Understanding the CBD Vape Pen in Australia
With CBD establishing itself as a plant-based treatment option, patients with a relevant prescription may be considering what the best method of consumption is for them.
The product prescribed to a patient will depend on the purpose of the plant-based treatment and the profile of the health of the user. There are many available formats of CBD-based products and the preferred choice for many is a CBD vape pen.
A CBD vape is an electronic device that holds and heats either a liquid/oil or dried flower, with the resulting vapour then being inhaled. In recent years, vaping has become a popular alternative option to smoking for many.
There are various types of non-disposable and disposable CBD vape pens available. With the plant-based treatment industry steadily expanding, vaping CBD has become common practice for countless enthusiasts.
Is CBD legal in Australia?
In 2016, the Australian Government legalised medicinal plant-based treatment options containing CBD and/or THC for patients with a lawful prescription.
There is no set list of conditions or symptoms a patient must have to be prescribed with a plant-based treatment. A medical practitioner may prescribe CBD to patients where they believe it is clinically appropriate to do so.
The patient must not be applying for CBD as the first line of treatment, and conventional medicine must have so far failed to be effective.
A medical practitioner who believes that CBD may provide relief of symptoms or improve the quality of life of a patient may then write a prescription for said patient after gaining approval from the TGA.
Vaping seems to be less harmful than the regular smoking of CBD-based dried flower, however any form of smoking is still discouraged for its health risks.
The difference between vaping nicotine and vaping CBD
As of October 1st 2021, the vaping laws in Australia changed. Individuals who would like to vape nicotine will now have to apply for a legal prescription from a doctor or qualified medical practitioner.
Vaping nicotine is used as a way to help smokers quit traditional cigarettes. There is limited research in this regard on CBD vaping, whose purpose is entirely different.
Some of the key differences are:
CBD Vaping
- A plant-based treatment option containing the naturally occurring chemical compound CBD.
- The purpose of CBD is to provide potential relief for certain symptoms.
- The risk of dependence and addiction to CBD-based products is relatively low.
- A prescription to use plant-based treatment with THC and/or CBD is needed for access to plant-based treatment options.
Nicotine Vaping
- Nicotine is a highly addictive substance that many people form a dependence on.
- The purpose of prescription nicotine vaping is to assist smokers to quit traditional cigarettes.
- Nicotine vaping without a prescription is illegal as it would otherwise promote the usage of tobacco among those who do not smoke cigarettes.
What are the safety risks of CBD vaping?
CBD as a plant-based treatment option is generally well-tolerated and does not seem to pose any severe risks to patients.
However, the research in this regard is still limited and we cannot say with absolute certainty what its profile of safety and efficacy as a treatment option is.
Hence the need to consult with a qualified medical professional who can advise you according to your profile of health.
Some doctors recommend patients who are currently on blood thinners to avoid this treatments as CBD itself may act as a blood thinner.
CBD is non-psychoactive and has no intoxicating effect on the user, as opposed to the other main active ingredient in plant-based treatments, THC. As such, CBD will not impair any of your mental or physical functions.
No medication has a universal effect on all of its users, so it’s important to approach CBD with relative caution. There have been some reports of side effects from using plant-based treatments, even those that are CBD dominant with little to no THC content. This includes changes in mood or appetite, and drowsiness.
Vaping in itself is a relatively new phenomenon and research on its long-term safety is still in its early stages.
Dangers of Black Market CBD Vapes
In a survey published in 2020, many Australians admitted that they have source their CBD or THC products from illicit or online suppliers. This can be dangerous as there is a high risk of the products containing hazardous substances and/or contaminants.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) warns consumers against turning to these illicit sources. There can be an added risk with CBD vapes as it is easier for these unlawful suppliers to dilute their vape oil/liquids with other substances that can harm the users lungs.
If you wish to use CBD as a treatment, the safest approach is to speak to a medical practitioner about a patient access pathway.
What are the best vape pens for CBD?
When deciding on a device to use for CBD vaping, there are a few things you may want to consider. An unreliable device will make the process of using the plant-based treatment an unpleasant and possibly aggravating one.
Some of the main things to think about when choosing a device are:
- Battery Life: A device with a large and long-lasting battery is far more convenient for regular use. CBD disposable vapes are for one-time use only and cannot be refilled or charged. If you plan to use your vape outside of the home, it should be noted that in most states in Australia, including the ACT, it is an offence to use a CBD vape pen in public, even when out of sight.
- The Price & Your Budget: Value for money is important when it comes to CBD vaping, so look at a variety of options within your budget range. As CBD treatments are not subsidised, your choices may be limited if you have a low budget.
- Flower or CBD Concentrate: Certain devices are made for CBD concentrate while others are made for dried flower. Make sure you get the right device for the plant-based product you have a prescription for.
- Safety: Always make sure you purchase your device from a reputable organisation and not the black market. Products that are not properly regulated may pose severe safety threats or contain toxins.
Summary
As the prescriptions for plant-based treatments continue to increase in Australia, so too are the number of people using CBD vape pens.
Before thinking about the different types of CBD vape pens, be sure to consult with a qualified medical practitioner to determine if CBD is a suitable treatment option for you.
There may also be a more suitable form of administration for your health and condition.
As research on CBD and vaporisers, in general, is limited, it is important to approach with caution and only use products from reliable and lawful sources.
For more information about CBD and plant-based treatments, feel free to speak to one of our qualified medical professionals.