You may have been hearing about cannabidiol, or CBD, in the health and wellness news lately. While typically administered through a tincture sublingually, vaping CBD-infused juice is becoming more common in the vaping and smoking community. The non-psychoactive compounds’ therapeutic properties have led to its widespread popularity. Its potential benefits include chronic pain management, anti-inflammatory, anti-seizure and anti-anxiety. CBD works by attaching to receptors found in the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).

Cannabidiol (or full-spectrum hemp) derives from the hemp plant (a subspecies of the cannabis sativa plant) and is extracted through the buds, stalks and leaves. It is one of the 80 plus active ingredients found in this plant. Unlike its psychoactive counterpart THC, CBD does not produce any mind-altering effects. In other words, it will not leave you feeling high. When consumed, the cannabinoids found in the substance promote the production of the body’s own natural cannabinoids (or endocannabinoids), which can lead to therapeutic benefits. These endocannabinoids interact with receptors in the body, most of which are in the brain.

There are two receptors in the ECS known as CB1 and CB2, which are responsible for receiving cannabinoids. The CB1 receptor deals with pain, mood, emotions, coordination, and other functions, while CB2 mostly deals with inflammation and pain. Unlike THC, CBD does not directly attach to these receptors like once thought. Instead, the body’s’ endocannabinoids are the ones that attach to both CB1 and CB2.

When you vape CBD-infused juice, the CBD increases the production of your endocannabinoids leading to changes in the brain. Here are four ways CBD affects your brain when you vape:

Improves Overall Mood

Studies done at the University of San Paulo in Brazil looked into how CBD interacts with neurotransmitters in the brain. According to their research, at high concentrations, CBD directly activates the 5-HT1A (hydroxytryptamine) serotonin receptor. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that can influence anxiety levels, which is why CBD is linked to anti-anxiety properties. The serotonin neurotransmitter can also affect addiction, appetite, sleep and pain perception. Low levels of serotonin are commonly found in those with depression, which are commonly treated with antidepressants and prescription medicine. Using CBD may be a potential treatment for anxiety and depression in the future.

A study by the Brazilian Journal of Medical Health and Biological Research suggests that CBD may lower cortisol levels. Cortisol or “the stress hormone” can have negative effects on the body.

Vaping CBD oil can also stimulate activity in the hippocampus (part of the brain that regulates emotion) by increasing the amount of calcium in the mitochondria. Although not all evidence is conclusive, studies have shown promising results for CBD’s ability to boost mood.

Anti-Seizure

According to a study published in 2017, CBD oil has been shown to be effective at reducing the frequency of convulsions for those with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. The reduction in frequency can be attributed to the way CBD oil works within the endocannabinoid system. Properties in CBD are thought to target different neurons in the brain and alter their activity to reconnect pathways. Another study involved administering CBD oil to 214 people who have severe forms of epilepsy. Their seizures were reduced by a median of 36.5 percent.

While this branch of CBD research is relatively new, studies suggest that the compound may be a potential treatment for convulsions or seizures. Depending on the concentration and potency, vaping CBD may be effective for those prone to convulsions; however, it’s important to speak with a doctor if you are taking existing medications, since CBD can interfere with certain medicines.

Neuroprotection

Cannabidiol has been linked to treating neurodegenerative disease like Parkinson’s disease (PD) and multiple sclerosis (MS). While there isn’t evidence at curing these diseases with CBD oil, there may be evidence showing how it slows these conditions. Studies have shown that CBD is a powerful antioxidant. An antioxidant is a substance that inhibits oxidation, a chemical reaction that produces free radicals. These free radicals can damage cells and eventually lead to certain diseases and illnesses. By working as an antioxidant, CBD may slow the progression of damaging cells related to neurodegenerative diseases.

As a neuroprotectant, CBD may protect against damage to the nervous system and the brain. It has also been shown to protect against long-term damage caused by inflammation. Those who vape or ingest CBD will receive the benefits of a powerful antioxidant to inhibit free radicals. 

Pain Management

Cannabis has been used to treat pain as far back as 2900 B.C. CBD is thought to help manage pain by impacting the endocannabinoid receptor activity. These receptors receive chemical signals from different stimuli to help your cells respond. CBD works with the receptors to control inflammation response and is currently being researched as a potential treatment for chronic pain and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

If you are someone who deals with chronic pain, you may benefit from taking CBD oil. When you vape CBD-infused juice, the CBD enters your lungs and almost immediately enters your bloodstream. Athletes are incorporating CBD into their fitness regimen to help with stains or sore muscles, while minimizing their post-recovery process. A rigorous workout can cause microscopic tears in the muscles, and athletes are taking it to recover quicker and promote muscle regeneration. Depending on the dosage, vaping CBD is good option if you are looking for something that may quickly relieve chronic pain or inflammation.

The Bottom Line

While clinical trials are still being tested to see exactly how vaping or ingesting CBD affects the brain, it’s therapeutic benefits that have been evaluated are promising. The non-psychoactive compound has shown to be effective when dealing with pain, anxiety, and some neurodegenerative diseases, while acting as an antioxidant to protect cells from oxidation. If you are considering purchasing a CBD vape oil, ensure you are purchasing your product from a reliable and reputable vendor. Since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate the CBD industry as of now, there have been instances of deceptions on packaging and labeling. Read reviews and do your own research before purchasing your vape oil.

 

Due to FDA Regulations, we recommend that you do your own research on CBD products. We also suggest that you read the reviews on our website, where our customers record their real-world results of using our products.