Vaping 101

Vaping has been one of the hottest topics during the past few years and has ignited one of the biggest debates in recent days in public health history. The debate has also surreptitiously found its way into just about every TV show and newspaper pages. Unconfirmed reports say there are an estimated 12 million Americans who vape regularly and some 2 million of these have quit smoking cigarettes entirely. Information about global vaping culture is unreliable, but it is catching up fast in Europe and China.
As the popularity of vaping continues to skyrocket among the middle class and youth, cigarette smoking has declined more rapidly than anyone can care to imagine. But with more adoption also comes public health concerns, doubt, and fear.

What is vaping?

Vaping can aptly be described as the act of inhaling a vapor that is produced by a personal vaporizer, or e-cigarette. The process involves applying heat to a liquid that generates vapor. The smoker (called vapor) gets his nicotine high through inhaling the gas, in this case, the equivalent of smoke. Basically a substance called e-liquid is heated to produce the vapor.
E-liquids are comprised of propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerine, or both. A mixture of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine with natural or human-made flavors are used to create unique and exotic flavors.
Vaping was invented by Chinese Pharmacist, Hon Lik, who got inspired after watching his father succumb to cancer after a lifetime of smoking. He called his invention a Ruyan, which can be loosely translated to “like smoke.”

When the Ruyan hit stores, it proved to be quite a hit, and in the mid-2000s, it slowly vaporized its way to the U.S.

How does A Vaporizer Work?

A vaporizer works on the principle of pyrolization. When you heat the substance, usually tobacco or cannabis, the temperature rises rapidly, and when it gets to the point of ignition and transforming into a fire, it starts to release all flammable gasses stored inside it. These gasses are what you inhale with the vaporizer. You can use any material you want in a vaporizer, but since different materials have different temperatures that dictate the point of releasing their flammable gasses, new vaporizers come with controls that regulate temperatures. So you can try to raise or lower temperature to release the vapor, without setting the material alight. A good vaporizer will cost you about $100.

What are some popular vaporizers?

In today’s market you will find a multitude of vaporizers to choose from. From a branded Snoop Dog vaporizer or a new and slick cloud pen to use for cannabis to the e-liquid models like the Pro 3 you have to choose what is best for you. I recommend looking at the features you need most, weather it’s battery for extended portability or size for discreetness, make a list of the features your ideal vaporizer should have.

The Features

Here are the main features of a vaporizer or vape pen:
a. The Cartridge: This is a tube-like compartment that houses the e-liquid, aptly called “e-juice.”
b. The Tube: This is the central console of the vaporizer
c. Battery: This is the vaporizer’s power source, and it can be charge via USB
d. Atomizer: This is the spot for heating the e-juice, where the vapor is created that is subsequently inhaled and exhaled.
e. E-liquid: This is the de facto source of all the potency. It is a water-based combination of liquid nicotine. It is infused with hundreds of flavors and comprises the following ingredients:
-Vegetable glycerine or propylene glycol-Nicotine-Flavouring
f. Cartomizer: This is the atomizer and cartridge rolled into one.

Nicotine strengths are measured in milligrams: For instance, strong (24mg), medium (12mg) and ultra-light (6mg). If you want to vape without inhaling nicotine, you can also get 0 (zero) milligrams.
Just like all substances, vaping has its categories of “highs.” And depending on the individual user and period of usage, the stronger the nicotine, the higher the “high.” In the vaping world, this is called the “kick,” or “throat hit.” If you’re new in vaping, it’s advisable to start low, then work your way up to a level that will comfortably accommodate your nicotine demands.

So Where Can You Vape?

Vaping is not illegal. And vapers are getting slowly accepted everywhere just like marijuana laws are slowly getting relaxed around the world. Just like smoking zones are created in the main cities, you will find selected restricted areas where you’re allowed to use your vaporizer.

Vaping and Health

Vaping involves nicotine without tobacco. There are no harmful effects on the lungs or heart. It emits vapor, and when other people inhale the vapor, it has no adverse effects either like tobacco does. The vapor is also odorless as opposed to pungent tobacco smoke. Tobacco smoke is said to contain hundreds of tiny micro-particles that harm the lungs and cause cancer. Vaping gives you a nicotine high much like tobacco but minus the micro-particles that cause cancer.
Again, the vapor is clean, unlike cigarettes that leave litters of butts, ash, social stigmas, and fire hazards. What more you can save money investing in one vaporizer, unlike cigarettes where you need constant supplies.
But the biggest plus in vaping is that it reduces dependency on cigarettes or helps you quit altogether. And it’s a much healthier and better choice.