Cannabinoids, Cannabis, Smoking, Vapes, Vaping Steve Rowe Cannabinoids, Cannabis, Smoking, Vapes, Vaping Steve Rowe

Research On Vaping: Inhaling Cannabis

Vaping cannabis is like upgrading from a flip phone to a smartphone — once you make the switch, there's no going back. It's smoother, smarter, and straight-up better for your lungs, your taste buds, and your vibe. Whether you're in it for the health benefits, the flavours, or just to cut back on smoking, one thing’s for sure: vaporizing isn’t just a trend. It’s the future of cannabis.

The Smart Way to Inhale Cannabis

Let’s talk vapor—not the kind that fogs up your mirror, but the smooth, flavourful clouds that come from vaping cannabis. Vaporizers are the modern, tech-savvy evolution of traditional joints. Instead of burning your herbs to ash (and irritating your lungs in the process), vaporizers gently heat them to release their beneficial compounds—cannabinoids, terpenes, and all the goodness—without the harmful effects of combustion.

But where did this game-changing innovation come from?

The Inventor Behind the Vape

Vaping, as we know it today, was born from a mix of personal tragedy and technological innovation. In 2003, Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik developed the modern e-cigarette after losing his father to smoking-related lung cancer. Determined to create a safer alternative, he designed a device that could deliver nicotine (and later, cannabis) without combustion. His battery-powered vaporization system launched a global movement. Thanks, Hon!

Now, take a look at what’s available, all thanks to this revolution.

Why People Are Loving the Vape Life

Smoother, Healthier Hits

Vaping heats cannabis instead of burning it, meaning no smoke, no tar, and no lingering odours. Public Health England has even reported that vaping is 95% safer than smoking—yes, ninety-five.

Thinking About Quitting Cigarettes?

It offers a way to cut down on nicotine gradually, making the transition to quitting much easier than traditional smoking methods.

Flavour Like Never Before

Vaping doesn’t just preserve the plant—it enhances it. Instead of tasting burnt material, you’ll experience the full spectrum of flavours (thanks, terpenes!).

Efficient Use of Your Cannabis

Vapes help you make the most of your stash. Since vaporization preserves more cannabinoids, you end up using less while getting better effects.

Customizable Experience

Many vaporizers allow you to adjust the temperature, meaning you can fine-tune your experience to stay mellow or elevate to new heights.

But it's not all smooth sailing—while vaping is widely considered a better alternative to smoking, the sheer variety of devices, settings, and flavours can feel overwhelming at first. Plus, the science behind it is still evolving. That said, even the NHS supports vaping as a smoking cessation tool, so the evidence continues to build in its favour.

Keeping It Real

With all the gear, technology, and different e-liquid options, the vaping world can be a bit daunting at first. And while it's generally viewed as safer than smoking, long-term research is still ongoing. That said, organizations like the NHS advocate for vaping to help people quit cigarettes—so it's backed by experts.

Conclusion

Switching to vaping cannabis is like upgrading from a flip phone to a smartphone—once you experience the difference, you won’t look back. It’s smoother, smarter, and better for your lungs, your taste buds, and your overall experience. Whether you're interested in the health benefits, the enhanced flavours, or simply cutting down on smoking, one thing is certain: vaping isn’t just a trend. It’s the future of cannabis consumption.

Go ahead, take a hit—the gentle way. Your lungs will appreciate it.

References

  • ECigsAdvice. (n.d.). 10 Benefits of Vaping – Pros & Cons. [Online] Available at: https://ecigsadvice.com/10-benefits-of-vaping-pros-cons [Accessed 22 Apr. 2025].

  • Greendorphin. (n.d.). 9 Must-Know Benefits of Vaporizing Cannabis. [Online] Available at: https://greendorphin.com/9-must-know-benefits-vaporizing-cannabis [Accessed 22 Apr. 2025].

  • Silicon Insider. (n.d.). History of Vapes: When Were They Invented? [Online] Available at: https://silicon-insider.com/history-of-vapes-when-were-they-invented [Accessed 22 Apr. 2025].

Disclaimer: This blog supports responsible cannabis use.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

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Does CDB lessen the effects of THC?

A recent example comes with two studies published in the past few months, which both claim that CBD does not reduce the psychoactive effects of THC, reversing a commonly held idea of one of CBD’s benefits. 

Cannabis research can be a fickle beast. Decades of prohibition created a lot of red tape for researchers, so scientific knowledge of the plant is still in its infancy. Because cannabis hasn’t been studied extensively, research on it can yo-yo back and forth, and something proven one day can be disproven or reversed later on down the road, leaving cannabis consumers scratching their heads. 

A recent example comes with two studies published in the past few months, which both claim that CBD does not reduce the psychoactive effects of THC, reversing a commonly held idea of one of CBD’s benefits. 

To figure out what cannabis consumers can take away from this new info, let’s look at the history of research on this topic and what the new studies say.

What does past Research on CBD and THC say?

Going back decades, a common belief has been that CBD can reduce the negative effects of THC - if you’re too high or don’t want to get too high, take a little CBD or consume a THC product that also has a little CBD to mellow out the high. Many studies have claimed this, and it has been reported on at Leafly.

The idea is that CBD molecules block receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system, so that THC can’t fully activate those receptors, which lessens the feeling of being high. 

Many older studies have made claims of CBD’s ability to dampen THC: As early as 1982, a study said that CBD can diminish paranoia and anxiety brought on by THC; and a study in 2010 said CBD and THC have opposite effects, and that CBD can reduce paranoia in THC.

Notably, a review from 2013 looked at nearly 1,300 studies from the previous few decades and concluded that, “The few studies that exist on the effects of CBD show that this cannabinoid can counteract some of the negative effects of THC.” However, the authors did emphasize that, “Their results have not always been consistent.” The study also said there were surprisingly few studies to date on the interactions between THC and the potentially protective effects of CBD.

What do the recent Studies on CBD and THC say?

Two studies published in the past few months disagree with the idea that CBD tempers THC. In a UK study from November 2022, 46 participants vaped oil with various ratios of CBD to THC to determine CBD’s effects on THC. They tested products with CBD:THC ratios of 0:1, 1:1, 2:1, and 3:1, with 0mg, 10mg, 20mg, and 30mg of CBD, and found no difference in effects.

According to the study authors, “We found no evidence of CBD reducing the acute adverse effects of THC on cognition and mental health. Similarly, there was no evidence that it altered the subjective or pleasurable effects of THC.” 

Another study from the UK in July 2023 backs up this data. It looked at the effects of cannabis on teens vs. adults, and how THC and CBD affect both. Forty-eight participants, 24 teens and 24 adults, vaporized a product with 3:1 CBD to THC (24mg to 8mg) and a product with only THC, and found no difference in the subjective feel of effects in individuals. 

The authors ultimately concluded that “Our results add further weight to the claim that doses of vaporized CBD, which are near to naturally occurring levels, do not mitigate the acute harms of THC.” As a side note, the study also found no differences in effects between teens and adults.

How should Consumers take this new info?

It is often assumed that products containing CBD are less potent or can reduce negative THC effects, but the findings from both studies suggest that CBD may not be a determining factor in the strength of a product. Consumers who buy products with CBD thinking they are getting “weed lite” or less potent products may be incorrect in their thinking. 

But because cannabis research is still so young, it’s hard to know if these studies are the final word on the matter or just another bump in the road. There are still some caveats.

In the review from last Nov., the authors do note a previous study that shows CBD to lessen some of THC’s effects, but the participants in it were given exceptionally large doses of 600mg of CBD to 5mg of THC - a ratio of 120:1 CBD to THC! The authors concluded such a large amount of CBD is impractical to put in a commercial vape cartridge. So CBD may temper THC’s effects, but it may be that astronomical amounts of it are needed.

At the end of the day, it may be difficult to separate and clearly delineate these two compounds and their effects because of the entourage effect - or how all the compounds in the cannabis plant work together synergistically to create the feeling of being high, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and more. The sum is greater than the whole of the parts, so it might be hard to study the individual compounds separately. 

Cannabis research is getting better as more states legalize, but there may not be a definitive answer to the interaction of CBD and THC yet. There is a growing body of research that sways toward the idea that CBD does not temper THC’s effects, so buyers should keep that in mind the next time they’re at the dispensary. 

As always, we tell our readers that every person has a different body chemistry and will experience weed differently. You could get incredibly high or paranoid off of a hit or two from a joint, while your friend will barely feel a thing; a certain strain may make you fall asleep, while the same one will make your friend go out for a walk. It’s important to understand how your own body responds to weed. 

CBD has shown tremendous potential in treating seizures and epilepsy conditions in children, however, CBD’s medicinal benefits beyond that, or its ability to tame THC’s intoxicating effects, are inconclusive to date.

Source: Leafly.com

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

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Health Benefits of Cannabis

20 Health benefits of cannabis that everyone should know.

20 Health benefits of cannabis that everyone should know.

Cannabis contains CBD which is a chemical that impacts the brain, making it function better without giving it a high along with THC which has pain relieving properties. Both substances can be extracted and enhanced for use through short path distillation. Users can get the following health benefits of cannabis:

Relief of chronic pain

There are hundreds of chemical compounds in cannabis, many of which are cannabinoids. Cannabinoids have been linked to providing relief of chronic pain due to their chemical makeup. Which is why cannabis’ by-product such as medical cannabis is commonly used for chronic pain relief.

Improves lung capacity

Unlike smoking cigarettes, when smoking cannabis in the form of cannabis your lungs aren’t harmed. In fact, a study found that cannabis actually helps increase the capacity of the lungs rather than cause any harm to it.

Help lose weight

If you look around, you will notice that the avid cannabis user is usually not overweight. That is because cannabis is linked to aiding your body in regulating insulin while managing caloric intake efficiently.

Regulate and prevent diabetes

With its impact on insulin, it only makes sense that cannabis can help regulate and prevent diabetes. Research conducted by the American Alliance for Medical Cannabis (AAMC) has linked cannabis to stabilize blood sugars, lower blood pressure, and improve blood circulation.

Fight cancer

One of the biggest medical benefits of cannabis is its link to fighting cancer. There is a good amount of evidence that shows cannabinoids can help fight cancer or at least certain types of it.

Helps treat depression

Depression is fairly widespread without most people even knowing they have it. The endocannabinoid compounds in cannabis can help in stabilizing moods which can ease depression.

Shows promise in autism treatment

Cannabis is known to calm users down and control their mood. It can help children with autism that experience frequent violent mood swings control it.

Regulate seizures

Research conducted on CBD has shown that it can help control seizures. There are ongoing studies to determine the effect cannabis has on individuals with epilepsy.

Mend bones

Cannabidiol has been linked to helping heal broken bones, quickening the process. According to Bone Research Laboratory in Tel Aviv, it also helps strengthen the bone in the process of healing. This makes it tougher for the bone to break in the future.

Helps with ADHD/ADD

Individuals with ADHD and ADD have trouble focusing on tasks at hand. They tend to have problems with cognitive performance and concentration. Cannabis has shown promise in promoting focus and helping individuals with ADHD/ADD. It is also considered a safer alternative to Adderall and Ritalin.

Treatment for glaucoma

Glaucoma leads to additional pressure on the eyeball which is painful for individuals with the disorder. Cannabis can help reduce the pressure applied on the eyeball providing some temporary relief to individuals with glaucoma.

Alleviate anxiety

While cannabis is commonly known to cause anxiety, there is a way around that. Taken in monitored dosage and in the proper way, cannabis can help alleviate anxiety and calm users down.

Slow development of Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is one of many that is caused by cognitive degeneration. As we age, cognitive degeneration is almost unavoidable. Cannabis’s endocannabinoid contains anti-inflammatories that fight the brain inflammation that leads to Alzheimer’s disease.

Deal with pain linked to arthritis

Cannabis is now commonly found as creams and balms which are used by individuals that have arthritis. Both THC and CBD help sufferers deal with the pain.

Helps with PTSD symptoms

PTSD doesn’t just affect veterans but any individual that goes through a trauma. As cannabis is legalised the impact it has on helping treat individuals with PTSD is being studied. Cannabis helps control the fight or flight response, preventing it from going into overdrive.

Helps provide relief to individuals with multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis can be painful, and cannabis is known to provide relief for it. Multiple sclerosis leads to painful muscle contractions and cannabis can help reduce that pain.

Reduces side effects linked to hepatitis C and increase the effectiveness of treatment

The treatment for hepatitis C has numerous side effects that include nausea, fatigue, depression, and muscle aches. These can last for months for some hepatitis C sufferers. Cannabis can help reduce the side effects caused by the treatment while making it more effective at the same time.

Treats inflammatory bowel diseases

Individuals with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis can find some relief with the use of cannabis. THC and cannabidiol are known to help enhance immune response while also interact with cells that play a vital role in the functioning of the gut. Cannabis helps block off bacteria and other compounds that cause inflammation in the intestines.

Helps with tremors associated with Parkinson’s disease

For those that have Parkinson’s disease cannabis can help reduce tremors and pain while also helping promote sleep. It has also shown to improve motor skills in patients.

Helps with alcoholism

Another one of the many health benefits of cannabis is that there is no doubt cannabis is much safer than alcohol. While it may not be 100% risk-free, it can be a smarter way to curb alcoholism by substituting it with cannabis.

Source: Medical Cannabis Network

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The Difference between CBD and THC

CBD and THC share many similarities, but they also have distinct differences. Neither CBD or THC is better than the other. Both offer tremendous health benefits, and either both or one of the other could provide the relief you need. To some, the psychoactive effects of THC could be a benefit instead of a negative side effect. It’s all based on the needs of the individual.

With a rising demand for natural medicines, cannabis compounds, like CBD and THC, are becoming increasingly popular due to their wide range of health benefits. While the close relationship between the two compounds may lead some to assume that both have the same impact on the body, a comparison between the molecular structures of CBD vs THC reveals the exact opposite.

The Difference between CBD and THC

If you didn’t already know - CBD and THC have the same chemical makeup: 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms.

The two are nearly identical twins. What differentiates the two compounds, however, is the arrangement of a single atom.

For any of you who weren’t paying attention in chemistry class, an atom is about a million times smaller than a human hair, so we’re talking about a microscopic difference here.

Now you’re probably wondering, with such a microscopic difference, how different can CBD and THC be? The short answer — very, very different — but let’s go over the details.

Cannabinoids and the Endocannabinoid System

Before we dive in, it’s important to understand what cannabinoids are and how they work with the body. There are currently 85 to 113 known cannabinoids found in the Cannabis plant, the most prominent of which are Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD).

A cannabinoid is a compound that interacts directly with our body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS), which in short, is a network of receptors that interact with cannabinoids to maintain vital functions throughout our body.

Scientists discovered the first cannabinoid receptor in 1988, and by 1993, they had identified a second receptor. In 1995, the two receptors were classified as the CB1 and CB2 receptors.

CB1 receptors are found abundantly in regions of the brain responsible for mental and physiological processes such as memory, high cognition, emotion, and motor coordination, while CB2 receptors are found throughout the central nervous and immune systems.

The interaction between the CB1 and CB2 receptors with cannabinoids, like CBD and THC, is the catalyst for some health benefits such as pain relief, anxiety relief, appetite stimulation, mood management and more.

Now, this is where the different positions of that tiny atom come into play. Because THC and CBD have different molecular structures, they do not interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the same manner. This greatly differentiates the effects each has on the body, which is likely the biggest concern when comparing CBD to THC.

CBD vs THC: How Each Affects the Body

While the CBD and THC both bind to the CB2 receptor, they interact with the CB1 receptors in different ways. Because of its molecular structure, the THC is able to bind directly with the CB1 receptors.

When this bond is formed, the reaction creates signals that are sent to the brain, which results in the psychoactive effects of “getting high.” In stark contrast, research shows that CBD does not bond directly with the CB1 receptor, and its presence can even negate the bond between THC and the CB1 receptors, effectively neutralizing the psychoactive effects induced by THC.

While THC certainly offers tremendous health benefits, its mind-altering effects aren’t preferred by everyone. CBD, on the other hand, can deliver many of the same benefits of THC without inducing its psychoactive effects.

CBD vs THC: Conclusion

In closing, CBD and THC share many similarities, but they also have distinct differences. I want to clarify that neither CBD or THC is better than the other. Both cannabinoids offer tremendous health benefits, and either both or one of the other could provide the relief you need. To some, the psychoactive effects of THC could be a benefit instead of a negative side effect. It’s all based on the needs of the individual.

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