijuana that is responsible for the ‘high’ associated with weed consumption.
Unlike CBD, THC is a psychoactive compound and leads to mind alteration effects. In almost all CBD products there is less than 0.3% of THC (as is federally mandated). Users can safely consume CBD products without the fear of getting intoxicated.
Using a Vape Pen
Vape pens come with a chamber or cartridge that the CBD extract can be loaded into. In most cases, the CBD extract is in liquid form. In contrast to smoking, dabs, shatters, or crystals cannot be used in a vape pen.
After loading the liquid CBD into the vape pen, the chamber is heated which causes the CBD oil to give off fumes. These CBD fumes are inhaled through the mouthpiece of the vape pen. Simple right?
The Benefits of a Vape Pen
The Effects of CBD Can Be Felt Almost Immediately
The amount of CBD actually being absorbed into the bloodstream is known as CBD’s bioavailability. The level of bioavailability determines how effective CBD is for the user. The bioavailability of CBD differs depending on the various ways CBD is ingested and is expressed as percentage values.
When taken sublingually, i.e, via a dropper under the tongue, the bioavailability is between 20-35%. On the other hand edibles like CBD gummies have a bioavailability between 4-15%. This is one of the reasons users may need to wait up to 3 hours to feel the effects of CBD through edibles. After all, the body needs to complete the normal digestion process before the CBD can enter the bloodstream.
In contrast, when CBD is consumed via a vape pen, the bioavailability gets pushed to its highest level between 30-50%. Given that when smoked, CBD enters the lungs and from there directly to the bloodstream, users can feel the effects of CBD almost immediately.
Convenience
Vape pens are easy to carry. They are usually sleek and fit comfortably in a user’s pocket or handbag. Vape pens are also meant to function without any added accessories. All of this allows users to get their dose of CBD on the move!
The Disadvantages of a Vape Pen
Risk of Metal Contamination
Vape pens contain titanium or nickel coils that are responsible for heating the CBD oil. Over time, there is the danger that the metal particles may disengage and metal nanoparticles may also be inhaled into the lungs.
While the fumes are kept within the permissible limits of metal concentration, the harm it can cause in the long run is up for debate. As a precaution, it is advisable that users replace the coil or the vape pen itself every 2-3 months.
The Long Term Effects of Vaping
At this time, no conclusive medical studies exist that point to the long-term effects of inhaling CBD smoke. The main reason for this uncertainty is that medical research is yet to prove that inhaling CBD fumes does not have adverse effects.
To Conclude
The pros and cons of Vaping CBD –
| Pros | Cons |
| Highest bioavailability compared to other forms of CBD. | Increased risk of metallic contamination. |
| Vape pens are light, sleek, and easy to carry. | Possibility of adverse effects on the lungs during long-term use. |
| Effects of CBD are felt almost immediately. | Vape pens or coils need to be changed frequently. |
Disclaimer
CBD products that are derived from Hemp and contain less than the prescribed .3 percent of THC are legal per federal law. However, certain state laws may still deem it illegal.
CBD products that are derived from Marijuana are illegal per federal law but remain legal under the laws of certain states.
It is advisable to check the appropriate state laws in case of travel. It is important to note that over-the-counter CBD products are not approved by the FDA.