The Complete Beginner’s Guide to CBD Vape Pens

Cannabidiol (CBD) vaping has skyrocketed in popularity as a convenient and enjoyable way to experience the touted benefits of this trending hemp extract. But with so many options now available, it can be daunting finding the right CBD vape pen to suit your needs.

As avid CBD enthusiasts with over 5 years of industry experience, we set out to create the ultimate CBD vape guide for beginners. Backed by extensive research and real-world testing, this definitive resource explores how to shop for quality and find the perfect vape pen to start your CBD journey.

Choosing a Reputable CBD Company You Can Trust

The CBD industry remains loosely regulated, meaning not every brand lives up to quality and ethics claims. Finding a reputable company is essential for an optimal and safe experience. Here’s how we vetted brands in our research:

Third Party Lab Testing – Legitimate companies test for potency, purity, and safety through independent labs. Review certificates of analysis before purchasing.

Transparent Sourcing – Quality CBD brands openly share their farming partners and extraction methods. Look for organic, non-GMO hemp sourced in the USA.

Product Variety – Diverse product selections demonstrate extensive R&D capabilities. However, more products don’t always equal better quality.

Competitive Pricing – Reasonable prices reflect efficient production methods and ingredients. Be wary of dirt cheap products that may be low grade.

Stellar Reviews – Genuine customer feedback exposes issues and benefits. We heavily weighted brands with rave independent reviews.

Industry Leadership – Pioneering brands advancing quality standards reveal true commitment. We sought those investing in innovation and education.

This rigorous vetting ensures our CBD vape recommendations come from brands you can feel good about supporting.

Understanding Key Differences in CBD Vape Products

Once you’ve zeroed in on a reputable company, next comes selecting the right CBD vape among many options. Here we explore key variables to guide your decision making:

Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, and CBD Isolate

There are three main types of CBD extract used in vape products:

Full Spectrum CBD – Contains all naturally occurring hemp compounds including CBD, minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and under 0.3% THC. Delivers the “entourage effect” for whole-plant synergy.

Broad Spectrum CBD – Also retains minor cannabinoids and terpenes but undergoes added processing to remove THC entirely. An ideal balance of enriching compounds without THC.

CBD Isolate – Pure, isolated CBD crystallized from hemp with no other compounds. Tasteless and odorless for versatile formulas.

For beginners, broad spectrum CBD offers potent whole-plant benefits without exposure to THC found in full spectrum options.

Additional Ingredients

Most CBD vape juices contain added carrier oils or vapor-smoothing compounds:

Vegetable Glycerin (VG) – Thick, viscous base contributes to vapor density. Can be harsh on the throat when overused.

Propylene Glycol (PG) – Thin liquid improves flavor transportation and throat hit. Easier on lungs than VG.

Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) Oil -Made from coconut oil. Adds smoothness when combined with PG and naturally enhances bioavailability.

Hemp Seed Oil – Made by cold-pressing hemp seeds. Offers nutritional benefits and mild natural flavor.

Terpenes – Aromatic oils retained from hemp that modify effects and flavors. Limonene boosts mood, while linalool has relaxing properties.

Beginners may want to avoid additional ingredients to test pure CBD effects initially. However, small amounts of MCT oil or terpenes can improve flavor and absorption.

Flavors

Many CBD vape juices come bursting with mouthwatering flavors from sweet berries to creamy desserts. While tasty, flavor agents may cause respiratory irritation for sensitive users.

Those new to CBD may want to start with light or natural flavors to gauge effects of the CBD itself. Bold fruit or candy flavors can mask potential throat/lung discomfort.

Potency

CBD vape juices are available in a wide gamut of concentrations from 100mg per bottle to over 3000mg. Finding the optimal potency depends on your weight, severity of symptoms, and delivery method.

As absorption rates are higher with inhalation, we suggest starting with a low 100-300mg CBD vape juice to dial in your ideal dose. More experienced users may prefer 600-1000mg options for fewer puffs per dose.

Price

CBD vape juice prices primarily depend on potency, additional ingredients, and manufacturing processes. As with most consumables, higher price doesn’t necessarily guarantee higher quality.

We found excellent value CBD vape juices for $15-$25 per bottle from brands using organically sourced ingredients and independent lab testing. Know that cheaper options likely cut corners or contain low CBD levels.

Disposable vs. Cartridge vs. Refillable CBD Vape Pens

Once you select your ideal CBD vape juice, next comes choosing the delivery method. Here we compare the three main CBD vape pen styles:

Disposable CBD Vape Pens

• Prefilled, one-time use device is discarded when empty
• Ideal for infrequent use or trying new formulas
• Limited flavor and CBD options
• No maintenance required
• Least cost effective long-term

Disposable CBD vape pens offer hassle-free vaping for new users. However, frequent users may find cartridge or refillable systems more practical and affordable.

Cartridge-Based CBD Vape Pens

• CBD oil cartridge screws into a reusable pen battery
• Empty cartridges replaced with new pre-filled ones
• More flavor and CBD options than disposables
• Reusable battery reduces waste
• Mid-range cost effectiveness

Cartridge pens strike a balance between convenience and customization. The ability to swap CBD formulas gives users flexibility missing from disposables.

Refillable CBD Vape Pens

• Manually refilled tank or chamber
• Greatest diversity of CBD juice options
• Total control over flavors and dosages
• Reusable device and parts reduce waste
• Most cost-effective long-term

Refillable pens allow advanced personalization through mix-and-match CBD liquids. However, they require periodic maintenance like cleaning and replacing coils.

For most beginners, cartridge-based CBD vape pens offer the ideal blend of customization and ease of use. But the right model depends on your personal needs and habits.

Choosing the Best CBD Vape Pen – Key Buying Considerations

With so many quality options on the market, choosing a CBD vape pen ultimately comes down to your individual preferences and lifestyle. Based on our extensive research, here are the key factors to weigh:

Desired Effects – Seek formulations with terpenes that align with your needs, such as calming linalool or uplifting limonene.

Flavor Preferences – Those who dislike hemp flavor may prefer flavored or pure CBD isolates. Natural full or broad spectrum oils have an earthy, botanical taste.

Frequency of Use – Heavy users will benefit most from cartridge or refillable systems. Occasional users may prefer disposables.

Portability – If discreet on-the-go vaping is a priority, smaller disposable and cartridge pens work best. Refillable tanks are often bulkier.

Maintenance – Disposables require zero maintenance compared to occasional deep cleaning and coil/tank replacements for reusable pens.

Budget – Weigh upfront cost vs long-term savings. Disposables cost less initially but refillable pens cost far less over time.

Respiratory Sensitivity – Avoid added thinning agents like PG if prone to lung/throat irritation. Maximize pure CBD and terpenes instead.

There’s no universally “best” CBD vape pen. Carefully assessing your needs and habits will lead you to the optimal model.

Getting the Most from Your CBD Vape Experience

Once you’ve found your ideal CBD vape pen, it takes some finesse to optimize satisfaction and results. Follow these pro tips:

Start Low and Slow – CBD has biphasic properties, meaning effects may reverse at high doses. Start with 1-3 puffs and increase slowly if needed.

Be Consistent – Noticeable benefits often require consistent daily dosing as CBD accumulates in the body over time.

Maximize Absorption – Inhale CBD vapor deeply into lungs rather than just mouth for optimal absorption into the bloodstream.

Stay Hydrated – Drink water before and after to counteract any drying effects of long vaping sessions.

Consider Set and Setting – CBD may be less effective when experiencing pain or anxiety if environmental factors remain unaddressed.

Combine Methods – Balancing vaping with sublingual tinctures or topicals can provide whole-body CBD coverage and dosage flexibility.

Keep a Log – Note timing/amounts of CBD alongside symptom relief to optimize your routine.

Be Patient – While some feel immediate effects, CBD can take days or weeks to fully build in your system for more chronic conditions.

With routine use guided by mindful consumption habits, CBD vape pens can prove transformative.

Common FAQs Around CBD Vaping

If you’re new to the world of CBD vaping, you likely still have some questions. Here we address some of the key beginner FAQs:

Is vaping CBD safe?

Clinical research and user reports overwhelmingly support the safety of inhaling CBD. However, risks exist if using CBD vape products containing thinning agents like Vitamin E acetate. Vet brands thoroughly and only purchase lab-tested formulas from reputable companies.

Is it legal to vape CBD?

Yes, CBD vape pens are legal as long as they are produced from legally grown hemp and contain under 0.3% THC. However, some states have imposed restrictions, so check your local laws.

What dose of CBD should I vape?

There is no universal “correct” dose as optimal amounts vary based on your body composition, prior CBD experience, severity of symptoms and more. The best approach is to start with 1-3 puffs and incrementally increase until you find your sweet spot.

How long do CBD vape pen effects last?

When inhaled, CBD reaches peak concentrations faster than other methods. Effects typically begin within 5 minutes and last 2-4 hours. Those new to CBD may notice shorter duration of benefits initially as endocannabinoid receptors become primed.

Can you become addicted to vaping CBD?

No, CBD does not possess addictive properties, unlike nicotine. In fact, emerging research shows CBD may help combat nicotine and opioid addiction by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

What’s better for beginners: flavored or unflavored CBD vape juice?

For the truest test of how CBD affects you, unflavored is best. Flavors – especially sweet ones – can mask potential throat/lung irritation. The natural hemp taste also takes some acclimation but is worth experiencing.

Final Thoughts on Finding Your Ideal CBD Vape Pen

We hope this comprehensive CBD vape guide empowered you to confidently navigate the nuances and find your perfect match. Keep the key buying considerations and usage tips in mind as you embark on discovering the transformative wellness benefits of CBD.

While the industry still has a long road ahead towards full mainstream acceptance and trust, the future remains bright. Advancements in hemp genetics, extraction methods, testing, and manufacturing continue to push quality higher each harvest.

When sourced ethically from companies dedicated to purity and potency, CBD vape pens can provide portable and convenient access to this remarkable botanical wonder like never before.