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Vaping CBD has been on the rise in popularity this past year. And it’s already a booming industry, globally. People around the globe are jumping on the CBD train, and companies are coming out with all the newest and funnest ways to take it.
Traditionally we’d have to smoke a joint to get a good hit of CBD, but that’s no longer necessary. Now, you can take CBD orally in the form of capsules or edibles. It can used on your skin, and Vaping CBD, even with tanks and coils, has never been easier.
However, do we really know what CBD is? Should we be worried about what it will do to our bodies if we vape it? Keep reading to get the 2020 version of the truth about vaping CBD and whether or not it’s safe.
What is CBD?
It has recently become very popular because of its promising effects on our bodies. CBD is processed by a system in our bodies called the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) which is responsible for regulating many of the most important functions in our bodies such as sleep, hormonal balances, and memory.
When a person takes CBD, it can affect them in many different ways and in varying amounts of time depending on how much they take, the type of CBD product they use, and how they take it. Since there are so many options out there, one can easily tailor their CBD routine to their own needs and preferences.
CBD vs THC
One of the most common questions regarding CBD is: ‘Does CBD make you high?’, and there is only one answer to it across the board: ‘absolutely not’. CBD is a cannabinoid and is found in cannabis and hemp plants. Without THC it can’t make you high.
THC, on the other hand, is well-known across the globe for the infamous high it gives you. Unfortunately, CBD and THC are often lumped together since they’re both from cannabis and hemp plants, but they are very different.
In fact, CBD and THC are processed by entirely different ECS receptors in different areas of our bodies. CBD is processed by CB2 receptors which are located throughout our bodies, and THC is processed by CB1 receptors which are found in our brains.
The main difference between CBD and THC is that one makes you high and the other gives you a load of other benefits without the high. Now that you know this, you should totally go and spread the CBD knowledge and join the global CBD education movement!
How Safe is Vaping CBD?
One of the US’ favorite ways of taking CBD is by vaping CBD. This is due to many different reasons, and these are a few:
- It is the fastest-acting way of taking CBD
- It’s so easy and fast to vape throughout the day
- There are so many flavours and CBD strengths available
- There are THC-free options and options with THC available
With that said, as more and more people begin to take up vaping CBD, there are questions being raised about the safety of vaping CBD. Many attribute this to the big vaping scandal that has been going on recently, resulting in many people either stopping vaping or companies such as Apple putting a ban on everything vaporizer related.
Is it actually safe to vape CBD? This is a very particular question, as it carries so much weight behind it; and the answer varies depending on where you are, how you obtain the CBD vaporizer and vape liquid, and other things. Let’s dive into it.
Lawsuits
There was recently (August, 2019) a very impactful lawsuit against a CBD vaporizer company. Erin Gilbert had used CBD by vaping it, and shortly after began to experience life-threatening side effects to the degree of respiratory failure down and the amputation of both her legs due to blood clots.
She purchased a mango-flavoured CBD vape pen and used it during the day. It was very apparent that the CBD vape pen had caused her these unimaginable consequences, but why? What happened that caused this to happen?
Erin Gilbert
Erin Gilbert lived in the U.S. Virgin Islands, which is where she purchased and used the CBD vape pen, and where the sale and manufacturing of CBD is still illegal. This leads investigators to believe that she purchased this vape pen from an under-the-radar seller.
Since CBD products (CBD vapes included) aren’t even legal in the U.S. Virgin Islands, there is even less chance that the CBD vape Gilbert used was tested, monitored, and/or approved by any health or food and drug regulation agency. This is where the simple act of vaping CBD became so dangerous.
CBD has never been known to cause any side effects other than nausea, headaches, diarrhea, or vomiting, and even these side effects are rare. This takes us to analyzing the other ingredients used in the CBD vape liquid Gilbert consumed.
Counterfeited CBD Dangers
Counterfeited CBD products, including the one Erin Gilbert used, have been found to contain a number of different substances used as a carrier oil. These ingredients include vitamin E acetate, which is what Gilbert’s hospitalization was traced to.
Vitamin E Acetate
Vitamin E acetate, among other substances, can be incredibly harmful to our bodies when vaporized, and the fact that counterfeit or low-end vaporizer companies are using it in their vape liquids is a huge issue at the moment due to cases such as Gilbert’s.
Does this make vaping CBD dangerous? Not as a whole. There is a large difference between the type of CBD vaporizer that Gilbert used and the CBD vaporizer being used in countries where it is legal. The UK and the USA are legal CBD countries.
Points to Consider
What does this show us? Here are some incredibly important points to consider in order to make sure you’ll be safe when vaping CBD:
- Always make sure vaping CBD is legal and monitored in your country.
- Make no exceptions. If you want to buy a CBD vape product, always make sure you purchase it from a well-known and reputable brand.
- Read the third-party lab tests! Reputable CBD brands offer third-party lab results. You should always check them for CBD and THC content. Also additional information regarding the ingredients in the CBD vape liquid.
- Go easy if you’re new to CBD. By starting out at a low CBD dosage you will ensure that your body gets used to CBD and you could avoid some of the pesky side effects it may cause.
Benefits of Vaping CBD
Though there are some scary cases such as Erin Gilbert’s case, vaping CBD isn’t actually bad for you. There is a super high number of people using CBD vapes all over the world, and the vast majority of them have benefited from it rather than suffered because of it.
- Our bodies process CBD the quickest when inhaled in vapor form.
- Anxiety, depression, insomnia or trouble sleeping, can be eased with CBD.
- CBD can help manage pain caused by conditions or diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, or arthritis; and may even be of use when treating neurological pain.
- It has been known to reduce inflammation and pain caused by it, and to serve as a treatment for inflamed muscles or joints.
- Cannabinoids may help people regain their appetite or help people with disorders such as ARFID (avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder).
CBD has a plethora of benefits for our bodies. The fact is that you most likely never experience any side effects. Especially if you make sure to stay away from vitamin E acetate.
Side Effects of Vaping CBD
Side effects are well covered above. Does vaping good CBD have side effects? Should you experience any at all? Here’s some info:
- Side effects of vaping good, legal CBD are the same side effects associated with taking CBD in any form. These include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Stomachache
- It is also likely that you may experience one or more of these side effects if you take too much CBD.
- You should always check the ingredients of the CBD vape liquid. Make sure it does not contain any ingredients that cause reactions or side effects.
- There is a very slim chance that you may receive a faulty CBD vaporizer. It may not charge properly. It may come broken. Or it can arrive DOA. Contact the manufacturer within the product’s warranty period for help.
Alternatives to Vaping CBD
As the CBD market grows, there are more and more ways of taking CBD that are available to the public. Is vaping CBD the only option? Not at all! There are so many other ways of taking CBD that are almost as quick-acting and efficient as vaping CBD! Here are some:
- CBD sprays and CBD oils are a great way to take CBD orally. They are very potent and have long-lasting effects.
- Aromatherapy products from CBD are perfect for taking an indirect way. You still reap its benefits.
- CBD crystals and CBD isolates added to any food or beverage. One can have a lot of liberty over how much CBD they take, and when they take it.
- CBD capsules and CBD tables are a perfect alternative for people who don’t like the taste of CBD.
Conclusion
You don’t have to be afraid of vaping CBD. As long as you make sure to stay safe by following safety tips you’re fine. You can see that vaping CBD is just one option. You can skip out on the vaping scene and still have options available to you.
