Thinking about trying a vape? Electronic cigarettes have skyrocketed in popularity in recent years. They are marketed as an alternative to cigarettes – vapes are powered by a battery and give the user nicotine without the use of tobacco. Instead of smoke, they convert e-juice into vapor. Yet not everyone is sold on these devices; e-cigs remain a topic of debate among many.
To give you a clearer understanding of these devices, we’ve listed some of the advantages and potential drawbacks:Â
Pro: It’s one of the best ways to quit smoking. Switching to e-cigarettes is a method of harm reduction. For some, one of the hardest parts of quitting is stopping the act of smoking itself. A vape can be used to replace this habit, and with nicotine-free e-juice, it’s a much healthier way to satisfy this craving. Not to mention that your teeth will look nicer; do check out Chloe Dental in Houston for dental services if you want to enhance your smile for good.
Con: It may make it harder to quit completely. A drawback to the customization of vapes and e-juices is that it may make it harder for the user to give up smoking entirely. A former smoker might find that they like vaping more than cigarettes, to the point where they’ll have to quit that habit, too. In this scenario, vapes may enable the user to keep smoking rather than help them quit.
Pro: You can slowly wean yourself off of nicotine. E-juice is offered in a variety of doses; some are completely nicotine-free, while others have anywhere from 3-18mg. If you’re trying to quit smoking, you can take it step-by-step. Lower your dosage over time until you’re ready to go nicotine-free.
Con: You need to do research about which model is best for you. There are many different types of vapes, some that are more complex than others. You can choose from cig-a-likes, vape pens, vaping mods, and pod systems. After you’ve made your purchase, you need to learn how to clean your vape. Neglecting to do so can damage the equipment.
Pro: It won’t make your clothes smell. One of the worst parts about smoking is that the smell doesn’t leave you once you extinguish the cigarette. Instead, it clings to your clothes and hair, following you into the next room and announcing your habit to everyone. Vapes don’t produce smoke – they emit whatever flavor you choose, and won’t latch on to you afterward.
Con: Vapes haven’t been studied long-term. Even though vaping seems safer than smoking, we can’t be sure until we have the long-term data to prove it. Of course, vaping doesn’t contain tobacco or create smoke, but there is very little research to demonstrate the effects of water vapor on the lungs. Many claim that vapes are less harmful than cigarettes, but we do not know the true impact of e-juice vapor on the body when used over time.
Pro: You can customize the flavors. The variety of e-juice flavors is what attracts many users. Just smelling the flavorful vapor that’s emitted from these devices draws many people into vape shops. A few popular choices are strawberry donuts, banana nut, menthol, and cinnamon roll. If you haven’t found the right fit for you, you can always mix different liquids. The owner of Cold Turkey Vape Shop said, “Many of our customers choose to mix e-juices and create unique flavor combinations. Keep in mind the nicotine dosage when you’re mixing flavors with different amounts.†Forget the nasty taste of cigarettes, and make the switch to flavorful vape juice instead.
Con: The cost adds up. If you use cigarettes, then you already know how much it costs to smoke for a year. Vaping might seem like a less expensive alternative, and in some cases it is – but this depends on what model you purchase, and how often you vape. The cost of e-juices, coil replacements (check here), and additional vape mods might outweigh that of smoking. Ultimately, the best way to save money is to completely kick the habit.
Pro: It has health benefits over smoking. Even though the long-term effects of vaping are not yet known, it offers a definite advantage over cigarettes for several reasons. Vaping doesn’t harm those around you by producing second-hand smoke. It also won’t stain your teeth like cigarettes. Since e-juice allows you to customize the amount of nicotine that you inhale, you can lower your dosage to reduce the harmful effects of nicotine.
Con: You have to remember to charge the battery. Uh oh – forgot to charge your vape? You might find yourself itching for a cigarette. Vapes can only help you stop smoking if the battery has power. If your vape runs out of charge when you’re not around a power outlet, you may be remorseful.
Whether you want to make the switch to vaping, or you want to use it as a method of harm reduction, it’s best to be informed about what these devices offer. At the end of the day, the choice is yours. Weighing the pros and cons can help you give up cigarettes or switch to a healthier alternative. Only you know which choice is right for you.
