The relationship between humans and the cannabis plant dates back thousands of years. Before it had a complicated legal status, cannabis was one of the earliest cultivated plants, used for food, textiles, medicine, and rituals.
Today, there are many legal ways to enjoy the benefits of cannabis, including smoking CBD. CBD (cannabidiol) is a compound in cannabis that does not cause intoxication but has many potential wellness benefits.
Smoking allows CBD to enter your bloodstream quickly, so you feel the effects faster than other methods. Read on to learn 7 science-backed benefits of smoking CBD.
Contents
benefits of smoking CBD
1. Affordable and Accessible
As cannabis products grow in popularity, prices remain prohibitive for many users who have to choose between affordability and quality.
High manufacturing costs contribute to the high prices of products like CBD vape juices and tinctures. However, CBD flower sold by dry weight is more affordable, especially when buying in bulk.
This makes smoking one of the cheapest ways to enjoy the benefits of CBD.
2. Promotes Healthy Sleep
Having consistent, high-quality sleep is crucial for both physical and mental health. If you regularly struggle with insomnia, smoking CBD may help.
Research shows CBD can reduce sleep difficulties and improve overall sleep quality. Its relaxing properties can lower stress levels that often disrupt sleep. Smoking CBD allows you to feel these relaxing effects quickly.
Within 15-30 minutes of smoking CBD, you may feel less stressed and ready for a good night’s rest.
3. Detoxifies the Body
Smoking CBD may support the body’s natural detoxification process by promoting gut health. CBD flower contains fiber that facilitates waste elimination as it moves through your digestive tract.
This digestive support can relieve issues like constipation while removing toxins. A healthier gut means a healthier you.
4. Rapid Stress Relief
Smoking allows CBD to reach the bloodstream faster than other methods, so you feel its stress-relieving effects quickly. CBD can elevate mood while calming the mind by interacting with serotonin and GABA receptors in the brain.
Within 5-10 minutes of lighting up a CBD pre-roll, you may feel more relaxed and clear-headed. This makes smoking an excellent option for fast anxiety relief.
5. Higher Bioavailability
Bioavailability refers to how much of a compound your body can use after taking it. Smoking CBD allows your lungs to absorb up to 56% of the CBD you inhale.
Compare this to a 20% bioavailability for CBD oils that pass through your digestive system. More CBD enters your bloodstream when smoked, so you need a lower dose to get the desired benefits.
6. Access CBD’s Healing Potential
Research shows CBD has therapeutic potential for various health conditions, including chronic pain, inflammation, migraines, PTSD, and epilepsy. Smoking high-CBD flower allows you to harness these healing properties efficiently.
Since smoking kickstarts CBD’s effects rapidly, it makes sense to use this method if you’re seeking fast symptomatic relief.
7. Supports Healthy Inflammatory Response
Chronic inflammation contributes to joint pain, arthritis, gut issues, and autoimmune problems. The endocannabinoid system regulates inflammation, and CBD can bring it into balance.
Studies confirm CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties in animals. By interacting with endocannabinoid receptors throughout the body, CBD may calm overactive immune responses.
Smoking high-CBD cannabis allows you to rapidly absorb cannabinoids that may alleviate swelling and discomfort related to inflammation. Just a few puffs can provide soothing relief while supporting the body’s natural healing capabilities.
Is Smoking CBD Safe?
All smoke exposes the lungs to potential irritants. However, studies show far fewer risks associated with smoking CBD versus tobacco.
There is no evidence linking smoking CBD to cancer or other severe health outcomes. Still, those with respiratory conditions should use caution when inhaling any kind of smoke.
Here are some tips for mitigating risks if you choose to smoke CBD:
- Use a vaporizer – Heating CBD flower to below combustion temperature creates vapor with less toxic compounds.
- Choose high-quality products – Ensure your CBD flower is grown without pesticides or additives. Check lab reports for purity assurance.
- Start low and slow – Begin with 1-2 puffs to assess your tolerance, then increase slowly if needed. This prevents overconsumption.
- Talk to your doctor – Discuss potential drug interactions to ensure smoking CBD flower is safe with your medications.
While not completely harmless, smoking CBD from regulated hemp flowers may offer therapeutic advantages with relatively low health risks for most consumers.
Smoking CBD vs. THC: Key Differences
It’s easy to confuse CBD and THC since they come from the same cannabis plants. But there are some important ways these cannabinoids differ:
CBD | THC | |
---|---|---|
Intoxicating | Non-intoxicating | Causes a “high” feeling |
Legality | Legal in the US | Federally illegal, legal in some states |
Pain relief | Relieves pain | Relieves pain |
Side effects | Little to no side effects | Can induce anxiety, rapid heartbeat |
Drug testing | Unlikely to show on a drug test | Will show on a standard drug test |
A major reason people smoke CBD flower is to gain plant medicine benefits without getting high like THC. CBD can also minimize side effects of THC like paranoia.
So if you want cannabis’ advantages without the high, choose low-THC, high-CBD flower. This maximizes advantages while lowering risks.
Conclusion: Leveraging the Benefits of Smoking CBD
With cannabinoids reaching your bloodstream quickly, smoking allows you to feel CBD’s versatile wellness benefits efficiently. From anxiety relief to better sleep, CBD can improve quality of life naturally.
Choosing reputable products and using proper dosage gives you the best chance to benefit from smoking CBD flower. Combining this method with other consumption options like tinctures and edibles enables customized cannabinoid therapies.
Now that you know the science-backed benefits of smoking CBD, the choice is yours to weigh the pros and cons for your lifestyle. Whatever you decide, be sure to involve a cannabis-friendly doctor to maximize this plant medicine safely.
FAQS
Can you smoke CBD oil?
No. CBD oils are designed for sublingual use, not smoking. Inhaling these oils can leave residue in your lungs. Instead, use products intended for smoking like CBD flower or vape juices.
What does smoking CBD feel like?
Most people report feeling an overall sense of calmness and relaxation. You may also experience sleepiness, happiness, or energy boosts depending on the strain and dosage. Effects kick in rapidly but do not cause intoxication.
How much CBD should you smoke?
Start with 1-2 puffs and wait 15 minutes to gauge effects before increasing your dosage if needed. Veterans may tolerate more, but excessive use without building tolerance slowly can lead to unwanted side effects.
Can you smoke CBD every day?
While smoking anything daily poses some respiratory risks, CBD poses far fewer hazards than tobacco. However, ingesting CBD oil daily may be safer long-term. Talk to your healthcare provider about the pros and cons of different consumption methods for your needs.