Vaping CBD has seen a significant surge in popularity over the past year, contributing to a booming global industry. Consumers worldwide are embracing CBD, and companies are continually introducing innovative and diverse methods for its consumption.
While historically, consuming CBD often involved smoking a joint, that is no longer the case. Today, CBD can be taken orally through capsules or edibles, applied topically to the skin, or easily vaporized using modern tanks and coils.
However, do we truly understand what CBD is? Should we be concerned about its potential effects on our bodies when vaped? Continue reading to get the most current information regarding vaping CBD and its safety in 2020.
CBD (scientifically known as cannabidiol) is a cannabinoid found in both cannabis and hemp plants. It was discovered only a few decades ago and has been subject to extensive scientific scrutiny for an even shorter period.
Its recent rise in popularity stems from its promising effects on the human body. CBD interacts with a crucial system in our bodies called the Endocannabinoid System (ECS), which plays a vital role in regulating essential bodily functions such as sleep, hormonal balance, and memory.
The effects of CBD can vary significantly among individuals, both in nature and duration, depending on the dosage, product type, and administration method. Given the wide array of options available, users can easily tailor their CBD routine to their specific needs and preferences.
One of the most frequently asked questions about CBD is: ‘Does CBD make you high?’ The unequivocal answer is ‘absolutely not.’ While CBD is a cannabinoid derived from cannabis and hemp plants, it lacks the psychoactive component (THC) responsible for a high.
THC, conversely, is globally recognized for its infamous intoxicating effects. Unfortunately, CBD and THC are often mistakenly grouped together due to their shared plant origins, despite their distinct properties.
In fact, CBD and THC are processed by entirely different ECS receptors in various parts of our bodies. CBD primarily interacts with CB2 receptors, which are distributed throughout the body, while THC binds to CB1 receptors, predominantly found in the brain.
The fundamental difference lies in their effects: one induces a high, while the other offers a wealth of potential benefits without psychoactive consequences. Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently contribute to the global CBD education movement!
How Safe is Vaping CBD?
Vaping CBD is one of the most popular consumption methods in the U.S., attributed to several factors:
It is the fastest-acting method for CBD delivery.
It offers convenient and quick administration throughout the day.
A vast selection of flavors and CBD strengths are available.
Options include both THC-free and THC-containing products.
However, as more people embrace CBD vaping, questions about its safety are increasingly being raised. Many attribute these concerns to recent controversies surrounding vaping, which have led some individuals to cease vaping or prompted companies like Apple to impose restrictions on vaporizer-related products.
So, is vaping CBD actually safe? This is a complex question with significant implications, and the answer depends on your location, how you obtain CBD vaporizers and vape liquids, and other crucial factors. Let’s delve deeper.
Lawsuits
In August 2019, a significant lawsuit was filed against a CBD vaporizer company. Erin Gilbert had used CBD by vaping it and shortly thereafter began experiencing severe, life-threatening side effects, including respiratory failure and eventual amputation of both legs due to blood clots.
She purchased a mango-flavored CBD vape pen and used it daily. The link between the CBD vape pen and her severe health issues was clear, prompting investigations into the cause.
Erin Gilbert resided in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where she purchased and used the CBD vape pen—a region where the sale and manufacturing of CBD were, and still are, illegal. This led investigators to believe she acquired the vape pen from an unregulated source.
Since CBD products (including vapes) are not legal in the U.S. Virgin Islands, there was no guarantee that the CBD vape used by Gilbert had undergone testing, monitoring, or approval by any health or food and drug regulatory agencies. This lack of oversight transformed a simple act into a dangerous one.
Legitimate CBD has not typically been associated with severe side effects beyond mild, rare occurrences of nausea, headaches, diarrhea, or vomiting. This directs our attention to analyzing the other ingredients present in the CBD vape liquid Gilbert consumed.
Counterfeited CBD Dangers
Illegitimate CBD products, like the one Erin Gilbert used, have been found to contain various unauthorized carrier oils. These ingredients can include vitamin E acetate, which was traced as the cause of Gilbert’s hospitalization.
Vitamin E Acetate
When vaporized, substances like Vitamin E acetate can be incredibly harmful to our bodies. The use of such additives by counterfeit or low-quality vape product manufacturers poses a significant public health risk, as tragically demonstrated by cases like Gilbert’s.
Does this mean vaping CBD is inherently dangerous? Not as a whole. There is a substantial difference between the type of CBD vaporizer Gilbert used and the CBD vaporizers available in countries where it is legal, such as the UK and the USA.
Points to Consider
What does this reveal? Here are some incredibly important points to consider to ensure your safety when vaping CBD:
Always confirm that vaping CBD is legal and regulated in your country.
Make no exceptions: always purchase CBD vape products from well-known, reputable brands.
Read third-party lab test results! Reputable CBD brands provide these. You should always check them for CBD and THC content, as well as additional information regarding the ingredients in the CBD vape liquid.
Start low and go slow if you’re new to CBD. Beginning with a low CBD dosage allows your body to acclimate and can help you avoid potential mild side effects.
Benefits of Vaping CBD
Despite concerning cases like Erin Gilbert’s, vaping legitimate CBD is not inherently harmful. A large number of individuals worldwide use CBD vapes, and the vast majority have experienced benefits rather than adverse effects.
Our bodies process CBD most quickly when inhaled in vapor form.
CBD can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, or insomnia.
CBD may assist in managing pain caused by conditions or diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, or arthritis; it may also be beneficial in treating neurological pain.
It has been known to reduce inflammation and associated pain, and to serve as a treatment for inflamed muscles or joints.
Cannabinoids may help individuals regain their appetite or assist those with disorders such as ARFID (avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder).
CBD offers a plethora of potential benefits for our bodies. It is highly probable that users will not experience severe side effects, especially when avoiding products containing harmful additives like Vitamin E acetate.
Side Effects of Vaping CBD
What are the potential side effects of vaping legitimate CBD, if any? The general side effects associated with vaping good, legal CBD are consistent with those linked to taking CBD in any other form. These include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Dizziness
Stomachache
Overconsumption of CBD may also lead to one or more of these mild side effects.
Always verify the ingredients of your CBD vape liquid to ensure it does not contain substances known to cause adverse reactions or side effects.
While rare, a faulty CBD vaporizer might not charge properly, arrive broken, or be Dead on Arrival (DOA). In such cases, contact the manufacturer within the product’s warranty period for assistance.
Alternatives to Vaping CBD
As the CBD market expands, an increasing number of CBD consumption methods are becoming available to the public. Is vaping CBD the only option? Not at all! Many other ways of taking CBD are almost as quick-acting and efficient as vaping:
CBD sprays and CBD oils are excellent oral methods. They are potent and offer long-lasting effects.
CBD aromatherapy products provide an indirect way to reap its benefits.
CBD crystals and CBD isolates can be added to any food or beverage, offering significant flexibility in dosage and timing.
CBD capsules and CBD tablets are a perfect alternative for individuals who dislike the taste of CBD.
Conclusion
There is no need to fear vaping CBD. By adhering to safety guidelines and ensuring product legitimacy, you can confidently explore CBD vaping. Furthermore, a wide array of alternative CBD consumption methods are available if vaping is not your preference, ensuring you have options that suit your needs.
