The Case for Switching

American Vapor Manufacturers Logo

Why Smokers Should Vape Nicotine

In my last column, I outlined a beginner’s guide to nicotine vaping, with the goal of encouraging smokers to try a product that has helped me and millions of others quit cigarettes forever. I briefly mentioned that vaping is “demonstrably safer than smoking, owing to the lack of combustion products in vapor,” but I didn’t elaborate on that point.

Now that you know switching is a relatively simple process, I want to make the case that it’s essential. Here are just a few reasons why adult smokers should at least try to switch.

Way Safer

The bottom line first: nicotine vaping is significantly less harmful than smoking. A comprehensive review published in the Annual Review of Public Health concluded that the health risks associated with vaping are substantially lower–about 95 percent lower–than those related to smoking. The report actually went further and concluded that the long-term effects of vaping are likely to be relatively benign compared to the severe health consequences of smoking.

Why? Decreased Exposure to Toxic Substances

Traditional cigarettes contain over 7,000 chemicals, including at least 70 carcinogens. In contrast, and as I mentioned last month, vapes typically contain far fewer chemicals, with most devices containing nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin, and flavorings. As a result, vapers are exposed to a significantly lower concentration of toxic substances, reducing the potential for long-term health complications.

Breathe Easier

Several studies have demonstrated that switching from smoking to vaping can lead to improvements in lung health. A review published in the journal Nature concluded that vaping “improves lung function” with smokers who switch reporting fewer respiratory symptoms as a result. These findings suggest that nicotine vaping likely mitigates some of the long-term respiratory effects associated with smoking.

Reduced Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Smoking is a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular disease, including coronary heart disease, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease. However, the risk of cardiovascular disease appears to be significantly lower among vapers compared to smokers. Indeed, recent research has found no “significant difference in the cardiovascular risk of exclusive e-cigarette use compared with nonuse of cigarettes and e-cigarettes.”

Financial Benefits

In addition to the health benefits, switching from smoking to vaping can also result in significant financial savings. According to one estimate, vaping is roughly 80 percent less expensive than smoking. Over time, these savings can add up to many thousands of dollars. That’s notable because many smokers are less affluent than their non-smoking neighbors and the cost of cigarettes is a major financial burden for them.

Take the Easy Road

In many cases, making the right decision for your health is difficult. It might involve taking an expensive medicine or radically changing your lifestyle. That’s not the case with vaping. Not only can you enjoy nicotine while drastically cutting the risk to your health, you can get it through a delivery method that emulates smoking and save money in the process. What better combination could you ask for?

 

  • CannaAid and Peak: Something new for everyone.

Recent Articles

Boost profits with these holiday cannabis sales strategies to build Q1 momentum through promotions, gift cards, bundling, and future-focused planning.
Boost profits with these holiday cannabis sales strategies to build Q1 momentum through promotions, gift cards, bundling, and future-focused planning.
Boost profits with these holiday cannabis sales strategies to build Q1 momentum through promotions, gift cards, bundling, and future-focused planning.
Learn how to create a holiday cannabis retail experience with sensory design, festive displays, gift bundles, and events that boost sales and traffic.
Discover 12 cannabis stocking stuffers and upsell ideas in this cannabis holiday gift guide to boost sales and delight last-minute shoppers.
Discover how Southern Hemp LA creates clean cannabis products with simple ingredients, strict standards, and Cajun charm in Louisiana.
Get ready for the holiday rush with this cannabis holiday retail guide, including tips on staffing, inventory, customer service, and burnout prevention.
Tina Ulman is reshaping cannabis policy and expanding access, from changing Nevada laws to launching brands that bring new consumers to the plant.