Now that more people are vaping CBD, our industry is accommodating all kinds of user preferences and goals with a huge array of vaping products that all center around cannabidiol, the compound that we are primarily seeking out. Currently, you can find pre-filled CBD cartridges, user-friendly disposable devices, and bottles of CBD e-juice intended for more advanced, refillable vape hardware systems.
Still, if you’re going to start a new CBD vaping routine, it’s very important that you recognize that the type of CBD e-liquid you choose must be accommodate with the right hardware and configurations. Perhaps most importantly, you must be aware that certain CBD e-liquids are more suitable for lower wattages, while others are made to accommodate wattages that are higher.
The Two Types of CBD E-Liquids
Ultimately, there are two types of CBD e-liquid formulas, and each one is compatible with a specific type of vaping system. The type of e-juice is determined by the components of the formula, as the only thing that they always share in common with one another is that they contain an oil-soluble cannabidiol extract.
Type #1: CBD Vape Oils
CBD vape oils are what you’ll find in a pre-filled cartridge, disposable device, or pod. It’s extremely rare for CBD vape oils to come bottled, as they’re pretty much exclusively used with vaping setups that come with e-liquid already in them.
A CBD vape oil is a thick, oily product that can contain only pure hemp extract, or, most usually, hemp extract diluted in a carrier oil like MCT oil. CBD vape oils usually come in a wide variety of strains, as they also contain terpene profiles associated with popular strains of the hemp plant. If they contain only hemp extract, then they have very high concentrations (milligram strengths). If they contain a carrier oil, then they can come in a variety of concentrations since they have been diluted.
Type #2: CBD Vape Juices
The other option is CBD vape juice, which is a lot more like a traditional vape juice, except it contains zero nicotine. CBD vape juice comes in a standard e-liquid bottle and is designed to be used with refillable vaping systems, like the sub-ohm vaping setup that you already have. The consistency tends to be thinner, and it contains a combination of vegetable glycerin (VG) and Propylene glycol (PG) as the base, just like with traditional e-juices.
Also, CBD vape juices tend to contain flavoring extracts as well as varying cannabidiol milligram strengths.
Why are Certain E-Liquids More Suitable for Higher Wattages?
Typically, a CBD e-liquid should be vaped between 10 and 30 watts. But, the more precise wattage range that’s appropriate depends on the type of e-liquid that you’re using. Generally speaking, vape oils should be vaped at lower wattages – 10 to 15 watts, give or take. Also, CBD vape juices should be vaped around 15 to 30 watts.
So, why the difference?
Well, it mainly has to do with the VG and PG levels in your e-liquid. You see, because vape oils are much more concentrated, their compounds are far more likely to burn when exposed to high output levels. And, once they’ve been burnt, not only will they taste bad, but they will have destabilized and therefore become unable to deliver the properties you’re looking for.
Vape juices have PG and VG in them, which essentially acts as padding for the chemical compounds in the hemp extract. These two ingredients act as the base of any e-liquid for a reason – they allow for the ideal consistency so that the e-liquid turns into vapor rather than burning. This is why they can be vaped at higher wattage levels.
Regardless of the type of e-liquid you’re using, and the type of device, you should always start with the lowest wattage option and work up in small increments until you’re satisfied. Starting with the highest setting, especially if you’re using a high-powered box mod device, can instantly destroy the hemp compounds and result in a harsh flavor.
Bottom Line: Whether you go with a vape oil in the form of a low-powered system, or a vape juice made for traditional vaping setups is completely up to you, as it’s all based on personal preference.