It’s one of the most common comparisons we get asked about here at MUNCHIES! - the CBD vs THC vape. What’s the difference between CBD and THC carts, then? Here it is at a glance:
- CBD vapes help create a subtle sense of calm, but you probably won’t feel a whole lot going on - no real mental or physical effects.
- THC vapes get you high, altering your perception of self and time. They’re not just for catching a buzz, though. People use them for more than social settings - sleep support, stress relief, focus, etc.
The truth is, most vapes you’ll find on the market these days have both CBD and THC in the mix for the best of both worlds - because that’s where the entourage effect comes from. They modulate one another for a more well-rounded experience.
Learn more about the CBD vape vs THC vape differences below, or take a look at the THC vape pen selection at MUNCHIES! if you just want to see what we have in store for you.
CBD vs THC Vape at a Glance
|
|
CBD Vape |
THC Vape |
|
Active Compound |
Cannabidiol (CBD) |
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) |
|
Psychoactive |
No |
Yes |
|
Primary Effect |
Calm and potential anti-inflammatory |
Euphoria and relaxation |
|
Onset |
1-5 minutes |
1-5 minutes |
|
Duration of Effects |
1-3 hours |
1-3 hours |
|
Drug Test Risk |
Very low (trace THC in full-spectrum) |
Yes (THC-COOH detected) |
|
Federal Legality |
Legal (2018 Farm Bill) |
Legal if hemp-derived (under 0.3% THC) |
How Vapes Work
Let’s start with a little bit of background before we get into the whole CBD vs THC vape thing. In general, cannabis vapes are a great way to bring the benefits of THC or CBD into your self-care ritual - and they’re great for just taking the edge off and having more fun in social settings, too.
A battery heats a coil or ceramic element, which then vaporizes the liquid concentrate in the cartridge. You’re vaping, not smoking. That means you’re not inhaling all the extra byproducts that come with combusting raw cannabis flower. So, you can think of vapes as a form of harm reduction.
The vapor you inhale works its way right into your bloodstream through your lung tissue. It’s why the effects hit you within a minute or less of exhaling, and the peak comes within 5-10 minutes. You’ll know whether or not you should take another hit pretty quickly.
Vapes are great in that they can go anywhere life takes you. They fit in your pocket so you can bring them along for a road trip, a hike in the park, or a night on the town. They’re super discreet. Yes, you’re exhaling a little cloud (and it might have a little cannabis odor), but it’s nothing like raw flower.
A 510-thread battery works with both CBD and THC cartridges, which is part of why the CBD vs THC vape choice can feel confusing at the shelf. The pen looks exactly the same either way. Only the oil inside is different. Cartridge formats add another layer of choice. Disposables come pre-filled and pre-charged with no setup required.
We specialize in disposables here at MUNCHIES!, so take a look at our lineup if you decide you want to buy a vape today. In the meantime, let’s get into the CBD vs THC vape debate.
Benefits of THC Vape Pens
We think vaping is one of the best ways to experience THC, and not just because we sell pens. You can’t beat the speed and efficiency of inhalation when you want fast, controllable effects.
- Fast onset: You feel the THC working in your body and mind pretty much right away. You know where you stand before committing to another hit. But how long does a vape high last? THC pens usually keep you going for 1-3 hours.
- Dose control: You won’t get the same level of precision with a vape as you would with a gummy or tincture, but you can get in a good routine of taking the same length puff every time to find the sweet spot for your high.
- Flavor: There’s nothing quite like the taste of pure cannabis oil and terpenes - only a THC vape provides this experience. Perfect for flavor-chasers who want to appreciate the nuanced notes of a specific strain.
- Tons of options: You have so much variety at your fingertips with countless types of THC to choose from, and even more strains at your disposal. You can find something for daytime or nighttime, so you have the right pen for any moment.
The CBD vs THC vape distinction is most obvious when you look at effects. In this case, you’re going to enjoy a high of some sort - how strong is totally up to you. But you can expect some euphoria, some relaxation, and an altered sense of perception/time. It’s a lot of fun in the right context!
Benefits of CBD Vape Pens
CBD vape pens - pure CBD, that is - are a lot less common than THC vape pens. But they’re out there if you want to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of cannabis with zero intoxication whatsoever. That’s the thing here - just because you’re not getting high, doesn’t mean the CBD isn’t doing its own thing!
- No impairment: Perfect for situations where you can’t be impaired - at work, while driving, or in the morning when you still have stuff to get done around the house. Or, maybe you just don’t want to get high - there’s nothing wrong with that!
- Potential calming effects: CBD is known for creating a sense of balance and breaking down the tension within your body and mind. These vapes might be your ticket to unwinding without intoxication.
- Anti-inflammatory potential: CBD might help alleviate minor aches and pains, although topicals are usually a better way to handle these.
- Legal pretty much everywhere: CBD is legal in all 50 states (so is THC, for what it’s worth - more on that later). You can find it online or perhaps even locally.
The CBD vape vs THC vape comparison comes down to comfort level on the benefits side. Personally, we think all the therapeutic benefits (stress management, relief from discomfort, etc.) apply to THC as well. It’s just a matter of whether you’re comfortable with a high or not.
Don’t Most Vape Pens Have CBD and THC?
This is the thing that surprises most people about the CBD vs THC vape conversation - you don’t necessarily have to choose between the two. Most pens on the market use a full-spectrum extract that contains both CBD and THC, along with many other cannabinoids.
This allows for something known as the entourage effect, where all the different parts of hemp work in synergy to amplify the effects of one another. It’s the way cannabis was meant to be enjoyed.
That being said, the dominant cannabinoid in the blend shapes the experience. A CBD-dominant vape is not going to get you very high, even with some THC in the mix. That’s because CBD modulates THC, tempering its intensity. Similarly, a THC-dominant pen is going to feel more intense since CBD takes a backseat.
So, let’s take a closer look at the difference between CBD and THC carts below to help you figure out which fits your goals and routine better.
Choosing Between a CBD vs THC Vape
It’s not as simple as “high or no high.” There are quite a few moving pieces involved in picking between a CBD vs THC vape. We’ll break it all down for you.
High or No High?
This is obviously the headline difference between the two vapes. One gets you high, the other won’t. Most people make their decision right here. CBD for zero impairment, THC for the mind-bending effects this cannabinoid is known and loved for. Whether you're picking between vape pens or CBD vs THC gummies, the same principle holds.
Potential Therapeutic Effects
There’s actually quite a bit of overlap between CBD and THC vapes in terms of therapeutic potential. Both can be a valuable addition to your self-care routine, for things like:
- Stress management
- Sleep support
- Easing aches and pains
- Clear-headed focus
But, we think THC produces more pronounced benefits than CBD - you actually feel the stress and tension melting away on the exhale. This cannabinoid may have stronger analgesic effects (pain relief) as well.
Be clear, neither cannabinoid is FDA-approved for these uses when vaped, and we're not making medical claims here. But user-reported benefits are consistent enough across the CBD vape vs THC vape landscape that they're worth knowing about.
Possible Side Effects
This is where the CBD vape side of this conversation has an edge, because it really won’t produce any sort of side effects outside of maybe some throat/lung irritation if you take too big of hits or chain-vape your pen all day. CBD itself won’t cause any paranoia or a racing heart.
On the other hand, THC vapes can tip into anxiety if you take too many hits - or too big a hit on a high THC vape. Now, this is less likely than it is with, say, THC edibles - but it’s a risk nonetheless.
On the note of side effects, it’s important that you’re buying any vape from a brand you can trust. The last thing you want is to inhale heavy metals, pesticides, or any other junk that some brands can leave behind in their extract. The good news is you have nothing to worry about when you shop here with us at MUNCHIES! - we have really strict quality control standards!
Cost and Availability
You can get your hands on either vape product these days, and it’s all thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill. This piece of legislation made hemp-derived cannabis products on a federal level, as long as they contain less than 0.3% delta 9 THC by dry weight.
CBD vapes are a bit harder to come by if you’re talking about pure CBD. Most brands use a full-spectrum extract which contains some level of THC.
In contrast, it’s really easy to find THC isolate vape pens. These are available online and perhaps even locally if you’re lucky enough to live in a state that has an adult-use marijuana program (medical or recreational). But, you don’t have to bother with the dispensary mark-ups, crazy taxes, and inconvenience of standing in line. You can get vapes shipped to your doorstep!
Explore THC Vapes at MUNCHIES!
MUNCHIES! is your one-stop shop for legal, lab-tested cannabis products online. We ship to all 50 states and offer everything from THC vapes to edibles. So if you decide to try one of these intoxicating vapes after reading through our CBD vs THC vape comparison, look no further.
What Makes Our Vape Pens So Special?
From our THCA vape pen to our THCP vape, everything we sell ships with third-party lab results showing the exact cannabinoid breakdown and terpene profile. You’ll find a ton of different strains to choose from, too, whether you want something that lifts you up or helps you unwind.
Our vapes come in 2g disposables so you don’t have to bother finding any other hardware. They’re sleek, pocket-sized, and rechargeable - so you’ll be able to use all the oil without stressing about the battery going dead on you.
Choosing the Right Vape Pen For Your Goals
Start with why you're vaping. Do you just want to catch a buzz and take the edge off? Or, are you looking for something more specific, like sleep support? Do you want some sort of social spark or something that you can use during the daytime?
Narrowing it down will help you determine if you want a sativa or indica pen, and from there, you can compare specific strains to find the perfect fit. Or, you can simply connect with our customer service team here at MUNCHIES! for a personalized recommendation.
Closing Thoughts on the CBD Vape vs THC Vape Comparison
The CBD vape vs THC vape comparison ends where it starts: do you want a high, or don't you? Every other difference flows from that one answer. CBD offers calm without intoxication. THC offers a psychoactive shift that ranges from subtle to powerful depending on the cannabinoid and dose.
MUNCHIES! is your trusted source for legal, lab-tested THC vapes online. Explore the full collection today and see for yourself what keeps customers coming back for more!
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between a CBD and THC vape?
How they feel. CBD doesn’t feel like much, but it works subtly in the background to ease stress and tension. THC feels more intense physically and mentally, which can be a good thing for the right person. Some people don’t want the high that comes with it, though.
How do THC vapes feel compared to CBD vapes?
You’ll feel a sense of euphoria and an altered state of time/perception. It feels like waves of relaxation crash over your body, and you become a bit more giggly and happy. It really depends on the strain, though. Some are uplifting, others wind you down. CBD vapes, on the other hand, don’t really feel like anything - because they don’t have any sort of intoxicating effect.
Can I buy THC vapes online, legally?
Yep, right here at MUNCHIES! Explore our full collection of legal, lab-tested vapes derived from hemp. Everything we sell complies with the 2018 Farm Bill.
Which vape is best for managing anxiety?
This could go either way. We think THC has a stronger effect on anxious thoughts and physical tension, melting them away and leaving you in a state of total bliss. There’s a fine line, though, because too much THC can have the opposite effect. CBD is more subtle, so it may not make as big a difference in how you feel - but it’s less likely to cause paranoia if you overdo it.
What do I need to look for in a vape pen?
Third-party lab testing is non-negotiable. The COA (certificate of analysis) should confirm the cannabinoid breakdown and verify the product is free of contaminants. Beyond that, decide which cannabinoid fits your goals and look for a brand with transparent sourcing. You can shop with peace of mind here at MUNCHIES!
How does the entourage effect come into play with CBD and THC vapes?
These two cannabinoids shouldn’t live in isolation. The best results come from combining them, as they can amplify one another to create a more layered, well-rounded experience. The more you strip away from the hemp plant, the further you stray from what Mother Nature intended.
