It is commonly said that vaping is a better option when compared to smoking cigarettes for several reasons. Many people have neglected cigarettes and have turned to vape devices for these reasons. There are also claims that the nicotine content of vape is less when compared to traditional cigarettes.
However, is there a difference between nicotine delivery when vaping and when smoking traditional cigarettes? Also, what are the implications of these differences in nicotine in vape and cigarettes? In this guide, we will discuss nicotine in vape compared to cigarettes and the effects.
What is Nicotine?
Nicotine naturally exists in tobacco plants and is usually extracted to make other tobacco products like cigarettes. Nicotine is a stimulating substance that contributes to the ecstasy that tobacco product users feel.
While nicotine is generally found in tobacco products like cigarettes, shisha, etc., the mode of delivery or quantity differs. Although not all e-cigarettes are made with tobacco ingredients, they still contain some nicotine levels. Hence, nicotine in vape varies from nicotine in cigarettes and other tobacco products. These variations are discussed below.
Nicotine in Vape Vs. Cigarettes: The Differences
The differences in nicotine in e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes vary in different forms. Some of these forms are mode of delivery, absorption rate, and by-products produced. These differences also inform on the effects realized from vaping or smoking (we’ll discuss in the next chapter).
1. Mode of delivery:
Vape and cigarettes distribute nicotine differently, a significant difference between the two tobacco products. Traditional cigarettes deliver nicotine by the combustion of tobacco leaves to release the nicotine naturally present in the leaves.
In contrast, vape delivers nicotine to the user through e-liquid or vape juice. E-liquids contain flavouring, nicotine, vegetable glycerine, and other ingredients. When vaping, the e-liquid is heated up and vapourised, and as such, the user inhales the vapour containing nicotine.
2. Nicotine Levels:
Nicotine levels in vapes and traditional cigarettes are different. One main difference between these two products is the limited control over the amount of nicotine consumed in cigarettes. A user has no choice or control over what amount of nicotine he takes per cig.
However, it is a different case for vaping. Vape juices have different nicotine strengths or levels—18mg, 20mg, or 24mg. These varying levels can help control how much nicotine a vaper consumes. Heavy smokers can choose higher levels, while light smokers or beginners can choose lower levels or even nicotine-free options.
3. Rate of absorption:
Another difference between nicotine in vape and cigarettes is their rates of absorption. They have varying rates at which nicotine is absorbed. For vapes, nicotine is quickly absorbed when inhaled, rapidly passing through the lungs and into the bloodstream.
On the other hand, nicotine absorption in traditional cigarettes is even faster. Research was conducted on this topic to show the differences in blood serum nicotine levels in vapers and cigarette smokers. Smokers were shown to have a higher blood serum nicotine level due to a greater absorption rate.
4. By-products:
Due to the differences in the nicotine delivery mechanism for vapes and cigarettes, they produce different by-products. Vapes deliver nicotine by heating e-liquids, which typically do not contain harmful ingredients. Hence, there are no harmful by-products from e-liquid vapour.
Cigarettes, however, produce toxic/harmful chemicals while delivering nicotine during smoking. As discussed earlier, nicotine in cigarettes is from the combustion of tobacco leaves. But this combustion also releases some other chemicals. Carbon monoxide, tar, and carcinogens are usually released as harmful by-products.
Nicotine in Vape Vs. Cigarettes: The Effects
1. Health Implications:
Due to the harmful by-products of tobacco combustion in traditional cigarettes, smoking is a leading cause of health concerns. Tar, carcinogens, and carbon monoxide from smoking are known to cause lung cancer, respiratory issues, heart diseases, and other serious health problems.
Conversely, vaping is considered to have fewer health implications due to the mechanism of how vapes are made. This includes the elimination of tobacco leaf combustion for vape production.
2. Addiction/overdependence:
A common effect of smoking and vaping is addiction because nicotine is a highly addictive substance. However, while one tobacco product helps to curb addiction, the other exacerbates it. Because nicotine levels can be customised in a vape, it is easier to control addiction by reducing nicotine intake.
However, there are no regulations for traditional cigarettes; hence, smokers are generally prone to overdependence on nicotine. Vaping is also recommended to help smokers quit and overcome their addiction.
Final Thoughts
Smoking and vaping have several similarities, including the presence of nicotine, which is why many people smoke or vape. However, nicotine in vape differs from cigarettes in several ways, as discussed in this guide. These differences are in terms of delivery mechanism, absorption rate, control, and even by-products.
Vapers can control their nicotine intake due to different nicotine levels of e-liquids. This control has made vaping a better choice for many to satisfy their nicotine cravings. If you want to quit smoking and switch to vape devices due to their many benefits, check out TWIST by Happy Vibes Vape.
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