CBD oil has quickly become a go to for an increasing number of people because of its ability to naturally heal everyday aches, pains, soreness, anxiety and depression. Learning how to vape CBD oil can be a simple and quick process.
CBD oil is convenient to take with you on the go and highly discreet. With the rise of handheld, quality vaporizers, it’s simple to take a puff of CBD and let the effects kick in quickly.
Of course, many experts underline the unique caveats that come with vaping CBD oil. By the end of this article, you'll know what CBD oil is, why it's popular, and the best practices to ensure you get the most out of each CBD vaping session.
What Is CBD Oil?
CBD oil describes either vape juice or tincture oil that has been infused with cannabidiol or CBD. In its natural state, CBD is a common cannabinoid found in cannabis, with particularly high concentrations in hemp. To avoid any confusion, let's talk about the difference between CBD tincture oil and CBD vape oil.
What is CBD Vape Oil?
CBD vape oil (which can be referred to as e-liquid or vape juice) is vape juice infused with CBD. The CBD is mixed with vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol, which are common ingredients in e-liquids that vaporize easily. You should not swallow or consume CBD vape oil. It will taste terrible and could potentially make you sick.
<>The Benefits of Vaping CBD
While research is still early, current peer-reviewed studies show some exciting benefits of vaping CBD. They range from treating specific kinds of pain to specific kinds of mental health disorders.
CBD as an Anti-inflammatory
Research suggests that CBD can be used as a powerful pain-reliever, and it does so on two fronts. First, it interacts with the endocannabinoid system to help reduce neurotransmitters from transmitting pain signals. Second, and more importantly, CBD can be used as a powerful anti-inflammatory.
Not only can it be used for acute inflammation (like from an injury), but that same research suggests it can be used to treat chronic inflammation associated with auto-immune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis. Unlike opioids, which are powerful pain relievers but have wicked side effects, CBD has very mild side effects that many users don't experience.
CBD to Treat Depression and Anxiety
CBD can interact with the brain's serotonin receptors, which research suggests may allow it to treat depression. In fact, a study looking at behavior in animals found that CBD can have a swift antidepressant effect. CBD lacks the side effects of traditional antidepressants, which may provide effective treatment of depression for those that struggle to tolerate traditional medicine.
Research examining how CBD can treat chronic and acute depression is also very promising. A 2016 study suggests that it might be an effective treatment for those struggling with PTSD. Another study showed that CBD was more effective at alleviating acute anxiety associated with public speaking.
CBD to Treat Addiction
CBD may offer a one-two punch in helping to treat addiction. As we mentioned, it has promise as a powerful pain reliever, reducing or eliminating the need for more harmful pain management techniques that use opioids. Research also suggests that CBD can help rewire the brain to resolve addiction to opioids like heroin and stimulants like cocaine.
Why Is CBD Vaping Popular?
CBD vaping has grown in popularity for a variety of reasons. Let's take an in-depth look at some of those reasons below:
CBD Health Benefits
Many vapers love vaping CBD because of the health benefits we mentioned. They're already used to enjoying vaporizers, so including a new vaping substance like CBD is an easy transition.
Vaping Convenience
Vaping is often chosen as the specific method of ingesting CBD because of how convenient it is. Whether you're at home, at work, or on the go, it's easy to get your vape pen out and take a quick puff or two while quickly getting back to your business.
Fast-Acting Relief
Vaping CBD allows you to feel the effects very quickly, especially compared to CBD oil tinctures and CBD edibles. It's the same comparison when looking at vaping THC or eating a weed edible. Vaping allows the effects to be felt more quickly, and for those treating acute pain or anxiety, the fast-acting relief is unbeatable.
How to Vape CBD
There are a couple of ways to be able to enjoy vaping CBD. Let's take a look at some of the most popular methods:
Disposable CBD Vape Pen
This is an all-in-one device that includes a pre-charged vape battery and a pre-filled CBD oil cartridge. It's ready to vape out of the box, so you'll either take a draw immediately (if it is draw-fire), or you'll power the device on with quick clicks of the power button.
Disposable CBD Cartridge or CBD Pod
You can also find CBD in disposable cartridges or pods if you already have a vaping device that you love. If you have a vape pen or box mod, you just need to make sure that the CBD cartridge will connect to your vape battery. Most cartridges (and most vape pens and box mods) will be compatible with 510 threading, so double-check that your cartridge will attach!
If you have a pod vape, you'll need to make sure to find a CBD pod that fits into your vape pod device. If your device supports refillable pods, you may be able to use bottles of CBD vape juice to fill the pods. Just make sure that your vape pod doesn't need a specific mixture of vape juice before making a purchase!
Bottles of CBD Vape Juice
Finally, if you have a vape tank setup that you love, consider getting bottles of CBD vape juice, similar to how you may already buy bottles of nicotine-infused e-liquids. You'll be able to enjoy your existing vape setup while also enjoying the benefits of vaping CBD!
How to Vape CBD Effectively
Unlike vaping nicotine-infused CBD, there's more nuance when you decide to vape a CBD product. Before tearing into a bottle of CBD vape juice (or whatever method you decide to use), consider the following for the best vaping experience:
What's Your CBD Dosage?
CBD impacts individuals in different ways, with some being extremely sensitive to it while others enjoy larger doses. You should not start vaping CBD by taking enormous rips of vapor like you would with nicotine-infused vape juice. CBD can cause drowsiness, lightheadedness, and low blood pressure.
Vaping Oil Not Effective? Try Hemp or Wax
If you are using CBD to treat chronic pain or inflammation, have a naturally high tolerance to CBD, or have developed a tolerance due to long-term use, you may find that vaping CBD isn't potent enough for your needs. If this describes you, you may want to consider vaping hemp or wax for a more potent effect.
Vaping raw hemp is the same process as vaping your favorite dry herbs. Be sure to grind your hemp before putting it in the heating chamber and start with a small amount and work your way up to an amount that fits your needs.
Choose a Vaping Device Right for You
Finally, make sure you get a vaping device that you can comfortably and efficiently use. Don't feel pressured to use a refillable tank just because it's more cost-effective, and don't feel bad about using a disposable vape because you throw away the entire device. Experiment with different options and pick the one that you can most comfortably use.
An Introduction to Vaping CBD: Know Your Equipment
If you're new to vaping altogether, you need to be sure to fully understand your equipment before diving into using CBD. Most vaping setups will have the following components:
- A battery
- A heating element (like a heating coil)
- A mouthpiece
- A tank or chamber for your vaping substance
From there, your specific setup will vary. If you're new to vaping, you should take time to consider the differences between your equipment options:
Vape Tanks for CBD
Vape tanks are commonly attached to box mods, which are powerful vaping batteries geared towards more experienced vapers. They typically have a full suite of features, including precision heating options, that allow for specific customization of the vapor being produced.
If you want to use a tank for CBD, you'll use vape juice that is infused with CBD. Remember, you cannot use tincture oil in a vape. However, if you're looking to enjoy the benefits of CBD while making impressive vapor clouds, then a tank may be the exact option you want!
Vape Pens for CBD
Vape pens are the more traditional vaping device, getting their name from their very pen-like appearance. Vape pens may have some adjustable heating options, though many make use of a draw-fire design.
Vape pens can use some vape tanks, but many pens lack the power required to make full use of a high-capacity tank. Generally, for those looking to use a vape pen for CBD, the most convenient option is buying pre-filled disposable cartridges or disposable vape pens.
Vape Tanks vs. Vape Pens for CBD
Tanks have a much higher capacity for vape juice, which can make extended vaping sessions easier. If you're using a box mod with your vape tank (which is our recommendation), you also have access to tinker with the heating options to get your vapor exactly how you want it.
Vape pens, while lacking the robust features of tanks, are more petite, discrete, and less expensive. Whether you opt to use disposable cartridges or disposable vapes, pens are a fantastic solution to those who are new to CBD or new to vaping entirely.
It's not uncommon for vapers to start with a disposable option to try different products and then move to a higher-end, more permanent style product. Regardless of what you choose, go with the solution that seems to fit your needs the best.
How Safe Is It to Vape CBD Oil?
Vaping CBD oil is extremely safe. Like THC (the cannabinoid that causes marijuana's trademarked high), you can't "overdose" on CBD to the point that it would cause a dangerous health issue. It may be safer to vape CBD than traditional e-liquids since you avoid the nicotine that is often infused.
That being said, if you vape too much CBD too quickly, you can experience uncomfortable side effects. Common side-effects of vaping too much CBD include:
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Anxiety spikes or general irritability
- Nausea or general loss of appetite
- Diarrhea or other gastrointestinal distress
If you want to avoid these symptoms, you need to start your CBD journey nice and slow. When vaping, take one or two hits to start and listen to your body. Starting slow and working your way up to your ideal dosage is the best way to avoid these side effects.
Common CBD Vaping Mistakes
It's easy for beginners to have a difficult first experience when vaping CBD. There is no standard "dosing" for CBD, regardless of how you consume it. If you choose to vape, it can be difficult to figure out "how much" you've actually ingested. To help address this difficulty, be sure to avoid these common newbie mistakes when you first start!
Vaping Too Much Too Quickly
This will be a particular issue if you have a box mod and vape tank set up and are used to puffing enormous clouds of traditional e-liquids. It is important that you moderate your CBD intake and do your best to keep track of how many puffs you take. Being experienced with vaping doesn't mean you can just dive into vaping CBD, so be patient and vape slowly.
Not Keeping Track of Dosage
If you are treating a chronic ailment, like anxiety or inflammation, you need to keep track of your typical dosage. This will help you standardize your treatment plan and will make it possible to accurately adjust your dosage if you need a stronger dose or need a weaker dose to avoid side effects.
There's not a super accurate way to keep track of CBD dosage when you vape. You can count your puffs and make sure you're pulling for similar times for each, which will give you a solid rough idea of what your "dosage" might be for a specific vape product.
Alternatives to Vaping CBD
Not everyone wants or is able to vape CBD. If you want to avoid vaping e-liquids, there are several other ways you can enjoy CBD.
Dry Herbs or Wax
Earlier, we mentioned that you could vape hemp or CBD wax if you don't enjoy vape juice. Remember, these methods are far more potent, so be sure to take it slow when you first start.
CBD Oil Tinctures and Edibles
If you want to avoid inhaling vapor altogether, you can buy consumable CBD products. Tincture oils offer a very potent, long-lasting solution, and edibles are convenient and much tastier. If you eat or swallow a CBD product, it will take longer to feel the effects (just like taking a traditional weed edible takes longer to hit than smoking or vaping).
CBD Topicals
If you are interested in using CBD to treat muscle inflammation, consider topicals. These products are traditional pain-relieving products (like Icy Hot) but have CBD infused into them. This allows for direct application to specific muscle groups, which works great for treating acute muscle pain.
Final Notes on Vaping CBD
Now that you know how to vape CBD oil and the best practices for vaping CBD, what are you waiting for? With this information, you can better understand the dosage that will work for you and get the most out of your CBD vaping routines.
All you’ll need is a high quality vape pen or vaporizer to do so.
If you're interested in vaping hemp for concentrated, full-spectrum CBD effects, consider using Firefly 2+. As versatile as CBD itself, Firefly allows you to vape CBD oil and CBD-rich flower, too. Shop Firefly and its accessories now!
