A growing number of adults and teenagers are using CBD to treat anxiety, pain, depression, and other conditions. Typically, these products are consumed orally, but vaping is an increasingly popular way of inhaling CBDLuxe. By vaporizing CBD oil, the cannabinoids enter the bloodstream more quickly and efficiently, and they are absorbed by the lungs, where they can have their most direct impact.

The Roswell Park team, led by Yasmin Thanavala, PhD, of the Department of Immunology, and Tariq Bhat, PhD, in the Department of Biostatistics, conducted a first-of-its-kind study to assess the pulmonary effects of vaporized CBD versus nicotine. Their findings are shared in a new research paper in the journal Thorax.

What Are the Effects of Vaping CBD? Key Points to Consider

Compared with noncurrent e-cigarette users, current vapers had significantly higher odds of reporting currently vaping CBD (AOR, 4.2; 95% CI, 2.8-6.1). This was particularly true for high school students vs middle school students, Hispanic youths vs non-Hispanic White youths, and those who identified as bisexual or gay or lesbian vs heterosexual participants. In addition, youths who perceived tobacco use as dangerous had lower odds of reporting currently vaping CBD.

These results highlight the need for future research to evaluate the safety and efficacy of CBD in adolescents, including its potential for addiction. In addition, teenagers need to be encouraged to seek out non-drug approaches to addressing their mental health needs, such as mindfulness training and cognitive behavioral therapy. Ideally, the educational and advocacy efforts that have proven effective in reducing cigarette smoking among youth should also be adapted to target vaping behaviors.