Vaping is often criticized. From the customer at an Albany dispensary we hear positive reports on electronic cigarettes from time to time, but they are often overshadowed by stories about hypothetical risks and exaggerated harms. Vaping is a controversial topic. It can be difficult to find accurate information.15 former presidents of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco co-authored a recent paper in the American Journal of Public Health arguing the potential positive effects of vaping on public health are being ignored or twisted.When their research does not align with the popular message, (that vaping can be just as harmful as smoking, if it isn't worse), even top scientists and researchers are ignored. This is a confusing situation!This article will bring clarity and simplicity with real-world benefits to this topic. What are the pros and cons? Let's move on.
Vaping Has Many Benefits
- Vaping is 95% less harmful than smoking. The British Royal College of Physicians and Public Health England, as well as the American National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, agree. PHE states that vaping is "at most 95% less harmful." There is no combustion when vaping and therefore no smoke. Smoke is what causes the tar and the carbon monoxide which cause the majority of long-term damage to health. Smoke-free living has many health benefits, including improved lung and cardiovascular function and better senses.
- Vaping does not emit odors that are harmful. This includes your clothes, car and home. Vaping does have an aroma but it is far from the smells of stale cigarette smoke or cigarette butts. Even tobacco-flavored vapes do not smell like burning tobacco. The smell of vapor is not noticeable to many people. You might even get compliments!
- Vaping allows you to control your nicotine intake. E-juice comes in different strengths - from nicotine-free up to high-strength. You can select the exact amount of nicotine in your vape, or use none at all. Most vapers start with a high level of nicotine and work their way down.
- Some vapers prefer smaller devices like pod vapes for convenience and low vapor volume, while others enjoy high-powered mods to chase clouds. Others prefer mods with high power to chase clouds . You can fine-tune your vapor volume by adjusting the power output, the airflow and the coil type. This will also affect the flavor. Depending on the way you vape, you can be stealthy or as showy and bold as you want.
- E-juice comes in an almost infinite variety of flavors. Fruit, desserts and beverages are some of the most popular flavors. If you don't want to buy commercial vape juice, you can create your own.
- There are many products that can be used immediately, even though advanced vapes require some initial tweaking. Once the vape has been prepared, it is as easy as pressing a button, or drawing on the device. (Some devices have an automatic draw.) All vaping devices require a fully charged battery and ejuice in order to function, but the average vape is able to last you the entire day without any maintenance.
- Vaping is a large, competitive market with a wide range of prices. Many products are available in all price ranges, from 10 dollars up to hundreds of dollars. This means that there is something for everyone. There are vapes for every budget. Whether it's a disposable ecig or a more sophisticated vape mod with premium liquid there is a vape that you can use today.
- You don't need any experience: While you could make vaping a hobby or learn how to build coils yourself, you can still enjoy a fantastic vaping experience as a complete beginner. There are many vaping products available that don't require any prior experience.
- Accessibility: You can now find vapor products at vape shops, gas stations and convenience stores. You can also find vape shops who will deliver vaping products to your door.
Cons of Vaping
- The vaping market offers a lot of options. For a first-time vaper or smoker who is considering making a switch, this can be overwhelming. There are literally millions to choose from when it comes to vaping. With cigarettes, there is only one brand that you can buy and then light. It's important to guide vape-curious people to products that are easy to use and come with simple directions to get started. As new vapers gain experience, they can then turn to other sources for more information, such as vape shops, forums or experienced vapers.
- The vape learning curvature: Buying a product that demands specialized knowledge is probably the biggest risk for a novice vaper. They often end up frustrated and confused, and regret switching to vaping. There is no need to go through a lengthy learning curve. The best starter products are usually the simplest.
- Vaping poses potential health risks. It is true that we are still learning about the technology and cannot be certain of every possible risk. If you use vaping to quit smoking, you can relax knowing you have avoided the documented dangers of tobacco. E-cigs vapor contains only a small amount of the substances that are found in tobacco smoke. This makes vaping safer, as well as for those who are exposed to " Secondhand Vapor."
- Vapers are stigmatized for smoking: For nearly 60 years, tobacco control efforts have focused on "denormalization," a fancy term that simply means stigmatizing smokers and smoking. The same campaign that dehumanizes smokers is now being used against vapers. Vaping is perceived as smoking by people who don't smoke. Smokers who switch to safer products like vaping are often disappointed to find that they still face stigmatization based on ignorance, fear, and intolerance.
- The media has portrayed vaping as an issue for teenagers. Older smokers are less likely to consider vaping as a method of quitting smoking. Adults of all ages vape, and it is legal to purchase vapes at 21. But for those who are just discovering e-cigarettes, after the "JUUL" panic, it might be difficult to separate harm reduction benefits from the perception of adolescent fad.
- Nicotine misinformation is widespread. Nicotine has the same misunderstood effects as other drugs. It is a mild stimulant with effects similar to those of caffeine. Nicotine's bad reputation is due to its association with smoking, a dangerous method of delivery. Many people confuse the effects of smoking and nicotine, even doctors who treat lifelong smokers. Nicotine can provide health benefits to many.
- Restrictive laws and rules. Based primarily on the "epidemic of vaping" promoted by anti vaping organizations, laws and regulations have been passed that limit vaping options, availability, and cost. Over half of American states have taxes on vaping products, and Congress passed a recent law banning U.S. Postal Service deliveries of vaping products. Vaping products other than tobacco are banned in some states.
- FDA regulations could eliminate vaping options: The Food and Drug Administration’s Premarket Tobacco Application process (PMTA) may be the biggest threat to vaping. Last fall, manufacturers who wanted to keep their products in the marketplace were required to submit complicated applications to prove that the products were "appropriate" for protecting public health. Experts predict the FDA will use this process to remove many of the most popular vaping products from the market. The PMTA process was not required for cigarettes, which were grandfathered into the market.
- It's not easy to find the truth about vaping. Vaping is a disruptive technology, which threatens both the tobacco and anti-smoking industries. can make it difficult for smokers or vapers to separate the truth from lies about vaping. This is because these powerful enemies promote their narratives through every type of media outlet, including federal agencies. There are many scary stories about vaping. It's easy for people to be scared.
You Have a Choice
You should now have a much better understanding of the pros and cons associated with vaping. Both sides have their own arguments. If you think of vaping as an alternative to smoking it is obvious that this is the better choice. Vaping isn't the only option to fight cigarette addiction. All the other options have their pros and cons.The reason vaping is so popular is that it provides nicotine and a similar experience to smoking, without the combustion products which make smoking deadly. Vaping is not perfect and it's certainly not for everyone. You should be aware of both the pros and cons of vaping before you make a decision of buying vapes at your nearest Albany dispensary.