Smoking CBD: benefits, contraindications and laws [2025]

By now, we all know that in recent years cannabidiol, better known as CBD, has gained increasing popularity as a possible natural solution for various physical and mental disorders. 

This quickly led to producing an impressive number of very different products. From food to oils, from cosmetics to supplements. And what about CBD inflorescences?

Although British law discourages it, many people wonder about the benefits of smoking CBD.

Although often associated with THC and the psychoactive effect of cannabis, CBD offers a completely different experience. The act of smoking CBD, via cannabis cigarettes or specialised vaporizers, could be one way to experience the therapeutic benefits of this substance without the typical side effects of THC intake. 

However, you need to be familiar with the law in your country before delving into this field. The act of smoking, in general, is different from all other methods of consumption and under no circumstances is it good for your health. 

It is good to know the potential benefits of CBD, but also the risks associated with smoking, as well as the local laws and regulations governing its use. In this article, we will explore in more detail what smoking CBD entails, analysing its effects, applications and considerations for responsible and informed use.

Smoking CBD, what does the law say?

The UK law on CBD is still somewhat unclear and continually evolving. In general, CBD products are considered legal if they contain less than 1 mg of THC per product, as established by the European Union. The 0.2% THC limit applies only to the strains of hemp approved for cultivation, not to the final products intended for consumers. The Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 allows for the cultivation, processing, and sale of low-THC cannabis, which contains CBD.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has also clarified that all ingestible CBD products must have “novel food” authorisation. Companies were required to submit full applications by 2022, and the authorisation process is expected to conclude in 2025. Furthermore, the FSA has proposed a move toward “zero detectable THC,” although this is not yet law.

Despite recent discussions in Parliament about potentially classifying CBD as a controlled substance, the situation remains uncertain for both sellers and consumers.

A separate issue arises with smoking CBD. According to UK law, CBD flowers and buds can be sold only for technical purposes or as collectibles. However, a 2023 UK Court of Appeal ruling indicated that CBD flower with less than 0.2% THC and derived from approved EU hemp varieties is not a controlled drug in itself. Still, the commercialisation of CBD flower remains in a legal grey area, and cultivators are currently required to destroy the flowering tops. Ambient vaporisers are on the borderline, but nothing more is explicitly permitted.

This creates a significant dilemma for users. In public places, it is not advisable to smoke CBD because law enforcement, when in doubt, may conduct searches and proceed with seizures. This could initiate a lengthy process, sometimes lasting several years, involving blood tests, hair tests, and urine tests to determine the amount of psychoactive substance absorbed by the body. None of this is pleasant.

The situation is different when it comes to private use within homes, where people feel freer to experiment with various methods of consumption.

Therefore, under current UK law, smoking cannabis (including high-THC products) remains illegal, while CBD use is permitted under strict conditions depending on THC content and product type. That said, let’s better understand the benefits of CBD and the potential risks of smoking it.

Benefits of smoking CBD

If you know a little about CBD, you will already know the benefits of the active ingredient, i.e. its ability to relieve pain, calm stress, improve sleep, and so on. 

But why do some people feel the need to smoke it?

Because the act of smoking CBD also has benefits, or so it seems: 

• Faster absorption: it allows for faster absorption into the bloodstream than other methods such as oils or capsules, this is because CBD is absorbed directly by the lungs, where it quickly enters the bloodstream;
• Faster effects: this can be an advantage for those seeking immediate relief from symptoms such as pain or anxiety:
• Precise dosage: you can control the amount of CBD you take based on the amount you smoke;
• Sensory experience: some people prefer the sensory experience of smoking CBD for the taste or aroma. 

These seem to be the reasons why some people prefer this method of intake.

Contraindications of smoking CBD

However, as we said at the beginning, the act of smoking per se, whatever its content, is never a good idea for one’s health. 

Let’s look at the contraindications of smoking CBD: 

• Health risks: smoking anything, including CBD, can irritate the lungs and increase the risk of respiratory problems; 
• Short-lived effects: the effects of smoked CBD tend to be short-lived compared to other methods, meaning that you may need to smoke CBD more frequently to maintain CBD levels in your bloodstream;
• Not suitable for everyone: smoking CBD is not suitable for everyone, such as people with respiratory problems or pregnant or breastfeeding women.

The choice is therefore very personal. If you are not used to smoking, however, there are plenty of other methods of taking legal CBD such as oils, supplements and topical products. 

Difference between smoking and vaping

Vaping weed is becoming increasingly popular. It is a compact and practical device that heats the plant material without causing it to burn. In this way, cannabis natural aromas can be preserved, avoiding both the mixing with tobacco, typical of joints, and the production of harmful substances associated with combustion, which can damage the respiratory system.

And not just with weed. In recent years, hashish vaporisers have also gained popularity among cannabis enthusiasts, representing a modern and versatile alternative to traditional methods. Their convenience and health benefits make them an increasingly popular choice.

The advantages of vaping are numerous: instead of burning the resin or the plant material, this device simply heats it, producing a dense, richly flavoured vapour that is much more pleasant and less harmful than smoking. Also, it does not require the use of tobacco and works autonomously. Simply insert the legal hash into the heating chamber, known as a “brazier” or convection chamber, for a cleaner and healthier experience.

Let’s see now all the existing methods of smoking CBD in detail.

CBD smoking methods

So far, we have spoken generically about smoking CBD. In reality, however, there is no single method of doing so. 

It is true that when people talk about smoking, everyone thinks of the classic ‘joint’. However, there are also different methods, some traditional and some modern, that allow CBD to be smoked more or less safely.

Let us look at the different methods in detail.

Joint or Blunt

The joint or joint is the most common method of smoking CBD. It is a cigarette rolled with rolling papers and crushed CBD inflorescences. This method offers a classic smoking experience and an immediate effect. However, burning the paper can generate harmful substances.

In order to smoke CBD this way, you have to buy the inflorescences or hashish and then get a grinder to grind them. They are usually rolled together with tobacco.  

In this case the burning is fast and straightforward, it is relatively easy to use and you have a very varied choice of flavours and aromas. 
On the other hand, burning paper generates harmful substances, can also be very irritating to the lungs (especially with prolonged use), produces a strong and persistent smell and the amount of cannabis is difficult to dose accurately.

Chilum

The chilum, or cilum, is a pipe of Indian origin traditionally made of earthenware or stone. We can define it as the ancestor of the classic pipes that we also know in the West. The CBD inflorescences are burnt in a brazier and the smoke is drawn through a pipe. 

The chilum offers an intense smoking experience and a purer flavour than the joint. The combustion is more efficient and the flavour more aromatic. 
However, it can be difficult to use and requires some practice. Moreover, the chilum itself is an object that may break or overheat. Moreover, it should be thoroughly cleaned after each use to make it last longer.

Vape

Vaping CBD is one of the most popular ways of taking cannabidiol due to its speed of action and ease of use. Using a vaporiser or an e-cig, CBD is inhaled in the form of vapor produced by a specific e-liquid. This method allows direct absorption through the pulmonary alveoli, ensuring high bioavailability and allowing benefits such as relaxation or pain relief to be felt quickly. Vaping does not involve  combustion, so it eliminates the risks related to the production of toxic substances associated with traditional smoking. In addition, it offers a wide range of flavourings and concentrations to choose from, making it a versatile solution for those who wish to integrate CBD into their daily routine in a convenient and discreet manner.

Bong

The bong can also be described as a kind of pipe, especially for the type of use, but with a simpler design and smaller dimensions. The smoke is cooled and filtered through water before being inhaled. 

The bong offers a powerful and direct smoking experience. The effect is quick and intense, it is easy to clean and there are many different designs on the market to choose from. 

However, it can be difficult to clean and can irritate the lungs if used with too much force. It is difficult to dose the active ingredient accurately, has a strong and persistent odour and is often quite a fragile object.

Hookah

We return to a tradition of hundreds of years with the hookah, also known as shisha. It is a water pipe that allows CBD to be smoked in a more refreshing and aromatic way. The smoke is cooled and filtered through water before being inhaled. 

The hookah offers a social and pleasurable smoking experience; it is often used in special places where people meet and can smoke together. The smoke is refreshing and flavoured, you can choose from a wide variety of tobaccos and accessories.

However, the preparation and cleaning of the hookah can be complicated. The instrument itself can be expensive, although there are all sizes, it is difficult to transport and not suitable for quick smoking sessions. 

Vaporizer

We finally come to a more modern and also relatively safer method than the previous ones. 

The vaporiser is a device that heats CBD inflorescences to a controlled temperature, without burning them. This method allows CBD to be inhaled without the harmful substances produced by combustion. 

The vaporiser offers a healthier and customisable smoking experience. You can also control the temperature and choose from a wide variety of vaporisers available. 

However, such devices can be expensive and require regular maintenance. It can be difficult to find suitable inflorescences and batteries can run down quickly. 

Our tips

Throughout this article, we have examined all aspects of CBD smoking, exploring its potential benefits and health implications. Remember that the choice to adopt this practice must be carefully considered, taking into account one’s needs and personal situation.

If you are new to CBD, start with a low dose and gradually increase it until you find the effective dose for you. Also, listen to your body and stop taking cannabis if side effects occur.

Although this is a tempting method, experiment with others to find the one that works best for you. Finally, be sure to use high-quality CBD products from a reputable dealer.

If you are interested in exploring the world of CBD, our product range offers certified options, guaranteeing purity and safety. In addition to this, we promote a responsible approach to CBD use, encouraging an awareness of your own health and well-being.

We are here to support you in every step of your journey towards a more balanced and harmonious life. Choosing Maria CBD means choosing quality, transparency and the support of a community dedicated to individual and collective well-being.

Choose Maria CBD’s legal weed and start your journey to wellness today!