What is CBD Vaping?

Vaping is the process of inhaling vapor produced by a device that heats up liquid or herbs. A variety of liquids can be used in such devices. Some liquids contain nicotine, and are used as a replacement for smoking tobacco. Others contain different herbal extractions, often including cannabidiol (CBD), and can be used in the treatment of conditions and diseases that require efficient absorption of active substances.

Vaping CBD is a powerful form of treatment, known to be the fastest method of absorbing cannabidiol. Compared with pomic ingestion, in which CBD goes through the digestive process until it reaches the bloodstream and loses potency along the way, CBD vape is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs — retaining an additional 20-30% of active components. CBD vape is recommended for people with illnesses that demand rapid response, and for those who prefer to inhale their medicine or supplement.

Various kinds of CBD oil can be vaped, including CBD isolate or full spectrum CBD, containing different percentages of CBD concentration. While vaping can serve as a healthier alternative to smoking, there are still some health risks involved. Here’s what you need to know.

The pros and cons of vaping CBD

Efficiency
Vaping is the fastest method of delivering CBD into our system and offers the highest bioavailability, meaning that more of the compound is absorbed into the bloodstream compared with other methods available in the market today.

It’s a matter of seconds or minutes between the time the cannabidiol is vaped, until the moment the active phytocannabinoids and phytochemicals in the CBD induce their effect on the body, and symptoms are relieved. This is the perfect application for patients who seek immediate effects of treatment, well suited for conditions such as Anxiety, Epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, IBD, IBS, PMS and more. Some conditions may also require ingesting or applying CBD topically for a thorough, multi-systemic treatment.

Health

Vaping CBD is a healthier option than smoking, and serves as a great replacement. The difference between vaping and smoking lies in the quality and properties of the aerosol (the small, solid particles or liquid droplets that are suspended in a gas) that is inhaled.

When smoking, you inhale the smoke produced by the process of burning tobacco and other substances — along with thousands of additional chemicals formed during combustion, when a substance hits ignition temperature and catches fire.

When vaping, you inhale a vape of your choice through the process of vaporization. Unlike smoking, vaporization does not introduce additional chemicals in the way that combustion does. It is therefore considered safer, and induces far fewer side effects.

What to look out for

• When vaping CBD, it’s important to be cautious of the temperature used for heating the liquid (see table below), and the amount of liquid being vaped. When first vaping CBD, it’s best to start with a low dose and increase as needed
• If you have any lung conditions, you must be careful when inhaling CBD or any other substance. Over-inhalation may cause coughing and shortness of breath
• Some brands use harmful thinning agents in their CBD oil, which are not safe to inhale. Commonly used thinning agents include propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol and vegetable glycerin. At high temperatures, these agents can break down into potential carcinogenic compounds, and induce respiratory complications such as allergic and inflammatory reactions. To avoid unhealthy thinning agents, make sure you purchase products that contain CBD extract only, with between 45-55% CBD, from a reliable source
• Be sure to avoid E-liquids that contain Vitamin E! Vitamin E is a filler used in some vaping products. It is a thick substance that covers the inner layer of the lung membrane when inhaled, and can result in dangerous, sometimes life-threatening complications

Side effects

An important advantage of vaping CBD is that in most patients, it has no adverse side effects. That said, any substance — even one as natural as CBD — can cause different kinds of reactions among different users.

• The most commonly documented side effect of vaping CBD is mild drowsiness, primarily amongst users who are new to vaping and smoking. Drowsiness subsides over time with more regular use. When first vaping CBD, it’s best to start with a low dose and increase as needed
• ***If you have ever experienced a psychotic episode, please avoid using CBD full spectrum oil, which contains a trace amount of THC, a psychoactive substance that could trigger a reaction

Will CBD make you high?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non psycho-active cannabinoid, and does not induce the ‘high’ sensation often associated with the Cannabis sativa plant. It will not cause any cognitive impairment, unless it is consumed excessively at a very high dose.

CBD full spectrum oil contains only a trace amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), no more than 0.3%. This amount of THC is not active in the human body when ingested. Full spectrum oil is therefore legally permitted as a supplement in many countries.

CBD in its isolated form (‘CBD pure’) is an extraction of Cannabidiol only, and does not contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). It is therefore extremely safe for use by sensitive individuals.

As CBD oil contains no more than 0.3% THC, you can enjoy the relieving and relaxing act of inhaling and exhaling vape as ‘smoke’, while benefiting from therapeutic effects such as reduced anxiety, a boosted immune system, improved cognitive functions, reduced pain and more — all without becoming intoxicated or addicted.

How is CBD vaping oil produced?

In its raw form, extracted CBD oil is too thick to be consumed as vape. Some brands use thinning agents to create a vape that can flow easily through a vaping device. These agents vary from one company to another and most commonly include vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol and polyethylene glycol, which can be highly toxic, and can cause serious damage to the lungs when inhaled. Vegetable glycerin is the least toxic of the agents, but is still best to avoid.

Kiara Naturals uses advanced technology to derive full spectrum extractions that contain 45-55% CBD. At this concentration, the extraction does not crystalize (the CBD molecule crystalizes at above 60%), and can flow easily through a vaping device without the need of diluting additives, ensuring safe and healthy vape consumption.The additional 35-45% of the extraction contains other cannabinoids and beneficial phytochemicals. This kind of oil is in theory suitable for oral ingestion, but is produced in cartridge form for vapor pen devices.

There are different types and percentages of CBD that can be used when vaping, depending on the individual and the condition being treated. Consult a clinical herbalist before consuming CBD for medicinal use, and be sure to fill out Kiara’s custom questionnaire, which will help you select the products most accurate for you.

What kinds of vaping devices are there?

There are various kinds of devices on the market that can be used to vape CBD, each with unique characteristics. When picking a device, keep in mind the type and quality of material you intend to vape, comfort of use, and cartridge technology.

• Vaping Pen — A well known device designed for vaping liquids such as CBD extractions. The small, pen-shaped device has a cartridge or capsule that is filled with vape oil. Some cartridges are made with advanced technologies such as ‘slow form distillate’, which allows for the liquid to flow easily throughout the device without the need of harmful thinning agents, and without reaching temperatures high enough to cause damage to the user or to the device. Kiara’s pen cartridges are made using slow form distillate technology, with 100% natural extractions. Be cautious of cheap or fake vaping pens, which can be extremely harmful.
• Vaporizer — A device made to vape raw plant material, such as cannabis buds and flowers. Vaporizers are slightly more complicated to use. They require a large amount of material and a bigger battery, making them heavier to carry. They include a container made for storing and heating herbal material, and are not compatible with vaping oils. With some vaporizers, it is possible to adjust the temperature as needed according to the active components being extracted.

What conditions can CBD vaping help treat and relieve?

The efficacy of all CBD products strongly depends on their bioavailability, the level of compound that is absorbed into the bloodstream. For example, the bioavailability of CBD edibles and capsules is between 5-20%, while the bioavailability of sublingual products is between 25-35%.

Vaping CBD oil offers extremely high levels of bioavailability — between 40% to 60% of the active component reaches the bloodstream. This means you need to consume far less CBD than you would through smoking or ingestion in order to achieve the desired effects. CBD vaping is therefore recommended for any condition that can be treated or relieved with cannabidiol and other active phytochemicals, depending on whether the oil used is full spectrum or CBD in its isolated form.

Studies on vaping CBD oil are lacking, as most clinical trials involving CBD have focused on oral capsules, sublingual sprays, or oral solutions. However, since vaping is the fastest way to absorb CBD and assures higher bioavailability than any other CBD application on the market today, it is an optimal method for the treatment of conditions that can benefit from these advantages. Such conditions include strong acute pain, Anxiety attacks, Epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Autism, Post Menstrual Syndrome (PMS) and more. Recent clinical trials even suggest the use of vaping in the treatment of lung diseases such as Asthma and lung cancer (though further studies are needed), as vaping allows active components to reach the lungs without going through the process of digestion.

Patients with malabsorption are advised to use CBD in forms other than ingestion. Vaping serves as a great option, as it is highly bioavailable and reaches the bloodstream most rapidly.

Is vaping CBD legal?

The legality of CBD products differs in every country, though an increasing number of countries have reformed, or are in the process of reforming cannabis legislation. Because CBD has no intoxicating effects on the human body, it is widely permitted as a legal food supplement or certified medication for personal use. Make sure to check the legality of CBD in your country or state before purchasing CBD vaping devices or extractions.

So what should I keep in mind?

• Vaping CBD is the fastest method of delivering CBD into the body. It is a powerful method of consumption that retains the highest level of active compounds, and offers a healthier alternative to smoking
• Vaping CBD will not make you high, as CBD oils include no more than 0.3% THC, the psychoactive component. Other than mild drowsiness potential amongst new users, vaping CBD shows no adverse side effects
• Make sure to purchase vaping oils and devices from a reliable source. Avoid oils with potential harmful additives, such as Vitamin E, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, and vegetable glycerin
• CBD oil used for vaping is usually not the same as the CBD oil used for oral or topical use. It contains between 45-55% CBD, alongside other cannabinoids and beneficial phytochemicals. Though it is in theory suitable for oral ingestion, it is produced in cartridge form
• A vaping pen is designed for vaping liquids, and includes a capsule or cartridge that is filled with vaping oil. A vaporizer, on the other hand, is made to vape raw material, such as cannabis flowers. A vaporizer is slightly larger, and slightly heavier than a pen.
• Most clinical trials involving CBD focus on oral capsules and sublingual solutions, therefore studies on vaping CBD are lacking. That said, as vaping is the most efficient way to absorb CBD, it is optimal for the treatment of conditions that require rapid response — including strong acute pain, Anxiety attacks, Epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Autism and Post Menstrual Syndrome (PMS)
• This article does not replace medical consultation. Consult with your physician before using CBD and other supplements, in any form