We’ve all heard of CBD oil — the hemp-derived health and wellness supplement. But CBD can be taken in many other ways, including capsules, gummies, topical products, and vape e-liquids.
Vaping is a popular, safer alternative to smoking. Many people choose to vape CBD because it starts to work almost immediately, so you don’t have to wait for its effects. Besides, you get to enjoy tasty flavours and big clouds of vapour.
In this quick guide, we’ll explain what CBD e-liquids are, their effects, and other important information you need to know about this unique method of taking CBD.
What is CBD e-liquid?
An e-liquid is the fluid used in vape devices. When this e-liquid is heated by vaporiser, it produces a flavourful vapour that can be inhaled.
It can also be called vape oil, juice, or e-juice, but these all mean the same thing.
A CBD e-liquid is any vape juice that’s had CBD added into it. It rapidly delivers CBD into your body through inhalation, so you don’t need to wait for it to start working.
Unlike its close cousin THC, CBD is non-intoxicating, so vaping it will not cause any mind-altering effects.
CBD e-liquid ingredients
A CBD e-liquid typically consists of four ingredients: vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol, flavouring, and CBD.
Vegetable glycerin (VG) is a sweet, syrup-like liquid isolated from plant oils, with soybean and coconut oil being the most common sources. It’s soluble in both water and alcohol.
Meanwhile, propylene glycol (PG) is a synthetic, tasteless liquid compound which can also dissolve in water and alcohol.
Thanks to these and other useful properties, VG and PG are used as the base for most vape e-liquids, either alone or as a mixture. CBD e-liquids typically have a higher ratio of PG because CBD doesn’t dissolve well in VG.
However, some CBD e-liquids use coconut-derived MCT oil instead of VG/PG because CBD dissolves in it very easily. Another possible alternative is Tec Temper oil, a new type of ingredient used as a base for CBD e-juices.
Flavouring is another ingredient you’ll find in most CBD vape e-liquids.
Flavouring is usually natural and can come in several forms, such as fruits or a specific blend of cannabis terpenes — aromatic compounds responsible for the distinct smells and flavours of plants.
Finally, any proper CBD e-liquid has to contain CBD. It’s usually present in a pure form called isolate because it’s easier to dissolve in the other ingredients.
However, you can also find full-spectrum CBD e-liquids that provide the full range of hemp cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant chemicals.
If you’re concerned about any artificial ingredients, you should always take a look at the ingredients list and see that you can recognize all of the names.
Do CBD e-liquids contain nicotine?
Many regular e-liquids contain nicotine — the main ingredient responsible for the enjoyable effects of both vaping and smoking. CBD e-liquids do not contain nicotine because cannabidiol is essentially used in its place.
Types of CBD e-liquid
There are four main types of CBD vape oil:
- CBD isolate e-liquid — pure CBD is the only active ingredient.
- CBD isolate juice infused with a blend of cannabis terpenes for added flavour/benefits.
- Full-spectrum CBD e-liquid that contains all of the cannabinoids (including <0.2% THC) and terpenes naturally present in hemp.
- Broad-spectrum CBD juice, which provides the same active ingredients as a full-spectrum formulation, but with all traces of THC removed.
Most CBD e-liquids come in the first two kinds because they’re easier to formulate. However, whole-plant CBD (full or broad spectrum) formulations provide greater benefits thanks to what researchers call the cannabis “entourage effect”.
This evidence-based theory argues that cannabis works best as a whole-plant extract rather than isolated CBD or another cannabinoid by itself.
CBD e-liquid effects & benefits
Once the CBD from an e-liquid is absorbed into your blood, it does all of the same things as other forms of CBD.
This means CBD vape juice can produce the same effects as an oil tincture. Vaping CBD can make you feel more calm and relaxed and may have other benefits, such as reducing inflammation, pain, stress, and occasional anxiety.
Research suggests that CBD might also have other beneficial effects, with new studies being done every year. However, more high-quality evidence is needed.
CBD e-liquid advantages
The main advantage of vaping CBD is its rapid effects. When you inhale CBD, it bypasses the digestive system and is quickly absorbed into the blood. This makes vaping a great option when you want immediate effects.
However, this also means the effects of vaping CBD don’t last very long — about 1 to 2 hours on average. If you want longer effects, CBD oil or capsules would be the better choice.
Vaping is also a great option if you need to use CBD on the go and enjoy making vapour clouds and tasting pleasant flavours.
How does CBD e-liquid work?
The CBD found in e-liquids works like any other form of CBD. First, it can interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a crucial role in your overall health.
This fascinating system is composed of three parts: the cannabinoids produced by your body (endocannabinoids), enzymes that build and break down endocannabinoids, and cannabinoid receptors (CB1 & CB2).
The main way that CBD can support this system is by suppressing an enzyme that degrades anandamide, one of your body’s main endocannabinoids.
In doing so, CBD can support the regulatory roles of the ECS on sleep, stress, mood, pain, metabolism, digestion, immunity, and much more.
But ongoing research has shown that CBD works through other mechanisms as well. For example, it can activate serotonin receptors, which play a role in controlling stress, anxiety, and other cognitive processes.
CBD e-liquid: Another tool in your arsenal
When it comes to CBD, you have lots of choices for how you want to take it. Vaping CBD e-liquid is one option that’s growing in popularity. Compared to CBD oil and capsules, you get faster effects, tasty flavours, and the sheer joy of blowing vapour clouds.
Although it isn’t for everyone and there are some health risks associated with vaping, it can be the right choice for you.
If you do decide to try vaping CBD, you should spend some time to find a high-quality, third-party tested CBD e-liquid and consider the right type of product and dosage for yourself.
We discuss these and other helpful topics in more detail in our article on how to vape CBD e-liquid.
