Vaping has risen in popularity in recent years, with an estimated 5.66 million adults in the U.S. using e-cigarettes, according to a 2020 JAMA Network scientific paper. However, the rise in vaping has also sparked concerns about its safety, particularly regarding cannabidiol (CBD) vaping. While CBD is often touted as a natural remedy for various health issues, the potential risks and side effects of vaping it are not widely known. This article explores the science behind CBD vaping and whether it is a habit worth embracing or avoiding.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of many naturally occurring cannabinoids found in cannabis sativa and hemp plants. CBD oil is made by extracting the cannabinoid from the plant and dissolving it in a carrier oil, such as sunflower, hemp, or olive oil. This oil can be consumed orally, applied topically, added to foods and drinks, and even used in e-cigarettes.
CBD oil has been linked to various potential benefits, including supporting mental health, improving sleep, alleviating pain, and reducing inflammation. Its legality depends on how it is sourced and specific state regulations. While CBD derived from cannabis plants is illegal at the federal level, CBD derived from hemp plants containing less than 0.3% delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) by dry weight is legal.
Are CBD Vapes Safe?
Experts suggest that vaping CBD is not as safe as it may seem. When someone vapes CBD, they ingest not only the CBD oil but also other chemicals added for flavor and nicotine, which can have harmful effects on the body.
Dr. Irfan Rahman, a professor in the University of Rochester’s Department of Medicine and leading researcher on cigarette smoke-mediated lung inflammation and CBD vaping, explains that the flavors used in e-cigarettes can be damaging to the lungs. Additionally, nicotine, often included in CBD vaping products, is not only addictive but also increases the risk of cardiovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal disorders.
Vijay Iyer, M.D., an interventional cardiologist and associate professor of medicine at the University of Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, also considers CBD vaping unsafe. He explains that vaping irritates the lungs’ inner lining and impairs the blood vessels’ ability to produce nitric oxide, which keeps them relaxed and reduces blood pressure. This can lead to lung and heart disease, as well as compromised immune health.
Potential Side Effects and Health Risks of CBD Vaping
While the immediate side effects of vaping CBD may include feelings of relaxation, the long-term effects can be much more harmful. Regular CBD vaping has been linked to various health risks, including:
- Popcorn Lung: Also known as bronchiolitis obliterans, this condition is marked by a buildup of scar tissue in the lungs, blocking airflow and making it difficult to breathe.
- Lung or Heart Disease: Vaping damages blood vessels, increasing the risk of lung and heart disease.
- Compromised Immune Health: While consuming CBD orally or topically may support immune health, studies have shown that vaping can decrease immune function.
- Death: At least 68 people died due to lung injury caused by vaping between March 2019 and February 2020.
CBD Regulations and Counterfeit Product Problems
Current regulations surrounding CBD are not comprehensive enough to ensure the safety of CBD oil used in e-cigarettes. Dr. Rahman’s research found that CBD oil in e-cigarettes often contains other ingredients, such as MCT oil, which can cause acute lung toxicity when vaped, and even THC, which is illegal in the U.S. due to its link to deadly overdoses. This raises significant concerns, as consumers have no way of knowing what they are actually putting into their bodies when they vape CBD.
Product Review: Disposable CBD Vape Pens
To provide a practical perspective, let’s look at some popular disposable CBD vape pens available on the market.
- CBDfx Calming Tincture
- Brand: CBDfx
- Price: $39.99
- Description: This tincture features full-spectrum CBD and CBN designed to help calm you down during the day or prepare you for a good night’s sleep. While not a vape pen, it serves as an excellent alternative for those looking to avoid the risks associated with vaping.
- User Reviews: Users praise the calming effects and the high-quality formulation of CBDfx products.
- Select CBD Disposable Vape Pen
- Brand: Select CBD
- Price: $30.00
- Description: Offering a smooth and flavorful experience, this vape pen is available in several flavors, including lavender and peppermint. It combines high-quality CBD oil with essential oils for added benefits.
- User Reviews: Users appreciate the ease of use and the relaxing effects, although some mention the price as a bit steep.
- Social CBD Disposable Vape Pen
- Brand: Social CBD
- Price: $24.99
- Description: Known for its purity and potency, this vape pen provides a consistent and satisfying CBD experience. Available in flavors like grapefruit and spearmint, it’s designed for ease and convenience.
- User Reviews: Reviews highlight the pen’s effectiveness in reducing anxiety and stress, with many users noting the pleasant flavors.
For more information on a variety of CBD products and brands, explore CBD vape pens.
Healthier Alternatives to CBD Vapes
The good news is that quitting CBD vaping can allow the lungs to heal from the damage caused by the habit. Experts emphasize that the problem lies not with CBD oil itself but with the act of vaping it. Therefore, using CBD oil topically or consuming it orally in foods, drinks, and CBD gummies are healthier alternatives.
If you vape CBD to relax, there are many other healthier ways to destress, such as meditation, exercise, and yoga. For those using CBD to cope with chronic pain, applying a CBD cream directly to the affected area may be a safer option. However, it is always best to consult with a healthcare provider to address chronic pain and develop a treatment plan together.
Your Gateway to Relaxation and Restful Nights
For those looking for a natural way to relax and improve sleep, the CBDfx Calming Tincture may be the answer. This full-spectrum CBD and CBN tincture is designed to help calm the mind during the day or prepare for a good night’s sleep. With the assurance of Forbes Health’s practices and policies regarding how we cover CBD and cannabis as a publisher, you can trust in the quality and safety of this product.
In recent years, nicotine pouches have emerged as a modern alternative to traditional tobacco products like cigarettes and snus. They are part of a growing category of nicotine-containing products designed to provide users with the desired effects of nicotine without the combustion or use of tobacco leaf itself. For further updates on developments in science, health, and technology, subscribe to nicotine pouches news from nicotinepouchbrands.
Conclusion
While CBD oil itself may have potential benefits, the act of vaping it can be harmful to one’s health. The lack of regulations and the potential for counterfeit products make CBD vaping a risky habit. Instead, consider using CBD topically or consuming it orally for a safer and more effective experience. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new health regimen.