With the relaxation of legal rules surrounding cannabis and cannabis-derived products, the health and wellness market has been quickly making the most of the new possibilities the plant provides.
One of the big winners of these relaxed rules is CBD. This compound that is found naturally in cannabis has driven a mini-industry all of its own in recent years. From personal grooming products to food supplements, the list of CBD products continues to grow longer.
This rise in CBD has coincided with the boom in popularity of another market – vaping. But what are the options for those looking to vape their regular doses of CBD? Can CBD even be vaped, and what should you know before finding the right product?
What is CBD?
Let’s take a step back and remind ourselves about CBD.
CBD – or cannabidiol as it’s technically called – is a compound that is found within the cannabis plant. It has a wide array of uses, and part of its appeal to manufacturers is how versatile it can be.
It should not be confused with THC – or tetrahydrocannabinol. THC is another compound within cannabis and is responsible for the “high” feeling that is associated with cannabis. CBD is not psychoactive, and will not leave you intoxicated.
How Does CBD Work?
To know how CBD actually works, first, we should mention a little bit about the endocannabinoid system.
The endocannabinoid system – or ECS for short – is related to the nervous system. Cannabinoids that are produced naturally in the body use the ECS to travel to areas all over the body. They then bind with receptors and activate different functions depending on what the body needs.
For example, our natural cannabinoids help to regulate endorphin production, homeostasis, and much more.
CBD is similar in its chemical makeup to these cannabinoids. This allows it to travel through the ECS as well, and gently influence wellness through the body.
Vaping CBD
Vaping began as a niche method of helping smokers quit the habit, and has grown to become a huge industry worldwide.
For those looking to make the most of CBD, vaping can seem like a great way of taking their doses. But there are some differences that everyone should be aware of before trying it.
CBD Oil vs CBD Vape Oil
The big point to understand is the difference between standard CBD oil and vape CBD oil.
CBD is oil-soluble and is best utilized by the human body when taken alongside oils or fatty foods, such as avocado, meats, and other medium and long-chain fatty acids.
CBD oil is a popular workaround, as the CBD is already infused into the oil, allowing for easy and convenient dosing, that makes great use of the available CBD.
CBD vape oil, on the other hand, actually contains no oil at all.
This confusing fact can make it difficult for first-time vapers and CBD consumers to find the right product but just look out for specific CBD vaping liquids.
CBD oil is not designed to be used in a vape pen or e-cigarette. These devices work by heating liquid up and turning it into vapor, and oil will not respond well to this process.
Once you find the right product, however, vaping can be a great way of getting your regular dose of CBD.
The Positives of Vaping CBD
When taking CBD, the phrase “bioavailability” is commonly used.
Bioavailability means how efficiently the CBD is being used. For example, ingesting CBD by swallowing or eating it tends to have lower bioavailability. This is because the digestive system is particularly hostile to CBD itself, and breaks down the chemical quickly.
Vaping CBD, however, has much higher bioavailability. The lungs are full of blood vessels and capillaries, all of which are close to the surface of the tissue. This means that when CBD vapor is inhaled, it comes in almost direct contact with these vessels, and can be almost immediately absorbed into the bloodstream.
This will mean that your CBD will be used much more efficiently, and you will lose much less in the process of taking it.
Another big advantage of vaping CBD-infused liquid is its inconspicuousness. For many takers of CBD in, its various forms, taking their daily dose in public can create feelings of self-consciousness.
It can sometimes seem like you are taking some form of medication, and can lead to unwanted questions, especially if the taker is using CBD for a specific health or wellness reason that they do not want to share.
Vaping, on the other hand, is a common practice. The action itself is also similar to smoking, and most people will not think twice when seeing someone vape.
Vaping CBD Oil – Know What To Look For!
So, when it comes to CBD oil, can you vape it? The answer is – yes and no. While it is true that there are CBD products available for those looking to vape it, regular CBD oil should not be vaped!
This can be a source of confusion for many newcomers to the worlds of CBD and vaping. CBD vaping liquid is often referred to as “oil” – however, it is not. Oil cannot be used in vaping or e-cigarettes and can be damaging.
CBD vape oil can be used and is actually a great way of maximizing the bioavailability of the CBD you are taking. So, if you are looking to experiment with new ways of taking your regular doses of CBD, then vaping may be a good option for you!
