CBD Vaporizers are basically small electronic devices that turn CBD into vapor by heating them to a temperature.
What is CBD, and what does vaping CBD entail?
CBD or Cannabidiol is a compound found in cannabis plants, much like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and other cannabinoids. Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive, which means when consumed on its own, rather than together with other compounds in cannabis, it will not produce that euphoric or “high” sensation. CBD is primarily derived from fresh hemp, though some varieties are marijuana-derived. Studies have shown CBD may provide therapeutic benefits for various mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction, and schizophrenia, as well as physical conditions like arthritis. CBD can be used through different methods, including oils and tinctures, topicals (creams and lotions), edibles, and vaping. As you might have read in our other articles, vaping CBD means that CBD liquid or “juice” is heated up by a vaporizer so the consumer can inhale the resulting vapor. This liquid contains CBD oil, liquids, propylene glycol (which helps release the CBD flavor), vegetable glycol (which thickens the vapor and gives it more body), and any additional flavors. Vaping is one of the fastest ways to experience the effects of CBD as the compound is inhaled and absorbed directly from the lungs into the bloodstream within minutes.
CBD oil is a concentrated solvent extracted from the buds, leaves, and stalks of cannabis plants and dissolved in edible oil. The initial extraction process of hemp plants produces is being called full-spectrum CBD oil, which contains all the cannabinoids (including low amounts of THC), terpenes, flavonoids, and fatty oils in the plant. Due to some consumers not wanting any THC in their CBD oil, however, another filtration step is often performed to remove it from the oil. In the resulting oil, which is called broad-spectrum CBD oil, all THC is removed along with some of the other cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds. When all other compounds except CBD are removed, the result is called CBD isolate, 99% pure CBD. Full-spectrum CBD oil and, to a lesser extent, broad-spectrum CBD oil induce the Entourage Effect, which occurs when various cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids enhance one another’s effectiveness. These oils create a richer experience for vaping, with a broad spectrum providing a happy medium as it contains only trace amounts of psychoactive and would not show up on drug tests. Also, keep in mind that CBD oil is an ingredient of CBD vape juice (sometimes also referred to as CBD “oil”)—true CBD oil is made for oral consumption only and cannot be vaped.
Yes, there is a wide range of CBD vaporizers to suit each consumer’s needs and preferences. However, they can be divided into two broad categories—refillable and disposables. Refillable vaporizers or vape pens also referred to as vape kits, are rechargeable vaporizers that consumers can fill up with their preferred CBD vape juice. They usually consist of detachable parts: a battery and a cartridge, including a refillable tank and an internal coil. CBD vape kits can produce more vapor and flavor, allowing consumers to take larger hits and maximize the benefits of CBD. They also allow greater freedom in switching and combining flavors and is usually more cost-effective in the long run as you only need to re-purchase the juice. At the same time, they have a higher learning curve to assemble/disassemble and require maintenance like changing the coil and regularly cleaning the tank. On the other hand, disposable vape pens are pre-filled with CBD vape juice and come with a built-in coil and battery. They are easy to use, inexpensive, and discreet, allowing consumers to dispose of them when they simply run out of vape juice (usually not until after a few hundred puffs). Disposable CBD vape cartridges still need to be connected to a standard 510 battery but come pre-filled and are powered with an internal coil.
It depends on the type of vaporizer you have, but always make sure to read the user manual to ensure safe operation. As a general guideline, disposable CBD vapes are ready-to-use—they are draw-activated, which means there are no buttons to push, so consumers can take it out of the packaging and inhale. Cartridges and vape kits, on the other hand, need some preparation and are a little more complicated. Cartridges need to be connected to the 510 battery and then turn it on by clicking on the power button 5 times (if it has a power button, if not, skip to the next step). With vape kits, cannabis vapers need to fill out the vape tank with CBD vape juice first, and then the coil needs to be primed (there should be instructions on how to do this in the manual). Wait 5-10 minutes for the coil to saturate, connect the battery, then similarly turn it on if needed. For both vape cartridges and vape kits, you need to press the button while inhaling for the battery to power the device. Keep in mind that it is tricky to control CBD vape dosage, as it depends on how much/strongly you inhale and the concentration of the juice. The best approach is to start with a minimal dosage (1 to 2 ml of CBD) and work your way up gradually, sticking to the dosage as soon as positive effects occur.
The effects of vaping CBD differ depending on the amount of CBD is being used, the consumer’s sensitivity to CBD, and other factors. As mentioned above, CBD will not produce the “high” that vaping cannabis or THC would, which means the subsequent paranoia and discomfort that some people experience from cannabis would also minimize. What consumers can expect, however, is relaxation and, depending on the dosage, reduced inflammation and pain relief. Keep in mind that while vaping is the fastest way to feel the effects of CBD, the effects also subside more quickly compared to oral consumption. In addition, while CBD itself is safe for consumption and is well tolerated even in large amounts, there may be risks associated with vaping. For example, a small portion of consumers is allergic (or later become allergic) to chemicals and materials used in vapes, like cadmium. Some may also have sensitivities to propylene glycol and vegetable glycol, so consult your doctor if you notice any irritation, nausea, or headache upon vaping. Also, black market vape cartridges and pens sometimes contain added vitamin E acetate, which can cause severe damage to the lungs. Always purchase vapes from reputable manufacturers and dispensaries to avoid these risks. And feel free to look up our other articles to learn more about the safety, legality, and benefits of CBD and other cannabis vape products!
