Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid present in cannabis that is becoming more and more well-liked among patients for potential therapeutic purposes.
Many people use CBD in the form of edibles, topicals, or concentrates, however some patients with medical conditions are unsure if smoking CBD is a practical and secure option.
In order to help those who are interested in smoking CBD make an informed choice, this article will examine the potential advantages and disadvantages as well as the best ways to consume it.
Can CBD be Smoked?
The two main cannabinoids in cannabis are THC and CBD. Like all cannabinoids, CBD also affects the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps control a number of physiological functions like pain, sleep, and immunological response.
The “high” associated with cannabis usage is not produced by CBD, however, as it is not psychoactive like THC. Additionally, some reports claim that CBD may even assist lessen the negative effects of THC.
Smoking CBD is possible, but finding high-CBD strains can be challenging. CBD-rich strains are occasionally only made in small amounts. Additionally, depending on where you reside, only licensed medical patients may be able to purchase CBD products in your state.
As with any other cannabis flower, CBD or strains high in CBD can be smoked. Which is:
- utilizing a joint, bowl, or pipe
- drinking from a water pipe or bong
- Smoking a joint or blunt that is mostly CBD
- vaporizing CBD oils or concentrations
What makes smoking THC and CBD different?
There are several significant distinctions between smoking THC and CBD from a consumer perspective.
First off, smoking CBD won’t give you the same intoxicating “high” as smoking THC. The brain’s CB1 receptors, which control THC’s euphoric effects, are not activated by CBD. Alternatively, CBD might have a more subdued, relaxing impact on the body and mind.
CBD does not have the same potent brain effects as other cannabis products because it is not psychoactive. Instead, users might feel more at ease and generally better off, with no decline in cognitive performance.
When heated, CBDA, which is already present in cannabis, is transformed into CBD. Similar to this, when cooked, THCA in cannabis flower transforms into THC.
CBD prevents the breakdown of endocannabinoids like anandamide3 by inhibiting the activity4 of the enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), whereas THC binds to CB receptors. The therapeutic effects of CBD are a result of increased endocannabinoid levels and CB1 and CB2 receptor activation as a result.
What Advantages Do CBD Smokers Experience?
Cannabidiol has been shown in numerous studies to have a number of advantages over THC5. Because CBD doesn’t make people feel drunk, it can be used as a healthy substitute for prescription pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter remedies.
One common method of enjoying the advantages of CBD is through smoking. Due to the quicker onset of effects compared to other intake techniques, such as edibles, some customers prefer to smoke CBD. People can choose their preferred strains, which they are confident will have the required effects, when they smoke.
Given the advantages of CBD, there is mounting evidence that it can be used to treat a variety of illnesses and ills. Following are a few typical ailments that CBD is used to treat:
Chronic Pain: According to reports, CBD is a potent pain reliever.⁶ According to several studies, CBD may lessen chronic pain by influencing the activity of endocannabinoid receptors, decreasing inflammation, and interacting with neurotransmitters.⁷
Anxiety: In some people, CBD has the ability to lessen the signs and symptoms of anxiety8 and depression9. This is thought to be a result of cannabidiol’s capacity to interact with serotonin receptors in the brain, which control mood and social behavior.
Insomnia: Many users of CBD have used it to enhance sleep and lessen the symptoms of insomnia.CBD may lengthen periods of deep sleep and decrease the amount of nighttime awakenings.
Headaches: Studies on CBD have shown that it may help some people experience fewer and milder headaches.13 CBD might relieve migraine-related discomfort, inflammation, and muscle spasms.
Arthritis: In some cases, doctors have recommended CBD to treat arthritis patients in order to lessen their pain, swelling, and inflammation.¹⁴ In those with osteoarthritis, CBD may potentially increase joint function and mobility.¹⁵
These are just a few instances of the diseases and afflictions that CBD is used to treat.
It is significant to remember that additional research is required to properly comprehend the advantages and hazards of CBD consumption. It is always best to speak with a healthcare provider before using CBD to be sure it is secure and suitable for you.
What are the dangers and negative effects of CBD smoking?
Although CBD is usually thought to be harmless, smoking CBD may have certain unfavorable effects and dangers.
The following are some possible CBD adverse effects:
- fatigue or sedation
- mouth ache
- reduced blood pressure
- Lightheadedness
- Diarrhea
- alterations in appetite
- Fatigue
The lungs and throat may become slightly irritated after smoking CBD. Using different consumption strategies, including CBD topicals or edibles, will help you prevent this.
It’s crucial to be aware that CBD may interact with various drugs, including antidepressants, blood thinners, cold remedies, antibiotics, and anti-anxiety meds. Always speak with a medical expert before smoking CBD, especially if you take any prescriptions.
Smoking may be risky for people who have lung or respiratory problems.¹⁹ Therefore, if you have any concerns regarding the health of your lungs, always talk to your doctor before smoking CBD.
Hemp flower smoking versus high-CBD cannabis flower
There are two primary CBD smoking options: hemp flower and cannabis flower with a high CBD content. Although both contain CBD, there are some significant distinctions to take into account.
The amount of THC it contains is the primary distinction between CBD derived from hemp and CBD derived from cannabis. The 2018 Farm Bill makes hemp, a special form of the cannabis plant, legal if it contains less than 0.3% THC. From its use in food and personal care products to its numerous textile uses, hemp serves a multitude of functions.
On the other side, cannabis strains with high levels of CBD are often grown for human use and may include more THC.
What does this imply for you, the customer?
While smoking hemp flower won’t make you high, it will deliver CBD. But depending on the THC content, smoking cannabis strains strong in CBD may have some psychoactive effects.
The purity of the product is another distinction to take into account. Cannabis and hemp are both bio-accumulators, which means plants may take in heavy metals and other toxins from the soil. Choose a trustworthy and secure dispensary to get your CBD flower or concentrates if you intend to smoke it.
What is the ideal method for smoking CBD?
CBD can be smoked in a number different ways, each with advantages and disadvantages.
The most common manner to smoke CBD is via a bong, pipe, bowl, or other traditional smoking apparatus. These techniques offer a rapid onset of effects and are simple to employ. Traditional smoking techniques, however, may not be good for people with respiratory problems because they can be hard on the lungs and throat.
Another popular way to consume CBD is by vaping. The body can absorb CBD more effectively when it is vaped or concentrated, and the vapor created is gentler on the lungs than smoke. High-CBD concentrates, however, can be challenging to locate. Furthermore, it is still debatable if vaping cannabis is safer than smoking it.
Another way to ingest CBD is via dabbing, which entails heating a concentrate that is high in CBD and inhaling the vapor through a specialized rig. Dabbing enables the usage of a bigger amount of CBD in less time. For beginners, however, we do not advise it because it necessitates specialist equipment and can be more strenuous on the lungs.
The ideal technique to smoke CBD ultimately relies on your choices and requirements.
