Can You Put CBD or THC Oil in a Diffuser?

Soothing practices like aromatherapy can do wonders for your mental health when you’re feeling low. And if you already enjoy cannabis’ calming, mood-boosting effects, combining THC or CBD oil with aromatherapy seems like a natural way to elevate your mood even further, right? 

Not so fast.

Before you pour your favorite THC or CBD oil into your diffuser, there are some important things to consider. From product efficacy to potential side effects, let’s uncover whether CBD in an oil diffuser is truly capable of delivering the results you want. 

Key takeaways:

• Oil diffusion is the process of converting oils into a mist that is dispersed into the air.
• There are several types of essential oils diffusers, including ultrasonic diffusers, evaporative diffusers, heat diffusers, and nebulizing diffusers.
• Oil diffusers and aromatherapy can offer several therapeutic benefits, including reduced stress, improved sleep, and promoting mindfulness.
• To heat pure cannabinoid extracts or cannabis oils in a diffuser is not enough to offer therapeutic effects.

See Related: CBD Doseage: How Much Is Too Much?

What Is Oil Diffusion?

Oil diffusion is a process involving the dispersing of aromatic oils into the air. Typically, water that has been infused with aromatic oils undergoes a process of vaporization using heat or sound. This produces a mist that is believed to carry various health benefits, such as stress reduction. 

How Does Oil Diffusion Work?

Oil diffusers convert liquid essential oils into a gas or mist that is then dispersed into the environment.

Some of the most common types of essential oil diffusers include ultrasonic or fan diffusers. The ultrasonic diffuser, for example, uses electricity to stimulate ultrasonic plates. This awakens oil-infused water molecules until they result in a mist, which is then passed out of the diffuser and into the air. 

Types of diffusers

Ultrasonic Diffusers: Utilizes high-frequency vibrations to form a cool mist of water mixed with essential oils. It then disperses their scent and humidifies the air.

Evaporative Diffusers: Utilizes a filter, pad, or reeds to diffuse essential oils.

Heat Diffusers: Uses gentle heat to evaporate essential oils, which release their aroma into the surrounding air. 

Nebulizing Diffusers: Uses pressurized air to atomize essential oils into a fine, aromatic mist. 

With several different types of diffusers to choose from, the best choice for you will depend on your unique needs.

What are the health benefits of diffused essential oils?

There is a reason behind aromatherapy's growing popularity. According to a study published in the medical journal Frontiers, diffusing essential oils can help relieve symptoms associated with anxiety.

From improved mood to more restful sleep, a few drops of essential oils contain several therapeutic properties and potential benefits.

Individuals hoping to experience more calm and relaxation can utilize an essential oils diffuser as an inexpensive self-soothing method.

Some essential oils containing aromatherapeutic properties include:

• Lavender essential oil
• Eucalyptus essential oil
• Peppermint essential oil
• Citrus essential oil

Each of these contains unique properties, compounds, and effects.

Aromatherapy’s therapeutic benefits include:

• Reduced anxiety and stress: Scientific studies show that aromatherapy can lower both psychological and physical feelings associated with anxiety. This includes signs like increased heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels. 
• Improved relaxation and sleep: Some essential oils, like lavender, calm the nervous system due to compounds like Linalool. These oils can have positive effects on people with insomnia and other sleep problems. Some of the most effective essential oils for more restful sleep include lavender, bergamot, chamomile, and sandalwood.
• Mood-boosting properties: Some essential oils promote calming effects, resulting in stress relief and relaxation, while others can support neurostimulation that improves focus and boosts energy. 
• Promoting mindfulness and grounding: Many people find essential oils to help them relax and feel more peaceful when sitting still and meditating proves difficult. 

All of these benefits make aromatherapy a valuable tool for those dealing with mental health issues like anxiety and conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In fact, research shows that essential oils’ interaction with the body’s limbic system may help with symptoms such as panic, fear, depression, and irritability. The limbic system controls emotions and the “fight or flight” response commonly experienced by those with anxiety. 

Bonus: What Percentage of THC Is Considered High for Flower?

Can you diffuse CBD oil?

Putting CBD oil in a diffuser seems straightforward. The truth is, diffusing CBD oil is not a viable way to reap therapeutic benefits or psychoactive effects. Aromatherapy diffusers simply aren't designed to vaporize cannabinoids.

Bioactive substances like CBD must be ingested in higher concentrations to be effective. Whether combined with an essential oil blend or incorporated into an aromatherapy diffuser on its own, only tiny concentrations of CBD will be dispersed, which will fail to achieve the desired calming effect. 

What's more, THC must undergo a process called decarboxylation in order to become psychoactive. Standard oil diffusers don’t reach the necessary temperatures to enable this. 

If you'd like to avoid vaping cannabinoids, there are other ways to use CBD oils for relief.

Is diffusing CBD dangerous?

Health risks are rare, but that doesn't mean putting CBD oil into a diffuser is a good idea.

Diffusing CBD oil can be dangerous in addition to being ineffective. This is especially true if you are using an oil-based tincture. 

When inhaled, the carrier oils commonly found in most CBD tinctures are capable of causing a serious lung condition called lipoid pneumonia, which can be fatal. There is at least one case of cannabis-related lipoid pneumonia, which was published in Wiley. To be safe, you should only use CBD products that have been specially formulated for inhalation. 

How to use cannabis and CBD oil for relief

Whether you are hoping to relieve anxiety, improve sleep, address chronic pain, or simply improve your mental well-being, cannabis and CBD oil can offer various therapeutic benefits.

Some of the most common and effective ways to use cannabis and CBD oil to address medical conditions include:

• Vaping cannabinoids
• CBD applied topically
• CBD oil-based tinctures (or THC oil tinctures)

A safer alternative to diffusing CBD oil is topical application. This non-invasive experience combines CBD with essential oils, allowing users to enjoy the calming aroma and topical effects without the need for inhalation. These are typically applied to the body’s pulse points, like the wrists and temples. 

CBD oil-based tinctures can also be used under the tongue to provide therapeutic effects. These products can be purchased from reputable sellers like Clean Remedies, which carries a wide selection of CBD topicals, tinctures, THC chocolates, and other cannabis products.

Conclusion

It can be tempting to combine soothing techniques like aromatherapy with other natural medicines like CBD. While aromatherapy is an effective way to reduce stress and promote relaxation, you may want to think twice about incorporating CBD oil into the mix.

Whether you are seeking a calming effect, pain relief, or help with other medical conditions, consider safe CBD oil and other CBD products for calming and effective relief.

Keep Reading: How to Take CBD Oil for Anxiety: Dosage, Methods, & More

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it safe to put weed oil in a humidifier?

While a humidifier as a stand-alone can be effective, you should only vape cannabis products from devices that have been specially designed for this purpose.

Is THC oil an essential oil?

Cannabis oils might be considered essential oils of the marijuana plant as they contain extracted components such as terpenes and cannabinoids. These are responsible for cannabis’ unique aroma, flavor profiles, and potency. However, THC oil cannot be diffused like other essential oils can.

Is diffusing oil safe for the lungs?

Essential oil diffusers are not totally safe for everyone. When diffused, these oils can pose certain health risks for those with asthma, allergies, or respiratory conditions. It is important to use aromatherapy in well-ventilated areas to minimize potential harm in these groups. 

If you have a respiratory illness, allergies, or pets, consult with a health professional before diffusing essential oils. 

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