The Difference Between CBD Concentrate & CBD Vape Liquid

Written by Cathy Rozyczko — Edited by Jason Brett on October 1, 2021

If you're just starting to learn about CBD and its potential benefits, you likely have many questions. There is so much information to take in! 

One great thing about CBD is that there are many different products on the market that cater to practically everyone, two of which are CBD concentrate oils and CBD vape liquid.. 

These two products are often confused with one another because they are both fluids. However, CBD concentrate oils and CBD vape liquids vary greatly when it comes to how quickly they work, what ingredients they contain, and how you go about using them. 

Check out the difference between CBD concentrate and CBD vape liquid. When you understand the pros and cons of both, you can decide if either is right for you. Or try both!

What is CBD concentrate oil?

As the name suggests, a CBD concentrate oil has a higher amount of cannabidiol per volume compared to most other CBD products. These oils are taken sublingually, meaning you place the desired amount under your tongue and hold it for several seconds before swallowing. 

CBD concentrated oils contain CBD and a carrier oil. Often the carrier oil is made from coconut oil, so anyone with a coconut allergy should carefully read the labels before buying. 

While MCT oil is probably the most popular carrier oil in these types of products, you can also find CBD concentrate suspended in hemp seed oil and olive oil.

So how quickly does sublingual CBD oil work? Different users report different experiences. Some say they feel the effects almost immediately, while others say it takes 10 minutes to 1 hour to kick in. 

Pros and Cons of CBD Concentrate Oil

As with any CBD product, there are pros and cons to using concentrate oils. Perhaps the biggest benefit of concentrate oils is how quickly some users start feeling the desired effects. Another pro is that the bottles of sublingual oils are relatively small, fitting easily into a purse or backpack. 

While carrying around a bottle of CBD oil is discreet, administering it is not. You should consider if you'll need or want privacy when using your concentrate oil. 

Another downside to using concentrated oils is that it may be difficult for some people to use the dropper, which requires a certain amount of dexterity to use. Some CBD users may find that a CBD paste in a dosing pen is easier to administer. 

While concentrate oils come in different flavors, you may not like the taste or feel of these products. Some people may find that taking CBD sublingually in any form is a challenge, as you typically have to hold the product under your tongue for several seconds, sometimes up to a minute, before swallowing. You should always follow the directions on the package, as instructions vary between brands and products. 

Because these products are highly concentrated, they are priced higher than other forms of CBD. A bottle can cost from $100 to just under $300, depending on the brand and percentage of CBD. However, depending on the amount you are using each day, a bottle may last you a long time.

CBD Concentrate Pros

• Fast effects
• Highly potent
• Good for carrying on-the-go
• Good for new CBD users

CBD Concentrate Cons

• Dosing is not discreet
• Very earthy, ‘hempy’ taste
• Higher price

What is CBD vape liquid?

CBD vape liquid, also called CBD vape oil or CBD vape juice, is meant to be placed inside of a vaping pen or vaporizer and inhaled. CBD vape oil is widely available in cartridges or sold in bottles. 

Some brands of CBD oil can be used both in a vape pen or administered sublingually. However, you must read each product description and only use oils for their intended purpose. Not all CBD oils are meant to go in a vape pen, and oils marketed specifically for vape pens should never be taken internally.

Pros and Cons of CBD Vape Liquid

One benefit of a CBD vape pen is that they often look like other vape pens that are on the market. No one will know that you are vaping CBD if that is a concern for you. 

However, keep in mind that vaping is not allowed in many places. If you plan to vape throughout the day, you have to think about where you will be and if there are any restrictions in place. 

Vaping CBD may be a good choice for anyone who wants to quit smoking. Vaping CBD juice allows users to still enjoy the rituals of smoking without nicotine. You can still go on your “smoke breaks” with friends and coworkers and enjoy inhaling a product. CBD may also help calm the anxiety that comes with quitting smoking. And many people trying to give up cigarettes enjoy the fact that CBD vape juice is sold in a variety of flavors, like bubble gum or fruit flavors. 

Vaping CBD typically works faster than a sublingual oil, often after just 10 minutes. This is because when CBD is inhaled, it goes directly into the bloodstream through the capillaries in the lungs. If you are considering CBD for pain relief, you may appreciate how quickly you feel the effects.    

Keep in mind that when vaping CBD, there is more equipment to keep track of compared to concentrate oils. You'll have a vaporizer or vaping pen, a battery, and the liquid or cartridges. When you're on the go, you'll need to either charge the battery or carry an extra one with you.

More research needs to be done on the effects of vaping and lung problems. Vaping may cause certain lung conditions, or exacerbate existing ones. If you have COPD, emphysema or another lung condition, you may want to consider using another form of CBD.

CBD Vape Liquid Pros

• Very fast effect
• Good for carrying on-the-go
• Good for new CBD users
• Tasty flavor options
• May help people stop smoking

CBD Vape Liquid Cons

• Health risks with vaping in general
• Equipment (vape pen) needed
• Dosing is not discreet
• Vaping restrictions in public places

How to Choose Between CBD Concentrate Oil and CBD Vape Liquid

There is no “right” way to use CBD. If you are unsure about which product you'd prefer, you can try them both and then decide!

When taken in any form, CBD is usually well tolerated. However, it can interact with some medications. It is wise to talk with your doctor or pharmacist about any possible drug interactions before using a CBD product.

Ultimately, choosing a CBD product comes down to your lifestyle and personal preferences. 

Whichever method you choose, plan to do a bit of experimenting. You'll want to start with a low dose to see how you feel and how your body reacts. For example, if you're using CBD for pain relief, you can slowly increase how much you take until you feel the dose is effective. With a little experimentation, you can easily find the product that's right for you!

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