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Or why vaping CBD might be an alternative to smoking.

If you've been considering trying a CBD vape, but you're concerned about all the vaping health hazard warnings you've seen hitting the newsstands lately, good for you. It is vitally important to understand what you're putting into your body, the harms vs benefits of vaping, the ingredients used in these products and how it all works.

When done right, vaping can be an excellent way of CBD dosing. We're here to fill you in on everything you need to know to make sure you get the right CBD vape and why.

First, let's talk about the harms of vaping.

Nicotine vape pens have risen in quite alarming popularity worldwide, initially as a method of smoking cessation. Increasingly we are seeing non-smokers and even underaged users starting to pick up the habit.

These nicotine vapes (also called e-cigarettes) are quite different to high-quality CBD vape pens, as they contain a raft of hazardous chemicals, including propylene glycol (often listed as ‘PG’ - also used to make things like antifreeze agents and paint solvents), diacetyl (linked to ‘popcorn lung’), benzene (found in car exhaust), heavy metals and of course the nicotine itself, which is highly habit forming and harmful to health. In fact, a BBC report found that some shops sell vapes containing illegally high levels of nicotine and 12,000 puffs of e-liquid when the law permits only about 600.

Some CBD vapes out there also contain chemicals such as these, which is why it's crucial to check the ingredients before you buy. However, the best quality CBD vape pens keep it simple - usually made from the hemp plant and contain CBD extract and terpenes without harmful additives.

Are CBD vapes safe?

While the safety of inhaling anything into your lungs other than oxygen is still up for debate, a CBD vape made using natural ingredients with premium, temperature-regulated hardware is not the same as using an e-cigarette vape. So that's good news.

CBD vapes certainly seem to be better for your health than smoking.

New research from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King’s College London has found that “the use of vaping products rather than smoking leads to a substantial reduction in exposure to toxicants that promote cancer, lung disease and cardiovascular disease”.

Furthermore, there's evidence to suggest CBD can aid in curbing cravings and regulating mood when quitting tobacco and alcohol. One 2013 study published in the Addictive Behaviours found that those given a CBD inhaler to use every time they felt the need to smoke reduced their number of cigarettes by 40%, while those with the placebo showed no difference.

In answer to the question 'are CBD vapes safe', the short answer is yes. If you're going to inhale anything other than the air around you (although, according to the WHO, that’s not all that safe either these days!), make sure it’s from a trusted brand (this is key!) that uses high-quality materials and ingredients. Watch out for CBD products that include untoward ingredients because they exist and are quite commonplace. Harmful additives to watch out for include MCT oil, Vitamin E and other acetates.

Are CBD vapes effective?

CBD vapes have the fastest onset of all CBD products, other than an intravenous injection, making them an excellent choice for anyone wanting fast-acting results. They're also straightforward to use on the go and offer an enjoyable experience. They're ideal if you're hoping to quit smoking, as you would ideally top up with a few puffs every hour or so, the action of which can help kick the smoking habit.

Vaping CBD delivers fast, taking effect almost instantly. When inhaled, cannabinoids enter the system very quickly, particularly to the brain. When vaped, CBD also has the shortest active life of between 1 and 2 hours, meaning that to keep those cannabinoid levels up and flowing, it's ideal for topping up regularly.

Another plus side to CBD vapes is that they provide the highest bioavailability of all store-bought products, reaching as high as 56%. When you take a CBD oil using oral drops, a lot is lost through the process of absorption (the same goes for edibles going through the digestive process), but vaping bypasses all of that.

How do I figure out my CBD vape dose?

Figuring out how much to take when using a CBD vape follows the same map as when you take an oil - start low, go slow, and build up until you find a dose that suits your personal needs.

That being said, because the bioavailability is higher, you might find a puff or two that will do the same job as a whole pipette of oil! Take it easy when starting out. You can't overdose on CBD (It's been tested safely in single doses of up to 1500mg), but 'too much' can make you feel sleepy, dizzy or a bit sick.

As mentioned above, despite its higher bioavailability, it does stay in your body for less time, so enjoy using your vape every hour or two for the best results.

Want to know more about CBD, cannabinoids and Terpenes or are interested in developing your brand, or maybe your vape line needs an MOT to see if its fit for a healthier 2023, either way, please get in touch with True North Labs for some expert advice.

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CBD Could Potentially Reduce Cigarette Cravings and Aid in Nicotine Cessation, According to New Study

Updated paper which Researchers from Washington State University tested the effects of CBD on human liver tissue and cell samples and found that it inhibited a key enzyme for nicotine metabolism. This could help those addicted to nicotine wait longer before feeling the need to inhale more of it, potentially reducing harm from cigarette smoke and other nicotine delivery methods

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brand points to support product improvement or development.

If you want to create a vape product that offers smoking cessation benefits and is fit for health and safety purposes, you need to consider a few things;

Use a Crystal-Resistant Formulationor Crystal Resistant Distillate (CRD)

·      Diluents or MCT oils areharmful when inhaled.

·      We use an In-house organic customblended

·      Ability to maintain high CBD content (50%+)

Look to add quality Terpenes & Minor Cannabinoids

·      Synergistic effect-based blends

·      Terpene profiles based oncultivar's

·      Natural, cannabis-derivedterpenes available

Hardware Choices that deliver a premium offering

·      Consistent power delivery

·      Low failure rates

·      Optimal temperature range, soformulation doesn't burn

·      Material Certification withleeching tests

·      UL 8139 Battery CertificationProgram

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