Puff, Puff, Pause: The Real Risks of Vaping CBD
When Your CBD Vape Tries to Take Your Lungs on a Joyride
Here’s a read of this study from last year, inspired by this thread on Twitter
As the popularity of CBD continues to skyrocket, so does the number of ways people choose to consume it. Vaping has emerged as the fast & easy choice for many, touted for its quick onset and convenience. BUT, a study at the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, New York, USA, led by Dr. Yasmin Thanavala and her colleagues, between January 2022 and January 2023, loudspeakers some new findings and concerns to the forefront, and they suggest, from a mouse model, that the very method designed for ease of use could be causing more harm than good, especially to your lungs.
This post peels away some layers of the onion, probing into the study's findings, breaking down what they really mean, and then takes a critical magnifying glass to examine the study's methods and serious limitations. At the end, I commnt on how these findings stack up against the real-world experiences of CBD users, and why more human-focused research is essential.
The Study: What Was It Trying to Prove?
This study aimed to see how vaping CBD stacks up against nicotine when it comes to lung health. With both substances becoming more popular—and vaping often seen as a "safer" option than smoking—the researchers wanted to find out if CBD is really as harmless as people think. To do this, they used mice to get a closer look at how these substances affect the lungs, especially given what we already know about the risks of nicotine.
The Methods: How Was the Study Conducted?
This study was conducted using mice, which were exposed to aerosols containing either CBD or nicotine over a set period. Researchers then measured a range of outcomes to assess lung health, including levels of inflammation, oxidative stress, and tissue damage. While animal models are a common first step in research, they come with limitations, particularly when the goal is to draw conclusions applicable to human health.
To assess the impact of these substances, the study measured the following:
Total Immune Cell Infiltration: The number of immune cells entering the lungs, which indicates the level of inflammation.
Neutrophil Elastase (NE) Levels: A marker of tissue damage caused by immune cells.
Albumin Levels in Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) Fluid: Indicative of lung barrier damage and leakage.
FITC-Dextran Permeability: A measure of how much material can pass through lung tissues, indicating barrier integrity.
Oxidative Stress Markers: Indicators of the balance between damaging free radicals and protective antioxidants in the lungs.
Cytokine Levels: Chemical signals that drive inflammation, measured to understand the inflammatory response.
The Results: What Did the Study Find?
Here are the study’s key findings, broken down into simple terms:
🔥 Total Immune Cell Infiltration:
What They Found: The lungs of mice exposed to CBD had significantly more immune cells (14,488 neutrophils) compared to those exposed to air (3,674 neutrophils).
What It Means: CBD vaping triggers a strong inflammatory response in the lungs, much more so than just breathing just air. This suggests that CBD might be irritating lung tissues or prompting an immune response that could lead to damage. Or does it? (read on.)
⚔️ CD4+ and CD8+ T Cells:
What They Found: CD8+ T cells were 3.3 times higher, and CD4+ T cells were 5.6 times higher in the CBD group compared to nicotine.
What It Means: These T cells are crucial to immune responses, but when overly activated, they can cause inflammation and tissue damage. The elevated levels in CBD-exposed mice suggest that CBD could exacerbate lung inflammation more than nicotine. Or…. does it? (read on.)
🛡️ Macrophages:
What They Found: Anti-inflammatory macrophages were significantly lower in the CBD group (11,460 cells) compared to the nicotine group (27,727 cells).
What It Means: With fewer anti-inflammatory macrophages, the lungs may be less able to counterbalance the inflammation, leading to a more pro-inflammatory environment. Again, or does it? (more below.)
💧 Albumin Levels in BAL Fluid:
What They Found: CBD-exposed mice had much higher albumin levels in their lung fluid (70,303 ng/mL) compared to those exposed to nicotine (32,741 ng/mL).
What It Means: Albumin shouldn’t leak into the lungs, so higher levels suggest that CBD may be damaging the lung barrier, making it more permeable. (this is relatively new info - fascinating, not much is known about it)
🚰 FITC-Dextran Permeability:
What They Found: CBD increased lung permeability (469.9 ng/mL) much more than nicotine (227.6 ng/mL).
What It Means: This indicates that the integrity of lung tissues is compromised, allowing substances to pass through more easily, which could lead to further damage or infection.
⚡ Oxidative Stress:
What They Found: Both CBD and nicotine reduced antioxidant levels in the lungs, but CBD had a more pronounced effect.
What It Means: Lower antioxidant levels mean higher oxidative stress, which can lead to cell damage and contribute to the development of chronic lung conditions.
What the Researchers Want You to Believe
The study’s authors found that vaping CBD might actually be riskier for your lungs than vaping nicotine. They saw a lot of inflammation, lung damage, and stress on the lungs in mice that were exposed to CBD, which could mean serious trouble for humans too. The takeaway? CBD might be marketed as a safe, therapeutic option, but when you vape it, it might not be as harmless as it seems.
A Critical Review: The Gaping Holes in the Study
While the study’s findings are concerning, it’s essential to look critically at the limitations before drawing broad conclusions:
This study raises important questions about the safety of vaping CBD, but it also leaves many questions unanswered. The limitations highlighted here suggest that while the study provides valuable insights, it doesn’t give us a complete picture of the risks and benefits of CBD vaping. More research, particularly in human populations, is essential to understand the full impact of vaping CBD on lung health. In the meantime, it’s crucial to approach CBD vaping with caution and consider alternative methods of consumption that may carry fewer risks. While vaping can offer quick relief, it’s not necessarily the healthiest option—much like downing a quintuple espresso might give you a quick buzz but isn’t the best way to enjoy coffee. As we continue to explore the best ways to consume CBD, it’s vital to prioritize safety and well-being above all else:
1. Animal Model Limitations:
Mice Are Not Humans: Mice have different lung anatomy, immune responses, and metabolism compared to humans. What affects a mouse lung doesn’t necessarily affect a human lung in the same way. While animal studies are valuable, they are just the first step, and their results cannot be directly extrapolated to human populations.
2. Lack of Separation Between CBD and Solvents:
What’s Really Causing the Damage? The study doesn’t differentiate between the effects of CBD itself and the solvents used in the vaping liquid. Solvents like MCT oil can break down into harmful byproducts when heated, potentially contributing to the lung damage observed. Without isolating these variables, it’s unclear whether CBD or the solvents (or a combination) are responsible for the harmful effects.
3. Small Sample Size and Statistical Power:
Sample Size Concerns: The study used a relatively small number of mice (10 per group), which raises questions about the statistical power of the findings. With small samples, it’s harder to detect subtle effects, and the results may not be as reliable or generalizable.
4. Short-Term vs. Long-Term Exposure:
What About Long-Term Use? The study examines the effects of short-term exposure to CBD and nicotine. However, most human vaping habits involve long-term use, which could lead to different outcomes. The study doesn’t address the potential cumulative effects of vaping over months or years.
5. Lack of Dose-Response Analysis:
Are All Doses Equal? The study doesn’t explore how different doses of CBD might impact lung health. A higher or lower dose could produce different results, and without this analysis, it’s difficult to apply these findings to real-world usage, where doses can vary widely.
6. Extrapolation to Human Populations:
Human Relevance: Even if the findings are accurate in mice, translating them to humans is fraught with uncertainty. Human lungs, lifestyles, and vaping behaviors are more complex, and the study doesn’t account for these variables.
7. Potential Confounding Variables:
Uncontrolled Factors: The study does not fully control for potential confounding variables that could influence the results. Factors such as the specific composition of the vaping liquid, variations in exposure time, and even the environment in which the mice were kept could have affected the outcomes. In human studies, confounding variables could include diet, pre-existing health conditions, and other lifestyle factors, all of which can influence how vaping impacts lung health. The lack of control over these variables in the study may mean that the observed effects are not solely due to CBD.
8. No Behavioral or Psychological Impact Assessment:
Only Physical Effects Considered: The study focuses exclusively on the physical effects of CBD and nicotine on the lungs, without considering the broader context in which these substances are used. For many people, the psychological effects of CBD—such as anxiety relief or improved sleep—are significant benefits that need to be weighed against potential physical risks. By ignoring these factors, the study presents an incomplete picture of the risks and benefits of CBD use. It’s important to remember that health is holistic, and mental well-being is a critical component of overall health.
9. Use of a Single Solvent Type:
Solvent-Specific Effects: The study uses a specific solvent (likely MCT oil) for delivering CBD in the vaping aerosols. This choice doesn’t reflect the wide variety of solvents used in commercial CBD vaping products, which can vary significantly in their safety profiles. Some solvents might produce more harmful byproducts when heated than others, leading to different levels of lung damage. By only using one type of solvent, the study’s findings may not be applicable to all CBD vaping products, as different formulations could lead to different outcomes.
10. Potential Researcher Bias:
Interpreting Data with a Purpose: There’s always the possibility that the researchers, consciously or unconsciously, interpreted the data in a way that supports a specific narrative—that vaping CBD is harmful. This could manifest in the way the data is presented or in the emphasis placed on certain findings over others. For example, the study discusses trends that didn’t reach statistical significance, which might suggest an attempt to highlight potential risks even when the evidence is weak. It’s essential to consider whether the study is presenting a balanced view or if there’s a bias towards finding harm.
11. Overemphasis on Inflammatory Markers:
Inflammation Isn't the Whole Story: While inflammation is a critical component of lung damage, it’s not the only factor that matters. The study focuses heavily on inflammatory markers like neutrophil infiltration and cytokine levels but doesn’t explore other aspects of lung health, such as lung function tests, fibrosis development, or long-term repair mechanisms. By concentrating on inflammation, the study might overlook other important indicators of lung damage or recovery, leading to a skewed interpretation of the risks.
12. Lack of Real-World Context:
Missing the Bigger Picture: The laboratory setting of the study doesn’t fully capture the complexity of real-world vaping behaviors and environments. For example, people don’t vape in controlled, sterile conditions; they vape in environments that could introduce other chemicals or pollutants that interact with the vaping aerosols. Additionally, lifestyle factors like stress, diet, and co-use of other substances could all influence the impact of vaping on lung health. Without considering these factors, the study presents an overly simplistic view of the risks, which may not reflect the reality of most users’ experiences.
The Reality Check: What We See in Humans
Despite the alarming findings in mice, it’s important to remember that most people who vape CBD don’t experience the severe lung issues described in this study. While vaping isn’t the healthiest way to consume CBD—just as drinking a quintuple espresso isn’t the healthiest way to consume coffee—the real-world experiences of users suggest that the risks, while present, may not be as extreme as the study implies.
That said, vaping does concentrate the substance for rapid delivery to the lungs, which could heighten risks over time. Users should be aware that while vaping offers quick effects, it might also come with long-term consequences that are not yet fully understood. More human-focused research is urgently needed to clarify these risks and help users make informed choices about their health.
Take-Away Thoughts: Caution and More Research Needed
This study is a solid reminder that how you take your CBD really matters. Sure, vaping might be the quick and easy option, but it's not without its risks—especially when we’re still figuring out exactly what it’s doing to your lungs. The study hints that vaping CBD could come with some serious dangers, but with the limitations, we’re left with more questions than answers.
We definitely need more research, especially on actual humans, to get the full picture of how vaping CBD affects lung health. In the meantime, why not explore other ways to enjoy your CBD that don’t involve potentially roasting your lungs? Just because something’s trending doesn’t mean it’s the best choice—so stay savvy, stay safe, and keep your health front and center.
This specifically mentions CBD — is this meant to generically include all cannabinoids or is it just measuring the body’s response to vaped CBD and the rest warrant their own studies to determine harm? I’ve searched for information on lung damage from vaping cannabis but I haven’t found any definitive answer