The Effects Of Smoking CBD

CBD is usually consumed through vaping, oils, tinctures, edibles, or capsules, however recently new articles and testimonials claim that the most efficient way to consume CBD is by smoking. It is interesting to note that many adults choose CBD over tobacco to decrease the amount of cigarettes smoked or to wean off of smoking all together. However, because consuming CBD as a pre-roll is in the form of smoke, the smoke itself could serious side effects that could lead to respiratory issues. It is important that consumers conduct proper research on the CBD brands that they consume and that consumer take into consideration what is best for their body and lifestyle.

Inhaling CBD brings it to your lungs, where it is more rapidly absorbed in the bloodstream, releasing the effects throughout your body more efficiently and quickly. According to an article by Weedemaps, CBD reaches peak concentrations in plasma within 3 minutes of consumption. “Smoking has been shown to increase bioavailability, which is the proportion of a drug when it enters the body's circulatory system.” The article further cites a 2007 study that states CBD can be detected up to 72 hours after smoking, while a 2005 study “found that CBD was only detectable in the blood for up to 6 hours after ingestion.”

On the other hand, when CBD is consumed via ingestion, “CBD is first sent through the digestive tract and metabolized in the liver, where it is broken down before finally being sent into the bloodstream. This process, known as the ‘first-pass effect,’ takes place when cytochrome P450 (CYP450) oxidases enzymes in the liver, reducing CBD concentration and sending the remainder to the bloodstream and eventually throughout the body,” according to the article. If you prefer to go the oil route, “CBD is tenfold higher than THC when topically applied to the skin, peaking after 90 minutes.”

Depending on the use, how it is delivered, and how high the concentration of CBD- effects can vary. CBD can “provide a sense of calm, relaxation, and well-being...make some people feel sleepy, relaxed, generally at easy, happy, or even energetic.” Research and trials have also proved that smoking CBD can help relieve physical pain or swelling as well. Weedmaps expands on the different uses for CBD, stating that: “The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not stepped in to regulate CBD products, but the FDA approved the prescription use of Epidiolex in 2018, a purified form of CBD oil for treating epilepsy.” Overconsumption, though, “can cause nausea, fatigue, and irritability.”