Many would argue that there is nothing better than rolling up a CBD cigarette after a long day's work. And to be honest, I have to agree.
There’s something about the atmosphere it creates. The swirling smoke, combined with the smells and flavours, transports you to another world of relaxation.
Others would argue that vaping CBD is the way to go. They say it is healthier, more potent, and far easier to use than a CBD joint.
When it comes to the experience, it really depends on personal preference. But both methods have their own pros and cons.
In this article, we will take a look at the "best" way to get a dose of cannabidiol and what makes it better.
What is CBD?
If you haven’t read the other articles in our expert guide, it’s a good idea to take a look at them over here. These will give you in-depth information on terms like cannabidiol(CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol(THC), and other unknown ones like hexahydrocannabinol(HHC).
If you don’t know what CBD is, here is a quick recap:
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a non-psychoactive compound in the marijuana plant. It is one of many cannabinoids in cannabis that is reported to offer some healing properties. It is known to alleviate pain and assist with neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's and Epilepsy.
CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. This means it will not cause a mental high or an altered state of consciousness. It is legal in many countries around the world, so many people use this cannabinoid on a daily basis.
While consuming CBD seems to be mostly safe, it is important to get a health check-up before trying it out for yourself. Some medications may not mix well with CBD, and you should know your own body’s limitations.
Hopefully, that gives you a better understanding of CBD. Now on to the big question: Is it better to vape CBD or smoke it?
The pros and cons of vaping CBD
CBD vape oil is not to be mistaken with CBD oil. You cannot smoke and inhale CBD oil, so make sure you have the right stuff. CBD vape juice is made from a mixture of CBD extracts, propylene glycol, and vegetable glycerin.
When heated to the right temperature, vape oil turns into a tasty vapour that can be inhaled. Combine this with the many different vape flavours, and you have a fun way to consume CBD.
Since CBD vape pens have not been around for very long. People are concerned about the long-term health issues they may cause. However, for the time being, vaping CBD seems to have minimal health risks. One thing is for sure: Vaping is far healthier than smoking tobacco cigarettes.
Let’s compare some of the pros and cons of CBD vapes.
Pros
Control over vapour and nicotine output
Being able to control how much nicotine you take in is very useful, especially if you are working on quitting all together. There are many options available for CBD e-juice. If you want a nicotine rush, there is high-nicotine juice. If that is not your speed, you can also get low-strength or nicotine free vape juice. Beyond nicotine control, you can also control vapour output. Most vape boxes allow you to change the dosage to find the right amount for you.
Easily stored and transported
What makes a vape pen really awesome is the ease of use. It is so simple to carry around, so long as you have a full charge. Vaping CBD is also far more discreet. Nobody seems to bat an eyelid if there are massive vape clouds following you around. Light a homemade CBD joint in public, and people won’t be as understanding. Vape juice is also much easier to transport. That 20 gram bag of CBD likely won’t be leaving your home anytime soon.
No heavy smell
The smell of marijuana smoke is like pineapple on pizza. You either love it or you hate it. If you don’t like the musky smell of it, then vaping might be for you. You can save your home, clothes, and car from the sticky smell of CBD. Once again, smoking in public is not as big of an issue since the smell is barely noticeable. Chances are you will be smoking with a flavour so that will be more dominant. Even tobacco-flavoured vapes don’t have a strong scent.
CBD vapes have a higher potency
Vape pens can contain more CBD, whether it is broad-spectrum, full-spectrum, or isolate CBD. Extracting cannabidiol from CBD flowers is a precise science. This gives you the ability to control just how potent you want your CBD vape juice to be. Getting the CBD dosage you are looking for has never been easier.
Cons
Vape pens can be more expensive
CBD vape pens will cost you more than CBD flowers. Some say that it will last longer because CBD concentrates are more potent. In my personal experience, the accessibility of a vape makes me smoke twice as much. If you can manage to control your usage, you may save some money in the long run.
Long-term health effects are not fully realised
Vaping has been around since the early 2000s, but it only became popular in 2010. Until people smoke and vape for another 20 years or more, we cannot know the extent of long-term use. Some experts claim it is not bad for you because it is just vapour. However, evidence shows the contrary is true. There's also the issue of nicotine addiction to consider. It is undoubtedly safer than smoking cigarettes, but does this apply to CBD cigarettes? There are not a lot of great studies on the matter, so it is still up for review. In my personal experience, vaping left a heavy feeling on my chest, and I was always coughing. I stick to CBD flowers as they seem to have a better effect for me.
Can easily be dropped and broken
If you drop a CBD joint, nothing will happen. If you drop a vape, you may have to replace parts or get a new vape entirely. This can become an annoyance and a recurring cost. Make sure you keep a tight grip on it!
The pros and cons of smoking CBD
Smoking a CBD joint is without a doubt the most relaxing way to go about it. There is a ritual behind rolling it up, striving to make the perfect joint. Once it is rolled up, lighting up settles all the bad emotions you’ve been feeling. I find a CBD joint really helps me appreciate my relaxation.
Yes, it is not nearly as convenient as a CBD vape. But it is not supposed to be. Convenience brings instant gratification. What you want is a reward!
Smoking a CBD joint is full of natural flavours and smells that will delight your senses. If you prefer the natural taste of cannabis, this is definitely for you. In my own experience, CBD has not caused detriment to my lungs, as far as I can tell.
However, experts agree that the high temperatures from burning a joint can cause damage to your lungs. Not to mention, many people mix tobacco into their CBD joints, so you normally get a hit of that without a filter.
So, with that being said, let’s compare the good and the bad of CBD joints.
Pros
Natural scents, flavours, and feel
If you are a naturalist like me, using technology to smoke CBD just seems wrong. CBD flowers offer all the natural flavours and tastes, so it is more of a hands-on experience. If you like the taste of cannabis, you will understand why this method is preferred for many people. When you crush up your CBD flower to put into a neatly rolled joint, it builds a sense of excitement as you get closer to lighting up. I believe this creates a deeper appreciation for what you are about to smoke. Having to roll one up also stops you from smoking as much because of the effort it takes to do so.
It takes skill to roll
This can either be a curse or a blessing. Showing off your rolling skills to your friends is cool and all. But if you are at a party and people start to catch on, it’s suddenly assumed you can roll all the CBD joints for the night. Learning how to make the perfect CBD cigarette takes some people a long time. Knowing how to do so greatly influences the taste and effects of your joint. This is a skill worth having if you want to impress some people and improve your smoking experience.
Variety of different strains to choose from
At the time of writing this, there are over 700 CBD strains for you to choose from. As time passes, more and more are added to this list. Each has their own unique smell, taste, and look. They all offer a different effect, so you will end up loving some and hating others. With the vast selection on offer, you will easily find the one that best suits your needs.
CBD flowers are always full-spectrum
There is an effect currently under study called the "entourage effect." Basically, the benefits of cannabis are better when all the cannabinoids are present. This means broad-spectrum and CBD isolates may not offer the full effect you are looking for. When you buy CBD bud, it is guaranteed to be full-spectrum. All these cannabinoids work together to give you the best effect possible.
No extra chemicals
It is a known fact that processing CBD with additional chemicals leaves a residue of these chemicals behind. If you are concerned about health issues from these contaminants, CBD flowers will become your best buddy. Reputable suppliers offer a certificate of analysis for a complete breakdown of what is in your product. You can rest easy at night knowing your flowers are completely natural and safe to consume.
Cons
The smell is obvious
If you have smelled weed once in your life, chances are that smell will always be recognizable. The smell of it sticks to everything, and when you are smoking, it travels all over the place. Many people don’t like the smell, so it is not as discreet as vaping. This isn’t a big deal. Especially if you enjoy the smell and the calming atmosphere it creates.
Smoking may damage your lungs
As I mentioned before, the science says that excessive heat on your lungs will cause scarring and damage. This is usually not permanent and can be counteracted with a good exercise regime. The CBD itself is not usually the problem, but the carbon monoxide that is created from burning paper. It is a smart idea to get organic, raw papers that won’t cause any more damage than necessary. Also, make sure you always source your CBD from a legitimate source. If done properly and responsibly, smoking CBD should not cause severe health impacts in the long run.
Rolling and finding a place to smoke is time consuming
As we mentioned before, many people vape wherever they go. This isn’t quite the same with a joint, as you have to roll it up, then find a convenient location to smoke. This can be an extra hassle, BUT you also end up smoking less as a result.
Less socially acceptable
In recent years, most of the world has done a U-turn when it comes to cannabis. It no longer carries the same "drug" stigma that it once did. However, it is still not accepted in all circles. Many people view vaping more positively than they do a joint, so be careful where you decide to light up. Avoid any problems by ensuring you have CBD that does not cross any legal boundaries.
Vaping Vs Smoking: What wins?
If you paid attention while reading, you will see there is no clear winner. There are claims that vaping is healthier, but until it has been around for longer, we cannot say for sure.
It really boils down to personal experience and what you prefer. You have to figure out which works for you. Try out the different products on offer, and you will know which you enjoy more and which has a better effect on your body.
I’m a firm believer in consuming CBD exactly as it comes out of the ground. I don’t like things that are processed, so I will stick to CBD flowers.
If you are in the business of selling CBD products and not much of a smoker yourself, it's a good idea to stock both products. It seems CBD vaping has an immense following, so it is more popular. However, there will always be those who want to roll up a natural CBD joint to relax.
Take a look at our products page to start figuring out which is better for you.
