CBD oil, like it’s cannabis cousin medical marijuana, is without a doubt one of the most controversial and yet most promising breakthroughs for the treatment and relief of a wide variety of ailments and conditions. The powerful benefits of CBD have been shown by several studies and reports, despite the fact that it has still not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. Even the AMA has stated that there are significant benefits that can be potentially gained from the use of CBD oil for conditions such as anxiety, pain, epilepsy, HIV/AIDS-related conditions, cancer-related conditions, and others.
The best part about CBD oil is that, very much like medical marijuana and its derivatives, is that it is able to be utilized in a wide variety of flexible ways. This means that no matter what your situation you are sure to be able to make effective use of it and enjoy its benefits.
So Many Benefits, So Many Formats
When talking about CBD oil, the options for consuming may at first seem overwhelming. From topicals to tinctures to edibles and even CBD-infused beverages, it may at times seem like the various forms of straight oil and products that contain CBD oil are endless. This is great since it affords a lot of variety for the end consumer to choose from, but it can also make deciding which one is uniquely best for you a bit more difficult. Honestly, though, there is no way to go wrong with CBD oil and CBD oil products. It is merely a matter of finding which are best for you and your particular needs and lifestyle. For most, however, a great choice for consumption may be to vape your CBD oil.
Before heading out to your local vape shop and buying a device and come accessories, however, you need to understand that while using CBD oil, for the most part, is straightforward, vaping it can be a little more complicated. It’s worth it, though once you get established with the process, since it allows you to more quickly absorb the oil into your body and therefore get the results that you need foster. Let’s take a few moments to talk about how to vape CBD oil, what the additional benefits are of using your CBD oil this way, and what you should keep in mind about using CBD in a vaping device.
So What Exactly is CBD Oil?
CBD oil is a natural substance that is derived from a simple extraction process involving the plants of the cannabis family, specifically hemp or Marijuana. The essential oils of the plant are combined with other ingestible substances such as food grade oils so that it can be introduced into the body. The method of introduction can include a variety of ways, such as ingesting via the mouth, spraying into the sinus passage, depositing under the tongue for sublingual absorption, absorption via the skin, or introduction into the lungs via atomization (also known as vaping). Once it is in the body CBD oil interacts with your endocannabinoid system to produce several effects which can be beneficial to a wide variety of medical conditions and concerns.
Wait…Cannabis? Can Using or Vaping CBD Oil Get A Person High?
The most important thing to keep in mind that CBD oil cannot produce a “getting high” effect and it is not in any way, shape, or from addictive. This is because cannabis contains two different types of compounds, CBD and THC. THC is the compound that is responsible for getting you high and can lead in some individuals to addiction (but usually only in those who already have an issue or history with substance abuse). CBD does not contain the same chemical structure as THC and therefore is not addictive and does not have the ability to produce the biochemical reaction in the brain needed to get a person high.
Ok, So I Won’t Get High, But Will I Fail a Drug Test if I Use or Vape CBD Oil?
Yes and No. The answer to that depends on the origins of the oil that you are using. CDB oil that is derived from Marijuana plants can still contain a very minor amount of THC despite the intense filtering and processing. This is not enough to have an effect on your body, but it can potentially show up on a drug test, so if this is a concern for you, choose to only use CBD oil in your vaping that is derived from Hemp plants. Hemp does not contain THC compounds at all so there is no way that the oil can contain the trace THC elements that may pop a positive result on a drug test.
While hemp-based CBD oil is not as strong, it will usually not show up in drug testing. Both forms can be used in vaping equally. Just make sure that, if you choose to use a brand that is derived from Hemp, that it is truly derived 100% from Hemp. Some makers will mix oils without properly stating that on the label, and since CBD oil is currently not regulated they are under no obligation to do so. Check online for reviews and information from other users to ensure that the brand of hemp-based CBD oil that you have chosen for your vaping is reputable and indeed 100% hemp-based before you use it in your vaping.
What are the Benefits of CBD Oil?
When talking about the benefits of CBD oil we have to start with an understanding about the way that CBD work in the body. Don’t worry, this isn’t going to turn into science class, but you should have a basic understanding of what CBD will do in your body before you start using it. All mammals have an endocannabinoid system as part of their endocrine system. Since humans are mammals, that means that they have it as well. Since you are a human, this applies to you. The endocannabinoid system is responsible for the regulation and control of several key functions in the body, and CBD oil can alter the way that this system functions. Vaping the oil allows the body to more quickly absorb the oil, and as such begin experiencing benefits from the effects faster. See, that wasn’t that bad, was it?
Effects that can be derived from the alteration of processes that take place in the endocannabinoid system when CBD oil can include but are not limited to:
- Reduction in anxiety
- Relief from pain from arthritis
- Alleviation of the loss of appetite in those undergoing treatment for HIV/AIDS and cancer
- Reduction in symptoms of epilepsy
- Nerve pain
- Issues with sleeplessness and insomnia
- Severe joint pain
- Migraine headaches
- Nausea
- “Phantom limb” issues in amputees
- Reduction in the effects of PTSD in veterans of war, former law enforcement officers, and survivors of trauma or tragedy
The increase in popularity of CBD oil, and the diversity of those who are experimenting with it for their conditions have made new discoveries about its benefits more prolific in recent years. New conditions for which it is a welcome tool in the fight to live a normal, happy, and productive life are being found every day.
So What’s the Difference Between Vaping CBD Oil and Consuming It Other Ways?
While there are a lot of different ways to consume CBD oil, the most common being to use it in foods or beverages, or even swallowing the straight oil alone, you can also intake it via a vaping device. By using CBD oil in a vaping device you are pulling the oil directly into the lungs, which is one of the fastest and most efficient ways of absorbing a substance into the body. Both methods, consuming via the digestive tract, and inhalation into the lungs get the same result, the CBD is introduced to the bloodstream where it can have an effect on the body’s endocannabinoid system. The biggest difference in the amount of time that it takes for this introduction the bloodstream to occur. Via digestive consumption, you can expect around 30 minutes from the time that the oil is consumed before it begins to take effect. When CBD oil is consumed via gaping, the absorption time can be as little as a couple of minutes, which makes it a better choice for those who are in need of immediate results, such as those who are using CBD for anxiety or pain management.
Is There a Difference in the Effectiveness of CBD in Vaping versus Digestive Consumption?
When talking about the amount of CBD that is in your bloodstream and thus is available to the endocannabinoid system, the term Bioavailability is used. To put it simply this is the amount of any substance that is in the bloodstream that remains after your body’s filtering and processing systems deal with it. With CBD oil, the bioavailability is much higher when you are consuming via inhalation versus when you consume via digestion. This is due to the fact that the process of digestion breaks down a significant portion of the oil before it ever reaches the bloodstream. Further amounts of the CBD are lost when passed through the liver, where it is broken down via enzymes.
When you vape your CBD, you will be getting a higher concentration of the CBD in terms of bioavailability. This is because you are bypassing the digestive system and taking the CBD directly into the bloodstream. Bear in mind that CBD is fat soluble and therefore it is not going to mesh perfectly into our water-based blood, so you won’t be getting 100% bioavailability, but you will still be getting a lot higher concentrations than you would via digestive consumption.
Enough of The Buildup, How Do I Get Started?
OK, so now that you have an idea of what you’re dealing with, it’s time to get starting using CBD oil for vaping. The first thing you need to understand is the difference between the three main types of vapes that are available:
- A prefilled disposable canister that is available in various dosages andamounts. This type of vaping device setup is similar to disposable e-cig pens.
- A refillable pod or cartridge that fits into a vaping device such as an ultra-portable device or a MOD.
- A tabletop diffuser that generates a mist cloud or uses a face mask similar to a vaporizer used for cold and flu season.
While both of these systems offer the same basic results, there are some significant differences. For instance, the disposable units are cheaper, but you have limited options on flavors, dosage, and other factors. The refillable units are more versatile, offer more options, and are more eco-friendly, but they can be more expensive and they require a bit more experience to use.
The important thing to understand here is that no matter if it is a refillable unit or a disposable pre-filled one, every vaping device is comprised of the same component and operates under the same basic principles.
Every vaping device is made up of the following parts:
- A heating unit, also known as an atomizer (or in more layman’s terms a “coil”)
- A battery that provides power for the heating unit (also called a power cell)
- A chamber that holds the liquid CBD oil or CBD concentrate (also called a “tank”)
- A mouthpiece that is used to inhale the vapor that is created in the atomizer
- A display/control panel (if the device is “smart” and offers options, adjustments, or other bells and whistles)
- A power port (if the device is rechargeable), usually in the form of a Micro USB port
Choosing the right style of device and the right model for your particular type of vaping needs is crucial to getting the best possible results from your CBD oil vaping efforts. The good news is that there are plenty of different makes and models to choose from offering many different feature sets. This lets you easily choose the perfect vaping device for you as an individual.
So How Do I Choose a Vape Device That is Right for Me?
The answer to this question is one that only you can discover. You will need to put forth some time and research to choose the right device that fits your needs and personality. Some factors to consider however are:
- What kind of battery life do you need?
- How portable and easy to carry does the device need to be?
- Do you need to be able to quickly change out cartridges?
- Do you want something simple and basic (push button or inhale to activate) or more complicated (lots of options and settings)?
- Will you be using your device for more than just CBD oil?*
*this is important since other types of terpenes, cannabinoids, and e-liquids vaporize at different Temps, and therefore will require the ability to change the wattage setting on the coil.
You should also do a little research on the maker of the device before you buy it. Some manufacturers will use cheaper metals in their coils that are dangerous because they release toxic fumes when they are headed, others will use lower end batteries that could lead to a fire hazard. The important thing to keep in mind at this stage of the buying process is to find a supplier that carries only high-quality products, and even then take the time to learn about the devices and oils that you are interested in before buying.
OK, I have A Device, But I Still Need Oil
So we have the vaping device taken care of, but unless you choose to use a pre-filled unit, you will have to find the right vaping oil for your needs. As we have discussed previously the first thing that you need to decide is if you want to use stronger Marijuana based CBD oil, which may have trace amounts of THC in it and while not able to get you high, may pop a positive result on a drug test, or lower strength hemp-based CBD oil that has no THC traces at all, and will in most cases not read on a drug test. Whichever you choose, the important thing to keep in mind here is that you need to choose an oil that is the right fit for your unique condition as well as one that will be enjoyable to use in your vaping. It’s also important that you choose an oil that is specifically designed for use in vaping.
Can’t I Just Use Regular CBD Oil for Vaping?
No, absolutely not! And this cannot be said enough. You cannot use regular CBD oil that is designed for ingestion or sublingual absorption in a vaping device. These oils are processed with carrier oils that are perfectly safe for you to take into your body via the methods that they are intended to be used for, but those same carriers may contain substances that when headed are very dangerous for you to pull into your lungs. Some examples of these items are MCT oil, hemp seed oil, soybean oil, and coconut oil Another consideration is that some of these carrier oils are highly flammable when they are heated to high temperatures, such as those needed to atomize the oil into a vapor. When the oil comes in contact with the coil it could flare and explode the vaping device. CBD vape oil products are specifically designed for use in the superheated coils of atomizers and are safe to use in a vaping device. Under no circumstances should you ever for any reason use a regular CBD oil in your vaping.
Is There Anything Else I Need to Know About the Oil I Choose?
Yes, in fact, there is a lot that you should know. You should not only make sure that you know the difference between hemp and marijuana-based oils and choose between them according to your needs and preference, but you should also make sure that the oils that you choose are labeled as full spectrum and phytocannabinoid-rich. These labels indicate that the oil that you are buying carries an abundance of different phytocannabinoids. These plant-based chemicals bind easily to the endocannabinoid system in the body in a variety of ways and the more variety of these that are in the oil, the more likely that you will get a full range of results and effective treatment for your conditions.
As in All Things, Quality is Key
You should also use the same common sense that you would apply to any other food, beverage, supplement, or medicine purchase. Take a long careful look at the list of ingredients and if you see a lot of items that are unpronounceable or that you have no idea what they are, then you may not want to buy that particular product. Check labels for oils that are organically grown, sustainably sourced, fair trade processed, and which are GMO-Free. By doing a little due diligence, you can choose a brand of CBD oil for use in your vaping that will provide you with the highest quality and thus the better results that you need.
I Have a Device, I Have Oil, Now What?
Now that you have the things that you need, it’s time to get started. Start off with vaping CBD oil slowly and follow all of the suggested dosing and scheduling. You may actually want to start off with half of the recommended dosing until you are comfortable with the process and how your body reacts. This will also help to prevent you from going through your supply of oil too quickly, which can happen when once first starts vaping. Once you are familiar with how things will go, you can increase to a full dose and over time you may be able to even adjust dosage and usage schedules to meet your more specific and unique needs.
Final Thoughts
In summary, Closing to use CBD vape oil products instead of standard CBD oils is a great way to get access to all of the benefits of CBD oil therapy in a faster and more convenient form. Having the ability to dose your CBD oil anywhere, anytime, and get results faster than through ingestion consumption, give you more flexibility and better relief of your conditions that you ever thought possible. Taking a little time at the start to learn all you can, doing research on which oils and devices are best for your lifestyle and needs, and being patient as you begin using CBD oil for vaping will give you the opportunity to m
