CBD Inhaler: Is It Actually Safe?

You may be familiar with CBD oils and edibles, but have you heard of CBD inhalers?

These pocket-sized travel companions are getting more attention lately and come with a whole lot of benefits. So, what exactly are CBD inhalers, how do they work, and are there any risks? Read on to find out!

What Is a CBD Inhaler?

A CBD inhaler is, quite simply, an inhaler with CBD inside. These small devices have a mouthpiece and pump that releases water-soluble hemp oil directly to the lungs when inhaled.  

Each pump of a CBD inhaler releases a pre-measured dose of CBD directly to the lungs. By bypassing the digestive tract, this method allows for fast-acting relief in the lungs. Typically, the CBD oil enters the body as an aerosol spray, similar to how medications are released in other forms of inhalers. 

How Do CBD Inhalers Work?

To use a CBD inhaler, you simply shake the inhaler a few times, put your lips on the mouthpiece and press down on the pump. Breathe in for five seconds to inhale the CBD oil, hold for about ten seconds, and then breathe out. 

You should wait for a minute before reusing the inhaler, and make sure to follow the instructions specific to your inhaler!

Are CBD Inhalers and CBD Vapes the Same Thing?

While CBD inhalers and CBD vapes have a few similarities, their contents and risks are quite different.

Both insulators and vapes rely on inhalation as the method of intake. For this reason, the CBD content from both can be quickly absorbed into the body, allowing effects to kick in within just a few minutes. 

However, inhalers and vapes use vastly different methods to get the CBD to reach the lungs. 

Vapes require heat to activate the CBD before it enters the body. Vapes contain a form of CBD oil, along with thinning agents that are used to change the consistency of the CBD oil into a form that is more easily inhaled.

There are numerous risks associated with the thinning agents in CBD vape oils. 

These thinning agents often consist of chemicals such as propylene glycol and polyethylene glycol that can become carcinogenic when broken down at high temperatures. And inhaling even small amounts of propylene glycol may cause an allergic reaction, induce asthma, or cause other respiratory issues. 

Even ingredients that are safe when consumed, such as Vitamin E, appear to cause irritation and damage when inhaled deep into the lungs through vaping. 

CBD inhalers, on the other hand, don’t use thinning agents or potentially toxic chemicals. Because the hemp oil is introduced to the body through a water-soluble aerosol spray, no burning or thinning is required. 

For this reason, CBD inhalers are considered gentler on the lungs than many other inhalation-based methods of CBD intake. 

Do CBD Inhalers Cause a High?

CBD is a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid, so CBD inhalers won’t cause a high. Even full-spectrum CBD products that contain the psychoactive cannabinoid THC, cannot lead to an altered mental state. CBD products cannot legally contain more than 0.3% THC content, which is not enough to produce a high.

What Do CBD Inhalers Feel Like?

CBD inhalers can feel soothing as the gentle mist enters the lungs and provides relief. Once the water-soluble spray is inhaled, it can be quickly absorbed through the lungs and into the bloodstream to provide calming relief within just a few minutes. 

How Do CBD Inhalers Affect Your Lungs?

Like traditional inhalers, studies suggest that CBD inhalers can help relax muscles in the lungs and open up the airways, thanks to the anti-swelling properties found in CBD. 

CBD inhalers are currently undergoing studies to see if they can provide support for users experiencing asthma. While early results in animal studies are promising, more research is needed, and CBD inhalers should not be used in place of a medical inhaler. 

Are CBD Inhalers Safe Long-Term?

There is currently no evidence of long-term risks associated with CBD inhalers, but more research in this area is needed.

What Are the Benefits of CBD Inhalers?

Relaxation

CBD inhalers can help relax the lungs and the rest of the body. Once CBD is absorbed into the bloodstream, it can partner with internally produced endocannabinoids like anandamide and neurotransmitters such as serotonin to help regulate the mood and provide a sense of calm throughout. 

Relief from Tension

CBD doesn’t just calm the mind, but the body as well. If you hold tension in your body, CBD’s ability to work endocannabinoids in response to high levels of the stress hormone cortisol can provide much-needed relief. 

Relief from Discomfort

CBD can help soothe sore muscles and reduce swelling associated with physical discomfort with naturally soothing properties. 

What Risks Are Associated With CBD Inhalers?

There are very few risks associated with CBD products and even less with CBD inhalers. 

Because water-soluble CBD inhalers don’t require fatty oils to help with bioavailability, there is less risk of any gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea associated with high doses of carrier oils. 

The potential lung damage associated with smoking or vaping isn’t a concern with CBD inhalers.  

Possible Side Effects

While research is promising on CBD inhalers and their ability to support the lungs, they are not meant to replace medical inhalers. 

Side effects of CBD are rare and minor, often resolving on their own. These potential side effects include dry mouth, lethargy, tiredness, nausea, and headaches. 

Side effects often only occur when used in high doses, so they shouldn’t be a concern with the pre-measured doses in CBD inhalers if you don’t exceed the recommended doses. 

How Often Should a CBD Inhaler Be Used?

CBD inhalers are safe to use daily, but check in with a medical professional about any concerns.

The Bottom Line

With all of the benefits CBD has to offer, we expect to see CBD inhalers rising in popularity as a gentler alternative to vaping. In the meantime, you can still safely enjoy the benefits of CBD with the CBD oils, gummies, smoking blends, or teas found in The Brothers Apothecary shop!

 

Sources:

Sources of Propylene Glycol and Glycol Ethers in Air at Home | International Journal of Environmental and Public Health

Vitamin E Acetate as a Plausible Cause of Acute Vaping-related Illness | Cureus

Cannabidiol reduces airway inflammation and fibrosis in experimental allergic asthma | European Journal of Pharmacology

Neurobiological Interactions Between Stress and the Endocannabinoid System | Neuropsychopharmacology 

Cannabinoids as novel anti-inflammatory drugs | Future Med Chem