As public perception of cannabinoids improve, more states are lifting legal restrictions on cannabis products for medicinal and recreational purposes. Inhaling or “vaping” these products is becoming a preferred alternative to smoking.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is growing in popularity for its health benefits and non-psychoactive properties. CBD vape oil effects are highly appealing; one study showed that nearly 62 percent of CBD users cited a medical condition for their reason of consumption.
More than ever, inhaling CBD oil with a vaporizer is becoming an easy way to receive CBD oil’s benefits. We’ll break down these benefits, as well as information to help you understand vape devices and how to calculate the best ohms for vaping.
What is CBD Oil? Is It Like THC?
As the second most plentiful cannabinoid after THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD oil has many uses and substantially different qualities than THC. What makes CBD unique?
- CBD is mainly processed from hemp.
- It won’t get you high.
- Unlike THC, it doesn’t attach to a receptor. It encourages the body to produce more of its own cannabinoids instead.
CBD Oil Health Benefits
There are advantages to ditching traditional smoking. CBD vape oil is non-addictive, because it does not contain nicotine. It also eliminates second-hand smoke. Plus, vaping CBD doesn’t have the same carcinogenic effects. Overall, vaping is a better option than smoking, even with cannabis.
While some CBD health benefits are not definitive, growing research shows evidence that CBD oil can be effective for conditions like epilepsy, inflammation, insomnia and anxiety.
- In a major breakthrough for CBD, the FDA recently approved a cannabidiol-containing medication, Epidiolex, for two forms of pediatric seizures.
- In a study on Wistar rats, CBD treatments were found to block pain and nerve damage caused by Osteoarthritis. Using CBD for inflammation, chronic pain and neuropathy would be a safer alternative to addictive opioids.
- Studies in animal models and human volunteers shows anti-panic results with CBD treatments. Administration of CBD decreased the escape response in rats that were submitted to an elevated T-maze. CBD has also reduced panic during public speaking activities for people with social anxiety.
- A cervical cancer study found that cannabidiol prevented cell growth and prompted cell death in cervical cancer cell lines.
CBD Oil Side Effects
CBD oil is highly tolerable for most people with few side effects. However, some CBD users may experience the following:
- Changes in appetite or mood
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Insignificant traces of contaminants (esp. from cheaper vaping devices)
How Long Does It Take to Feel the Effects of CBD Oil?
Unlike edible or topical CBD oil products, vaping and inhalation often produce immediate relief. The effects may wear off faster, however, so longer relief may require an edible.
Types of Vape Devices
With the growing popularity of vaping comes a wider selection of vaporizers, from desktop to portable vaporizers. In contrast to first-generation vape devices, the new generations of vape devices have more adjustable controls to improve safety and experience.
Choosing a Vape Device Based on Material
Vaporizers are specifically made with the type of CBD material in mind. You should choose a vaporizer designed for what you want to inhale:
- E-liquid or vape juice
- Wax
- Oil
- Dry herb/flower
Different forms of CBD, whether wax or oil, require different temperature settings to prevent combustion, enhance flavor and regulate the amount of vapor. Understanding vape devices allows you to get the most out of your vaporizer.
Anatomy of a Vaporizer
Most vape devices contain a:
- Battery
- Sensor (to turn on the device)
- Atomizer (to heat and vaporize the material)
- Tank or cartridge (to hold the material)
- Coil (a heating element within the tank)
- Mouthpiece
A cartridge, normally used for e-Cigs to hold the e-liquid, is for single use. A tank, however, is refillable.
What Kind of Vape Device Should I Use?
There are two basic heating methods that vape devices use:
- Conduction – This type of vaporizer directly heats the material. This older method heats material quickly but increases the likelihood of combustion.
- Convection – This vaporizer uses heat transfer to evenly heat the material and avoid combustion. This method is generally preferred, especially for dry herb/flower material.
Vape Pen
Like their name, these vaporizers are shaped like a pen and have a rather basic anatomy with a cartridge or tank. Vape pens are simple to use, portable and versatile. Older vape pens may only have one temperature setting, while newer devices have multiple settings.
A vape pen is great for beginners.
Box Mod
Shaped like a box, these devices often have a digital screen with customizable wattage and resistance (ohms) settings. A box mod is assembled by screwing on an atomizer and connecting a rechargeable battery. These replaceable modifications put the “mod” in box mod.
Beginners and experienced users will enjoy a box mod.
Mechanical Mod
A mechanical mod does not use electronic settings and regulations. Instead, it delivers battery power straight to the atomizer.
You may wonder: Are mechanical mods dangerous? Well, they can be dangerous for beginners. Though their anatomy is simple, their use requires advanced understanding of vape devices and techniques.
How to Determine the Best Ohm Setting for Vaping?
In other words, how do you determine the right settings for your CBD oil box mod or CBD wax vape pen? To find the best ohms for vaping, you need to understand Ohm’s Law.
Use the formula: V (voltage) = I (current) x R (resistance).
If your battery has a voltage of 5V and your atomizer is set to 0.5Ω, then I = 5V/0.5Ω. The current equals 10 Amps. However, if your atomizer is set to 0.8Ω, then the same equation gives you 6.25 Amps. Notice that as your resistance increases, your current decreases. Power, or watts, will decrease as well.