Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, has exploded in popularity since it became legal at the federal level. It’s legal in most states, too, with regulations requiring no more than either 0.00% or 0.03% THC depending on the locality.
Because CBD contains virtually no THC, it does not produce the psychoactive “high” that so many cannabis smokers enjoy. However, people do report a number of different benefits to its use. But is it better to smoke, vape, or consume CBD?
Only One Use of CBD Approved by the FDA
It’s important to note that at the time of this writing, the FDA has only approved one drug that contains CBD. Epidiolex is an anti-seizure medication that is used to treat two rare and severe forms of epilepsy.
Because of this fact, advertisers are generally prohibited from suggesting that CBD may be used as an anti-anxiety treatment or holistic pain remedy. They are also prevented from advertising CBD as an ingestible food product. This may change in the future as more peer-reviewed studies start to come out.
With that in mind, there are various pros and cons to utilizing various chemicals, including natural plant compounds.
The Popularity of CBD Tinctures
Many first time users will try a CBD tincture. When you consume any food or drug, it travels through your digestive system. This is generally a slower process than smoking or vaping.
Sometimes this is good, because it may mean slow and steady absorption and effects. It also means that you’re not inhaling smoke into your lungs.
Smoking Hemp Flowers
When you smoke cannabis, hemp or any other substance, you activate certain cannabinoids that then get into your bloodstream through your lungs. This means that any cannabinoids that would have an effect on your body are likely to produce a more immediate effect than one would feel after consuming a digestible product.
This instant effect may be exactly what you want or need, as you don’t need to wait for chemicals to pass through your digestive system and organs. It also means that the effects may not be as long-lasting as they are when chemicals pass slowly through your digestive system.
This could be good or bad, depending on your preferences. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that when you smoke using traditional methods, you end up inhaling more carbon and carcinogens than you might through other methods, such as vaping. This is why so many people have switched from smoking cigarettes to vaping.
Vaping Hemp Flowers
When you vape cannabis or hemp flowers, you get the benefit of feeling the effects immediately. The cannabinoids enter through your lungs and go straight into your bloodstream. However, there is one more benefit to vaping.
When you put your hemp flower into your vaporizer, it produces vapor, rather than harsh smoke and burnt plant particles. Not only is this cleaner, but it can make your hemp last longer.
It’s possible to vaporize CBD oil, too. But be careful. Many oils are not meant for vaporizers. For example, if you inhale vaporized Vitamin E acetate, you could cause permanent lung damage.
So, make sure you know what you’re putting into your vape. As long as you make smart choices, you can thoroughly enjoy your vaping experience.
The Verdict?
Generally, vaping is a great way to utilize hemp flowers compared to the other methods. Vaping produces immediate effects compared to the slower method of ingestion when you consume CBD tinctures.
However, if you want a slower, longer-lasting effect, then tinctures are a great choice too. The effects of consuming cannabidiol won’t hit you quite as fast as vaping it. But, only you will know what’s best for your own body.