
Are you a total novice when it comes to electronic cigarettes? Then you probably aren’t really sure what to make of e-liquids. What are e-liquids, and how do you use them? Continue reading to learn more.
What are E-Liquids?
E-liquids are also referred to as e-cig juice or just e-juice. But no matter what you call them, they are nothing more than the liquid that you use in your e-cig cartridge. This liquid is warmed to the perfect temperature so that it can be transformed into a vapour. The vapour is what you inhale and exhale just as you would inhale and exhale regular tobacco cigarette smoke—but without the adverse health consequences that come from the thousands of toxic chemicals that are found in cigarette smoke. E-liquids, e-juice, vaping, glass bongs and pipes have faced increased scrutiny from the state and local governments. Banks also have been pressured to restrict credit card processing sales from vape, cbd and smoke shop retailers. You'll need to visit your local retailer and review state and local restrictions to see if you can purchase the products legally.
There are usually three components to every e-liquid. There is an ingredient that helps produce the vapour, as well as nicotine that gives you that necessary boost if you’re addicted to the substance, and artificial or natural flavourings that make every vaping experience a pleasurable one.
Rest assured that every ingredient, aside from the nicotine, of course, is considered safe for use even in foods that you consume every day. In fact, the ingredients that are found in today’s best e-liquids are also found in everything from foods and medicines to cosmetics and more.
What is the difference between Vegetable Glycerin and Propylene Glycol E-Liquids?
Two primary agents included in an e-liquid are used to make the vapour in your e-cig device. These are propylene glycol, which is referred to as PG for short, and vegetable glycerine, which is referred to as VG for short.
The more common agent is propylene glycol, but there are also plenty of vegetable glycerine based e-liquids for those who have allergies or a sensitivity to propylene glycol or who want to be certain that there are not any animal ingredients in their e-liquids.
Propylene glycol is utilised in an e-liquid as the base or as the carrier for flavours and nicotine. Vegetable glycerine is also used as a carrier or as a base. But VG is plant-based and is often made from ingredients like palm oil or coconut oil.
Although propylene glycol is the most common base used in e-cig juice because it is flavourless and odourless, it can cause allergic reactions, such as tingling in the throat, in some vapers. In that case, vegetable glycerine is the ideal alternative. Propylene glycol also creates a more powerful throat hit that is more similar to an actual cigarette smoking experience; however, this can also dry out the throat and mouth. This ingredient is popular because it will not affect the flavour of the e-cig juice, and it is also appreciated for its thinner consistency that creates thinner vapour clouds.
Vegetable glycerine, on the other hand, is a thicker solution, so you can enjoy much thicker vapour clouds. It is also ideal for those who prefer a smoother, weaker throat hit that does not irritate your throat like propylene glycol can. However, because VG is thicker, it can also lead to a phlegmy build-up within the mouth and throat, and this could be a big turnoff to some vapers. It also carries its own slightly sweet flavour, making it more likely to interact with or even mask other flavours in your e-liquid. But, overall, there are far fewer allergic reactions reported by those who vape with VG-based e-liquids.
E-Liquid Nicotine Strengths
Another great thing about e-liquids is the fact that you can choose from a variety of nicotine strengths to suit your particular needs. You can choose from zero nicotine, low levels of nicotine, medium strengths, or high amounts of nicotine. It really depends upon what your body is already used to, where you are on your journey towards quitting your nicotine addiction for good, and how many cigarettes you used to smoke.
Typically, you can find e-liquids that come in the following strengths: 0mg, 6mg, 12mg, 18mg, 24mg, and 36mg. You can start off with a higher dose and eventually make your way down to a lower strength until you can finally reach the 0mg mark and enjoy vaping for vaping’s sake, without the nicotine addiction.
E-Liquid Flavours
Another popular feature of e-liquids is the fact that they come in a wide variety of flavours. For example, some popular fruit flavours include apple, apricot, berries, banana, kiwi, orange, and many, many more.
But you can also opt for floral or herby flavours, such as rosemary, jasmine, vanilla, and lavender. Other e-liquids are available in traditional tobacco flavour, as well as yummy dessert flavours like cake and coffee flavours. You can even mix flavours to create combinations that will delight your sense of smell and taste as you vape.
Ultimately, there is an e-liquid out there for everyone, including vegetarians, those with allergies, and those who are looking for plenty of flavours for variety.
Also read:
Guide to E-Liquid Steep.
Guide to VG E-Liquid.
Guide to E-Liquid for vegetarians and vegans.
Halal E-Liquid for Muslims.
Kosher E-Liquid for Jews