Do you know what you’re buying when you pick up a CBD vape? Avoiding poor quality or illegal CBD and CBD vapes is important, find out the red flags to watch.
Avoid Fake Vapes: Your Guide to Safe CBD Vaping
Don’t let poor quality or illicit vapes ruin your day.
Cannabidiol, commonly referred to as CBD, is one of the many compounds found in the cannabis plant. Unlike its more famous cousin, THC, CBD won't make you "high". Instead, CBD has been lauded for its potential benefits, and while research is still ongoing, anecdotal evidence suggests it can aid in pain management, anxiety reduction, and promoting sleep to name a few.
Vaping CBD has grown in popularity due to its perceived efficiency and convenience. A CBD vape pen or a CBD disposable vape offers a quick and easy way to consume CBD, with users reporting faster effects compared to other methods of consumption. This immediacy can be essential for those using CBD looking for fast-acting benefits. Additionally, the discrete and portable nature of vapes has contributed to their rising popularity. However, it's crucial to be aware of what you're buying - not all vapes are created equal. Read on for our guide to spotting fake vapes and ensuring your CBD vaping experience is both safe and effective.
What is a CBD vape?
A CBD vape operates by heating a special type of CBD oil known as CBD vape juice or CBD E-Liquid. This heat turns the oil into a vapour, which is then inhaled, allowing the CBD to be quickly absorbed into the bloodstream via the lungs.
This process distinguishes CBD vapes from standard CBD oils. Traditional CBD oils, also known as tinctures, are designed for sublingual use - you drop them under your tongue and wait for the mucous membranes to absorb the CBD.
It's worth noting that standard CBD oil should not be used in a vape pen. CBD vape juice is made with special ingredients such as propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin and CBD extract, to allow it to be vaporized and inhaled, whereas standard CBD oil is not. Many of the carrier oils, like MCT oil used in CBD drops, are not suitable for vaping. Always make sure you're using the correct form of CBD for your selected method of consumption.
The Key Details of a Great CBD Vape
Choosing a high-quality CBD vape pen or disposable vape can seem daunting, especially with the myriad of options available on the market. Here are some key details to look for, ensuring that you're investing in a product that's both safe and effective:
1. Clear Strength Information: A trustworthy CBD vape product will always have clear information regarding its CBD content strength. The product packaging should specify the concentration of CBD in milligrams. This allows you to adjust your dosage, ensuring you get the desired impact.
2. Good Reviews: Customer reviews give a glimpse into other users' experiences and can be a reliable indicator of a product's quality. Look for consistent positive feedback about the product's effectiveness and quality.
3. Trusted Retailer: Purchase your CBD vape from reputable, trusted retailers. These sellers often provide detailed product descriptions and maintain high quality standards. Additionally, trustworthy vendors are more likely to have a responsive customer service team to assist with your queries and concerns.
4. Certificates of Analysis: A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is a document from an accredited laboratory that shows the quantities of various cannabinoids in a product. This certificate is crucial for verifying that the CBD vape contains the amount of CBD advertised and does not contain harmful contaminants.
By prioritizing these key details when purchasing a CBD vape, you ensure that you're not only getting a product that's potent, but also safe, legal, and beneficial for your wellness journey.
Warning Signs to Look Out For
Despite the increasing regulation within the CBD industry, a market for fake or subpar vapes still exists. It's crucial to be aware of the red flags to ensure that your CBD vaping experience is not only effective but also safe. Here are some warning signs to look for:
1. Lack of Serial or Batch Numbers: Authentic CBD products will always have a serial or batch number. This information allows the manufacturer to trace any problems back to its original production run. If a product lacks these numbers, treat it with caution.
2. No Certification for THC Compliance: Legal CBD products should contain less than 0.2% THC. This ensures the user won't experience the 'high' associated with cannabis. Always check for a certification proving that the product complies with this regulation. If the manufacturer can't provide this certification, it's best to avoid purchasing their products.
3. Poor Packaging: High-quality CBD vape manufacturers value their packaging. If the packaging looks cheap, has spelling mistakes or lacks key product information, such as the ingredients list, manufacturer's information or the CBD concentration, it's a strong sign that the product may not be genuine.
4. Absence of an Ingredients List: A reputable CBD vape brand will always provide a full list of ingredients. This transparency allows you, the consumer, to know exactly what you're inhaling. If you can't find an ingredient list, or it includes substances you're not familiar with, consider this a warning flag.
5. Missing Lab Results: A Certificate of Analysis (COA) from an accredited laboratory is a key indicator of a product's legitimacy. The COA confirms the amount of CBD, the THC content and the absence of harmful contaminants. Avoid brands that do not make these lab results readily available or fail to provide them upon request.
Knowing these warning signs can help you make an informed decision about your CBD vape purchase, ensuring that your vape is beneficial, safe, and legal. Prioritising your health and wellbeing is always worth the extra diligence.
