CBD has become a cultural phenomenon in the UK as new scientific research backs up years of anecdotal evidence attesting to its incredible health benefits.
UK businesses have been quick to react, releasing a plethora of CBD-infused products to satisfy growing demand. One type of product, in particular, is hitting some key demographics; vape oil.
Understanding CBD
CBD is a potent cannabinoid (compound) from the cannabis plant that has been shown to have a wide range of medicinal benefits. Unlike the other dominant cannabinoid, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is non-intoxicating meaning regardless of the quantity taken there is no euphoric high feeling typically associated with the plant.
In fact, cannabidiol is a pharmacological wonder, with anti-anxiety, analgesic, antioxidant, antipsychotic, cytotoxic, anti-convulsant, anti-inflammatory, and antiemetic effects. The health benefits of this plant are obvious and numerous but is it legal?
Is CBD Legal?
CBD oil is legal in the UK. The law requires that all CBD products come from cannabis or hemp plants that contain less than 0.2% THC.
Although negligible, THC works with CBD and all the other minor cannabinoids and plant terpenes synergistically in what is known as the entourage effect.
Vaping CBD Oil – What Are The Effects?
Vaping CBD oil delivers immediate effects because the vapour is taken in via pulmonary absorption over the large surface area of the lungs. This allows CBD to bypass metabolism in the gut and liver and enter the circulatory system immediately.
The noticeable effects of this are:
- Reduced anxiety
- A sense of calmness
- Improved mood
- Alertness (in small doses)
- Somnolence (in higher doses)
- Pain relief
More mechanisms are at work internally as it gets to work orchestrating biological and physiological functioning to improve your health. But one question people always ask us is, will it get me high?
Can Vaping CBD Get You High?
It is not possible to obtain the euphoric ‘high’ feeling commonly associated with cannabis regardless of your chosen daily dosage. This is because there is only a negligible amount of the intoxicating THC in all UK CBD oil products.
This tiny amount of THC has no subjective effects on a person, but will its presence cause you to fail a drugs test?
Can Vaping CBD Oil Make Me Fail A Drug Test?
As unlikely as it is, it is technically possible and here is why:
There are typically two standard drug tests. One looks for THC levels greater than 50ng/ml in the blood. To get anywhere near this level you would need to consume at least 2000 mg of CBD oil! Most people average anywhere between 25 to 200 mg per day.
The second test (lab gas chromatography) can detect any trace of THC and, as such, full-spectrum CBD oil that contains that negligible amount of THC would show up. For this reason, some people choose CBD isolate or broad-spectrum CBD, neither of which contain any THC.
Is It Possible To Overdose On CBD Vape Oil?
CBD has a well known and remarkable safety profile, with one research paper concluding that CBD is safer than any pharmaceutical drug. Numerous studies show it to be well tolerated in humans, with some clinical studies having participants taking 1500 mg a day. To put this into perspective, the average person vaping cannabidiol might consume anywhere from 25 to 200 mg a day depending on usage.
The other active ingredient in vape oil is propylene glycol (PG), an FDA approved ingredient that acts as a carrier for the oil. This has been shown to have a low toxicity level. A substantial report in 2017 showed PG to have no known toxic effect following oral administration even in chronic doses.
CBD Vape Oil – What are The Health Benefits?
A substantial increase in published literature has revealed a multitude of CBD potential benefits such as:
- Relieves anxiety
- Reduces inflammation
- Kills cancer in human cancer cells
- Removes free radicals
- Neuroprotective abilities
Relieves Anxiety
Probably one of CBD most well-known attributes is its anti-anxiety effects which were demonstrated in multiple placebo-controlled studies to both reduce anxiety and abolish negative self-evaluation.
Reduces Inflammation
There are over 300 studies showing how cannabidiol can reduce inflammation. This helps fight disease in the body as well as relieve aching joints and muscles.
Kills cancer in human cancer cells
Cannabidiol has been shown in numerous studies of human cancer cell tissue and in animals to stop tumour growth and kill cancer cells.
Remove free radicals
CBD has antioxidant properties which help to remove pathogens which can cause disease and infection.
Neuroprotective abilities
Cannabidiol has neuroprotective abilities in numerous pathological conditions due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects as well its modulatory effects on receptors involved in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.
What Are The Risks of CBD Vape Oil?
Recently in the United States, there have been illnesses and even deaths associated with THC-rich vape oil purchased from China which experts believe contained vitamin E acetate. This additive allows the manufacturer to add less cannabis oil and more of the cheap acetate to increase profits.
It is imperative you only purchase oil from a reliable source that can provide you with independent 3rd party lab analysis to guarantee you receive quality oil.
CBD Vape Oil – Is It Sourced Responsibly?
All CBD oils come from the cannabis or hemp plant but some plants are grown more ethically and environmentally friendlier than others. The fact that you are breathing this product into your lungs should encourage you to source and purchase only the highest quality products from reliable sources. Here are a few tips:
- Look for organically grown cannabis/hemp that was grown without pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, or artificial fertilisers. Choose a supplier who can trace their product from seed to shelf.
- Look for manufacturers who can supply a verified 3rd party lab analysis certificate that will clearly show the level of cannabinoids, as well as any heavy metals present.
There are certain labels you can watch out for to demonstrate organic origins such as:
What Are The Best CBD Vape Oil Products?
Not all vape oils are created equal. We have done the research for you, picking out the best of the best. Every single premium quality product we have chosen comes with a verified lab report.
#1 Canavape Complete
Lab-tested high strength CBD e-liquid available in 300 and 600 mg with 30 or 60 mg of the non-intoxicating yet potent cannabinoid CBG. Available in 6 flavours infused together with terpenes to enhance the effects of the cannabinoids.
#2 Aztec CBD
Certified Organic EU hemp with 3rd party lab reports. Aztec offer four strengths including 100, 300, 500, 1000 mg in 7 unique flavours including Super Lemon Haze and Dour Diesel.
#3 Provacan
Each 10ml bottle contains certified organically grown full-spectrum, lab-tested CBD oil with 30, 300, 600 mg of CBD available in either terpene flavour or unflavored.
#4 CBDfx CBD vape oil additive
CBDfx transform organically farmed cannabis plants with independent lab reports into a wide range of dosage options including 60, 120, 300, and 500 mg.
#5 Canavape CBD +
Available in 200mg and 400mg, Canavape offer CBD combined with another potent non-intoxicating cannabinoid, CBG. UK-based manufacturer Canavape offer 9 mouth-watering flavours including bubblegum, menthol, and blueberry.
#6 LoveCBD
LoveCBD start with the finest hemp from Holland, free from pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers. Lab reports prove cannabinoid content and no heavy metals or pesticides. Each 10ml bottle contains 250 mg of CBD and terpenes.
#7 Canavape CBD
CBD e-liquid of the highest quality, organically grown, 3rd party tested and available with 100 mg of CBD in 4 delicious flavours including coca-cola!
#8 Harmony e-liquids
Another lab tested product. Harmony offer 3 types of e-liquid available from 30 mg up to 600 mg per 10ml bottle with a wide range of varieties such as lemon haze, skunk, OG kush, pineapple express and more.
#9 Hempura
A member of the Cannabis Trade Association and Vegan Society, Hempura has full traceability from seed to shelf of their quality lab test EU cannabis broad-spectrum CBD infused with terpenes and no artificial colours. Currently available in 100, 250 or 500 mg of CBD.
#10 George Botanicals
UK company George Botanicals offer a wide range of e-liquids, all lab tested and available in 200 mg or 500 mg in 7 flavours.
Are there other ways to consume CBD Oil?
Vaping
Vaping offers the fastest onset of effects by far compared to any other product. That being said there are numerous other options with something to suit everyone.
Topicals
Topicals include salves, balms, and creams that contain typical skincare ingredients infused with CBD oil. Topicals are applied directly to the site of pain or infection to work on that specific area.
Smoking
Smoking CBD involves flower or oil being burned (smoked) or heated (vaped) and entering the lungs. Pulmonary absorption results in a rapid onset of effects. Those looking for immediate relief should opt for vaping flower rather than smoking as it does not have the toxins that are created from combustion.
Tinctures
Tinctures provide an easy, effective and ideal medium for precise dosing. Using a pipette, drops are placed under the tongue where there are numerous veins that quickly absorb the oil into the circulatory system.
Edibles
For some, the taste of cannabidiol can be too strong and if that is the case then edibles such as delicious cakes, chocolates, gummy bears and drinks are all great options.
Capsules/Gelcaps
Capsules offer a precise method for those looking for accurate dosing. With different strengths available, as well as a vegetarian option, there’s a capsule for everyone.
Oromucosal
Another fast and effective method similar to tinctures is the oromucosal
method in which CBD is sprayed into the mouth and gums and quickly absorbed into the circulatory system.
Intranasal
Using a special spray bottle CBD oil is breathed into the nose where thin mucosa absorbs the oil for fast-acting results.
Rectal suppositories
For those who, for whatever reason cannot swallow capsules, edibles, etc, there are suppositories which can be taken and are absorbed into the cellular walls and mucous membranes of the anus. The lower and middle veins allow CBD to bypass the digestive system, therefore rapidly entering the bloodstream.
Dosage Guide For CBD Vape Oil
Because we all have a unique endocannabinoid system and the fact that we are all treating different conditions, there is no set dosage for any one person.
Finding the dosage amount that suits you is a case of start small and go slow. Here is a fantastic method to easily achieve this provided by Dr Dustin Sulak.
The Dr Dustin Sulak Dosing Method
Dr Dustin Sulak, a physician in Maine, USA, provides an easy process for finding the dosage that is right for you.
Begin by vaping a very small amount (1-5mg) in the morning and after one hour (or earlier given the rapid onset of effects of vaping) you proceed to ask yourself the following 3 questions:
- How easy is it to breathe?
- How comfortable and calm does your body feel?
- How easy is it for you to smile naturally?
You then rate your scores from 1 – 10 and do this every hour.
If your scores are the same after the first hour then slowly increase your dose and rate yourself again using the same 3 questions.
Continue to do this until you feel a noticeable difference.
Eventually, you will reach the stage where increasing your dosage will not result in higher subjective scores meaning you have found your optimum dosage.
Key Takeaways
Vaping CBD e-liquid is an incredible method of getting fast absorption and quick onset of effects from CBD. This is perfect for people who need instant relief.
A wide range of strengths and flavours means there is something for everyone.
Because the oil is heated rather than burned, no toxins associated with combustion occur. In fact, vaping is heralded as a safer alternative to smoking.
CBD e-liquids do not nicotine and are non-addictive.
Remember to only purchase premium quality, 3rd party lab-tested e-liquids. This guarantees first and foremost that you have a safe product and that you will receive the greatest optimum benefits resulting in homeostasis and good health.
