Methods of consumption

Image

The vapor enters through the mouth and the nicotine travels to the lungs where it then enters into the bloodstream.

• There are two different types of liquids that get vaporized
  • Freebase nicotine
    • Nicotine ranges in concentration from 3 mg to 18 mg and is designed to be used in larger devices sometimes known as“hi-wattage devices” or “non sub-ohm” (stronger hit and is rough on the throat)
    • Same type of nicotine as in most cigarettes¹¹
  • Nicotine salts
    • Manufactured particularly for All In One “AIO” or “Pod Based” systems.
    • Has a higher pH resulting in it being softer on the throat
    • • Has a higher amount of nicotine (ranging in concentration from 20-60 mg, 1 pod comparable to at least 2 packs of cigarettes in the US)¹²
• Additionally, some vape pods might contain THC, an active ingredient of marijuana that can cause its hallucinogenic and addictive effects. The odor is not easily recognized as marijuana and produces a smaller amount of vapor making it difficult to identify.¹³

An American inventor, Herbert Gilbert, created the first "smokeless non-tobacco cigarette" in 1963. Originally marketed as a non-tobacco alternative to cigarettes, it was later successfully commercialized by Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik in the 2000s.⁴ It gained popularity because it was thought to be less harmful than cigarettes. Vaping may indeed be a safer alternative (as harm reduction) for people trying to quit smoking cigarettes, but , a growing body of evidence indicates, that it still isn't without risk. While most of the flavorings used in vaping liquids are considered safe by the Food and Drug Administration, that refers to oral consumption. Most of them have not been studied to determine their health impact when inhaled using an e-cigarette.⁵ Health advocates now recommend caution in using these devices, particularly amongst young people, due to several risks including addiction.⁶

Though vaping was originally intended as a tool to help adults quit smoking, only 1-2% of Colorado adults have quit smoking by vaping.²

Immediately after exposure to nicotine, there is a "kick" or a “buzz” type feeling caused in part by the drug’s stimulation of the adrenal glands and resulting discharge of epinephrine (adrenaline). The rush of adrenaline stimulates the body and causes an increase in blood pressure, respiration, and heart rate.⁹ Nicotine only stays in the body for a few hours, which is why people who vape might experience frequent withdrawal symptoms.¹⁰

Some of the very significant dangers that could occur as a result of vaping are due to the vape liquid itself. It is a common misconception that vaping is simply an electronic version of a cigarette, but the liquid in vaping cartridges changes this very definition.

The vape liquid can contain a substance called propylene glycol, an ingredient of antifreeze, which can harm the lungs. Ultrafine particles can also enter the body, including ultrafine metals such as nickel, tin, and lead. These chemicals can cause long-term illnesses. For example, in a popcorn flavored vape cartridge, a substance known as diacetyl might be in the flavoring. This can lead to a condition known as “Popcorn Lung,” which causes symptoms similar to lung disease.¹⁴

What is most scary, however, is the fact that many researchers don’t know the full list of chemicals in many vape liquids due to the novel use of these products.

Image

There are many unknowns when it comes to the impact vaping has on the brain. Many of the chemicals simply haven’t been studied enough to know their long-term effects. We do, however, know a lot about nicotine, which is in 100% of JUUL products¹⁵ (the company most popular among youth) and in a majority of other vaping products.¹⁶

Image

Nicotine is the chemical in e-cigarettes responsible for addiction, something especially dangerous for teens whose brains are still developing.¹⁷ In fact, teen nicotine use increases the likelihood of becoming addicted to other drugs.¹⁸ Nicotine activates the reward circuits of the brain and causes a surge of the neurotransmitter, Dopamine. This causes users to associate nicotine with pleasure, making it extremely difficult to stop using it over time. Nicotine also disrupts the relationship between the neurotransmitter, Acetylcholine (which sends messages related to respiration, heart rate, memory, alertness, and muscle movement) and the receptor it binds to. This disruption causes the brain to create less Acetylcholine and its receptors begin to disappear causing the body to rely upon the presence of nicotine to function normally. This is what drives nicotine addiction.

Vape pens are considered tobacco products under some Colorado laws. They are not allowed on school property and are not allowed to be used by students. Colorado Revised Statutes 25-14-301 prohibit the “possession of cigarettes or tobacco products by a minor” [at 18 years old, a person in Colorado can buy cigarettes], including vape products.

Additionally, being caught vaping and selling can often lead to suspensions or expulsions by schools administrators.

Many states and localities have raised the minimum legal sale age for tobacco products to 21:

• Six states - California, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Oregon, Hawaii, and Maine along with at least 380 cities and towns.²⁰
• Four Colorado towns have raised the minimum legal age for the sale of tobacco products to 21: they are Aspen, Basalt, Avon and Carbondale.²¹