Cannabidiol (CBD) has been getting a lot of air time within the natural health and wellness sector due to the range of beneficial effects it is perceived to have particularly in relation to pain management and anxiety reduction (we suggest a quick google search to find out more about this), but – what is the most effective way to take CBD? Well, there are many formats that you can buy and consume CBD – tinctures, edibles (gummies, chocolate etc.), drinks and topicals but of these, using a CBD oil vape pen is our favourite method. We’ll explain why below!
One point before we get started – when we talk about vaping CBD vape oil, we are talking about vaping CBD distillate, the undiluted oil extract, extracted from hemp. This is not the same as vaping the CBD oil you might buy in a tincture which is mixed with additional dillutants like hemp oil or MCT oil. This is designed for oral use not for vaping!
CBD distillate is very thick and sticky. As a result, high concentration CBD vape cartridges require specific equipment to be filled with it in a safe, accurate and mess free way. We strongly recommend that you only buy ready-filled CBD oil vape cartridges from respected retailers. This thickness is also what necessitates the use of a specific CBD oil vape pen which is powerful enough to cope with the thick distillate held in the CBD vape cartridge.
Vaping CBD vs other methods
Faster results
For cannabinoids like CBD to have an effect on the body’s endocannabinoid system, they must first be absorbed into the bloodstream, but the speed at which this happens differs depending on the consumption method. For example, CBD edibles like gummies, chocolates or any other delicious treat containing CBD takes longer to metabolize as they need to pass through the digestive system and liver before they go into your bloodstream. So, after having an edible, you don’t really feel the effects until 1.5 – 2 hours after ingesting. When using a CBD oil vape pen, on the other hand, the effects are much more instantaneous as the high surface area and blood flow to the lungs makes the absorption of CBD into the bloodstream very quick. This also makes it much easier to find the correct dose that works for you as there is little to no time lag.
More concentrated so less puffs needed!
Whilst vaping CBD e liquids allows for quick effects to be experienced, vaping CBD oil with a CBD oil vape pen yields a much stronger result. High strength CBD vape cartridges tend to be between 50-70% in strength whereas CBD e liquids tend not to be more than 10% strength.
CBD oil vape cartridges made by brands like Paso CBD come in at 65% potency making them one of the highest strength CBD vape products available in the UK at the moment! This higher concentration means the effects are much greater than other consumption methods, and that less puffs are needed for a greater effect to be experienced.
As mentioned – it is important that you have a CBD oil vape pen that is powerful enough to heat your CBD vape cartridge properly – preferably one with variable voltage or a pre-heat function.
Quality Control
Vaping has received some negative press recently — mainly due to additives such as Vitamin E accertate being added illegally as a thickening agent in black market THC vapes (in the US).
Whilst it should be remembered that according to Public Health England, “the evidence still shows that vaping carries a small fraction of the risk of smoking.”https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2019/10/29/vaping-and-lung-disease-in-the-us-phes-advice/. It is really important, therefore, that you buy your CBD vape oil from a legitimate seller or brand and make sure you ask for lab reports so that you know what your vape cartridge contains.
Other Important things to consider while buying CBD vape oils
Broad-spectrum vs. Full-spectrum CBD
If you are expecting non-psychoactive properties in your CBD vape oil, make sure you go with a broad-spectrum option – these contain CBD and other minor cannabinoids such as CBG but have zero traces of THC (the cannabinoid responsible for getting you high). Full-spectrum CBD oils contain traces of psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), but can’t currently be sold in the UK since THC is illegal in the UK when found in concentrations over 1mg per packet.
Consume the right way!
As mentioned at the start, it is important to remember that smoking vape CBD distillate is not the same as vaping the CBD oil you might buy in a tincture bottle. CBD oil which is bought in a tincture is made by dissolving CBD distillate in a carrier oil such as hemp oil or MCT oil, and as such shouldn’t be used for vaping!
Dosage Limit
Read the instructions on packets or find out from the brand what is suggested in terms of dosage. The Food Standards Authority recommends that the maximum daily dose is no more than 70mg. And, it goes without saying, but please consult with a doctor if you have any known allergies, are pregnant or are suffering from a medical condition.
Favourite Brands
Bearing in mind the above, as mentioned, one of my favourite brands to buy CBD oil carts and e liquids from in the UK at the moment is Paso CBD. They have a fantastic range of terpene based CBD vape oil cartridges and also CBD e liquids for when I want something a bit lighter! I am obsessed with their beautiful packaging too!