Can Vaping CBD Lead to Popcorn Lung?

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CBD (cannabidiol) is one of the most popular cannabinoids naturally occurring in the cannabis plant. Over the last few years, CBD has become a mainstream subject in health and fitness forums for its potential therapeutic benefits. The FDA also approved CBD-based medication Epidiolex for the treatment of epileptic seizures. Although CBD can aid the treatment of many conditions, there are various aspects to review before you start using this essential compound. One common concern among CBD users is whether it has any adverse effects. Until now, there are no significant concerns about the side effects of using CBD. Nonetheless, it is still essential to resolve any doubts you have about cannabidiol use.

What is popcorn lung?

Popcorn lung (bronchitis obliterans) is a rare lung condition that can result in various undesirable symptoms. Doctors link this condition with inhaling diacetyl, which is a chemical compound. A group of popcorn factory workers was the first to suffer the disease, hence its name. However, you can still contract the condition from other sources or lung illnesses. Some common causes of popcorn lung include:

  • Formaldehyde, a joint compound used in some building materials and glues.
  • Sulfur dioxide, a pollutant by-product from burning fuels.
  • Bronchitis.
  • Nitrogen Oxide.
  • Pneumonia.
  • Chlorine.
  • Ammonia.

Still, the link between diacetyl and popcorn lung needs in-depth research. This includes duration and the amount that can lead to the lung condition. Popcorn lung is responsible for narrowing your airways. This makes it difficult for air to pass through the constricts. When you contract popcorn lungs, your lungs experience trivial irritation as well as inflammation. Until now, there is no known cure for popcorn lung. However, your doctor can recommend various treatments to help alleviate symptoms. Treatment also slows down further progress of the condition. 

Vaping and popcorn lung

No proof directly correlates vaping to popcorn lungs. Vaping products in the form of shatter, waxes, and concentrates and isolates show minimal downgrades to your respiratory health.  Up until now, no substantial record exists showing any case of popcorn lung among CBD vapers. Studies reveal that vaping CBD instead reveals a myriad of medicinal benefits. Nonetheless, if you feel the need to stop vaping or smoking for personal reasons, then you should. Popcorn lungs have numerous symptoms and signs that occur during the initial stages. Some of the symptoms of popcorn lungs include: 

  • Dry coughs.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Wheezing (though not as adverse as in bronchitis).
  • Fast breathing.
  • Unexplained exhaustion.

In the U.K, the use of diacetyl in e-cigarettes is against the law, after claims that indeed it is the primary source of popcorn lung. According to experts, vaping CBD is less harmful and is at the forefront of helping some people quit. You should always seek high-quality CBD products from reputable retailers. You can buy cannabis seeds or CBD products online through reputed Canada weed dispensary easily.

Can CBD cause lung problems?

The smoke from CBD can cause little effects on your respiratory system. The effects may be similar to those of smoking tobacco. However, adding other substances or contaminating CBD while smoking can result in severe lung injuries and complications. Some effects might show, only after smoking for a long time. Hyperinflation, coughing, and sputum are some of the common effects that come with smoking. 

As opposed to tobacco use, vaping CBD has undersized effects on the respiratory system. It is also impossible to overdose on cannabidiol. According to studies, abuse of CBD and its products can give rise to some unpleasant effects in the long run. You can also opt for other CBD products that do not affect lungs or respiratory organs. These include CBD gummies, edibles, CBD isolate, shatter, among others. 

When you vape CBD, you mitigate the effects that come along with smoking. This also reduces your chances of contracting heart and smoke-related complications. You need to contact a credible physician to find insights on how you can use CBD for medical purposes and steer clear of its effects.

CBD and popcorn lung

In 2014, a study found that various e-liquids containing diacetyl, along with Acetylpropionyl (AP) and acetoin or 2,3 pentanedione as a flavor additive in the e-juices vaporized via e-cigarettes. Anybody vaping CBD can rest easy as standard cartridges contain no harmful products such as AP and diacetyl. However, this does not mean you should not stay aware of the ingredients. Even if you are a regular CBD vaper, you can make sure you stay safe of popcorn lungs by keeping the following points in mind:

  • Ascertain there isn’t any diacetyl in the CBD

Always ensure that the products are free of any diacetyl. You can do this by checking the ingredients listed on the packaging.

  • Always keep your vaping temperature in check

Vaping at high temperatures produces burnt, unpleasant taste alongside altering the chemical composition of the cannabidiol. You can purchase adjustable voltage vaporizers that give you room to adjust the temperature and stay free of popcorn lungs.

  • Look for MCT to base the oil

Many chemicals can carry CBD oil for vaporization. Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCT) is the safest carrier so far and is from coconut and kernel oil.

Conclusion 

From time to time, questions on vaping CBD and the potential toll it has on the overall health of the respiratory system is a common occurrence. Popcorn lung is among the rare conditions that most folks attribute to smoking CBD or cigarettes. This lung condition results from a chemical used to flavour microwave popcorn. The use of vaporizers, particularly to vape CBD, shows no signs of causing trouble with your lungs or respiratory system at large. As a consumer, you should always check the pros and cons of each product before you make choices of buying anything.  Currently, the cure for popcorn lungs is still non-existent. However, there are many treatment options to curb popcorn lung and stop its progress. To ensure that the CBD products you take don’t negatively affect you, make sure you choose high-quality products from credible suppliers.