Vapes first became popular as a cessation device to help smokers quit smoking cigarettes, pipes, and cigars. The vapes aimed to provide a healthier alternative, one that allowed control over the level of nicotine the user was imbibing.
However, the vaping market is constantly changing and expanding, with many non-smokers choosing to vape recreationally for a variety of reasons.
While many still choose vaping as a controlled-dose cigarette alternative or as a means to give up nicotine altogether, a growing number of people are choosing to vape nicotine-free vape juice. But what are the pros and cons of vaping without nicotine? And, more importantly, is vaping without nicotine safe?
In this article:
Pros of Vaping Without Nicotine
When it comes to nicotine-free vapes, several upsides make them more attractive than smoking with nicotine — and much better than smoking tobacco. But what are the pros and cons of non-nicotine vaping?
Reduced Health Risks
Perhaps the most significant benefit of opting for nicotine-free vaping is the reduction in health risks. Nicotine – while not the only harmful chemical found in tobacco – does offer users a range of health concerns, making it a compound that’s better to avoid if given the option.
Both nicotine-free and nicotine-containing vapes can help users quit smoking. Nicotine occurs naturally in tobacco, and nicotine vapes may contain either a natural or a synthetic version of the drug. Opting for a nicotine-free vape could lower your risk of:
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Changes to blood flow
- Changes in heart rhythm
- Dry mouth
- Joint pain
- Indigestion
- Nausea
- Elevated blood pressure
- Blood clotting
Avoiding Addiction
One of the biggest positives of opting for a non-nicotine vape is you eliminate your risk of becoming addicted. A nicotine addiction can quickly become expensive, to say nothing of the negative impacts it can have on your overall health.
If you want to enjoy vaping recreationally or vaping only when you want to rather than when you need to, sticking to no-nicotine vaping will give you the freedom you’re seeking.
Many ex-smokers have found nicotine-free vapes to be as helpful as nicotine-containing vapes when giving up smoking.
Better Taste
If you’ve ever tried nicotine gum, you’ll know nicotine has a robust and peppery smell. Many vapers also taste peppery undertones when vaping juices that contain nicotine.
When opting for a nicotine-free vape or using a nicotine-free vape juice, you won't experience any unpleasant undertones.
Additionally, without the constraints of having to find a juice containing nicotine, you have a much more comprehensive range of flavors to choose from.
Social Aspect
As smoking becomes more anti-social, vaping is becoming increasingly acceptable. If you find yourself vaping socially or for events like Cloud Chasing, then opting for nicotine-free vapes means you can vape as and when you want, without any of the potential negative aspects of consuming nicotine — or forcing others who are near you to consume it.
Cons of Vaping Without Nicotine
While there are plenty of upsides when it comes to vaping without nicotine, there are also a small number of downsides to consider before picking up your no-nicotine vape.
No Nicotine Hit
One of the biggest cons when vaping non-nicotine vapes is the lack of that “hit” or “buzz” that nicotine provides.
Nicotine, especially a large amount, can make people feel slightly light-headed and cause their heart rate to increase — effects that won’t occur when you’re avoiding nicotine.
However, if you want to vape without nicotine without forgoing that feeling, you can try vapes containing caffeine.
Caffeine vapes are relatively new to the market and offer an energy boost not too dissimilar to the “hit” provided by nicotine but without adverse side effects.
Smaller Throat Hit
If you’re vaping because you’ve given up smoking, you may find that the “throat hit” provided by vaping helps diminish your craving for a cigarette.
Some vapers note that nicotine-free vapes and vape juices offer a much less pronounced throat hit than those containing nicotine.
That said, nicotine can irritate the throat — this is the reason for that stronger throat hit — so nicotine-free vaping is often a better choice.
Potentially More Difficult to Quit Smoking
If you smoke tobacco and you’re addicted to nicotine, you may be turning to vaping as part of a path toward quitting. Some ex-smokers report having more difficulty transitioning to vaping when using a nicotine-free vape.
Suppose you’re hoping to quit smoking but find nicotine-free vapes aren’t quite enough. Many different vape juices come with nicotine — in a variety of concentrations — so you can lower your intake over time to make the transition to nicotine-free vaping much easier.
Side Effects of Vaping Without Nicotine
While it is much healthier to switch to nicotine-free vaping than to continue smoking cigarettes, there are still a small number of potential side effects associated with vaping in general, about which you should be aware.
Dry Mouth and Dehydration
Vaping, both with and without nicotine, has the potential to cause dry mouth, dehydration, and irritation, as well as aggravating coughs. Both propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG) can cause dry mouth and irritation.
Potential Allergic Reactions
Different nicotine-free vape juice and nicotine-free vape pens from various brands and manufacturers are all made differently.
Double-check the ingredients when trying a new vape concoction if you are allergic or sensitive to any compound. VG, PG, and any added flavors could lead to allergic reactions for some users.
Negative Impact on Respiratory Health
Vaping is considered to be a lot less harmful than smoking, and nicotine-free vaping is thought to reduce risks even further. However, that doesn’t mean the practice does not impact respiratory health.
Vaping is still relatively new, and research into its long-term effects is ongoing. The inhalation of any foreign particles could be harmful regardless of the nicotine content, especially over a prolonged period.
Bottom Line: Is Vaping Without Nicotine Safe?
How safe vaping without nicotine can be comes down to several different factors. While research into the safety of vaping — and the pros and cons of nicotine-free vaping — is still ongoing, many other factors can play into the overall safety of zero-nicotine vapes.
Your Vape Supplier
No two vape manufacturers are the same, and when purchasing anything you’re going to put into your body, it’s always best to choose the leading brands.
Leading vape brands like MELO will ensure their products use only the highest-quality ingredients and are dated, so you don’t risk harming yourself by using expired stock.
Using an unknown brand or manufacturer from the internet or your local gas station might be cheaper than buying a reputable brand. Still, you cannot be confident of the level of testing the vape has undergone, the quality of its ingredients, or what other chemicals the manufacturer might have added to your vape juice.
How Often You Vape
If you’re someone who finds yourself constantly puffing on your vape, you might find yourself dealing with harmful side effects, like dry mouth, more frequently than those who vape only occasionally.
Zero-nicotine vapes eliminate the risk of nicotine addiction, meaning you’re less likely to overuse your e-cig and less likely to suffer the adverse effects of overuse.
Where You Vape
Although studies into vaping continue, very little is known about vaping in enclosed spaces or second-hand vaping. If you tend to vape in your car or behind closed doors, try to open a window to keep fresh air circulating and prevent any potential risks associated with second-hand vapor.
Natural vs Synthetic Ingredients
Some vape manufacturers use only natural ingredients, while others use synthetic additions like flavorings or other potentially harmful chemicals. Studies are still underway regarding the relative merits of natural and artificial ingredients in vape juice, so sticking to all-natural options is the safer way.
Underlying Health Issues
If you have any underlying health issues — particularly any associated with your respiratory system — vaping could potentially agitate such conditions. People with asthma, emphysema, or other lung impairments should not engage in vaping of any kind without first speaking to their physician.
If you start vaping — with or without nicotine — and begin to feel unwell, stop vaping and speak to a medical professional as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Initially developed as a smoking cessation tool, the vape pen has come a long way, expanding its appeal and attracting non-smokers.
The shift towards vaping for recreational purposes has created a growing market for no-nicotine or nicotine-free vaping, allowing vapers to vape without the risk of addiction or the other health problems that imbibing nicotine may pose.
While nicotine-free vaping doesn’t have the same “throat hit” or “buzz” as its nicotine-containing counterparts, it has still proven helpful for many people looking to quit smoking or escape from nicotine addiction.
Vaping without nicotine is thought to be a healthier alternative to nicotine-containing vapes, but it isn’t without potential side effects, including dry mouth and dehydration.
The safety of non-nicotine vaping depends on a range of different factors, everything from choosing reputable suppliers and how often you vape to the ingredients in your vape juice and any underlying health problems you may struggle with.
At MELO, we understand that transparency — into our products, the ingredients we use, and our manufacturing process — helps you make an informed decision about your vaping lifestyle.
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