Is Vaping CBD Better than THC?
Jul
Not essentially. It depends on what one means by THC vaping. Here, we are talking about legal THC vapes. THC is a controlled substance under the Drugs Misuse Act. So, we are not talking about illegal weed, marijuana, or other illegally produced high-THC products. Legal THC vapes contain full-spectrum cannabis extract and are rich in CBD. These vapes are more potent than CBD isolate vapes but are also more likely to cause side effects.
CBD vs. THC Vapes: Understanding the Difference
CBD vapes are generally made using CBD isolate or pure CBD (cannabidiol). CBD is one of the major cannabinoids in the hemp or cannabis plant. Such a vape pen does not contain THC, and it is also free of other minor cannabinoids. Of course, it might have added terpenes for a better vaping experience.
CBD vapes are better for those who did not vape CBD previously. They are good for those starting their journey with CBD vaping or switching to vaping to quit smoking. This will help such individuals understand what CBD vaping is like.
However, THC vapes are a bit different, and they are more potent. Of course, they also contain CBD. Even in THC vapes, CBD is the primary cannabinoid. However, they contain many other minor cannabinoids like CBC, CBG, CBN, and others (1). Notably, these vape pens also have small amounts of THC. However, this THC is below 1 mg per container. THC vape pens are also rich in various terpenes (2).
Thus, THC vape pens are better for experienced users. Thanks to the entourage effect, it has a more robust flavour and greater health benefits.
So, keep in mind that THC vape pen has only small amounts of THC. However, it is more potent due to many other minor cannabinoids. So, it may be proper to visualize a THC vape pen as a more potent CBD vape pen with a broader spectrum of activity.
Comparing CBD Vs. THC Vaping Experience
THC vaping is more potent but also more likely to cause side effects. However, there is not much difference between the side effects in practice. The truth is that legally produced CBD and THC vapes are unlikely to cause any severe side effects, except in rare instances. Some might experience issues like nausea.
However, when it comes to issues related to the lungs, those are related to the use of poor-quality carrier oils. High-quality legal vape pens do not use such carrier oils. Additionally, some early vapes caused lung issues due to vitamin E in them (3). However, now vape pen producers have stopped adding vitamin E. In short, most producers now know what may cause harm, and thus, modern vape pens are much safer.
Of course, we do not encourage vaping here. As a doctor, I can say that vaping may still harm the lungs in some individuals. It appears that some individuals are sensitive to vapours produced by these pens. Fortunately, such incidences are extremely rare. At least, in the UK, a few cases of severe lung disease have been reported to date.
So, CBD vaping is a safer option. But, since most people vape for specific experiences, THC vape may be a better choice. Of course, much also depends on the vaping experience.
For those new to CBD vaping, it might be better to get started with CBD vaping. However, experienced users may enjoy the more robust relaxing effect of the THC vape.
The Bottom Line
CBD and THC vaping each has its pros and cons. Generally, CBD vaping is better for less experienced vapers, whereas THC vaping may be better for those looking for something more potent. THC vaping may be better for stress relief, improving sleep quality and pain control, too.
References
- Walsh KB, McKinney AE, Holmes AE. Minor Cannabinoids: Biosynthesis, Molecular Pharmacology and Potential Therapeutic Uses. Front Pharmacol. 2021 Nov 29;12:777804.
- The Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 [Internet]. King’s Printer of Acts of Parliament; [cited 2024 Jul 15]. Available from: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2001/3998/regulation/2
- Boudi FB, Patel S, Boudi A, Chan C. Vitamin E Acetate as a Plausible Cause of Acute Vaping-related Illness. Cureus. 11(12):e6350.
