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Vaping was introduced in the UK in 2007, and since then, its popularity has kept increasing. Soon after its introduction, it flooded into the mainstream culture, and even many celebrities promoted this. All this indicates that vaping has become a part of people’s daily lives and a significant part of their lifestyle.
Vaping comes in many different varieties ranging from which device to use to which liquid must be filled. If you are new to this and want to try it out, learning about vaping is necessary. You should also know if it is illegal to vape according to your age.
Complete Guide on How to Vape
Many people confuse vaping with smoking as there are similarities like the satisfaction of the nicotine cravings, but vaping is less harmful. People even switch to vaping when trying to quit smoking to help them tackle withdrawal symptoms.
Vaping
Vaping means inhaling smoke-looking vapour produced from an electronic device known as vape. It is an act similar to smoking with less harmful effects. The device uses a battery to deliver heat to the substance you have chosen as a filler. This substance on heating produces which, when inhaled, gives you an enjoyable feeling.
Vape
Vapes, often known as vape pens or vaporizers, are electronic devices that help produce nicotine-infused vapours with different flavours to inhale.
There are several types of vaping devices, and they are categorised as follows:
1. All in one (AIO)
These devices are designed as a pen and consist of one unit rather than parts. They appeal most to the newbies as they are cheap and compact. They have standard wattage but offer several coils with variable ohm ratings. The coils can be easily replaced.
2. Pod
These have become very popular in recent times as they have a lot of advantages like disposable or refillable cartridges instead of tanks, compact nature, prefilled and refillable liquids and are easy to use.
3. Mod
Mods are large devices with different kinds of tanks with internal and external batteries and have variable wattage coils. Most beginners do not use these as they are complex.
4. E-cigarettes or Cartomisers
Electronic cigarettes have a similar appearance to cigarettes and have prefilled liquids with disposable cartridges. A similar appearance arises due to the presence of LED tips that glow when you inhale, giving you an experience, just like a cigarette.
Vape Juice
This is the liquid/substance which, when heated up, gives the vapours that when inhaled. These are often known as e-liquids, vape liquids or oils. There are a variety of vape juices with different flavours infused with nicotine and nicotine-free juices. The amount of nicotine determines the intensity of the vaping experience.
It should be noted that not all kinds of e-liquids can be used with all vaping devices, as the compatibility of the nicotine level also depends on the power of the vaping device. Higher nicotine levels are best with lower power vape sources and vice versa.
Vape juice primarily comprises of the following:
1. Vegetable Glycerol (VG)
It is a clear liquid used in various products like hand sanitisers and food items. It has a thick consistency and, thus, helps produce vapours quickly. It also helps to enhance the flavours and make them bold.
2. Propylene Glycol (PG)
It acts as an efficient carrier of nicotine and flavours. It has a thinner consistency than VG and, thus, cannot produce vapour in a comparable amount like Vegetable Glycerol.
3. Nicotine and its salts
Freebase nicotine is used in vape juices to blend easily and produce e-liquids with different strengths. Nicotine salts work similarly to freebase nicotine but neutralise the alkaline nature of nicotine and produce deep satisfaction when inhaled.
4. Additional Flavours
These bring vaping juice to life and are available in a wide range of varieties.
Some people also use dry herbs or concentrates as vaporizers instead of vape juices.
Dry herb vaporizers are categorised into two types: Convective and Conductive. Concentrates are conductive vaporizers that use THC or CBD wax. They are lightweight and simple to use.
How to Vape?
Step one
Choose your vape device (or a kit) and a vaping substance as per the device’s power.
Step two
Make sure your device is fully charged. Even if the device is new, it can have partial or no charge. Thus, charge your device before use.
Step three
After charging your device, load it with the chosen vaping substance (e-liquid/tanks).
Step four
Power on the device and adjust heat settings.
Usually, the devices have a power button that must be pressed five times to switch on the device. Some vapes that use e-liquids don’t have a power button and are known as draw fire vapes. They automatically switch on and start producing vapour.
Many vaporizers have the option to adjust heat settings. If you are new to vaping, try to start with low heat settings and adjust it accordingly later as per your choice.
Step five
Inhaling a Puff- Taking a puff is the most crucial if this is your first time. It involves taking a hit that triggers the vapours for you to inhale.
You can take the hit or inhale in two typical ways:
- Mouth to Lung (MTL): This technique generally works most effectively with smaller vape devices with high resistance coils and high nicotine content. MTL involves inhaling a puff, holding it for a second or two by closing your mouth, breathing it into your lungs with an open mouth(not swallowing) and then finally exhaling when the vapours reach your lungs.
- Direct Lung (DL): This technique works best with large vape devices with low resistance coils and low nicotine content. DL involves rapidly drawing the vapours into the lungs and exhaling almost immediately.
Step six
Clean and store your vaping devices for future use. Do not store dry herbs or concentrates in the device as it might create a mess. Many smokers use vaping to get rid of smoking or tobacco though some use it for medicinal grounds for chronic pain treatment. Regardless, it is a personal choice that should be made after assessing all pros and cons.
