So here’s a bit of vape history to start you off; Oxford Dictionary’s 2014 word of the year was vape. 2014 – yes – seven years ago. But that’s really to do with the word finding more virality than the word ‘bae’ (true fact). Believe it or not, the word vape dates back to the 1980’s – when the first ‘smokeless’ e-cigarette was conceived.
To vape is “to inhale and exhale the vapour produced by an electronic cigarette, vaporiser or similar device.” For some, a vape is a choice that is easier on their lungs; for others, it is wanting to reduce their nicotine dependency. Unsurprisingly, much has been said about how vapes are shifting the public perception of smoking and smokers. As a vape’s design aims to embody a less messy and more digital aesthetic, the conversion rate goes up and up.
What is vaping?
With so much noise out there, here’s an FAQ guide to vaping for beginners, so you can familiarize yourself with vapes and vaping:
1. Vaping and Vapours
While visually similar, smoke and vapour don’t have too much in common. Lighting a cigarette involves burning tobacco and paper, and that produces smoke. But when you vape, it’s an e-liquid given heat to produce vapour (aerosol). While compositionally different, they do have nicotine in common.
Tobacco smoke contains thousands of chemicals, 70 of which are carcinogens, deemed unhealthy to inhale. Vaporized e-liquids contain vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol, nicotine, and food-grade flavourings. Other than the nicotine content, everything else in an e-liquid is considered safer to ingest.
2. Why the constant comparison to cigarettes?
As much as a deeper probe shows the stark difference between vapes and cigarettes, the constant comparison bases itself on advocating vapes. And no doubt, vapes have emerged as a less-stigmatized distant cousin. People also talk about both in relation because several people report successfully giving up smoking by switching to vapes. Like most things in 2021, vapes are smoother, sleeker and chemical-free.
3. E-Liquids?
The substance that a vape pen turns into vapour is called E-liquid (or E-Juice). This liquid also gives the vapours flavour over and above the nicotine content (unless you choose a non-nicotine variety). The battery-reliant vape pen heats up the e-liquid and then turns it into a sliver of vapour when you draw from the pen. You can also choose e-liquids based on nicotine strength and flavours.
Vaping for Beginners: Vapes & Weed
4. THC vapes vs CBD vapes
Although THC traces in CBD products, CBD doesn’t work up the same otherworldly effects that THC is known for. As compounds, THC and CBD have different atomic arrangements. This is also often used to understand why the legalization of CBD was a shorter battle to fight.
CBD and THC have identical molecules, but CBD is just ONE of 400 compounds in marijuana. THC is a primary component for creating a body high, but CBD is responsible for counteracting the effects of THC. You can opt for just one of the two or both.
5. Can CBD Vape Cartridges Contain THC?
CBD in its raw form contains no trace of THC. But it’s important to know that some CBD products do contain small amounts of THC extract while being marketed as a single product. Such products should, and will usually, mention the ratio of CBD to THC.
CBD strains chosen by individuals medicating throughout the day to keep pain or anxiety at bay can sometimes have up to 5% THC and 20% CBD (5-20%). A high CBD strain can help be highly functional, with a clear head and productivity enhanced by the pain reduction.
So with the above explained, where do you stand?
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