What is Vape?

Vaping is the inhaling and exhaling of an aerosol (vapor) generated by an electronic device commonly referred to as an e-cigarette. Vaping gets its name because of the vapor produced by the device during exhalation, which is different than tobacco or marijuana smoke. E-cigarettes and other types of vaping devices are powered by batteries. The devices contain fluid-filled cartridges that create the aerosol that is inhaled, which generates vapor. The liquid generally contains nicotine, THC or CBD as well as potential flavors and chemicals.

Vaping Devices

Vaping devices were launched in 2007 and have been gaining in popularity ever since. E-cigarettes were the first to market, but vaping devices, vape pens and customized, personal vaporizers quickly came alongside and now compete for market share. E-cigarettes were manufactured to resemble the product they were created to replace, which is the cigarette. The vape pen more resembles a large fountain pen, and personal vaporizers can vary in appearance, functions, features and, of course, price.

Vaping devices consist of multiple components, including:

• a cartridge to hold the liquid to be vaporized and inhaled
• a mouthpiece
• a heating component 
• a battery

When the device is in use, the battery powers up the heating component, which heats the contents of the fluid and turns it into vapor. This vapor is then inhaled into the lungs and released.

Benefits of Vaping

Vaping, in general, carries less risk than smoking cigarettes. This is true if you vape with nicotine, but it is especially true if you vape without nicotine. Additionally, secondhand exposure to the vapor released from vaping devices is less harmful than secondhand smoke from cigarettes.

Smoking cigarettes has numerous long-term effects including the risk of cancer, lung disease, strokes and heart disease. It is also not good for pregnant women. These health risks, as well as numerous others, have been well-documented for many years now. The Center for Disease Control says that smoking cigarettes are the cause of approximately 20% of U.S. deaths.

Disadvantages to Vaping

If you are a non-smoker and decide to start vaping, you are creating more risk than not smoking or vaping at all. Further, there have now been over 1,200 cases of a serious lung disease called EVALI that is directly associated with vaping. However, nearly every case has been associated with black-market cartridges filled with synthetic substances and additives that are harmful to health.

CBD and Vaping

CBD is absorbed more efficiently and faster into the bloodstream through inhalation. For this reason, vaping CBD through CBD e-cigarettes or through the use of vaporizers is a great delivery method. Just make sure you purchase products through a reputable source.

Vaping has become popular since its release in 2007. Innovative products continue to be released to the market. Vaping generally carries less risk than smoking cigarettes, but it is not completely without risk. Vaping CBD is an especially effective delivery method for CBD. Just be cognizant about where you purchase your products.