Vaping is a great way to take CBD. It's cost-effective and gets the cannabinoids into your bloodstream quickly and efficiently; however, if you've not vaped before it can seem like a daunting process.
It's not just vape juice that can be vaped, but you can also Vape CBD Flower and CBD Hash
In this guide, you will find lots of information to help you get started, including the answers to crucial questions that will show you what to expect when you vape.
Benefits of vaping CBD
Vaping CBD: fast facts
While CBD itself is considered safe, there is little research into whether vaping CBD is harmful.
An e-liquid for vaping CBD employs specific carriers such as MCT or VG/PG, distinguishing it from standard CBD oils which are not suitable for vaping due to the carrier oils utilized. Vaping CBD can be done at your discretion throughout the day, but it's important not to exceed 70mg per day in adherence to FSA rules.
So, what exactly is CBD e-liquid?
Also known as CBD vape juice, it consists of hemp extract, vegetable glycerine (VG), and propylene glycol (PG). When heated in a vaporizer, it transforms into vapor that can be inhaled, delivering the active ingredient to your bloodstream through your lungs. Occasionally, flavorings are added to mask the hemp's taste and enhance overall enjoyment.
The composition and quality of VG and PG can vary depending on the product. VG and PG serve as carrier oils for the active ingredient and flavorings. The VG/PG ratio influences vapor formation and flavor intensity. Vegetable glycerin imparts thickness to the liquid and vapor, resulting in a smooth inhalation experience for higher VG content. On the other hand, propylene glycol, thinner than VG, allows for more flavor, although e-liquids with high PG content may offer a tastier experience with a potentially sharper throat sensation.
In comparison, MCT oil, a food-grade product derived from coconuts or palm kernels, serves as an alternative to the standard PG/VG blend. It is commonly found in edible products, including CBD oil, and can be used in e-liquids. MCT-based vape oil provides a smoother vaping experience with minimal throat irritation. Research suggests a lower likelihood of producing by-products like acetaldehydes. Claims about MCT oil causing lipoid pneumonia when vaped at high temperatures remain unproven, lacking supporting evidence or studies.
Overall, it produces a safer, more user-friendly vape oil that holds the flavour well and doesn’t hurt your throat.
CBD extracts
CBD can be incorporated into e-liquid in various forms:
Isolate stands out as the most prevalent type present in e-liquid, representing pure CBD extracted from hemp and meticulously processed to exclude any other compounds. Products featuring isolate are generally more cost-effective to manufacture and are THC-free. However, they lack the entourage effect, the heightened impact of CBD when combined with other cannabinoids.
Full-spectrum CBD is derived from hemp plants and retains trace amounts of all other cannabinoids, including THC. This influences the interaction of CBD with your body, enhancing the overall effect. Although fewer vape juices utilize full-spectrum extracts, they are pricier but superior to those containing isolate.
Broad-spectrum extract includes traces of other cannabinoids from the hemp plant, excluding THC. While full-spectrum extracts are deemed optimal, broad-spectrum serves as a close second.
Flavoring, akin to food, can be either natural or artificial in vape juices. For suitability in e-liquids, these flavorings must be robust and dissolve seamlessly without altering the vapor's texture.
Natural flavorings, although healthier, are more challenging to integrate into vape juices, making products with them scarce and slightly more expensive.
Other CBD products viable for vaping come in various forms, but they may be less accessible than e-liquid and might require additional or specialized equipment.
Dry herb CBD vape Isolates, reminiscent of those found in typical e-liquids, come in crystal form, delivering a more potent vapor due to the absence of carrier liquids or diluting agents. These crystals can be vaporized in devices designed for isolates or dab-rigs, specialized vaporizers for concentrated hemp or cannabis extracts.
Distillate, a thick, golden amber liquid, results from winterizing hemp extract in ethanol and subsequent distillation. High-quality CBD distillate can contain up to 90% full-spectrum cannabinoids, typically available in cartridges attachable to vape pens.
Wax, a concentrated CBD extract processed into wax, can be either full-spectrum or isolate, often boasting high potency. Vaporized using specially designed vapes or dab-rigs, wax offers another method of inhalation.
Shatter – Produced in a similar way to wax, but during its production its kept at a constant temperature which allows it to develop a transparent glass-like appearance. It can also be made from isolate, broad-spectrum or full-spectrum extract and you can vape it in the same way as isolate or wax.
Hemp flower, obtained from the hemp plant, can undergo drying, shredding, and be utilized in vaping through a dry herb vaporizer. It is prohibited to buy or sell hemp flower in its raw form before processing it into teas, oils, or other products to eliminate any potential extraction of THC traces.
Benefits and Effects
Inhaling cannabidiol-based vape oils becomes the preferred method for many individuals after trying it, offering several advantages not achievable through alternative cannabinoid delivery methods.
Enhanced CBD Bioavailability
When CBD is ingested, only 4% to 12% is utilized by the body, as the gut and liver break down most of it. In contrast, inhaling vapor delivers CBD directly to the lungs, allowing up to 56% of it to circulate in the bloodstream without breakdown. Vaping CBD proves to be the most effective method.
Cost-Efficiency
With more CBD reaching the bloodstream, e-liquids become more cost-effective compared to other products. Smaller amounts of vape juice can provide the same potency as much stronger CBD oils.
Rapid Action
CBD vapor swiftly reaches the lungs and bloodstream, taking effect within 10 to 20 minutes, much quicker than ingestion (30 minutes to 2 hours) or sublingual absorption (15 to 25 minutes).
Precise Dosage Control
Vaping allows meticulous control over CBD intake, as each puff contains a small amount. Start with two or three puffs a day, gradually adjusting based on personal effects and comfort level.
Discreet Consumption
Despite the legality and popularity of CBD, some users may feel self-conscious about its visibility. Pen vapes, generating minimal vapor and odor, provide discretion. Compact devices are easily concealable in a pocket or bag, making it nearly impossible for others to discern whether you're using CBD or another e-liquid.
E-liquids offer a diverse range of flavours to suit various preferences. If the intense bitter taste of some unfiltered full-spectrum CBD oils is not to your liking, e-liquids provide a milder alternative. These liquids can be infused with inventive flavours, masking any hemp taste and offering subtle hints of the chosen flavour during inhalation.
Drawbacks of vaping CBD e-liquid:
While inhaling CBD vapor has numerous benefits, there are a few drawbacks to consider. Firstly, you need to invest in a vape, an additional expense compared to other methods. A small pen vape typically costs around £30, and with a refillable tank, along with regular cleaning, the only ongoing expenses are vape juice and occasionally a new heating coil.
Some individuals may also be hesitant about inhaling vapor, finding it off-putting at first. However, many discover that they quickly adapt to the experience after trying it.
Does it produce a high?
Inhaling CBD, even in vapor form, is non-intoxicating and won't induce a high. The psychoactive effects associated with cannabis use come from tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a plant substance not prevalent in legal CBD e-liquids in the UK. These e-liquids, derived from low-THC hemp strains, undergo extraction processes to minimize THC presence, ensuring compliance with legal levels of less than 1mg THC per container.
How does vaping CBD affect you?
Upon vaping CBD, the initial sensation is the flavour of the vapor, milder than consuming or drinking but still robust. Subsequently, there may be a slight throat catch, varying from smooth to gently raspy, providing a signal when inhaling vapor. Regular breathing during inhalation can be calming, with effects on how you feel emerging a few minutes later. The impact of CBD varies among individuals, often described as a 'grounding' sensation.
Is vaping CBD safe?
High-quality CBD maintains an excellent safety record. However, in recent years, some individuals have experienced vaping-related lung conditions. Upon investigation, these cases were linked to either THC e-liquids or counterfeit brands incorporating unsafe additives, such as vitamin E acetate, to dilute the vape liquid.
Although much remains to be understood about the long-term effects of e-liquids on individuals, those offered by reputable brands in the UK generally consist of high-quality, simple ingredients adhering to stringent safety standards.
Is it permissible to vape CBD oil?
No, it is not advisable to vape CBD oil, as oils and e-liquids are distinct products. CBD e-liquids are explicitly formulated for vaporization, while CBD oil is intended for sublingual application or ingestion.
E-liquids are crafted for optimal vaporization at precise temperatures, with all their components tested to generate a smooth and safe vapor. In contrast, CBD oils are denser and incompatible with vaporizers, often containing carrier oils like hemp seed or olive oil.
How to get started with CBD vaping?
Vaping with Tank Style Vapes. The vaping process varies based on the chosen equipment, whether vaporizers with tanks, cartridges, or disposable vape pens.
A tank-style vaporizer is the most economical, allowing refilling when empty. Cartridge vapes involve purchasing a pre-filled cartridge that attaches to the battery and can be replaced when depleted. Disposable vapes necessitate replacing the entire unit upon depletion.
Requirements:
- E-liquid vaporizer
- Bottle or cartridge of CBD vape juice
Vaping CBD:
- Begin by acquainting yourself with the vape, following instructions, assembling, and testing controls.
- Carefully pour the liquid into the tank or attach the cartridge. Exercise caution to avoid spillage or overflowing in other parts of the vape.
- Turn on the device, typically achieved with 1, 3, or 5 clicks of the power button.
- Inhale a small puff; some models automatically vaporize as you inhale, while others require holding a button down. Hold for a second or two and exhale.
- Repeat 2-3 times as needed throughout the day.
Is it necessary to hold in CBD vape?
No, holding in CBD vape may elevate the risk of lung irritation. Currently, no evidence suggests that prolonged inhalation increases absorption. Inhale and exhale naturally without holding the vapor.
Mouth to Lung (MTL) vs Direct to Lung (DTL)
Now you've used your vaporiser a few times you can make some further choices about how you use it. There are two main methods of inhaling CBD vapour: Mouth to Lung (MTL) and Direct to Lung (DTL).
Mouth to lung is when you draw the vapour into your mouth, hold it there for a few seconds then inhale it into your lungs. With direct to lung, you inhale the vapour directly from your vaporiser in a continuous breath until it reaches your lungs.
Direct to lung means that more of the cannabinoids in the vapour reach your lung for quick absorption into your blood. If the vapour stays in your mouth before reaching your lungs, you may notice the flavour more, but some of the active ingredients are absorbed into your mouth.
MTL is the easiest way to get started with vaping. It lets you have more control over the amount of vapour that reaches your lungs. Until you get used to it, DTL is likely to feel quite intense and may make you cough. Most people who vape CBD end up using a mixture of both methods.
How much CBD should I vape?
When you start vaping, e-liquid of any strength can be easily adjusted to suit your needs by taking more or fewer puffs.
CBD affects each person slightly differently, so starting with a small amount each day will give you time to get used to using your vape and experience its effects.
We recommend that you start with between 10mg and 20mg of CBD per day. How many drops you need to add to your tank depends on the strength of the e-liquid:
13 or fewer drops may not be enough to cover the bottom of your tank and the wick. We suggest half filling the tank first. Then add the daily serving on top and vape until you are back down to a half tank of e-liquid. Note: this will enable you to take a more accurate measure of CBD whilst you find the correct serving size.
Increasing the strength at your own pace
CBD Ultra vape oil Once you’ve used a daily amount of between 10mg and 20mg of CBD for at least five days you may want to slowly increase the number of drops you add each day.
Many people who vape CBD, regularly use between 30mg and 40mg, but the correct amount is different for everyone. As soon as you find a routine that gives you the result you want, stop increasing. Current guidelines from the UK Food Standards Agency suggest that adults should not vape more than 70mg per day.
Conclusion
Vaping CBD e-liquid is a convenient and cost-effective way to consume CBD. If you're new to vaping, the best way to ensure success is to find a high-quality product that's right for you. The consistency and flavour of vape juice can make a significant difference to your overall experience.
Once you have everything you need, take it slowly and gradually increase the amount you use a little at a time. You'll be amazed at how quickly you get used to it and it will soon become a natural part of your day.