Yes, it is possible to vape CBD without propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin, thanks to alternative bases such as Végétol, MPGV, or bio-propanediol. Two checks are essential before any purchase: the compatibility of the base with the equipment used and the existence of an independent certificate of analysis guaranteeing the product's traceability.
In short:
- Alternative bases for vaping CBD without propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin must be compatible with the equipment and accompanied by an independent certificate of analysis.
- The viscosity of plant bases influences fluidity, throat hit and vapor production, which may require technical adjustments to avoid clogging or dry hits.
- The safety of heated compounds remains uncertain, with electronic vaping systems potentially releasing toxic substances, and a regulatory limit for THC set at approximately 1 microgram per kilogram of body weight.
- Product verification must include a certificate of analysis, a precise list of the base used, material compatibility, and hemp traceability to guarantee its conformity and quality.
- The products offered by The French Hemp Empire comply with regulations, with full traceability and laboratory analyses attesting to the absence of THC beyond legal thresholds.
Table of Contents
- What does "PG and VG free" mean, and what alternative bases exist for vaping CBD?
- Fluidity, throat hit and aromas: what changes with a PG and VG-free base
- Safety and scientific uncertainties surrounding PG- and VG-free bases
- How to check a CBD e-liquid without PG or VG before buying it
- Using and maintaining your equipment with a PG- and VG-free base
- Why traceability takes precedence over marketing promises
- Find a compliant CBD e-liquid at The French Hemp Empire
- Resources for further exploration of the topic
- Sources
- Frequently Asked Questions
What does "PG and VG free" mean, and what alternative bases exist for vaping CBD?
In a typical e-liquid, propylene glycol (PG) carries the flavorings and provides the throat hit, while vegetable glycerin (VG) produces the vapor and smooths the inhalation. A "PG- and VG-free" e-liquid replaces these two components with other solvents, usually of vegetable origin, intended to limit exposure to synthetic derivatives.
Several alternatives are circulating on the European market:
- Végétol patented plant base presented by its manufacturers as a substitute for PG, with a different texture and heating behavior.
- MPGV (vegetable monopropylene glycol) remains chemically close to classic PG, but claims a vegetable rather than petrochemical origin .
- Bio -propanediol is a compound obtained by fermentation of plant raw materials, used as an alternative solvent in certain formulations.
- 100% VG bases or diluted oils are sometimes chosen by manufacturers who prefer to completely remove the PG fraction rather than replace it with a vegetable equivalent.
These choices are never insignificant from a technical standpoint. CBD is a fat-soluble molecule, meaning it must be dissolved in a lipid-compatible solvent, otherwise it will crystallize at high concentrations, as highlighted in a technical analysis of cannabidiol solubility. Changing the base without adjusting the formulation can therefore alter the stability of the finished product, its bioavailability, and even its perceived aroma.
Fluidity, throat hit and aromas: what changes with a PG and VG-free base
The behavior of an e-liquid depends directly on its viscosity, and bases without PG or VG do not all behave the same way once in a cartridge or tank.
- A base that is more viscous than classic PG flows more slowly through cotton wicks, which can slow down saturating in low-flow clearomizers and some 510 cartridges.
- The hit, that characteristic sensation in the throat, is generally less pronounced with Végétol or bio-propanediol than with PG, which is suitable for sensitive users but may disappoint those looking for a sensation close to that of a cigarette.
- Aromatic reproduction also varies: some plant bases attenuate the most volatile notes, while others intensify them slightly depending on their residual terpene compound content.
- Vapor production generally remains adequate with bases rich in VG or similar glycerin, but it can clog coils more quickly due to incomplete combustion of sugars and polyols.
For pod-type devices, a thinner base is preferable to avoid leaks and dry hits. 510 cartridges tolerate slightly thicker bases better, provided the coil explicitly states compatibility. Sub-ohm systems, designed for high e-liquid flow, do not handle very viscous bases well, as these tend to saturate the wick before they can be properly vaporized.
Pro tip: before filling a new device with an unknown base, test it on a used coil rather than a new one, to spot any fouling without wasting a consumable.
Safety and scientific uncertainties surrounding PG- and VG-free bases
Heating e-liquid, regardless of its base, generates compounds that are not present in cold liquid. The World Health Organization points out that electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) release carbonyl compounds and other potentially toxic substances, and recommends strict monitoring of ingredients and increased transparency regarding emissions, as detailed in its report on electronic nicotine delivery systems.
The recommendations stress transparency of ingredients and monitoring of emissions, while calling for caution regarding unproven health claims.
World Health Organization, FCTC document on electronic nicotine delivery systems
From a respiratory standpoint, a study comparing the metabolic profiles of tobacco smokers, vapers, and cannabis users revealed measurable biochemical differences depending on the inhalation method, although the long-term clinical implications have not yet been established. This finding applies to all vaping methods, regardless of the base used.
A scientific uncertainty surrounds the conversion of CBD to Δ9-THC under the influence of heat : experiments under extreme conditions suggest a theoretical thermal conversion, but the relevance of this phenomenon for normal vaping use has not yet been confirmed. This area of uncertainty underscores the importance of regulatory thresholds: British authorities have established a safety limit for THC as a contaminant in CBD products, set at approximately 1 microgram per kilogram of body weight per day, according to the ACNFP and COT report on THC contamination. This benchmark highlights why a current certificate of analysis remains the only tangible guarantee, regardless of the chosen basis.
How to check a CBD e-liquid without PG or VG before buying it
Given the diversity of formulations, a methodical verification makes it possible to eliminate poorly documented products.
- Always request an independent Certificate of Analysis (COA) stating the CBD concentrations, the residual THC level, and the absence of undesirable solvents.
- Read the full list of ingredients and check that the base has a specific name (Végétol, MPGV, bio-propanediol) rather than a vague mention of "vegetable base".
- Check that the manufacturer indicates a recommended viscosity and explicit hardware compatibility, especially for 510 cartridges or pods.
- Beware of products without available COA, unsourced health claims, and any lack of information on the origin of the hemp used.
| Signal to check | What he reveals | Risk level if absent |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Analysis (COA) | Actual CBD and THC concentration, free of contaminants | Pupil |
| Exact name of the base | Nature of the solvent and foreseeable compatibility | Moderate |
| Viscosity as indicated by the manufacturer | Compatibility with vaping equipment | Moderate |
| Traceability of hemp origin | Regulatory compliance and raw material quality | Pupil |
A reputable manufacturer documents each of these points without the buyer having to request them, which distinguishes a controlled formulation from a product assembled without quality control.
Using and maintaining your equipment with a PG- and VG-free base
Using a more viscous base or an unusual formulation requires a few simple adjustments to preserve the material and avoid unpleasant surprises.
- Slightly reduce the power applied compared to a classic e-liquid, because a thick base heats up more slowly and risks burning the wick if the power remains the same.
- Allow the coil to rest after filling, between five and ten minutes depending on the thickness of the base, to allow complete impregnation of the cotton and avoid any unpleasant dry hits.
- Watch for the appearance of a burnt taste, often the first sign of premature fouling linked to polyol or glycerin-like residues.
- Replace the coil more frequently than with a standard e-liquid if you notice a decrease in flavor output, a sign that the wick is starting to saturate.
Pro tip: note the refill date on the tank when you test a new base: this allows you to objectively identify if the coil gets dirty faster than with your usual e-liquid.
Certain precautions remain valid regardless of the base used. The sale of CBD products is restricted to adults, and pregnant women and non-smokers are advised to seek medical advice before use, as the scientific uncertainties mentioned above concern both alternative bases and conventional formulations.
Why traceability takes precedence over marketing promises
Claims of being "PG and VG free" have proliferated, but the market often lacks the means to independently verify them. A base bearing a reassuring brand name guarantees nothing until a certificate of analysis confirms its actual composition and the absence of contaminants.
The key issue isn't so much the origin of the base material as the manufacturer's ability to document every step, from hemp cultivation to the final bottle. A product can boast an appealing herbal formulation but remain vague about its residual THC content, making the Certificate of Analysis (COA) more crucial than the commercial label. This rigorous documentation, more than the exact nature of the solvent, separates legitimate formulations from unverifiable claims.
— Vanessa
Find a compliant CBD e-liquid at The French Hemp Empire
The French Hemp Empire offers a selection of CBD vapes accompanied by independent laboratory analyses and complete traceability of product origin, with strict adherence to the legal threshold of 0.3% THC.
The range includes 510 cartridges, such as the CRD Vape 1ml 510 cartridge with 99.9% vapor production, suitable for systems already equipped with a compatible battery, as well as ready-to-use formats like the Pure Sauce vape pen, requiring no assembly or prior adjustments. Each product page details the technical specifications needed to ensure hardware compatibility before purchase.
The sale of these products is strictly reserved for adults, in accordance with the regulations applicable to CBD products.
Resources for further exploration of the topic
To verify the cited data, consult the WHO report on electronic systems, the ACNFP opinion on contaminating THC, and the certificates of analysis available in the shop.
This article provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional about your specific situation before taking any action based on this content.
Sources
- Formulation considerations for CBD: solubility and delivery (PMC12736438)
- WHO: Electronic nicotine delivery systems (WHO FCTC document)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to vape without propylene glycol at all?
Yes, bases like Végétol, MPGV, or bio-propanediol can replace traditional PG, as can 100% VG formulations that completely eliminate this fraction. The choice depends primarily on the desired throat hit and compatibility with the vaping device.
Is vaping CBD safe?
Heating any e-liquid, including those containing CBD, generates compounds such as carbonyls, which the WHO recommends be monitored and limited in electronic delivery systems. Studies on long-term respiratory effects remain limited, justifying caution, particularly for vulnerable individuals.
What is the difference between PG and VG in an e-liquid?
Propylene glycol carries the flavors and provides the throat hit, while vegetable glycerin produces most of the vapor and smooths the inhalation. PG- and VG-free bases attempt to replicate these two functions using alternative vegetable solvents, sometimes exhibiting different heating behavior.
Can CBD e-liquid be detected in a saliva test?
A saliva test typically targets THC rather than CBD itself, making the result dependent on the residual THC level present in the consumed product. This is why reading the certificate of analysis remains essential before purchase, particularly to verify that the legal threshold of 0.3% THC, assessed by the ACNFP (French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety) in light of the risk of contamination, is respected.
