What does CBD vape taste like? A guide to CBD vape flavours
Until recently, CBD has mostly been used in the form of tincture drops and edibles. However, it is becoming increasingly common to see people using CBD oil with a vaping device.
The taste of CBD can be a major issue for users, so if you are considering a CBD vape you will no doubt want to ask: "what does CBD vape taste like?" This post will answer this question, as well as covering some of the basics of CBD vapes. It will help you to find out if CBD vape is right for you, and enable you to buy with confidence.
The natural flavour of CBD is often described as earthy and grassy. Some people find this taste unpleasant and try to mask it or wash it out of their mouth. If you don’t enjoy the taste of CBD, or if you are just starting to use it, then vaping may be the answer. Vaping is an efficient, effective, and quick method of delivering CBD into your system. The only thing that you inhale is the vapour containing the CBD.
Understanding vaping and vape devices
Vaping is the act of inhaling the vapour that results from a liquid being heated by an electronic device called a vape.
A vape comprises an atomizer, a tank, and a battery. The atomizer is a metal coil that heats and vaporises the liquid. The cartridge carries the liquid to be vaporised, often called the vape juice. The battery can either be rechargeable or an external battery.
There are various different types of vaping device that can be used for taking CBD. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Let's look at some of the most common:
1. Disposable CBD vape pens
Disposable CBD vape pens can be a good option for beginners. They are lightweight and easy to use. It comes pre-loaded, and once you are through, you simply discard it.
2. Cartridges
These are tanks that screw to 510 thread batteries. They also come pre-filled with vape juice and hold about 0.5ml to 1ml. They are also easy to use, and need to be replaced when you are finished.
3. Refillable CBD pens
These comprise a tank and an internal coil that connect to the battery. They are rechargeable and you can refill them with vape juice.
4. Pod vapes
They are compatible with JUUL batteries and work similarly to cartridges.
You can also find herb vaporisers on the market. These differ from the types of device we are talking about here. Herb vaporisers don’t need a liquid to work, as they vaporise plant matter instead.
It is important to take care of your vaping device by regularly cleaning and maintaining it. Neglecting to clean your device could result in a burnt taste. It could also jam, resulting in damage to your device.
If you're new to vaping CBD, using a beginner's vape kit might be a good place to start!
What does CBD vape taste like? Know your vape juice
The vapours released by your vape device come from the vaporisation of the liquid in the cartridge, commonly called vape juice. It also goes by many other names: e-liquid, e-juice, vaping liquid, e-cigarette juice. It is even sometimes mislabelled as CBD oil.
It is important to note that, if you are buying any CBD juice for vaping, you should make sure that it’s of the best quality. Manufacturers make vape juice using these three types of CBD:
- CBD isolate – Pure CBD. Does not contain THC.
- Broad-spectrum CBD – Contains various cannabinoids from the hemp plant, but not THC.
- Full-spectrum CBD – Contains trace amounts of THC as well as other cannabinoids.
You need to confirm that the broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD oils use hemp with legally acceptable levels of THC. The legally allowed level is no more than 0.2% in the UK. This is another reason to be sure you buy from a reputable manufacturer.
The key reason that vape juice is safe for consumption is that credible suppliers use food-based ingredients to make it. Be sure to check labels before buying. Avoid any products that contain solvents, essential oils, vitamins, or acetates. These compounds do not belong in vape juice, as they can form harmful products when heated. Some cannot be absorbed by the lungs and leave residues.
Ingredients for making a tasty vape juice
Propylene glycol
This compound has various applications in the medical, cosmetic, and food industries. It is a colourless, odourless liquid that carries flavouring. Some people are allergic to it, but you can make vape juice without it.
Vegetable glycerine
We derive this from plants. It thickens the juice and balances the harshness of the glycol. When answering the question "what does CBD vape taste like?", we need to highlight this ingredient because it adds body to the flavour.
You can also use it on its own as a base liquid for the vape juice. This is especially useful for those who are allergic to glycol.
Flavouring
When vaping was first developed, the flavours available were limited. Now, however, there is a wide variety, which means that everyone can find their favourite. Some examples include:
But don't worry if you don't see your favourite – the list is almost endless. Each supplier has their own selection of CBD Vape juice flavours, but fruity flavours like cherry and grape are popular favourites.
You can even combine flavours to come up with something truly unique. There is virtually no limit to what you can do with flavouring. And, because of their concentration, a small amount is all you need.
Glycol is the carrier for most flavours in our vape juice. But do not despair if you are allergic to it, as some flavours do not require glycol as a carrier.
However, you may enjoy the taste of an unflavoured vape juice. If so, you can do without flavouring and simply enjoy the natural taste of CBD. Let's look a bit more closely at the taste of unflavoured vape juice.
The taste of unflavoured vape juice
In most cases, the taste you experience during vaping comes from the flavouring. But for those vaping unflavoured juice, the taste depends on the CBD used.
- CBD isolate has no taste at all
- Full-spectrum has a strong taste because of the presence of other cannabinoids and terpenes
- Broad-spectrum tastes slightly different from full-spectrum
Several factors affect how the CBD concentrate tastes. These include the method the manufacturer used to extract it and whether it’s fully filtered. Fully filtered concentrate will not have impurities like chlorophyll and other plant matter present. Impurities in a low-grade, cheap forms of unflavoured vape juice give it a bitter, strong taste. This taste puts many people off.
Of course, taste is subjective. Powerful flavours for one person may be mild to another. Some people don’t seem to mind the earthy taste of unflavoured CBD vape juice. As long as you are using a quality, filtered product, then feel free to go for it.
Some ranges celebrate the earthy taste of cannabis with flavours inspired by famous strains. Some favourites include Fizzy Cola, Strawberry Ice, Pink Lemonade, Watermelon Ice, and Kiwi Passionfruit Guava. So, if you're a fan on these flavours, you're in luck!
Pros of vaping compared to other methods
- Vaping does not involve combustion, hence it produces no smoke. In cigarette smoking, the smoke contains tar and carbon dioxide, which can lead to health damage.
- Vaping can help you to beat a nicotine habit. Over time, you may find that you no longer have a craving for nicotine.
- With vaping, you can be discreet when using the disposable pen. Or if you prefer, you can be showy, blowing huge clouds of vapour.
- There are tons of flavours. If you can’t find one you like, you can always make your own.
- Vaping requires no prior experience. Beginner kits are easy to start you off. However, you must be over the age of 18 to buy and use these products in the UK.
Common mistakes in CBD vaping
- Quantity is not always equal to concentration. The concentration of a 10ml bottle of CBD vaping juice carrying 250g of CBD is 2.5%. But a 100ml bottle with the same amount of CBD will have a concentration of 0.25%. If you were to vape the two, the effects would differ. Large quantities at a lower price may be enticing but check the ingredients carefully to get the desired concentration.
- While some suppliers may label vape juice as CBD oil, this is not always true. Be sure to check the ingredients and purchase from reputable suppliers.
- CBD vape juice is usually thin and runny, so be careful when using it with large devices. You want to avoid it leaking and making a mess. If you are a beginner, it may be better to use a starter kit or a pod.
What does CBD vape taste like? Key takeaways
Vaping has recently been gaining popularity because of its ease of use. Whether you enjoy making large clouds or prefer to be discreet, there’s something for everyone.
What does CBD vape taste like? The beauty of CBD vape is that the choice of flavours is endless. For seasoned users, coming up with your own flavours is one of the most enjoyable parts of the whole process. Flavours give CBD vapes their taste. While unflavoured CBD vape and CBD vape juice flavoured with cannabis strains (like star dawg) might be an acquired taste, if you do enjoy the earthy flavour, go ahead and indulge.
When buying CBD vapes, there are a few tips you should try to follow. Make sure you only deal with legitimate CBD e-liquid suppliers. Read labels diligently to confirm what you are consuming is safe. The product of choice should be of high quality to avoid any potential harm to your health.