What to know about vaping CBD

With its legalization in many countries around the world, many people have started to use cannabidiol (CBD) products for its potential medical benefits. CBD users ingest the compound in various ways, including vaping.

Some studies suggest that CBD may help treat some chronic conditions, such as anxiety and pain. However, most studies have evaluated the effects of taking CBD orally and not through inhalation.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend against vaping, as the long-term effects are still unknown.

Keep reading to learn more about vaping CBD and its potential therapeutic uses, as well as information about certain vape pens, formulations, and the risks involved.

Is CBD legal?The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3 percent THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3 percent THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws. Be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound derived from cannabis. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not produce a high. People use CBD in a wide variety of ways for its potential therapeutic effectsTrusted Source, which may include:

· pain relief

· anti-inflammation

· anti-anxiety

· seizure and epilepsy treatment

CBD may also have antioxidant properties and may be toxic to some cells. Researchers are currently investigating the use of CBD in several disease states, including:

· neurodegenerative diseases

· anxiety disorder

· childhood diseases, such as tuberous sclerosis complex that has a prevalence lower than 5 in 10,000 individuals

· addiction

Vaping CBD oil

Many people are now using e-cigarettes as a device for marijuana-based products, including CBD.

Studies on vaping CBD oil are lacking. Most clinical trialsTrusted Source around CBD have focussed on oral capsules, sublingual sprays, or oral solutions.

People living with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease often use aerosolized therapiesTrusted Source. This delivery system supplies the medication directly into the lungs, which results in a rapid clinical effect. Generally, people also need smaller doses compared with oral or subcutaneous injections.

The features of condensation aerosols can make vaping seem like a more effective method of taking CBD. However, since vaping is still a relatively new practice, researchers are unclear about its benefits and risks and need to conduct further investigations.