Disclosure: BDI.ie is run by the team behind Dr. Hemp Me and CBD Éire. Where we mention those brands, we have a commercial interest. More about who we are.
Last reviewed: October 2026
This page used to explain how to vape CBD oil. We have rewritten it because vaping CBD carries risks that we do not think are worth taking, and because unregulated “CBD” vapes in Ireland have been found to contain dangerous synthetic drugs. Below we explain the risks clearly, what to watch out for, and safer ways to use CBD if you choose to.
The short answer
Never vape a CBD oil meant for taking by mouth. Oral CBD oils are made with carrier oils such as MCT or hemp seed oil, which should not be heated and inhaled into the lungs. Purpose-made CBD e-liquids exist, but vaping any product carries lung risks, quality is very hard to verify, and some products sold as CBD vapes in Ireland have contained synthetic cannabinoids or THC. If you want to use CBD, oils, capsules and gummies taken by mouth are simpler and safer choices.
Why you should never vape CBD oil drops
Oil-based products are not designed to be vaporised. Inhaling heated oil droplets can cause a serious lung condition called lipoid pneumonia. Carrier oils can also damage vape coils and produce harmful breakdown products when overheated. If a product is labelled for oral use (drops under the tongue), it must never go in a vape.
The lung risks of vaping in general
Vaping is less harmful than smoking tobacco for adult smokers who switch completely, but it is not harmless. Vapour can contain irritants, fine particles and metals from heated coils. Long-term effects are still being studied. In 2019, an outbreak of serious lung injuries in the United States, known as EVALI, was strongly linked to vitamin E acetate added to illicit THC vape cartridges, and some people died. It is a reminder that what is in a cartridge matters enormously, and that it is often impossible to know.
Fake “CBD” vapes in Ireland
In recent years, HSE services, schools and Gardaí in Ireland have warned about vapes sold as “CBD” or “THC” that actually contained synthetic cannabinoids. These are powerful drugs that have caused seizures, collapse, psychosis and hospital admissions, including among teenagers. HHC, often sold in vapes, became a controlled drug in Ireland in July 2025. Products bought from social media, friends, unofficial shops or abroad are the highest risk.
If someone becomes unwell after vaping, call 112 or 999. Signs of trouble include confusion, vomiting, a racing heart, seizures, extreme agitation or collapse.
If you are thinking of vaping CBD anyway
- Only consider e-liquids made specifically for vaping, never oral oils.
- Ask for a full lab report for the batch, including CBD content, THC, synthetic cannabinoids, heavy metals and additives such as vitamin E acetate.
- Buy only from established Irish or EU businesses with full contact details.
- Do not modify devices or mix your own liquids.
- Stop immediately if you develop a cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, fever or feel unwell, and see a doctor.
Even with all of these precautions, we recommend oral products instead.
Safer alternatives
CBD oil drops
Held under the tongue, with flexible amounts. See how to take CBD oil.
Capsules
A fixed amount with no taste.
Gummies
A fixed amount with a pleasant taste. See CBD gummies in Ireland. Keep away from children.
Creams and balms
Applied to the skin as part of massage or skincare.
If you vape nicotine and want to stop
Free help is available. The HSE QUIT service offers free support, including phone and online coaching, on 1800 201 203. Your GP or pharmacist can advise on licensed stop-smoking medicines and nicotine replacement.
Teenagers and vaping
Vaping among teenagers is a growing concern in Ireland. Selling nicotine vapes to under-18s is illegal. Parents worried about vapes, including vapes that may contain cannabinoids, can find guidance from the HSE and talk to their GP. Young people can get free, confidential support from Jigsaw and from the HSE drugs and alcohol helpline on 1800 459 459.
Why we changed this page
BDI.ie is run by the team behind two Irish CBD brands. Neither sells CBD vapes. We would rather tell you plainly that vaping CBD is not worth the risk than give you instructions that could cause harm.
How to spot a dangerous vape
- Labels mentioning THC, HHC, THCP, delta-8, “Spice”, “K2” or vague phrases like “relaxation blend”.
- Bright, sweet-themed packaging aimed at young people.
- No manufacturer name, address, batch number or lab report.
- Sold through social media, messaging apps, at parties or by friends.
- Promises of strong effects, “highs” or being “like weed but legal”.
- Cartridges that look homemade or have been refilled.
If you find vapes like these, do not use them. If a young person in your care has one, try to talk calmly about it and seek advice from your GP or the HSE drugs and alcohol helpline on 1800 459 459.
Why oral CBD is the better choice
With oral CBD products, you avoid putting anything heated into your lungs, you can see exactly how much CBD you take per drop or capsule, and products are easier to test and label. You also avoid the device problems, such as overheating coils and battery faults, that come with vaping. The trade-off is that oral CBD takes longer to be absorbed, but for most people that is a small price for a much simpler and safer routine.
What a proper CBD lab report should show
Whether you choose an oil, capsules or gummies, ask for an independent certificate of analysis with a batch number that matches your product. It should show the amount of CBD, confirm THC is not detected, and ideally include tests for pesticides, heavy metals, solvents and microbes. A seller who cannot provide this is not one to trust with something you put in your body.
Vaping and the law in Ireland
Ireland has tightened rules on vaping in recent years, including banning the sale of nicotine vapes to under-18s and restricting how vapes are sold and advertised. Further restrictions on flavours and disposable vapes have been under discussion at Irish and EU level. Separate laws cover controlled drugs: any vape containing THC, HHC or synthetic cannabinoids is illegal to possess or supply, whatever its label says.
Myths about CBD vapes
- “It’s just water vapour.” Vape aerosol contains fine particles and chemicals, not just water.
- “If it says CBD, it’s legal.” Labels on unregulated vapes are often wrong.
- “Natural plant oils are safe to inhale.” Oils in the lungs can cause pneumonia.
Talking to young people about vapes
If you are a parent, teacher or youth worker, a calm, curious conversation works better than a lecture. Ask what they have heard about vapes and “CBD” or “THC” vapes, share the facts about synthetic cannabinoids without exaggeration, and make sure they know to call for help immediately if a friend becomes unwell, without fear of getting into trouble. Agree a plan for how they can get home safely from parties. Keeping the conversation open matters more than getting every word right.
If you already vape CBD and want to switch, choose a lab-tested oil or capsule, start with the lowest recommended serving on the label, and talk to your pharmacist if you take any medicines.
Your lungs will thank you for it.
We review this page regularly as Irish rules on vaping change.
Frequently asked questions
Can you vape CBD oil?
Do not vape CBD oil drops meant for oral use. Inhaling oils can cause serious lung damage.
Are CBD vapes legal in Ireland?
CBD e-liquids without THC or other controlled substances may be sold, but products containing THC, HHC or synthetic cannabinoids are illegal and dangerous.
Is vaping CBD safer than smoking?
Vaping avoids smoke but is not risk-free, and the contents of vapes are hard to verify. Oral CBD products avoid lung risks.
What are synthetic cannabinoids?
Lab-made drugs that act much more strongly than THC and have caused serious harm. Some fake CBD vapes in Ireland have contained them.
What is EVALI?
A serious lung injury linked mainly to vitamin E acetate in illicit THC vape cartridges, identified in 2019.
What should I do if someone is unwell after vaping?
Call 112 or 999, stay with them and keep the vape to show medical staff.
What is a safer way to take CBD?
Oils, capsules or gummies taken by mouth from lab-tested, reputable sellers.
Where can I get help to stop vaping?
The HSE QUIT service on 1800 201 203, your GP or your pharmacist.
Related guides
This guide is for general information only and is not medical advice. CBD products sold in Ireland are food supplements or cosmetics, not medicines. Speak to your GP or pharmacist before using CBD, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding.