Is Smoking CBD Safe? Things You Need to Know

CBD or Cannabidiol is a non-intoxicating compound that’s extracted from the Cannabis or hemp plant. It has gained recognition as a wellness supplement for its potential therapeutic benefits, such as chronic pain relief, anxiety reduction, stress reduction, and other inflammatory effects.

Unlike its counterpart called THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol, CBD does not cause any psychoactive effects, in other words, “a high.” This is why CBD consumption has become so popular, as it does not contain any intoxicating properties that people may associate with cannabis or marijuana.

Is Smoking CBD safe?

Smoking CBD is one of the oldest and the most popular methods of consumption, and a convenient one too, as it swiftly gets absorbed in the bloodstream and provides quick relief. But the question is: is it the safest method? The important factors that need to be considered when smoking CBD are its benefits, side effects, and product quality. Let’s take a look at those factors:

Benefits of Smoking CBD

There's concrete scientific evidence that using CBD for epilepsy treatments reduced seizures, so much so that the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved CBD-based drugs to treat epilepsy.

Cannabis consumers now use CBD to alleviate stress, depression, anxiety, or mood disorders. It is also used for pain relief and reducing insomnia in some individuals. However, more research must be done to unlock the usage of CBD’s full potential.

Side Effects

Though CBD has many benefits, as it is generally well-tolerated, it can still cause mild side effects to particular individuals regardless of the method of consumption used—side effects such as dry mouth, appetite changes, drowsiness, fatigue, or gastrointestinal discomfort.

Moreover, when you smoke, it can lead to respiratory issues such as throat irritation and coughing. Smoking CBD can also interact with any other medications you’re taking, so consulting a healthcare professional is essential before using CBD.

Did you know CBD is generally considered safer than smoking cigarettes containing tobacco, nicotine, and other harmful compounds? However, even without the absence of tobacco, inhaling any kind of smoke can potentially irritate your respiratory system. Therefore, before lighting up a CBD joint, ask a healthcare professional for advice if you have lung or respiratory issues.

Another problem with smoking CBD is that you may be unsure of the exact amount of dosage that needs to be taken. Take in small amounts, and you won’t get the effects you’re looking for. Take extremely large doses, and you’ll have an upset stomach, lethargy, nausea, drowsiness, and other unpleasant side effects.

Quality

The quality of the powder and the medium used is an important factor to consider when smoking CBD. Typically, joints, vapes, pipes, and bongs are popular among CBD consumers. They are easy to use and produce quick onset of effects.

However, picking a good quality product to smoke CBD is also just as important. For instance, if you prefer using bongs to smoke, use glass ones rather than plastics. Heating plastic bongs can release BPA phthalates and other harmful compounds. For style and aesthetic reasons, you can choose pink bongs or any other colors of your choice.

Alternative Methods of CBD Consumption

If you’re worried about the potential risks involved with smoking CBD, there are other methods of CBD consumption you can try:

Edibles: CBD-infused edibles such as cookies, brownies, chocolates, candies, and even gummies are a popular option and also senior-friendly. However, note that when these products are ingested, they are absorbed in the digestive system, making the onset of effects slower than smoking.
Oils & Tinctures: A sublingual administration of CBD-infused oils or tinctures can be applied using a dropper under the tongue. It is then absorbed via the mucous membranes and into the bloodstream. This method is more convenient as the effects occur faster, and you don’t have to inhale smoke.
Topicals: CBD-infused topical applications such as lotions, creams, or balms can be easily applied to the skin. This is usually a great and effective method for those suffering from localized pain or other skin conditions.

Tips for Smoking CBD Safely

If you still prefer to smoke CBD despite all the risks involved, here are some harm-reducing tips to help you smoke it a little safer:

Keep Things Clean

If you’re using pipes or bongs, keep them clean after every use. If you’re using paper, don’t roll them on dirty surfaces. A little bit of hygiene can do wonders for your health.

Stick to Glass Products

As mentioned earlier, using glass pipes and bongs is safer than inexpensive plastic ones. Heating plastic releases many harmful toxins, leading to lethal side effects such as cancer.

Don’t Share

Even though we mostly overcame the COVID situation, it’s still best not to share your bongs, pipes, or joints with someone else. You can share your stash, but avoid sharing the equipment. Sharing joints basically means you’re swapping spits which puts you and people around you at risk for infections.

Exhale Quickly

When smoking, inhaling deeply and holding, it exposes more tar per breath to your lungs. Let the smoke out quickly instead.

Use FDA-approved Rolling Papers

It may not be a big deal for you when it comes to rolling papers. However, some papers do contain chemicals, toxins, and flavorings that can be harmful when inhaled. Therefore, use FDA-approved rolling papers to be on the safe side.

To Roll it Up

CBD has become a viable option for people for quick pain relief and its therapeutic experience. However, it is essential to consider its potential side effects and risks. If you choose to smoke CBD, opt for high-quality products and equipment. Moreover, follow safety and hygiene protocols when smoking in a group, such as not sharing your bong or pipe.

You can also choose other alternative methods which provide the benefits of CBD without the need for inhaling smoke. Whichever you prefer, don’t forget to seek advice from your healthcare professional before incorporating CBD into your daily life.