While more research is necessary, CBD cigarettes may provide a safer alternative to cigarette smoking and another way to use CBD.

CBD cigarettes are a smokeable form of cannabis with high levels of CBD.

CBD is a cannabinoid, which describes a group of substances found in the cannabis plant. These chemicals may impact human health and interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This refers to a complex biological system that balances and regulates key bodily functions.

CBD, unlike other cannabinoids such as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, lacks the psychoactive properties that people often associate with cannabis. Additionally, CBD may also possess a variety of potential health benefits. However, as with any drug, CBD may also cause some side effects.

In this article, we will discuss CBD cigarettes, including their safety, benefits, and how to use them.

Is CBD legal?The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws. Be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.

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CBD refers to one of the many cannabinoids that derive from the cannabis species of plants. Unlike other cannabinoids, CBD does not have impairing effects. This means that it does not possess any intoxicating properties that people may associate with cannabis. Instead, CBD interacts with the ECS differently and may also offer some health benefits.

Typically, manufacturers will use hemp CBD from hemp plants in their products. Hemp refers to certain varieties of the cannabis plant that contain high concentrations of CBD while being relatively low in THC. CBD products are available in a variety of forms, which can include:

  • oils
  • foods
  • capsules
  • lotions
  • cosmetics

A CBD cigarette, also known as a hemp cigarette, describes a cigarette containing dried hemp flower instead of dried tobacco.

Many of these cigarettes may state they are tobacco-free, as well as nicotine- and additive-free, meaning they may not contain harmful chemicals that are often present in other cigarettes. As such, a person using CBD cigarettes may be at a lower risk of potential health risks associated with smoking.

Smoking CBD offers one of the quicker methods to feel the effects of CBD. Additionally, smoking CBD may help to satisfy the urge to smoke tobacco or help a person to reduce their cannabis consumption.

Click here to learn more about tips for giving up smoking.

Current evidence does suggest that CBD is mostly safe and tolerable. However, CBD could be harmful to some individuals.

Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) add that many CBD products do not undergo regulation by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means that CBD products could include other ingredients, such as THC, pesticides, heavy metals, bacteria, or fungi.

According to the FDA, potential adverse effects of CBD may include:

  • interacting or interfering with other drugs
  • liver injury
  • changes in mood, such as agitation or irritability
  • damage to male fertility
  • drowsiness and sleepiness
  • gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea
  • changes in appetite

To use a CBD cigarette, a person burns and smokes a dried form of hemp. By combusting organic material such as hemp, a person may produce toxic substances known as carbonyl compounds. These compounds can damage health and are often present in tobacco cigarettes.

A 2021 study notes that hemp cigarettes may contain varying concentrations of these compounds. While more research is necessary to understand the risk profile of CBD cigarettes, this study suggests that they are not risk-free.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), CBD is generally safe and does not appear to have the ability to cause harm or have abuse potential. However, it is important to continue investigating the potential health benefits of CBD and its possible therapeutic use. At present, evidence suggests that CBD may help with:

Click here to learn more about the potential benefits of hemp oil.

A 2021 study on the effects of smoking CBD on driving ability suggests that high CBD concentrations do not have an impairing effect. However, while these results indicate that smoking CBD cigarettes does not impact reaction time, motor time, behaviors under stress, or concentration, it is still not advisable for a person to drive after smoking CBD.

Additionally, after smoking, a person may exceed the legal THC concentration limits for driving.

A 2022 study notes that smoking CBD may contribute to a reduction in using cannabis due to lowering potential withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, research also highlights that CBD could be an effective option for treating addictive behavior, such as smoking cigarettes that contain tobacco and nicotine.

The 2018 Farm Bill states that the United States government no longer includes hemp in the legal definition of cannabis in the Controlled Substances Act. This law legalizes the regulated production of hemp, meaning that some hemp-derived CBD products that contain less than 0.3% THC, which may include CBD cigarettes, are federally legal.

Under this law, any CBD products that contain more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of cannabis. Currently, there is no federal law enabling the legal use of medical cannabis. This means it is illegal to use or prescribe medical cannabis in any state that does not currently have a law that allows people to do so.

However, several states in North America have approved some use of medical cannabis, but these rulings vary in each state. Therefore, if a person is considering CBD or THC products, they should check their local laws regularly for any changes.

Evidence notes that smoking CBD has good bioavailability. This refers to how quickly CBD can enter circulation and have an active effect. However, while it is one of the quicker methods to experience the effects of CBD, it may also produce by-products that can irritate and damage the lungs.

When deciding to use CBD products, it is advisable to follow instructions on the packaging. For CBD cigarettes, a person will use them in a similar manager to tobacco cigarettes, by burning one end and inhaling smoke from the other end. Many CBD cigarettes are available prerolled, which means a person should be able to control the dosage of CBD.

Click here to learn more about CBD dosage.

Additionally, if a person wishes to try CBD cigarettes, health experts recommend that they purchase these products from a reputable source and discuss taking CBD with a healthcare professional. This is because CBD could potentially interact with medication a person is currently taking.

Also, it is worth noting that hemp cigarettes may emit a smell similar to cannabis products that contain high levels of THC. As such, a person may wish to smoke CBD cigarettes in their own space instead of public spaces to avoid any misunderstandings with the authorities.

CBD products are becoming more popular and there are many different ways people can use CBD. Hemp cigarettes refer to cigarettes that typically use dried hemp, which is rich in CBD, rather than tobacco.

Initial evidence suggests this may be a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes and may help to treat addictive behaviors. However, smoking CBD may still pose a risk to health by irritating the lungs. If a person wishes to use CBD, they may want to use other forms such as oils, gummies, or capsules.

Evidence suggests that CBD is safe and tolerable when a person uses CBD products correctly. However, as with any drug, there is a risk of potential side effects. Before taking any form of CBD, an individual should consult with a healthcare professional to ensure that it will not interact with any medications they are currently taking.