A New Generation Is Getting Hooked On Nicotine
Among youth, e-cigarettes are more popular than any traditional tobacco product. In 2015, the U.S. surgeon general reported that e-cigarette use among high school students had increased by 900%, and 40% of young e-cigarette users had never smoked regular tobacco.
According to Blaha, there are three reasons e-cigarettes may be particularly enticing to young people. First, many teens believe that vaping is less harmful than smoking. Second, e-cigarettes have a lower per-use cost than traditional cigarettes. Finally, vape cartridges are often formulated with flavorings such as apple pie and watermelon that appeal to younger users.
Both youths and adults find the lack of smoke appealing. With no smell, e-cigarettes reduce the stigma of smoking.
What I find most concerning about the rise of vaping is that people who wouldve never smoked otherwise, especially youth, are taking up the habit, says Blaha. Its one thing if you convert from cigarette smoking to vaping. Its quite another thing to start up nicotine use with vaping. And, it often leads to using traditional tobacco products down the road.
Is Nicotine Alone Addictive At All
This is the really interesting question, and Chris Price points out that there have been no substantial attempts to really answer it. Because of the additional components in smoke that likely play a role in establishing addiction, he points out that the only relevant studies would be ones in which never-smokers were given pure nicotine. For smokers whove switched to a pure form of nicotine , the changes in brain chemistry assumed to be caused by starting to smoke means that there is already dependence on nicotine, so only never-smokers are likely to be relevant.
Some evidence of this type can arguably be found in trials of nicotine for its potential benefits for other conditions, such as this one looking at whether it could help with mild cognitive impairments . By the end of the study, 34 non-smokers had been on 15 mg of nicotine per day in the form of patches, but none reported any withdrawal symptoms, and all stopped using the patches. Someotherstudies have also looked at nicotine as a potential treatment for other conditions in never-smokers with no reports of dependence. However, evidence of this type is ultimately very limited, and since none of these studies specifically set out to investigate dependence in never-smokers, its more like anecdotal evidence than anything.
Vaping Without Nicotine: Whos Doing It
Whos vaping without nicotine, whos sticking with it, and why does it matter?
Vaping is vaping, whether youre doing it with or without nicotine. In fact, one of the most important things about vaping has always been the vapers ability to precisely control their nicotine. If youre smoking cigarettes, the only way to reduce the nicotine is to smoke less.
But because you can get e-liquid in every nicotine level, you can vape just a little and get a big dose of nic, or vape a lot with no nicotine at all and everything in between. For some vapers, theyre happy using a lot of nicotine, like they did with smoking. For others, reducing nic is important.
When I started vaping in 2012, I had the idea almost immediately of reducing my nicotine intake and just enjoying the flavor. What could be better after 38 years of Camels, I thought, than to kick back with a relaxing zero-nicotine vape while being free of the chains of addiction. Goodbye, demon nicotine!
But it wasnt to be. For me, the nic was a crucial element of vaping success. I needed to feel the vapor when I inhaled it, and without nicotine, there was no feeling at all. Close your eyes and no-nicotine vaping is the same as breathing clean air. The horror! I needed nics scratchy kiss to enjoy vaping. And almost five years later, I still do.
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What About Cbd Vaporizers
CBD vaporizers dont contain nicotine, but they can still cause side effects.
CBD stands for cannabidiol, one of several active ingredients in cannabis. Unlike THC, CBD isnt psychoactive, which means it doesnt cause a mental high.
While theres little research on the side effects of vaping CBD, some general side effects which tend to be mild of CBD use include:
- irritability
- nausea
- diarrhea
Vaping flavored CBD oil may also cause side effects similar to those of nicotine-free e-cigarettes, depending on the fluids base and flavoring ingredients.
Can You Get A Nicotine
This might seem like a ludicrous option and take away the whole point of vaping, but an increasing number of companies introduce a variety of e-liquids and devices that support this. Some former smokers believe that nicotine is the reason for the damage cigarettes have done to their body and want to remove completely. Nicotine-free vape juice does not contain the addictive chemical and therefore the most you can do is form a habit. Your body is not going to need it for survival as it would with an addiction.
If you are joining one of the 1.5 million who have quit smoking through vaping, then make sure you reduce your nicotine levels slowly to avoid side effects. For that purpose, a nicotine-free vape is possible with patience and will power.
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Vaped Liquids Produce Gases That Can Damage And Kill Human Cells
Liquids for electronic cigarettes come in a variety of flavors with and without nicotine. A new study finds that vapors from even those without nicotine can still poison cells.
Think electronic cigarettes without nicotine are harmless? Think again. A new study shows that the flavorings in e-cigs can harm human infection-fighting cells.
E-cigarettes work by heating a flavored liquid to make a mist that users inhale, or vape. These flavored liquids, called e-liquids, usually contain nicotine. But not always. Manufacturers add nicotine for vapers who want a buzz from their e-cigarettes. Its the same stimulant that true cigarettes deliver. That nicotine made from tobacco qualifies most e-cigs as tobacco products.
The nicotine may be useful for adults who are addicted to cigarettes and want to wean themselves off. But nicotine can harm children and teens. Thats why some young people may choose to vape instead of smoke, and use nicotine-free products. But the new data suggest that e-cigs can still be toxic, even without nicotine.
We know these flavors are really attractive to teens, says Irfan Rahman. He works at the University of Rochester in New York. He says studies have shown that one reason many teens try e-cigarettes is an interest in fruity and candy-flavored products.
Explainer: What are e-cigarettes?
Cells vs. cinnamon
A vaping machine
Cause for concern
Explainer: The nico-teen brain
The Unique Attributes That Make Nicotine Cravings Persist
Nicotine, alcohol, heroin, or any drug of abuse works by hijacking the brains reward system, says Yale researcher Nii Addy, PhD, who specializes in the neurobiology of addiction. The reward system wasnt meant for drugsit evolved to interact with natural neurotransmitters already present in the body, like acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter is used to activate muscles in our body. The reason nicotine fits into a receptor meant for acetylcholine is because the two have very similar shapes, biochemically speaking, Addy explains.
Once nicotine binds to that receptor, it sends a signal to the brain to release a well-known neurotransmitterdopaminewhich helps create a feel-good feeling. Dopamine is part of the brains feedback system that says whatever just happened felt good and trains the brain to repeat the action. But nicotine, unlike other drugs such as alcohol, quickly leaves the body once it is broken down by the liver. Once its gone, the brain craves nicotine again.
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Does The Juice Flavor Play A Significant Role
There are indicators that suggest certain juice flavors cause harmful side effects. In one 2016 study, researchers tested 51 different vape juice flavors for three potentially harmful chemicals:
- diacetyl
- acetoin
They found one or more of these chemicals in 92% of the flavors tested.
In addition, 39 of the 51 flavors tested contained a concentration of diacetyl that was over the laboratory limit. In essence, it is safe to say the flavor you choose to smoke has a major impact on your overall health and wellness.
Nic Free Vape Juices Are Often Discounted
Its factual the market for nicotine-free e-liquids is not as good as for nicotine-based e-juices. But, you should think twice before making a purchase even though you like vaping with nicotine-based e-juice, you can try a cheaper bottle of zero-nicotine vape. Particularly if you prefer doing the ones with low content of nicotine.
If what makes you like the vape is the flavor that it comes with, you can go ahead and make the purchase of that bottle with the flavor youre loving and blend the two. Or else you can make your own vape juice.
For example, if you are used to vape containing 3 mg/mL of nicotine and your eyes were caught by a cheaper or discounted 0 mg/mL vape, you can purchase that flavor at 6 mg/mL and blend 50% of each to form a 3 mg/mL concentration.
The best part of this story is that the entire move was to save costs. So the next time when you see a discounted nicotine-free vape on offer, dont just ignore it because you dont like the zero-nicotine stuff, as it can help you save some bucks if used wisely.
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Are There Any Nicotine
It could be considered a health benefit that people stop consuming nicotine, but as there has not been enough research done into any possible health issues, nobody can say for sure.
Thanush Poulsen
Being a regular Sweden student, I discovered innovative ways of living healthier. And with my very first e-cigarette, Ive got obsessed with all things digital. So vaping collided my interests in electronics, science, and health. I enjoy bringing people into the world of vaping through my reviews, guides, and best-of lists.
Beginner Vapes
Is Vaping Without Nicotine Bad For You
While vaping with nicotine will not specifically damage your body as a stand-alone bad substance, your nicotine dependence will increase with more use.
Therefore, its advised to slowly ease yourself off nicotine to reduce the chances of returning to cigarettes, which is considered much worse. If you suddenly take away nicotine or reduce too much in one go, chances are youll find it more difficult to vape and easier to revert back to smoking.
For this reason, vaping is a welcome change because you can mix it up with different nicotine strengths to suit. You can even completely remove tobacco and opt for pure nicotine instead with ready-made prefilled pods for beginners. That way you know youre getting a tested product which is ideal for the start of your vaping journey.
As an alternative to smoking, plenty of respected organisations such as Cancer Research UK, the NHS and the British Heart Foundation have backed vaping.
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Even Without Nicotine E
By Lisa Rapaport, Reuters Health
4 Min Read
– E-cigarette liquids sweetened with flavorings like vanilla and cinnamon may harm the lungs even when they dont contain nicotine, a U.S. study suggests.
Researchers examined what happened to monocytes, a type of white blood cell, upon exposure to flavoring chemicals used in popular e-cigarette liquids. None of the liquids contained nicotine, but the flavoring chemicals still appeared to increase biomarkers for inflammation and tissue damage, and many of them also caused cells to die.
Over time, this type of cell damage can lead to wide range of lung problems including fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, and asthma, said senior study author Irfan Rahman, an environmental health researcher at the University of Rochester Medical Center in upstate New York.
Nicotine-free e-liquids have generally been considered safe however, the impact of flavoring chemicals, especially on immune cells, has not been widely researched, Rahman said by email. This study shows that even though flavoring compounds are considered safe for ingestion, it is not safe for inhalation.
Big U.S. tobacco companies are all developing e-cigarettes. The battery-powered gadgets feature a glowing tip and a heating element that turns liquid nicotine and flavorings into a cloud of vapor that users inhale.
Exposing cells to mixtures containing a variety of flavors appeared to cause a worse reaction than using a single flavor, the study found.
For Health Conscious Vapers
With significant public concern for healthy living, more people are looking for alternatives. Many users are looking to vaping vitamins as a way to improve their day.
Though its not all smooth sailing, some additives pitching themselves as healthy might do some harm. Vitamin E Acetate, for example, has been tied to recent health issues in vaping. The FDA has also sent out warning letters to manufacturers of caffeine-based vapes.
It is important to do your research before choosing a product to vape. Vitamin B12 is a perfect example. Many swear by its ability to give them natural energy and focus. Existing inhalation studies, while small, have concluded that it is safe and effective to inhale while delivering the benefits of Vitamin B12.
Just as importantly, you need to choose a company you can trust. At VitaminVape we seek medical input during product development this ensures our products provide the maximum benefit to our customers. Furthermore, we ensure that our products adhere to strict safety levels that adhere to FDA standards.
People are migrating away from nicotine, which is addictive. Other non-nicotine options on the market can fill the gap. Dont think that because vaping is a tobacco-dominated industry, it all has to be bad, but the bottom line is you still need to do your homework.
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What Is Nicotine
Nicotine is an organic compound which stems from the nightshade plants family. Often found in tobacco-based products, it was first introduced into Europe by Christopher Columbus in the 15th century. Since then people have been smoking this highly addictive chemical, mimicking another chemical that occurs naturally in the brain and activates its pleasure centre.
Eventually, the brain becomes dependent upon the nicotine to work properly as it is less sensitive to the chemical it produces naturally. If consumed on its own repeatedly, it can be highly dangerous to people of all ages. However, we know when vaping e-liquids that you can buy with or without nicotine, selecting the dosage that suits, or none at all.
Its ideal for those looking to quit smoking because it doesnt mean you need to completely go cold turkey with your addiction. Instead with vaping, its possible to reduce nicotine levels with greater ease. However, bear in mind it can stay in your system for quite some time depending on how much you consume, which highlights the impact it can have on your body and mind.
What Types Of E
There are a variety of models available:
- Cigalikes look similar to tobacco cigarettes and can be disposable or rechargeable.
- Vape pens are shaped like a pen or small tube, with a tank to store e-liquid, replaceable coils and rechargeable batteries.
- Pod systems are compact rechargeable devices, often shaped like a USB stick or a pebble, with e-liquid capsules.
- Mods come in different shapes and sizes, but are generally the largest e-cigarette devices. They have a refillable tank, longer lasting rechargeable batteries, and variable power.
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Vaping With Or Without Nicotine: Whats The Difference
There is no denying the fix that tobacco smokers get from taking a drag from a cigarette. Imbibing nicotine once you are addicted to it evokes a relaxing feeling that many vapers also look for when vaping, especially those who are weaning themselves off smoking.
Some call it the nicotine hit, some call it the nicotine buzz whatever you want to call that sensation, nicotine is at the centre of it. Of course, it is possible to vape without nicotine, but whats the difference and is the nicotine element in e-liquid really that bad for you in the long run?
How Safe Are E
In the UK, e-cigarettes are tightly regulated for safety and quality.
They’re not completely risk free, but they carry a small fraction of the risk of cigarettes.
E-cigarettes do not produce tar or carbon monoxide, two of the most harmful elements in tobacco smoke.
The liquid and vapour contain some potentially harmful chemicals also found in cigarette smoke, but at much lower levels.
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How Does The Body Become So Dependent On Nicotine
Why is nicotine so addictive? When you light up a cigarette and take a puff, you are inhaling chemicals into your body. If youve often thought that the first drag of your smoke is the best, its because your giving your body the substance it craves. Once inside your mouth, nicotine enters your bloodstream and travels straight to the brain. Did you know that nicotine will reach your brain much faster than an injected drug into your veins?
Shockingly, nicotine changes many things about your body. Your heart will beat faster, and your blood pressure increases. The metabolism changes, and many people can lose weight while smoking. Consequently, when you stop, you will notice weight changes. Lastly, the blood vessels tighten because the drug deprives the body of much-needed oxygen. The vessels adjust to try to assist the body in pumping adequate blood to all the organs.
Tackling The Perfect Storm
Scientists believe that the main reason that the teenage vaping crisis has been more prevalent in the US than in the UK or Europe is because of a lack of regulation around both the marketplace and advertising. So far, Juul have been able to sell their products without FDA approval regarding their safety, while e-cigarette manufacturers have been allowed to target younger age groups through social media platforms and YouTube, as well as conducting large-scale campaigns through TV, radio and billboards.
There are standardised procedures for helping people quit smoking but no one knows if theyll work for vaping
What was unique about Juul was the social marketing campaign which was really attractive to kids, and the lack of regulatory oversight, says Judith Prochaska, associate professor of medicine at the Prevention Research Center of Stanford University, California. We havent had this kind of advertising for tobacco since the 1970s. The FDA has been very hands-off with the e-cigarette marketplace, and while retailers are not supposed to sell these products to kids under 18, theres a lot of evidence to show thats not upheld. It was the perfect storm.
Levy suggests that for teens who have already begun to experience cognitive and behavioural dysfunction as a result of excessive vaping, longer-term ancillary support may be required to help them resume their education and deal with these problems. However in many states, few such programmes exist.
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