***Disclaimer: I am NOT a doctor. I am in no way, shape, or form offering medical advice of any sort. I am simply sharing my experiences vaping CBD oil for chronic pain relief*** May contain affiliate links.

New Vaping Concerns: Updated 7/7/2021

Holy cow folks! It has been a hot minute since I first wrote about my foray into vaping CBD oil for my chronic pain. And wow, so much has gone on in recent years relating to vaping as an option for pain management. Now, several years later it is becoming increasingly clear that vaping CBD oil is NOT the best idea for several reasons. You can read more about those here.

However, this is not bad news alone. While vaping would NOT be my recommended method for pain control anymore, there are other options. I have a whole post on some ideas here. But in the meantime, you might want to take a look at Kratom (suggested with keeping a few things in mind). I have a post coming up on that- it is what I’ve been using to supplement during my worst flares.

Not sure where to start when it comes to vaping CBD oil for chronic pain relief? Yep, me either. So, I headed to my local vape store. I literally knew nothing about vaping so I took a chance and headed in, having no idea what to expect. Especially considering off the top of my head I can’t think of a single person I know that even smokes cigarettes, let alone vapes. It was there that I met Mike.

First experience at a vape store

Mike was ridiculously patient with my millions of questions, very well informed, and really listened as I explained the chronic pain I live with everyday. He didn’t try and “sell” me on what I should get to meet my needs. Rather, he took the time to inform me about my options. He didn’t brush me off when I voiced my concerns (as many doctors tend to do). Beyond that, he even told me that they didn’t carry the strength I needed to help with my chronic pain in the store. He didn’t simply send me away with a website, he actually sat down at the computer with me and showed me exactly what I needed as a good starting point in actually choosing the CBD oil.

I decided to purchase a vape pen. He showed me how to use it, take care of it, and even filled it with a lower strength CBD oil and had me try it, just to make sure I was comfortable using it. I left feeling confident in my choice to try vaping CBD oil for chronic pain relief.

So, vape pen in hand, I decided to give it a whirl in the comfort of my home. Well, my front porch really, as I was uncertain about the whole “smoke” type thing in the house. To use my vape pen, I simply push the button and slowly inhale, nothing too deep, and definitely not “fast.”- trust me, doing it fast will NOT be pretty!

Did it work?

I waited a minute to see if I could tell a difference. YES! It was slight, but it was there. I decided to give it another go, slowly, relaxing more about the whole thing. 3-4 uses later and I felt SO much better! It was in the evening, so by then, I usually have a great deal of stiffness in nearly all of my joints, particularly my back, neck, and hips. By the time I was finished, I could easily walk upright and without a limp or shuffle from my foot pain. I was a bit shocked to be honest.

The big questions…

• How does it do with morning pain?

Anyone with chronic pain from arthritis knows that often, then pain and stiffness is worse in the morning. So when I tried vaping CBD oil for chronic pain relief, that was one of my major concerns. I was skeptical at first. I tried it in the morning. I always get up before the kids anyway so they aren’t exposed too much to Zombie Mom. It usually takes nearly 2 hours for the morning aches to work their way to a managable level. The first morning, within a half hour I was up and moving. I still (and probably always will) have some pain and stiffness in my hands and feet due to the permaneant damage but I would say the CBD helps bring the pain in those areas down from an 8 to a 2, something that has never happened with any of my prescription NSAIDs.

• How long does it last?

I have found that it usually lasts for about 4-5 hours at a time, depending on the level of pain I am feeling that day. So I tend to use it roughly 3-4 times a day. 

• How many times do I use it in a sitting?

I usually use it anywhere from 2-10 times in a sitting. When the pain is bad, I use it more but I would say I average around 5 times to start to really feel the relief.

• Where is a reputable place to get it?

I was initially referred to Cloud 9 by Mike at my local vape shop. I use 400mg and find it to be effective. But, I have found my absolute favorite to be from CBDistillery. They have an amazing vape selection that INCLUDES the pen as well as a great selection of tinctures that are taken sublingually (under the tongue). Use code Sundays to save 🙂 I am sure there are others, and I will add to this list as I do more research and test out different products.

• Is it expensive? How does the price compare with prescription meds?

You can usually find a coupon code for discounts on the products. That said, a quality product will probably run you anywhere from $40-$100 depending on the concentration level you choose. Right now, I spent about $40 on a 400mg bottle from Cloud 9 (don’t forget to use the coupon code!). So far, it has lasted me 6 weeks and I haven’t used up half the bottle yet, so that would mean it should last in the neighborhood of 3-4 months.

Whereas my prescription for diclofenac was running about $30 a month with insurance. While there may be some initial sticker shock, when priced out over the duration of it’s usage, it is more affordable than my prescription. Even if I go up to the higher end, I will at the very least even out and save myself the potential health problems of long term NSAID use. Because if I ruin my liver and kidneys on NSAIDs then I will not be able to take the biologics that are necessary to slow the progression of my PsA/RA and without those, (pardon the language) but I’d be S.O.L. 

• Where can I get additional, reputable information and learn about other’s experiences vaping CBD oil for chronic pain relief?

As with all things online, you really have to consider the source…Many FB groups and “informational sites” are trying to push their particular product or have a ridiculous amount of misinformation. Take each step at a time and don’t get overwhelmed. If you get confused, step back and take a break. Message me with questions and I’ll do my best to help you. 

I’ve learned to be very wary of things that claim to help relieve pain. Mostly because pain is so subjective- it is all based on personal perception. One person’s bedridden pain could be another’s nagging annoyance. So trying anything really is a bit of a gamble. However, vaping CBD oil for chronic pain relief is something that I really wish I had tried a year ago, without a doubt.

• Looking for general information about CBD oil for chronic pain? Read that post here. 
• Want to read more about my psoriatic arthritis diagnosis? Find that information here.
• Interested in CBD tinctures (drops under the tongue)? Read about that here!

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***Disclaimer: I am NOT a doctor. I am in no way, shape, or form offering medical advice of any sort. I am simply sharing my experiences vaping CBD oil for chronic pain relief***

***If your work or pain management clinic tests for cannabinoids please be sure to refer to whichever site you choose to purchase your CBD oil from for drug testing information. Always be upfront with your health care provider if you choose to use CBD oil. While it is legal, some tests will pick up the CBD oil during a test. ***