How To Vape CBD: An Essential Beginners Guide
If you’re a fan of CBD and e-cigarettes separately, it may interest you to know you can combine the two. CBD cartridges will allow you to vape CBD whenever you want.
A CBD cartridge is a pre-filled, easy-to-use component which you attach to a battery. CBD cartridges come with everything all ready for you: the liquid is inside, the coil is ready—all you need to do is add power and vape! CBD cartridges are an easy way to get your CBD dose in vape form.
In this guide, we’ll be walking you through the materials you’ll need and the steps you should take to get the most out of your CBD cartridge.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is the second most active ingredient in cannabis (marijuana). CBD is an essential component of medical marijuana, though it is often derived from the hemp plant, a cousin of marijuana. Although one of many compounds found in marijuana, CBD alone does not cause a high.
The World Health Organization reports, “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential…. To date, there is no evidence of public health related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.”
Similarly, a study in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology concluded that “acute CBD alone is unlikely to significantly impair daily functioning or workplace performance.”
What do I need to vape CBD?
Now you may think that being able to vape CBD will be an absolute nightmare, but it’s actually quite simple! All you will need are 4 things–and you probably already have some of them!
To get started vaping CBD, you’re going to need the following things:
- A CBD cartridge
- A battery compatible with your cartridge
- A charger for your battery
- An e-cigarette
‘But how do I know I’m buying the right stuff?’
Well, it’s more accessible than you think! Most CBD cartridges are built with a standard 510 connection. A 510 connection is common in most vape tanks, so if you already have a mod vape with adjustable wattage, you’re set! When adjusting the wattage, make sure that the power output isn’t too high, in order to avoid any burning taste and to keep your device working well.
If you don’t have one, that’s ok too, as you can get a cheap kit such as the Diamond Mist Ego 510 CBD Cartridge Battery for only £9.99 at CBD Green–if not, there’s a range of CBD vape kits to choose from! For the best results, make sure to get a kit with a lower wattage, ideally under 7W. Luckily, this is the standard size for most vape mods and batteries.
Ok, have you got everything you need? Let’s get started.
How To Vape CBD Cartridges
Step 1:
First off, let’s unpack everything. Make sure to remove the cartridge from the packaging, discarding any manufacturing stickers from the cartridge itself. It’s important for the airflow of your device to make sure there are no obstructions.
At the bottom of this cartridge you will see the 510 threading, which you will then attach to the battery.
Step 2:
Whether you are using a low-powered cartridge battery or your own vape mod, take your CBD cartridge and screw it in.
Make sure if you are using a vape mod, you adjust the wattage before you start vaping to avoid the risk of burning your coil and wasting the cartridge.
It would be an awful shame to ruin your brand new CBD cartridge—and if you accidentally burn the coil, you could ruin the entire cartridge, so be careful!
Step 3:
And that’s it! Pres the fire button on your device and vape away. Enjoy your CBD and relax.
If you are using a high-strength CBD cartridge, you will only need to take a few puffs to feel the full sensation. It’s recommended that you wait a few minutes after taking a few puffs, as it can take 5-10 minutes to feel the full effects.
CBD Delivery Methods
CBD can be consumed in multiple forms. Depending on how you take CBD, it can affect you in different ways.
Different delivery methods can also vary in time for how long it’ll take for you to feel the effect. Another determining feature is also how much CBD enters your blood stream, and the CBD strength as a whole.
Inhalation: Vapour
One of the most popular forms of consumption is to vape CBD. Using a vape or CBD cartridge is the quickest delivery method, with almost instantaneous results. However, this means that the CBD wears off relatively quickly compared to other delivery methods.
Inhaling CBD vapour means that it will reach your lungs and bloodstream quicker, generally taking around 5-15 minutes. Because of this, CBD vaping is a popular delivery method for those who are busy or on the go. By vaping CBD, you can fit it in around a hectic schedule, whether that’s popping out on your lunch break or a couple of puffs before bed to help you sleep.
This delivery method is ideal for those looking for a short-term hit and is highly recommended for those with anxiety, as well as relieving PMS symptoms.
The effects of vaping CBD tend to wear off within 1-3 hours, depending on the strength of CBD E-Liquid you have.
Key Facts
- Onset: 5 – 15 minutes
- Duration: 1 – 3 hours
- Good for: short-term relief of acute symptoms
Oral: Edibles & Drinks
Taking CBD orally is a highly popular option, and it generally has the longest-lasting effects. This form of CBD delivery method is great for those looking for a cumulative effect of CBD.
CBD builds up in your system over time, so taking it orally is great for those living with long-term conditions or chronic pain. These types of conditions tend to benefit from larger, longer-acting doses of CBD to help combat symptoms, hence why taking it orally is popular within the disabled community.
Although this format takes longer for the CBD to kick in—around 90 minutes—the effects last a lot longer, around 4-6 hours, which is great for helping with sleep issues.
Key Facts
- Onset: 90 minutes
- Duration: 4 – 6 hours
- Good for: alleviating chronic symptoms
Sublingual: Oils & Tinctures
Sublingual CBD, which typically comes in the form of an oil, is a good middle ground as a delivery method compared to the others we’ve discussed.
To use Sublingual CBD, you will need to place a couple of drops under your tongue and hold it there for 30 seconds to a minute. This allows the mucous membranes in your mouth to absorb the CBD into your bloodstream.
After holding the drops under your tongue, you can swallow it, where it will then enter your liver and digestive tract to spread throughout your body.
This delivery method is great for combating chronic pain and inflammation. The CBD will take around 20 minutes to fully hit your system, and generally lasts between 2-4 hours, which is great for both short and long-term use.
Key Facts
- Onset: 20 – 60 minutes
- Duration: 2 – 4 hours
- Good for: targeting most symptoms; very universal
Topical: Balms, Lotions, and Salves
CBD applied to the skin has been proven to help ease pain and lower inflammation. Particularly sports athletes with localised pain can benefit from using a topical CBD cream, salve, or lotion.
It will start to take effect within 20-40 minutes once it has been applied to the relevant area, and often has other ingredients that are beneficial to the healing process, such as essential oils like lavender. Topical CBD tends to last for around 4-8 hours.
One major difference with topical CBD compared to the other delivery methods we’ve discussed is that it doesn’t absorb into the bloodstream. If you’re looking to use CBD to help with an internal issue, topical CBD won’t be the best option for you, but can be used as an extra alongside an oral format for joint pain, for example. For the best results, apply topical CBD after a hot shower or before or after exercise.
Key Facts
- Onset: 20 – 40 minutes
- Duration: 4 – 8 hours
- Good for: localised pain & soreness of joints & muscles
Can I overdose on CBD?
Put plainly, no. You cannot.
Due to CBD’s lack of toxicity, you can only take too much—which is not an overdose. CBD is not only highly tolerated in humans but animals too and it is exceptionally rare for users to experience negative effects.
A recent report published by WHO shows a study of primates on an extremely high dose of CBD. 30mg+ of CBD per kg of said monkey was delivered orally for a length of 90 days.
For context, a full-sized human adult would have to consume an entire bottle of CBD tincture every single day for 90 days to experience the same relative situation comparatively speaking. And despite the extreme circumstances the WHO was completely unable to find any measurable physiological or biochemical effects on the primates.
What happens if you take too much CBD?
While overdosing is impossible, consuming too much is certainly not. This can cause truly unpleasant adverse effects such as:
- Diarrhoea
- Appetite changes
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
It is crucial to note that most people will have a naturally high tolerance to CBD. The majority of these effects will only occur in the circumstance of excessive or extreme dosages.
Though not doctor worthy, these are still rather uncomfortable side effects, and they are the reason why we always recommend using the lowest dose and slowly working up to your sweet spot.
Important Notes
The same as with your pet, if you are having any medical treatment or are on any form of medication it is highly advised that you consult with your GP first before trying CBD.
Though strange, if your medication has a grapefruit warning on the label, you should not be using CBD.
This is because both grapefruit and CBD act upon the same enzymes which disperse medication into your body.
With certain types of medication, you can accidentally release the medication into your bloodstream too quickly—this occurs with both CBD and grapefruit. This can be dangerous to a toxic degree.
It is also important to note here—particularly if you’re unable to ingest CBD—that you cannot overdose on CBD lotions, creams, balms, or salves, as the CBD in these formulas isn’t able to enter the bloodstream (except in the case of transdermal products, which permeate the skin).
Summary
It’s really that simple to vape CBD! Unpack, screw it in, and go!
Now you know how to get set up, which CBD will you try? There’s a range of options, including ones that can perk you up for your day or simply get to sleep at night. Either way, there’s a CBD product to suit you.
CBD can help with a range of health issues, both physical and mental, from relaxing your muscles to lowering your heart rate. With more people than ever taking CBD for medicinal reasons, it’s definitely a popular and accessible option at the moment.
If a CBD cartridge isn’t for you, there’s a huge selection of CBD vape juices instead, or you can mix your favourite e-liquid with a CBD vape shot! There’s always an option, so try them all out and decide on your favourite!
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