CBD cigarettes have become a popular way to enjoy CBD, especially for anyone trying to quit tobacco cigarettes. But, with so many health risks associated with smoking cigs, we have to ask–do CBD cigarettes have the same risks? Let’s dive into it with The Brothers Apothecary.
What Are CBD Cigarettes?
While CBD cigarettes may look like traditional tobacco cigs, their contents are nothing alike. CBD cigarettes are filled with dried hemp buds and leaves, and include other botanical elements and plant compounds.
Hemp-derived CBD cigarettes–also known as hemp cigarettes or hempettes – are beneficial alternatives to their tobacco-based lookalikes.
Do CBD Cigarettes Contain Nicotine?
An important distinction between CBD cigarettes and tobacco cigarettes is that CBD cigarettes do not contain any nicotine.
However, some CBD cigs may contain potentially harmful additives or chemicals. If purchasing pre-rolled CBD cigs or a smoking blend, check the label to make sure you are happy with all ingredients inside.
At The Brothers Apothecary, our smoking blends contain organic, locally sourced, and third-party tested botanical and herbal compounds.
Do CBD Cigarettes Contain THC?
Hemp plants are naturally high in CBD and low in THC. As per the 2018 Farm Bill, commercially grown industrial hemp plants cannot contain more than 0.3% THC content.
While certain types of CBD use an extract from the plant that can filter out the small traces of THC, the dried buds in CBD cigs will contain these low, legal levels of THC.
THC found in hemp buds and leaves is not enough to produce intoxicating or psychoactive effects. Many prefer full-spectrum CBD products that contain all of the nourishing plant compounds, as it can produce the entourage effect, which takes place when multiple plant parts work together to strengthen each other’s effects.
However, if you are sensitive to THC or concerned about the possibility of THC showing up on a drug test, it’s better to stick to THC-free CBD products, such as broad-spectrum and isolated CBD oils or teas.
How Do CBD Cigarettes Impact Your Lungs?
CBD cigarettes are still relatively new, and more research is needed to better understand exactly how they can impact the lungs over time. Current studies have found somewhat conflicting results.
There is no question that CBD cigarettes are easier on your lungs than tobacco and nicotine-filled cigs, and studies show that cannabis or hemp smoke is less carcinogenic than tobacco smoke.
But, some studies do suggest that smoke inhalation can still potentially negatively impact the lungs or increase the risk of certain breathing conditions.
Other researchers, however, point out that these studies may be flawed, as many of the participants also smoke tobacco, making it hard to know if the impact on the lungs is from the CBD cigs alone.
You should also check in with a healthcare professional if you take any other medications, as CBD may interact with certain medications such as blood thinners or blood pressure medication.
Are They Safe for Long-Term Use?
While it is safe (and even beneficial!) to use CBD daily, more research is needed to better understand exactly how smoke inhalation from CBD cigarettes can affect the lungs over time.
Are CBD Cigarettes Addictive?
CBD is nonintoxicating and non-habit forming, meaning that there is not a risk of CBD cigarettes becoming addictive. In fact, studies show that CBD use can help break addiction to other substances, such as tobacco or alcohol addiction.
How Often Should CBD Cigarettes Be Used?
CBD cigarettes can be used daily, although you should keep your CBD intake under 150 milligrams per day to help avoid side effects.
What Risks Are Associated With CBD Cigarettes?
While CBD is extremely safe, there are some risks associated with CBD cigs.
Side Effects
CBD is nonintoxicating and is considered extremely safe. However, taking too much CBD may lead to mild side effects. Side effects associated with consuming too much CBD include:
- Fatigue
- Lethargy
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite
- Dizziness
These effects are rare and typically dissipate on their own. Start with only ten to 20 milligrams of CBD per day and work your way up as needed.
Keep your daily CBD intake under 150 milligrams, and use only high-quality and third-party tests that test for potency and any potentially harmful ingredients to help avoid unwanted side effects.
Precautions To Take
CBD can interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners or blood pressure medication. If you are using any other medicine or substance, it is best to check in with your doctor to make sure CBD cigs are safe for you.
The long-term effects of smoke inhalation on the lungs is still undergoing studies. Some studies suggest smoking CBD cigs can still lead to increased risks for respiratory complications, while others say otherwise.
If you are concerned about the risk of CBD inhalation, consumable CBD options like teas and gummies are also an option!
You should also make sure your CBD products are third-party tested and are transparent with their test results. Third-party testing ensures that everything on the label is accurate and that there is nothing contaminating the product, such as heavy metals or pesticides.
What Are the Benefits of CBD Cigarettes?
When you smoke CBD cigs, the cannabinoids are inhaled directly into the lungs and quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, providing almost immediate effects.
Tension Relief
CBD can help relieve tension by working within the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a messaging system in our bodies that uses naturally produced endocannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors to help regulate discomfort, mood, stress, and other essential functions.
When the body is experiencing high levels of stress hormones, the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) is produced. It can bind with cannabinoid receptors in the brain to help reduce the production of the stress-producing hormone cortisol, promoting a sense of calm throughout the body.
By prolonging the blissful effects of AEA, CBD can provide further support in tension relief.
Discomfort Relief
With naturally soothing properties, CBD can help ease discomfort by partnering with endocannabinoids right at the root of the discomfort. When cannabinoids bind with cannabinoid receptors in sore muscles or swollen joints, the cannabinoid receptors become activated and can trigger biological functions that provide temporary relief.
And since CBD can block enzymes from breaking down endocannabinoids as quickly, that relief can last even longer.
Mood Support
The ECS helps regulate mood, meaning that CBD can help boost your mood. By working with feel-good neurotransmitters in the brain, such as anandamide, serotonin, and dopamine, CBD can help promote feelings of bliss and pleasure.
How Do I Know If CBD Cigarettes Are Right for Me?
CBD cigarettes may be right for you if you are looking for fast-acting relief from a full-spectrum product and trying to quit tobacco cigarettes.
The Bottom Line
CBD cigarettes and smoking blends can help provide you with the soothing benefits of CBD, and can be especially helpful for breaking away from smoking traditional tobacco cigs.
Check out all of the smoking blends available at our shop, along with a wide range of other CBD products!
Sources:
Cannabis and tobacco smoke are not equally carcinogenic | Harm Reduction Journal
Jesse Richardson is the co-founder of The Brothers Apothecary. He's an avid tea drinker and the primary creator behind The Brothers' products. An undergraduate of UCLA for Political Science, Jesse currently studies Medicinal Plants at Cornell University and The International School of Herbal Arts & Sciences.
