Is CBD Vaping Addictive?
There are so many different ways to take CBD, including edibles, gummies, oils, tinctures, topical creams, and vaping. Vaping CBD is a quick way to take cannabidiol since it enters the bloodstream almost instantly after inhaling. With many people choosing CBD vaping because of its high bioavailability and the speed with which it acts, some are wondering if it may be addictive. Thankfully, the answer is a clear no.
CBD vaping is not addictive because CBD itself is not addictive. Unlike its THC sibling, CBD doesn’t cause an addiction and is generally well-tolerated by the human body. Also, CBD doesn’t produce the ‘high’ commonly associated with marijuana. However, some people may get hooked on the actual habit of vaping.
CBD impact on the brain
Cannabidiol (CBD), is non-psychoactive and interacts with the brain in many different ways without causing the “high” associated with its more famous counterpart, THC. But how exactly does it work on the brain? And how is this different from addiction?
This is the subject of many studies and the answer is still unclear. What we do know is that CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a system that produces endocannabinoids—cannabinoids manufactured by the body itself. These affect a network of receptors that regulate pain, mood, sleep, and immune responses.
CBD doesn’t directly bind to cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) like THC does. Instead, it modulates their activity. For example, rather than forcing the ECS to produce more endocannabinoids, CBD increases their levels in the body by stopping the enzyme that breaks them down, which leads to a more sustained activation of the ECS.
Unlike addictive substances that flood the brain with dopamine, CBD’s impact on the brain is therefore more modulatory. It helps balance various processes rather than overstimulate the reward pathways.
Some research suggests that CBD may even have anti-addictive properties, reducing cravings and anxiety in people with substance use disorders.
CBD and brain receptors
Besides interacting with the ECS, CBD also interacts with other receptors in the brain, such as serotonin receptors (specifically 5-HT1A). CBD activates these receptors to deliver anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) and antidepressant effects. This is why CBD is often taken by people wishing to manage their stress and anxiety.
CBD also influences GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) activity. GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain and helps calm neuronal activity. CBD’s interaction with GABA receptors is another reason behind its possible calming effects.
Finally, CBD interacts with TRPV1 receptors, which are involved in the regulation of pain and inflammation. As CBD binds to these receptors, it may help reduce pain perception and inflammation, which explains its pain management potential.
Understanding addiction
Addiction is a complex condition characterized by compulsive drug-seeking behaviour, loss of control over use, and continued use despite harmful consequences.
It involves substances that affect the brain’s reward system; particularly by increasing the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reinforcement. Traditional addictive substances like nicotine, alcohol, and opioids hijack this system and create physical and psychological dependence.
CBD and dopamine
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that’s responsible for emotions and behaviour. It’s often called the reward molecule because it makes us feel good.
Many drugs and even common habits like smoking nicotine or drinking alcohol cause a spike in dopamine that overtakes the brain and delivers a fleeting feeling of bliss and reward. When the brain gets hooked on that feeling, it requires more of these substances to sustain the feel-good emotion.
THC, nicotine, opioids, and alcohol interact with dopamine receptors. CBD, however, does not appear to have the same impact on dopamine levels or the brain’s reward circuits. Instead, the ECS regulates dopamine production and CBD may help maintain a balance in dopamine levels. This balancing feature may help with conditions like addiction and certain mental health disorders.
It’s no surprise, therefore, that CBD may help fight addiction and reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms in people with substance use disorders according to research. This is possibly done by normalizing dopamine function and reducing the impact of stress on the reward system.
Vaping as a habit
Vaping like smoking
So, CBD vaping is not addictive because CBD is not an addictive substance. However, vaping as a habit can potentially be addictive — not because of the CBD itself but due to the act of vaping. The delivery method of CBD, in this case vaping, adds another dimension to the discussion.
The repetitive hand-to-mouth action and the inhalation of vapor can become a compulsive behaviour, especially if someone is replacing another habit, like smoking nicotine. For individuals transitioning from smoking nicotine to vaping CBD, there may be a risk of transferring one habit to another, albeit with a substance that is typically far less harmful and not inherently addictive.
CBD vaping as a pattern
How does CBD enter the bloodstream through vaping? When you vape, you inhale CBD, which enters the lung capillaries while bypassing the digestive system. The lung capillaries propel the CBD to the bloodstream quite quickly. It is estimated that from the moment you inhale, it only takes less than 30 minutes for CBD to enter the bloodstream. Compare this with CBD edibles, which can take more than 2 hours, and you’ll understand why people enjoy vaping.
This rapid onset of beneficial effects may lead some people to repeatedly vape CBD to maintain the effects. This pattern, while not addiction in the classical sense, could lead to psychological dependence where the user feels compelled to vape regularly.
The purity of the CBD vape
Like anything related to CBD, consumers need to do their research.
Some CBD vape products may contain trace amounts of THC or even nicotine, depending on the manufacturer, which could increase the potential for dependency or addiction. It rests upon the consumer to check the manufacturer and verify that the CBD vape has been tested and is clearly labelling its product. The Certificate of Analysis (CoA) shows the precise content of the CBD product, including traces of THC and other compounds.
If you opt for full-spectrum CBD, it can legally contain up to 0.2% of THC per dry weight. Choose dependable and professional CBD vape manufacturers who test their vapes for product purity and content. Prefer those who only use quality hemp and gently process their products to eliminate any excess THC or contaminants.
Considerations about CBD vaping
CBD vaping doesn’t cause addiction but some CBD vapes include nicotine, THC, and other harmful ingredients that may cause lung damage. Also, vitamins, the carrier oil used, and other added components can irritate the lungs. In addition, vaping is inherently damaging to the lungs and may cause high blood pressure.
Some people try CBD vaping because it delivers almost immediate effects. If you need to vape for pain management or temporary inflammation, perhaps it’s best to do so for a limited time and gradually switch to CBD edibles and other forms of consumption.
CBD vaping is not addictive but…
CBD vapes act very quickly because they reach the bloodstream shortly after vaping. As a result, people experience the potential benefits soon after vaping. This is a major benefit of CBD vapes and a main reason why many people prefer vaping.
Is vaping CBD addictive, though? Well… yes and no. CBD itself is a non-addictive compound and is well-tolerated by the body. Its use is not associated with the same risks of dependency as substances like nicotine or opioids.
However, the act of vaping as well as other components that can be found in CBD vapes may harm the health and flexibility of your lungs. The risk of addiction is more associated with the behaviour of vaping rather than the CBD compound.
If you are concerned about dependency, consider the type of CBD product you choose and the method of consumption. If you feel that vaping matches your health expectations, perhaps you could set a timeframe whereby you vape CBD and then move on to other methods of consumption like CBD oils, tinctures, capsules, edibles, pills, and even topical creams.
When it comes to vaping, balance the benefits and risks and talk with a GP or other health provider about what method of consumption can best match your lifestyle and keep you healthy.
Also, be aware of the contents of the CBD vape you have chosen. Make sure it’s from a reputable and trusted manufacturer that runs regular third-party lab tests on all their products. Whenever possible, opt for organic CBD because it doesn’t contain heavy metals and other unwanted and harmful compounds that you certainly don’t want to inhale.
Pick the purest CBD for you by checking out our latest reviews for the best UK CBD oil brands and the best UK CBD stores.
Nicholas Rossis, PhD is a specialized, NSF-trained writer who has written hundreds of posts on CBD and nutritional supplements. His work combines critical acclaim with the analysis of the latest news, studies, research, and legal developments in the world of CBD, providing readers with valuable data and insights.
