As the world moves away from all things tobacco/nicotine/smoking and towards a brighter, healthier future, it is anything but shocking that CBD vapes have quickly become one of the most popular go-to alternatives.
CBD offers up such a wide range of wellness benefits, and with CBD vapes being such a discreet, easy-to-carry, and let’s just say it – satisfying way to get your fill of CBD, the CBD vaporiser scene is set to continue the close-to-exponential growth we have seen in the past 4 or so years.
But with increased popularity comes new customers with plenty of questions, like:
- “Are CBD vapes safe?”
- “Are CBD vapes legal in the UK?”
- “Can you travel with a CBD vape in the UK and abroad?”
- Even “How do I choose the best CBD vape for my needs?”
We’ve got the answers right here, so have a browse and feel free to reach out with any other questions you may have.
What are CBD vapes, and how do they work?
CBD vapes are handheld vaporising devices that contain cannabidiol (CBD) oil. The heating unit inside the CBD vape heats the CBD oil to the point where the oil converts into a vapour, which is then inhaled.
Can all CBD oil be vaped?
No. Vaping CBD oil is only possible with specific types of CBD oil that are designed for vaping. Do not try to vape regular CBD oil, as it may contain ingredients that are not safe to inhale. Always check the label and make sure it specifically says “CBD vape oil” or “CBD vape juice.”
Are CBD vapes legal in the UK in 2025?
Yes, CBD products became fully legal in the UK in 2016. All CBD products, vapes included, must contain less than 0.2% THC (or 1 mg per container/cartridge/disposable vape) and be sourced from hemp, not cannabis.
Are CBD vapes safe to use regularly?
Vaping CBD is safer than smoking tobacco, but there is still not enough clinical data to show the actual safety risks of long-term use. That said, it is considered safe to use CBD vapes regularly as long as you follow the instructions and do not overconsume.
What are the benefits of vaping CBD compared to other methods?
Using a CBD vape allows for the fastest absorption of CBD into the body. When inhaled, the CBD enters the bloodstream instantly through the lungs, bypassing the digestive system. This ensures that the effects are felt in the shortest possible time and allows for much higher bioavailability compared to other methods, such as eating a CBD edible or applying a CBD balm to the skin.
What types of CBD vapes can you buy?
CBD vapes are available for purchase in the UK in two main forms:
- Disposable CBD vape pens – (the more common and more affordable option)
- Refillable CBD vape cartridges – (can be refilled with CBD oil and reused)
You will find that there is a very wide range (in both categories) of options in terms of CBD potency, flavour, and price.
How do I use a CBD vape pen properly?
That depends on the specific vape pen to a very slight degree. Some CBD vapes can be turned on and off with a button, while others are activated simply by inhaling. In general, though, using a CBD vape is an easy way to add CBD into your daily routine. Simply charge the battery, fill up the cartridge (if using a refillable pen), turn it on (if it has a power button) and inhale. Some CBD vapes will require the user to hold the button down while inhaling, while others will automatically start heating the oil as soon as the user inhales.
Check the instructions provided with your specific vape pen to ensure you are using it correctly.
What’s the difference between full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate CBD vapes?
- Full-spectrum CBD products are made with an extract that contains the entire range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds found in the source hemp plant. This may include a small amount of THC (less than 0.2%), but not enough to produce psychoactive effects.
- Broad spectrum CBD is similar to full spectrum – the major difference is that the THC has been completely removed during extraction.
- Isolate CBD is pure CBD, with all other cannabinoids and terpenes removed.
Which option is best?
Unless you are worried about the minuscule THC levels that may be present in full-spectrum CBD vapes, we definitely recommend choosing a full-spectrum option. They offer the full range of therapeutic compounds that the source hemp plant produces and may trigger what is referred to as the ‘entourage effect’ – where the compounds produce a more significant and rounded range of wellness effects when taken together.
How much CBD should I vape per session?
Beginners should start with a lower dosage CBD vape and then work towards higher dosages over a week to a month. A good starting point is a 50mg cartridge, which contains around 2 mg of CBD per puff. A normal novice dose of CBD is between 10 and 25 mg.
How fast do CBD vapes start working compared to oils or edibles?
Much faster. When eaten (or swallowed with a drink), the CBD passes through the digestive system before being absorbed into the bloodstream through the liver. The effects will take 30 to 90 minutes to be felt.
The only caveat to this is CBD oil which is taken sublingually (or under the tongue). To take CBD oil sublingually, you hold it under your tongue for 60 – 90 seconds before swallowing. This allows the CBD to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream, but the effects will still take a few more minutes compared to vaping.
How long do the effects of vaping CBD last?
The effects of vaporised and inhaled CBD will last between 2 and 3 hours.
Can vaping CBD get you high?
No, CBD is totally non-intoxicating. All CBD vapes in the UK must legally contain less than 0.2% THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis that produces a high.
Will a CBD vape make you fail a drug test?
While it is very unlikely that vaping a regulated CBD vape will cause you to fail a drug test here in the UK (due to the strict 0.2% THC maximum in all CBD products), it is a possibility.
If you are concerned about the potential to fail a drug test due to taking any CBD products, vapes included, look for an option that uses a pure CBD isolate extract. These products should always contain zero THC, the cannabinoid that drug tests look for to identify cannabis use.
Can you travel with a CBD vape in the UK and abroad?
That depends on where you are planning to travel to. Here in the UK, CBD products that contain less than 0.2% THC are totally legal and can be carried with you wherever you go. If you are travelling abroad, it is extremely important to do your research on your destination countries and make sure that CBD products are legal. There are still many destinations where CBD is classed as a controlled, even fully illegal, substance.
Are there any side effects of vaping CBD?
While vaping comes with far fewer side effects than smoking, CBD can still have some potential side effects. These include dry mouth, drowsiness, and the potential for gastro-intestinal distress.
Is it safe to use CBD vapes if you take other medications?
Always speak with your doctor/clinical team before adding any health/wellness supplements to your treatment regime, especially if you are regularly taking prescription medication.
Are CBD vapes a good choice for beginners?
That depends on your preferences and lifestyle. Some people prefer the ease, rapid onset of effects, and discretion that a CBD vape offers, while others like to take their CBD in oil/edible/other forms. If you are new to CBD, it’s worth trying a few different options to see what works best for you!
How do I choose the best CBD vape for my needs?
Research is your best friend here, and don’t just take the manufacturer’s claims as gospel.
Read as many reviews as you can get your hands on, and always look for brands that offer COAs (certificates of analysis) for their products. COAs will show you the exact cannabinoid profiles of a CBD vape product, as well as whether it is free from contaminants like heavy metals and pesticides.
And, as always, CBDratings.co.uk is your best spot for real, verified customer reviews for all things CBD. Why not join the growing community and head to the CBD reviews pages – let the community help you make an informed decision on which CBD vape to choose, and if you have any of your own experiences with CBD vapes, why not leave your own review to help others in the community?
