When investigating CBD vape oil products, you may have noticed propylene glycol popping up
over and over again in a number of ingredients lists.
Propylene glycol may be a common ingredient, but that doesn’t necessarily make it a healthy one. For the purest vape experience possible, it is essential to find a CBD vape oil without propylene glycol.
Here we’ll explain what propylene glycol is, its potential dangers, and your best options for CBD vape oil without propylene glycol.
What is Propylene Glycol (PG)?
Propylene glycol is a petroleum byproduct that is used in a number of unexpected places. In fact, PG can be found as an additive in a number of food products, medications, and cosmetics. PG helps these items maintain moisture and prevents ingredients from clumping together. It is also used in some of these products as antifreeze.
PG is primarily used in CBD vape oil as a thinning agent. CBD oil is a viscous substance and too thick to be used in vape pens on its own so PG is added to enable vaping and to increase CBD oil’s efficiency while vaping.
Another reason that PG is used in CBD vape oils, is because it produces a significant amount of vapor when heated. This vapor translates into a big, impressive and satisfying, cloud when exhaled by the user.
Because PG is colorless and odorless, with only a slightly sweet flavor, it makes sense that it would be used in CBD vape oils. It makes it easier for brands to use the natural terpene flavors of CBD oil, or any artificial flavoring they may add, without the taste being impacted.
What are the dangers of Propylene Glycol in CBD Vape Oil?
As a food additive, the US Food and Drug Administration, says that PG is generally considered to be safe for consumption. The amounts of PG in foods, and the amount consumed in a typical diet, are relatively low and do not usually show toxicity.
But what happens when you consume propylene glycol in your CBD vape oil?
While studies on the subject are minimal, there is some indication that vaping PG can potentially pose a risk to your health.
There is evidence to suggest that when heated, propylene glycol can turn into formaldehyde. In fact, studies have found that the formaldehyde created from heating PG further reacts with solvents in e-liquids to produce hemiacetals. These hemiacetals are responsible for previously undetected formaldehyde in e-cigarette vapor and because they remain in the aerosol particulate stage, they are able to deliver formaldehyde more deeply into the lungs.
Even inhaling low levels of PG have been known to cause respiratory complications, allergic reactions, irritation, and even asthma.
More study needs to be done to fully understand what happens to PG when heated and the effects it can have on our health, but until those studies are completed, it is probably best to look for a CBD vape oil without propylene glycol.
Where to find CBD Vape Oil without Propylene Glycol
While PG is one of the most common carrier liquids found in CBD vape oils, it is not the only options on the market.
Some brands use vegetable glycerine (VG) which, unfortunately, produces risks similar to the ones associated with PG.
Brands like Vape Bright avoid this issue by using organic medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) in their CBD vape oils. This creates a more natural vape experience and helps you to avoid the potential damages caused by PG.
MCT oils can be certified organic, enabling you to further avoid added chemicals.
Look for a brand that posts certificates of analysis. These third-party lab test results will tell you exactly what is in your CBD vape oil. Not only will you know the exact percentage of cannabinoids present in the product, but you will be alerted to any heavy metals or pesticides that may have made their way into the final batch.
It is important that you understand what is in the product before you purchase.
Vaping is a convenient and efficient way to consume CBD oil and quality is paramount. You do not want a product that is full of additives or chemicals. Those ingredients could have a negative impact on your health.
With so many options on the market, it can be hard to know which CBD vape oil is the right one for you. But given the potential risks associated with some common vape oil ingredients, one thing appears to be clear: CBD vape oils without propylene glycol, ones that use organic MCT oils instead, are the purest, smartest, choice.
