Why it matters
Inhaled CBD bypasses first-pass metabolism. Peak plasma concentration is reached within minutes; duration is shorter (2–4 hours) than oral. Bioavailability is in the 30–50% range, several times higher than oral.
In practice
Quality and safety considerations are unusually important: the EVALI lung injury outbreak in 2019 was traced to vitamin E acetate cutting agents in vape carts. Current best practice is full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD with terpenes only — no MCT, no PG/VG, no vitamin E. COA for both cannabinoid content and contaminants.
Common confusion
CBD vape and nicotine vape devices are not interchangeable — the cannabinoid formulation requires devices designed for the higher viscosity oil.
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