Vaping is a relatively new phenomenon so there’s nothing wrong with having questions. It has become popular as a healthier alternative to smoking cigarettes, yet there’s still a lot to learn about the long-term health effects involved. Though vaping is in its infancy, there is plenty of evidence that it is, at the very least, healthier than smoking. Let’s take a look at the good and the bad of vaping:

The Good

There’s a lot of benefits to using a vape when compared to an analog cigarette, some of them are more surface level than others but they all improve quality of life. What's more, this list encompasses only the benefits that are easily proven. No pseudoscience here, these are the real life immediate benefits of using a vape.

Reduces Smoking

The first obvious benefit hardly needs to be stated. However it’s important to know that there is a huge amount of anecdotal and empirical evidence that shows that using a vape over cigarettes actually does work. The amount of cigarettes used throughout the day drops dramatically and quickly as soon as someone begins using a vape. For many this number becomes zero.

No bad smell

This is more of a social benefit, but it is important from a relationship perspective. It’s no secret that cigarettes stink. Many become somewhat nose blind to it, but for non-smokers someone who smokes regularly may be a lot to be around in an enclosed space. Smoking inside is a non-starter as well, as it immediately seeps into the carpet and walls devaluing any building that allows it. Vapes don’t do that. They smell like whatever flavor is being used, and it doesn’t linger like cigarettes do. Most people even enjoy the smell as long as it’s not being blasted in their face.

Easier on the Wallet

Cigarette smoking is a very expensive habit to maintain. Depending on your state a pack of cigarettes can range from around $5 to over $12. If you smoke a few of those a week it quickly starts eating into your bank account, which can be used on much better things such as healthier foods or other life improving purchases. Vapes have a higher “up-front” cost than cigarettes do, but it is much cheaper after only a few weeks.

Potential Health Benefits

Cigarettes contain vast quantities of harmful chemicals that e-cigs don’t. But be aware. Vaporizers are new devices, and because of this studies have not been going on long enough to resoundingly prove anything long-term. Yet, there’s plenty of initial evidence that shows that switching to vapes over cigarettes has some immediate health benefits. Specifically blood pressure drops back down to levels near that of non-smokers and the respiratory system begins to repair itself immediately after quitting cigarettes and using vapes instead.

You have more choice

Flavors, tanks and batteries alone have thousands of different variations available. These allow you to change up the looks, feel and hit of what you’re vaping. Besides this, there’s the ability to change your nicotine content based on what you feel is appropriate. You get actual control over what you’re putting into your body, instead of just what’s available at the tobacco shop. Vapes offer users a huge marketplace of various devices and vape juice that tailor to their needs.

Now the Bad

For many, the benefits of vapes outweigh the cons by far. However there are a few caveats to take note of before making the switch:

Possible Allergies

Propylene Glycol, the main base of most juices, can cause moderate irritation in some people. This isn’t necessarily a dangerous interaction, but it will make you cough and generally not feel great if you’re unlucky enough to have this allergy. The good news is alternatives are available. Vegetable Glycerine is another common place juice base and does not cause this interaction.

Nicotine Side-Effects

Nicotine is still present in vapes, which is why it works so well as a replacement to cigarettes. Nicotine is not an entirely harmless substance and any issues that nicotine alone may cause will be present with vapes. This sort of goes without saying, but addiction is still an addiction and even with the harm reduction of a vape it is far from a good thing.

It only works if you want it to

Vaping will only help you quit smoking if you’re set on quitting smoking. There is still some effort involve from switching off of cigarettes. The addiction of other chemicals within analogue cigarettes is not as severe as nicotine, but the actual process of going out and lighting up a smoke has to be something you’re ready to part with. Vapes are not smoking cessation devices for a reason. They’re a replacement that you must choose to use.