Over the last few years, we’ve seen cannabis laws change in more states across the US, as well as many parts of Canada. This means that more and more people are able to reap the benefits, both physical and psychological, of hemp-based products.
With a number of applications available for both THC and CBD medications, it’s not surprising to find individual users having their own personal favourite. Whether in the form of edibles or indeed a fire-based joint, there are plenty of ways to indulge in the relaxing effects of cannabis and hemp.
With the UK e-cigarette market having grown exponentially in the last few years, CBD oils have become some of the most popular e liquids being sold on the high street. Whilst we know that e-cigarettes are 98 percent less dangerous than smoking tobacco, less has been published on the effects of vaping cannabis and cannabidiol.
By association then, we know that heat not burn cannabis oils have less of a negative effect on the health, but what are the details, and how does cannabis smoke differ from tobacco smoke?
First off, how do you vape cannabis?
There are two main marijuana-derived chemicals used in e-cigarette vape flavours and liquids. The first is THC, the psychoactive chemical which is still illegal in the UK. The second is cannabidiol, which harbours the relaxing properties and pain relief effects of THC but none of the psychoactive effects.
CBD is often used in the UK vape industry and is usually melted down into an oil-like substance which can be heated and vaporised. Dry herb products also contain quite a lot of moisture and can be heated and inhaled in the same way.
Low temperatures mean less disruption
Vape devices work at far lower temperatures than a live flame.
Not only does this make vaping safer from a fire hazard point of view, but it means you are exposing your lungs to less external heat. As the oil and resin evaporate into a vapor, you’re usually faced with temperatures no higher than 190°C, which isn’t high enough to burn any of the residual plant matter packed into your e-cig.
More potent effects
When smoking, 15-20% of cannabinoids are destroyed through smoke burn off, whilst an extra 50% of the chemicals are destroyed by the initial combustion process. When vaping, you waste far less of the plants natural THC and CBD due to the lower temperature levels, and therefore get more potent effects.
More choice
With a rostrum of diverse flavours available, vape juices containing CBD and THC products are far more flexible to varying tastes. Vaping cannabis means that even those who don’t like the taste of CBD and THC can find a flavour they love.
Fewer carcinogens
Due to the lack of combustible elements in CBD and THC oils, fewer carcinogens are unlocked when vaping cannabis compared to smoking it. Why? Because the main trigger for toxic elements in any product is a live flame as opposed to heat.
Vape how you like it
With the wide range of temperature controls, variable wattage and variable voltage options on vape devices, you have the chance to personalise your CBD and THC experience even further, thus making smoking cannabis even more archaic a choice.
The verdict: vaping CBD and THC is a far better experience than smoking it.