If you are like me, cigarette packages with labels such as ‘Smoking kills’ or ‘Smoking causes heart attacks and stroke’ scare the bejesus out of you. I strongly believe that avoiding nicotine consumption is one of the best things you can do for your health. But can the same be said about CBD vaping?

This form of cannabidiol consumption has been on the rise, praised for its beneficial effects on the mind and body. However, there have been concerns that it is not a 100% safe alternative to nicotine smoking and vaping. This article uncovers the dangers of vaping CBD and explains how CBD juices should be selected to minimize potential adverse effects.

Ingredients of CBD Vape Juices

The quality and safety of CBD juice are as good as the quality and safety of each of its main ingredients. In most CBD e-liquids, there are four key components:

• Propylene Glycol (PG)
• Vegetable Glycerin (VG)
• Cannabidiol (CBD)
• Flavorings (artificial and/or natural)

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers PG and VG as generally safe for consumption, but the information on vaping is lacking. FDA has not approved CBD-derived products such as CBD juices yet.

In most cases, CBD in the e-liquid comes in an isolate form. This crystallized powder contains only one hemp compound, unlike broad-spectrum forms with a range of naturally occurring compounds such as terpenes. However, in some products, one can find other cannabinoids, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinol (CBN), and naturally occurring terpenes extracted from cannabis. CBD juices with small nicotine amounts are not as popular, but they appeal to nicotine-addicted consumers seeking ways to quit smoking gradually.

So, the quality of CBD juice depends on the purity and safety of each ingredient. The more rigorously they are tested, the safer the product is.

What the Research Says

Before diving into the available research, it is important to note that there are still many gaps in knowledge when it comes to the short- and long-term effects of CBD vaping. Vaping cannabidiol is a relatively new invention, so it may take time for researchers to understand its effect on health better. Moreover, many studies were conducted on animals, so their results are not necessarily generalizable to humans.

Regarding the safety of CBD juices, the main concern is that they may damage the lungs. One study found that when inhaled, CBD may induce cellular stress in the lungs and can potentially cause injury to the respiratory system.

However, the picture is not as bleak as it may seem. There is evidence that CBD vaping may curb the urge to smoke tobacco cigarettes. This is good news for smokers struggling with giving up their harmful habits. In the long-term perspective, CBD vaping used in the transitional period while one gradually eliminates nicotine use may help decrease the risk of lung cancer and other dangerous diseases.

It’s also important not to forget about the beneficial effects of CBD on the following conditions:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Stress
• Chronic pain
• Insomnia

Labelling CBD juice as potentially dangerous overlooks the fact that occasional vaping may bring more benefit than harm. If you are looking for CBD vape juice for anxiety, make sure it contains THC because this psychoactive ingredient may have unpleasant side effects and can actually aggravate your symptoms if you are not used to marijuana.

How to Choose a Safe CBD Vape Juice

FDA does not regulate the manufacturing and labeling of CBD juices in the USA. In practice, it means that dishonest brands often sell products with less CBD than stated on the label. Another problem is the lack of control of intoxicating THC content, which ideally should not exceed the 0.3% concentration limit. As a result, you never know whether you’ll be tested positive for marijuana.

Moreover, without proper oversight, quality controls during production vary considerably. It means there is a risk of heavy metals, mold, yeast, and other harmful chemicals ending up in the CBD juice. Low-quality industrial hemp used for CBD extraction may also affect the quality and effectiveness of CBD juices. That said, knowing how to choose safe products that work is essential. Here are the top tips to keep in mind.

CBD Vape Juice vs. CBD Oil

One of the most important things to keep in mind when vaping CBD is that only a special e-liquid is fit for this purpose. A combination of PG and VG is designed to ensure smooth vaping and minimize the effect on the lungs. CBD oil, in turn, is great for oral and topical consumption but not vaping. So, make sure the liquid you put in the cartridge is the right one.

Third-Party Lab Testing

Testing by independent labs is an important part of CBD juice production. Ideally, brands must send samples of their e-liquids to the lab, where they are tested for the following:

• CBD and THC concentration
• Terpene profile
• Pesticides
• Heavy metals
• Residual solvents
• Microbiological contaminants

The trick some dishonest brands are using is sending samples to many labs and choosing the best results to share with the public. Moreover, since the private lab industry is not well-regulated, there is always a risk that the results can be manipulated.

In order to ensure that you purchase a safe product, Google the name of the company that conducted the test. Check its website and read the reviews to determine whether it’s trustworthy. Needless to say, you must stay away from CBD juices that have not been tested. In turn, CBD brands valuing transparency always provide access to lab test results.

Quality of Industrial Hemp

The safety and quality of CBD juice depend to a great degree on what kind of hemp is used for extracting CBD. The best CBD juices are made of organically grown industrial hemp produced in the USA. By purchasing e-liquids with organic CBD, you make sure you care for both yourself and the planet.

Flavoring

Both artificial and natural flavors are safe to consume. Artificial flavorings like diacetyl may taste as good as natural ones derived from plants, fruits, berries, etc. However, some complex flavors may be difficult to recreate in a lab, so you may find their artificial alternatives tasting a bit ‘synthetical.’ If you are sensitive to this kind of stuff, prioritize CBD juices with natural ingredients that don’t leave an aftertaste.

Promises That Are Too Good to Be True

Quality control is crucial, but let’s not forget about trust and honesty as well. Trustworthy brands never give promises they can’t keep. No matter how great CBD juices are, they cannot treat diseases or replace prescription drugs. Brands that argue otherwise are not to be trusted because if they lie about the effects, they can mislead consumers regarding ingredients and safety.

Choose Reputable Brands

The quality of your CBD vaping experience depends much on who you purchase your CBD from. We strongly recommend buying CBD juice from well-established brands with a good reputation. How do you find one? Always check the company’s website, manufacturing details, lab testing, and customer reviews. Avoid brands that present unsubstantiated claims and refuse to provide details regarding the ingredients, CBD concentration, etc.

Summary

CBD vaping is a tricky business. On the one hand, it may help address some health concerns and fight nicotine addiction. On the other hand, it can have long-term health repercussions if low-quality ingredients are used. To minimize the risk of adverse health effects, choose only well-tested products from brands committed to quality and transparency. Also, don’t forget that more is not always better. In fact, when it comes to CBD vaping, consumption in moderation may help you derive more benefits for your health and well-being.

Tia Moskalenko is an AskGrowers writer specializing in keeping up with cannabis marketing trends. She is also into the science behind cannabis production and consumption. Tia’s greatest passion is to review and share the newest findings regarding cannabis use to make it safer and more effective.