The growth of the cannabis industry and the impressive innovation of leading companies is fantastic news for consumers, who can now select from safer and higher quality products than ever before.
In recent years, the interest in cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychotropic cannabinoid has helped introduce millions to the healing powers of medical cannabis. What used to be viewed merely as an herb for smoking and recreational use has become a 21st century juggernaut, which can be enjoyed in vape juices, edibles and even creams. This market development has helped to bring CBD and medical marijuana into the mainstream.
With the dangers of cigarette smoking enough to shock millions into kicking the habit for good, cannabis smokers are also waking up to the risks and searching for healthier options. CBD vape oil and e-liquid products are fitting the bill. Instead of having to put up with the downsides of carcinogenic smoke and free radicals (which damage the skin), users can now remedy their illnesses with products that have minimal side effects.
Cannabidiol (CBD) explained
For many years, the medicinal properties of cannabis were thought to be mostly reserved to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a cannabinoid which is also psychoactive – in other words, it makes you high. The recreational industry leaped on this, cultivating strains with ever-increasing concentrations of THC.
However, as our endocannabinoid system knowledge has improved, so has our understanding of the complex nature of cannabis and the other cannabinoids and compounds found in the plant. Cannabidiol (CBD) is one such cannabinoid, and since it is non-intoxicating, it’s been much harder for cannabis critics to dismiss.
CBD provides many with relief from treatment-resistant epilepsy thanks to its anticonvulsant properties. Arthritis patients are benefitting from the anti-inflammatory effect that CBD produces via the endocannabinoid system. Neuroscience is also fascinated by CBD because of the compound’s possible neuroprotective effects – other non-psychoactive cannabinoids such as cannabichromene (CBC) are thought to be useful in this area.
The antipsychotic effects of CBD are of interest to patients with psychosis and schizophrenia, and also for recreational users to temper their high if things get too much. That CBD negates some of THC’s effects offers us a glimpse of how cannabinoids can influence each other, and somewhat explains why strains can be so incredibly different.
Vaping vs smoking
With the health risks of smoking now crystal clear, and the effectiveness and comparative safety of vaping also very apparent, there is simply no reason to subject the lungs to tar, carcinogens and any other toxins for that matter. CBD can be taken in more efficiently by vaporizing than, it can with smoking, as the absence of burning means no plant matter is lost.
Cannabis users also have huge choice when it comes to vaping. Some like the CBD e-liquids and vape oils available, which are sold in various strengths to suit both new and long-time users. Others, meanwhile, prefer to vaporize the dry herb – a special dry herb vaporizer may be required for this, however multi-purpose vaporizers are manufactured as well. Compared to edibles, vaping is a more cost-effective method of medicating – CBD has a higher bioavailability when vaped as it doesn’t have to go through the “first-pass effect” (i.e. travel through the gut and liver). Subsequently, more CBD enters the bloodstream when vaping than when using CBD gummy bears.
Smoking can heat your herb up to 3,000°F and higher, but this simply isn’t necessary since CBD activates at around 400°F. At this lower temperature, the herb or oil is only heated and not burned – this prevents toxin-filled smoke from forming and getting into your lungs. The cool vapor also allows you to take bigger hits than the hot smoke does.
Why vape CBD oil
There are many reasons for vaping CBD, whether it’s to treat a particularly illness or just to enhance general wellbeing. The calming and relaxing properties of CBD are an excellent way of winding down after a long day – it’s a great substitute to alcohol, which is a known depressant.
CBD is better than standard cannabis for those who would rather not have a psychoactive experience. The cannabinoid inhibits neither cognitive function nor memory – in fact, some find it boosts concentration, making it a useful work aid.
Let’s look at some common conditions which people are treating with CBD vape oil.
Insomnia
A good sleep pattern is essential for brain health. The body needs a lengthy amount of time each night in the deep sleep phase, so it can cleanse and re-energize for the following day. Missing out on a couple of hours a night may not have an immediate effect, but this can manifest over time – the brain cannot remove prions and toxins so efficiently, increasing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s.
Getting to sleep can be difficult if the body is restless and the mind is racing. It’s crucial to calm down both, which CBD’s sedative properties can help achieve. Users treating insomnia tend to find that large doses of CBD are required – vaping is perhaps the quickest way to administer a big dose.
Anxiety
Cannabis was never considered a serious anxiety treatment until the benefits of CBD became apparent. While some have had success with THC, others have found that their anxiety and paranoia is worsened by the hallucinogenic effects. Now, there are few better anti-anxiety products around than those made with CBD. For those prone to anxiety attacks, vaping CBD is the way forward, as it takes just minutes for the cannabinoid to start having an effect.
The potent anxiolytic effects of cannabidiol have wowed researchers, and it seems that patients with differing types of anxiety – such as generalized and social – can be helped by this non-psychoactive cannabis component. Studies are slowly but surely coming in favor of treating anxiety with CBD, and these are complemented with thousands of promising anecdotal reports. In 2010, researchers discovered that CBD can adjust blood flow in the brain to reduce social anxiety.
Many anxiety sufferers can predict which scenarios could bring on their symptoms. This self-awareness could give them even better results with CBD vaping. For example, if somebody is meeting new people, taking CBD beforehand can help settle the nerves and reduce invasive negative thoughts.
Anti-inflammatory illnesses
Inflammatory conditions can be treated effectively with CBD, which reduces inflammation via the endocannabinoid system – a more direct approach than those of most pharmaceutical drugs. Many patients with inflammatory illnesses, like arthritis, also experience severe pain – CBD’s pain sensation-reducing properties can help here as well.
Further benefits of CBD vape oil
Chemotherapy patients are finding that the anti-nausea effects of CBD help to ease their symptoms after treatment. Because high doses are required to quell pain and stop vomiting, vaping CBD e-liquid is the preferred intake method.
The anti-depressant qualities of CBD, which manifest by the cannabinoid reducing anandamide breakdown, are of potential use to depression patients. While cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and general counselling are typically vital, CBD can be a good mood-booster during a low moment.
Does CBD show up on drugs tests?
No, drug testers do not look for CBD when testing for cannabis, only the psychoactive cannabinoid THC. However, for users taking a CBD vape oil that has traces of THC, it’s theoretically possible that with regular, heavy consumption, a drugs test could pick up THC from that – the cannabinoid is notorious for taking several weeks to leave the body if consumed often. Those who do harbour concerns should change to a CBD-isolate product instead, as these contain no THC.
Both beginners and long-time medical cannabis users like to vape CBD oil, as it’s an easy way of topping up medication throughout the day. Leading companies sell e-liquids and vape oils at the low and high end of the potency scale. For people seeking an even greater CBD hit in their vape, try mixing in some CBD-isolate crystals – the highest-quality CBD crystal products have up to 99 percent CBD.
