How To Vape CBD Oil: An In-Depth Guide
The use of CBD oil in vape pens has become increasingly popular. CBD vaping is an industry that, according to the Brightfield Group, is expected to continue to grow exponentially.
This may be partly due to the fact that CBD administration through vaping allows a faster effect than when taken orally. One study found that vaping CBD resulted in a ten-fold increase in delivery speed.
Studies on vaping CBD are slim to none, as most research covers the oral administration of CBD. In this article, we will go over how to vape CBD oil safely and everything you need to know.
DETERMINING THE DOSAGE
The right dosage of CBD is important to figure out, especially given how fast the effects of vaping are. If it is too low, you may not experience the improvements you are after. More alarming, however, is that if your dosage is too high, it may exacerbate or increase the likelihood of side effects such as fatigue and nausea.
CBD users usually take around 10 mg to 30 mg, however, it also depends on the issue at large as well as other factors such as your weight, height, and some genetic factors. For more severe ailments, this dosage often observed in clinical trials, is closer to the hundreds.
As with other methods of CBD use, it will take time to find the right dosage and it is recommended to consult your doctor. It is always recommended to begin with a smaller dose, as you can then work your way up accordingly.
Disposable pens tend to be very strong with around 100-500mg of CBD per ml. On the other hand, refillable pens with CBD vape e-liquid bought separately will be around 10-50mg/ml.
TYPES OF CBD VAPORIZERS
As we briefly touched, there is a variety of pens out there, however, these are the most popular:
CBD cartridges
These are usually slim cylindrical tanks filled with CBD e-juice. CBD oil cartridges usually contain 510-batteries. This means it is often cross-compatible between other vape cartridges and batteries and is both portable and lightweight. CBD oil cartridges normally have about 1 ml of CBD. Once used, simply keep the battery to be used again and buy a new cartridge to attach.
CBD pods
CBD pods are similar to CBD cartridges; however, they are compatible with the JUUL. JUUL vape users can swap out the JUUL pod with the CBD pod, making usage easier and more versatile.
Refillable CBD vape pens
CBD refillable vape pens are considered to be an expensive but long-term investment. It contains a coil (that needs to be changed periodically), the tank, battery, and mouthpiece. These require more upkeep such as charging, cleaning, and refilling the tank but are a much cheaper option for regular users.
Disposable CBD vape pens
Disposable vape pens are commonly known as the most convenient and cheapest vaporizers on the market. They often have a much stronger concentration of CBD, though this may be different depending on the seller. Once all the CBD oil is used up from the pen, you can simply throw it away with no further hassle.
HOW TO VAPE CBD
Pens and cartridges alike will usually have a user manual – ensure that you read this and follow the instructions accordingly. Depending on the vaporizer, the level of difficulty will range from low/none (disposable pens), to slightly higher (reusable pens) for a beginner. Disposable pens come prefilled with CBD, so there are no extra steps needed here (no buttons!).
If you are having trouble, here are some bits of advice.
How to vape with a CBD oil cartridge
- Connect the 510 battery to the cartridge
- Turn on the device by clicking the power button 5 times
- Inhale then press the button, starting small
- Between puffs wait 5 minutes to observe its effects
- If no effects repeat the above steps, making small increases in frequency and size of puff
How to vape with a CBD pod
- Connect the JUUL battery
- The JUUL is activated by inhaling, so start by taking a small puff
- Between puffs wait 5 minutes to observe its effects
- Start slow, you can always increase the dose by taking larger puffs more often
- Tap the JUUL twice to check the battery life
How to vape with a CBD pen
- Start by filling the tank with CBD oil
- Prime your coil by adding 3-4 drops of CBD oil inside the coil head and on the wicking holes
- Leave the coil for 10 minutes to saturate
- Turn on the device by clicking the power button
- Set your preferred airflow if applicable
- Inhale then press the button, start with small puffs
- Between puffs wait 5 minutes to observe its effect
- If no effects repeat the above steps, making small increases in frequency and size of the puff
- Always start small then work your way up or down as needed, taking bigger or smaller puffs
BEGINNER MISTAKES
If you are just starting out or thinking of vaping CBD oil it can be daunting. The good news is that, given the popularity of CBD vaping, many of the mistakes you might’ve made already have, so you can learn beforehand. Here are a few common mistakes to be aware of.
Confusing “Hemp Oil” with CBD oil
A common mistake made is confusing “Hemp oil” with CBD oil. Websites often label their hemp seed oil as “hemp oil.” This can be confusing, but hemp seed oil does not have the same medicinal properties as CBD, as they are derived from different parts of a cannabis plant.
If there is no clear indication that the oil contains CBD, it is likely hemp seed oil. Hemp seed oil, while it may have some nutritional properties, is very different from CBD oil.
CBD with Nicotine
Nicotine is said to degrade CBD. Buying products mixed with the two will likely mean you are wasting money on CBD oil, so be wary of products and companies that mix the two. If you are a smoker, it is often recommended to keep the two separate. It is also important to note not to take hard puffs using vapes (as one would a cigarette), as it may result in accidentally sucking up liquid from the vape.
Vaping CBD oil
Another common mistake is trying to vape pure CBD oil. While you are able to vape the derivatives of CBD oil, vaping must be done with CBD e-liquid. The issue with using pure CBD liquid is that it is extremely thick. In other words, the CBD liquid must be specifically made for use in vapes, otherwise, it will not work!
Low-quality products
The vape quality is just as important, as it can negatively affect your overall vaping experience. When starting out with vaping you may not want to spend too much money, however, important things to look out for in a good vape is long battery life (if you are using a cartridge, pod, or pen) and thick vapor.
IS VAPING SAFE?
Vaping in essence is the heating up of a substance and inhaling the vapors that are produced. To most, this method is seemingly harmless, but there are some risks associated with vaping.
One clear issue with vaping is through the use of solubilizers, which aim to make insoluble liquids (such as CBD oil) soluble. One study noted that the use of solubilizers may cause irritation to the airways and may therefore be unsuitable for some patients.
Another risk with vaping CBD is that there are no set standards for dosage, so apart from suggestions, there is no clear-cut answer. This is why CBD usage is best done in conjunction with your doctor’s advice, starting at the smallest dose.
Another study suggested that chronic e-cigarette use may increase arterial stiffness and increase one’s risk of cardiac infarction. The long-term effects of vaping are not well known, and further investigation of these risks is needed.
SIDE EFFECTS TO CBD VAPING
The World Health Organization considers the use of CBD as “well-tolerated” and safe, however, there are some side effects to be aware of. It is important to be proactive with the presentation of the following:
- Nausea
- Irritability
- Loss of, or change in appetite
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
When it comes to finding the right dosage, the presence of these side effects often indicates that the dose is too high. Always contact your doctor if you think you may be experiencing any of the above.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Vaping CBD correctly has a few rules, however, overall, it is very easy. Before vaping it is important to talk with your doctor for advice about the appropriate dosage and whether it is a good idea. After that, the rest of the process is extremely customizable, suited to your skill level, needs, and how much you want to spend.
