The relationship between CBD and vaping
If you’re here, you probably have a bit of an idea regarding what CBD is, but the information can be a little overwhelming. The plant-based substance has a lot to it, and research on its efficacy and safety is just beginning.
In today’s world, the relationship between CBD and vaping is beginning to interest people. As the unconventional treatment option continues to grow in popularity, more are wondering if the two can be combined.
CBD stands for cannabidiol and is one of the major active ingredients found in plant-based medicines. The chemical compound is naturally occurring and non-psychoactive. As such, you need not worry about getting high after taking cannabidiol.
The reason for CBD’s sudden popularity is its emergence as a treatment for symptoms of chronic conditions. Experts are actively exploring how CBD affects feelings of anxiety, sleeplessness, depression, pain, and more.
As the industry continues to expand, the interest in CBD vapes is rapidly growing. Knowing about the different product types and how each affects you is an important part of understanding the plant-based treatment.
What is a CBD vape pen?
Of the many ways that cannabidiol can be consumed, using a vape pen is among the most popular.
A vape pen is a device used to heat a liquid or flower to create a vapour that is then inhaled. In the case of cannabidiol, the dried flower or a concentrated liquid extract of CBD is vaporised. Certain devices are designed for CBD vape juice, while others are crafted towards heating the flower.
There key components of a CBD vape pen are:
- The mouthpiece: This is the part from which the user inhales. They are most commonly created using plastic, silicon, or glass.
- The tank or chamber: The area where the CBD extract oil or flower is kept. Note that regular cannabidiol oil is not made to be vaped, and the oil used must be designed for that purpose.
- The atomiser: This is where the oil or flower is heated. A heating element is placed in a ceramic or steel pocket and small vapour droplets are created for inhaling.
- The power button or sensor: A vape will either have an attached power button that you can press to turn on the device or a sensor that automatically turns it on when you inhale.
- The battery: An important part of the product, it provides the power needed to heat up the necessary elements used in the pen.
A vape pen is used as a fast-acting method of consuming CBD, where immediate relief is needed, such as in cases of panic or overwhelming anxiety.
The risks of vaping
Research on the specific effects of vaping CBD is virtually non-existent. The information we do have on vaping is for the most part focused on the impact of vaping nicotine rather than cannabidiol.
Part of the significant risks associated with using a vape is the potential for damage to the lungs. As vaping is a relatively new phenomenon, research on how safe it is in general and in comparison to smoking is still lacking.
However, there have been cases where lung damage is linked to vaping. But the several factors at play in these cases make it difficult to say with certainty how vaping CBD affects people. .
A few side effects that have been associated with vaping include:
- Coughing
- Trouble breathing
- Chest pain
- Increased heart rate
- Lung damage
- Drowsiness
The long-term effects of vaping are also unknown, and only after more comprehensive studies will we have a clearer picture of the safety and risks of vaping CBD.
Can I legally buy a CBD vape online?
The short answer is no, you can’t. Many people have been tricked into buying unlawful CBD vape products under the guise that what they’re doing is legal. But this is not true, and purchasing cannabidiol from an unauthorised source is illegal.
It may be tempting to buy a CBD vape online, but the risks are significant, and it is entirely unnecessary.
There are ways to legally access CBD in Australia. In 2016, the laws were changed to classify cannabidiol as a Schedule 4 prescription-only medicine. This means that patients with a valid prescription from a qualified medical practitioner can access the plant-based treatment.
Cannabidiol should not be used as a first line of treatment. Only in cases where a patient has a chronic condition and conventional medicine has failed to work should cannabidiol be considered.
If there is existing evidence that suggests CBD could be an effective treatment option, and the doctor thinks it’s suitable for the patient’s circumstances, a prescription will be granted.
As most plant-based treatment products are unregistered, a doctor will need approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) prior to prescribing the plant-based treatment. Medical practitioners can do so via the Special Access Scheme or the Authorised Prescriber Scheme.
Summary
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a primary active ingredient found in plant-based medicines. The non-psychoactive compound will not intoxicate users and is used as a way of treating symptoms of chronic conditions.
A CBD vape in Australia is a popular method of consuming the plant-based substance. A device heats up a liquid or flower to create a vapour for the user to inhale. There are risks associated with vaping, and the research on long-term safety is still seriously lacking.
CBD can only be legally accessed with a valid prescription from a qualified medical practitioner. Doctors can receive authorisation to prescribe CBD via the Special Access Scheme (SAS) or the Authorised Prescribers Scheme (AP).