Nowadays, there’s no shortage of information if you’re looking to incorporate vaping, or e-cigarettes, into your lifestyle. If you’re the kind of person who likes to know all the details, here are six things you should know before you start vaping.
Before you go any further, you should know that there are many myths about what you can and can’t do when it comes to vaping and smoking. For example, did you know that in many places, smokers can vape indoors? This is the last thing, the most important thing, that we must say to you before you go out and start vaping.
#1. Do Your Homework!
Read up on what you can and can’t do in different places and pay attention to the rules around you. Remember, for every rule, there is an exception. But if you are starting out, try to follow the rules so that you don’t have to explain yourself to someone who thinks they know everything about vaping. Whether they love it or hate it, they don’t know anything about how it affects you personally.
#2. Battery Recharging
The next step in getting started with your e-cigarette is charging your battery. You will need to charge your battery after you purchase it and every time before using it. Don’t worry, it’s easy! Your battery will come with a USB charger, which you can plug into any USB port or into an outlet at home.
#3. You Can’t Bring Vape Pens or Juice onto an Airplane.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) quietly announced on June 2nd that passengers on domestic flights are not permitted to bring vape pens, e-cigarettes, or e-juice into aircraft cabins. The TSA cites a new, classified security directive that’s being implemented and enforced by the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA).
The only exception to this rule is that passengers may still bring medical marijuana through airport security in states where medical marijuana is already legal. So if you live in Colorado, California, Washington state, or Alaska, you can still bring your vape pens through security and onto your flight without trouble.
#4. Vapor Is Not the Same as Smoke
Some vapers still mistakenly think that vapor is smoke. If you do, you’re not alone. For years now, there’s been confusion regarding what exactly is in an e-cigarette.
There are lots of myths and misconceptions that come along with the vaping process. Many people who don’t know much about e-cigarettes still consider them tobacco products. However, if you look at the basic components of an e-cigarette, you’ll find that it only consists of a few things:
• A mouthpiece
• A heating element (atomizer) with a wick
• A rechargeable battery to power the atomizer (this can also be called a MOD)
That’s it! The wick is soaked in e-juice or e-liquid, commonly known as vaping liquid, and when the heat hits the wick, the e-liquid is vaporized. There are no chemicals or tobacco in e-cigs; it’s pure vapor.
#5. You’re not alone!
Many consumers get discouraged and give up, said Adam Stites, the owner of drdabber.com, a vaping store in Dallas, TX. “I’ve had people come in here crying because their first kit didn’t work and they felt stupid for spending money on it.” You will get past the teething period and find the right device for you eventually.
But it may take some trial and error before you find your perfect match. (Most first-time users stick with cig-a-likes.) Reviews and advice are a good place to start, but trial and error is your best bet to find the right setup.
#6. Not All E-Liquids Are Created Equal
The flavor and quality of e-liquids can vary widely. We recommend choosing liquids from brands that have a high amount of VG (vegetable glycerin). PG (propylene glycol) and water, in equal amounts, are used as a carrier for nicotine. High levels of propylene glycol create harsh throat hits and can dry out your mouth more than high levels of vegetable glycerin.
Most e-liquid flavors come in either a 50/50 or 70/30 mixture of PG and VG, but some can be as high as 90% Propylene Glycol with the remaining 10% being Vegetable Glycerin. To ensure you are purchasing a quality product, check the VG content and avoid any e-liquids with high PG content unless you enjoy inhaling harsh vapors as opposed to dense clouds.
Vegetable glycerin is also safe for diabetics to consume. Typically, if you have an underlying illness or diabetes, you should consult your doctor before starting vaping.
#7. Vaping can help you save a lot of money.
Vaping can save a lot of money! It is hard to believe when you consider how inexpensive vaping supplies are, but it is true. Traditional smoking can really add up. Consider how much you spend a year on cigarettes, rolling tobacco, and other smoking accessories like lighters.
If you vape using a high-quality dab kit, you should not need to buy any additional accessories. You do not have to worry about disposing of rolling paper or tobacco. The only thing that you should buy is e-juice for your vape mod. If you are buying hardware and e-juice from the same place, you may find that it costs less than half what you used to spend on cigarettes.
• You can also save a lot of money by taking care of your equipment. If you treat your hardware properly, it should last for years. As long as your hardware is in good shape, you do not need to replace it very often. You do not have to replace your battery very often either, because a battery with a full charge lasts longer than one that is running low.
#8. Avoid frequent extreme temperature changes.
While vaping in hot weather is common, you need to be careful about this. It is often recommended that you avoid frequent extreme temperature changes while vaping. Not only can it damage the device and vape juice, but it can also negatively impact your throat, mouth, and lungs. This can have a major effect on your health eventually.
This rule of thumb will help you keep your lungs, throat, and tongue safe.