Smoking VS Vaping

Cigarette and Marijuana have been used for centuries but only recently has the process of vaporizing these substances become popular.

So what does Science has to say about this Technology? Is it actually better for you?

When smoking normally, the heat from fire causes substances to change from a solid state to a vapor. In Cigarettes, this releases Nicotine which is absorbed into your blood stream through the Lungs causing increasing Heart Rate, Constricted Blood Vessels, release of Dopamine in the brain and feelings of alertness. But because Nicotine is a stimulant, once it is no longer present, you crash and crave more which ultimately leads to addiction I many people.

In the case of Marijuana, the active component THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is aerosolize and follows the same pathway into your body but with different effects.

Smoking only takes 6 seconds for the active Compounds to reach your Nervous System unlike chewing tobacco or eating eatable marijuana which takes much more time but you will have to inhale smoke in the process. This smoke consist of partially burn particles which creates Tar in your body, has cancer causing effects, blackens teeth and destroys taste buds.

This is where vaping comes in! If you can heat the active components enough to become aerosolize without starting a combustion reaction with the other compounds, then you theoretically get fast effects without the damage of Smoke Inhalation.

Vaping typically involves a glass or metal chamber which has an electrical component passing through it. This way, it can heat to a control temperature creating a vapor with minimum combustion, meaning you inhale much less smoke.

For Marijuana users, Vaporizers have become popular as the plant material can be heated to a specific temperature usually between 1850 C - 2100 C, allowing just the THC containing vapor to be extracted.

For e-cigarettes, using a liquid solution instead of dry tobacco has become popular. This e-liquid contains Water, nicotine, a base and occasionally flavorings and vaporizers at a much lower temperature, but this is where things get tricky! The e-liquid contains a base similar to that use in cosmetics and food which helps maintain moisture without creating sogginess.

One common base called Propylene Glycol which is used in theatrical smoke is known to cause irritation to the eyes and respiratory infections.
So what is going to happen after prolonged inhalation in E-Cigarettes? Scientist are still studying this effects and even though in America, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has given the seal of approval, much is still unknown.

E-liquid can also differ greatly between manufacturers with barely any regulation for additives. Some have been found to contain DIACETYL, a chemical that is known to give butter its buttery taste. Inhalation of this chemical can lead to scaring in the Lungs known as “Popcorn Lung” named after hundreds of workers inhaled the chemical in a microwavable popcorn factory and suffered irreversible lung damage. This is an example of how the lack of quality control in e-cigarettes should be a significant concern, but current evidence does indicate that vaporizers administer nicotine with far less adverse effects due to decrease carcinogenic products and smoke inhalation.

But less harmful does not mean safe, e-cigarettes with added flavorings such as blueberries or grape have been found to contain other harmful chemicals and second hand smoke is still an issue. Exhaled particles from vaporizers known as Ultrafine Particles are known to affect pulmonary health.

Others are worried that because these e-cigarettes are doing healthier, they are becoming more appealing for young people. A study reports that continues use of e-cigarettes for teens in grade 6 to 12 had increase from 6% - 20% over 3 years.

On the other hand, much of the information we have on the adverse effects of smoking comes from the long term studies with cancers appearing much later in life.

Since vaporizer use is relatively new, we simply don’t have the same access to longitudinal studies. So we will wait to see what the futures brings.