Caffeine Vapes

By: Rob Regler

Vaping has always been advertised as a safer alternative to smoking. While most are aware of the dangers of smoking cigarettes, the same cannot be said about the dangers of vaping. While education surrounding vaping has seemingly caught up, there are still several misconceptions surrounding the dangers. One of the misconceptions being that if the product does not contain nicotine, it must be safe. While excluding nicotine eliminates many large risks, there are always dangers present when one uses any form of vaping device. Some companies have taken advantage of that misconception and have created a new line of vapes that boost energy through the inhalation of caffeine. 

Caffeine vapes are like traditional vapes. They both heat up a liquid solution that needs to be inhaled to experience the effects.  Even from an aesthetic standpoint, one could easily mistake a caffeine vape for a nicotine vape. However, there is one key difference. Rather than inhaling flavored nicotine, you are now inhaling flavored caffeine. Because caffeine is now being absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs, it is now absorbed faster. Because of the increased rate of absorption, the effects of caffeine are experienced at a quicker rate. They are advertised utilizing methods previously seen in traditional vapes such as bright colors, specific wording, and a variety of flavors. 

Nicotine is one of the most addictive chemicals in the world.  Many people know the dangers of it and know that products containing nicotine are dangerous. However, due to the perception of nicotine companies can take advantage of this by slapping a “nicotine free” label on it. By advertising something such as a vape as “nicotine free” it plays on our assumptions, and many believe that it is safe and healthy. The reality is that any chemical inhaled into your lungs can cause permanent damage.  The inside of our lungs are sensitive areas and introducing foreign chemicals into them can create long-term complications. In addition, while caffeine is not as addictive as nicotine it still is an addictive chemical. There are also risks associated with taking too much caffeine. If one consumes too much caffeine, it can lead to increased heart rate, anxiety, insomnia, digestive issues, and headaches. One can also overdose on caffeine and experience complications such as chest pain, seizures, and extreme dehydration. Addiction and overdose have higher chances when one inhales caffeine due to the fast-acting nature.

As the dangers of current products are being exposed, new products will always emerge. Rather than jumping into trends right away, the safest bet is to do your research and make an educated choice. Caffeinated vapes may look harmless on a surface level, but they can lead to numerous complications. If you are interested more in this topic or anything similar, the Southwest Council provides free presentations for parents, community members, and schools. If you are interested in having a presentation, please feel free to reach out at (856) 794-1011.