Author: Kendall Scheufler
The Benefits of Vaping vs. Smoking
What Exactly Is Vaping?
At its heart, vaping is very similar to smoking. However, there are key differences. While smoking inherently involves inhaling and exhaling smoke, specifically tobacco smoke, vaping is the inhaling and exhaling of an aerosol that is created by an e-cigarette or vape pen. Many people will refer to what an e-cigarette produces as water vapor, which it is, but technically it’s an aerosol that carries with it a flotilla of very fine particles. Whether you’re using an e-cigarette, a vape pen, or a customizable vaporizer (often referred to as a “mod”), the basics of the device are similar. You’ll be dealing with a mouthpiece through which you inhale the aerosol, a cartridge that holds the e-juice, and a battery-powered heating component. When in use, the heating component raises the temperature of the aerosol until an inhalable product is created. The e-liquid or e-juice used is generally a propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin-based liquid that’s fortified with nicotine, flavoring, and other chemicals. However, it’s possible to use a vape device for cannabis consumption, as well as any number of inhalables, instead of e-juice.The Basics of Tobacco Smoke
For the uninitiated, smoking involves the lighting of tobacco and the inhaling of the produced smoke. Typically, the tobacco is wrapped in paper, such as with a cigar or cigarette, or stuffed into a pipe. The tobacco often includes a host of other chemicals, as well, making it particularly harmful to those who inhale it directly or second-hand. In fact, per the Center for Disease Control, cigarette smoking is the number one cause of preventable death in the country. Smoking kills more people each year than the combined total caused by alcohol use, automobile accidents, drug use, guns, and HIV. While the number of smokers has declined over the past several decades, the risk of dying from cigarette smoke has actually grown over the past half-century. In today’s organic produce and granola world, there may be some thought that because cigarettes contain tobacco, a plant, while e-liquids contain mostly chemicals, smoking cigarettes may be more beneficial. However, that is just not the case. Tobacco smoke contains thousands of chemical compounds. These chemicals are supposedly added for the benefit of the smoker, to make the smoke less harsh and more flavorful, however many of them are known to cause cancer. Ammonia, arsenic, carbon monoxide, lead, and even uranium are all present in tobacco smoke.How Vaping and Smoking are Different
The two main differences between smoking and vaping are the device used and the contents of the product being inhaled. Smoking involves burning tobacco in a rolled paper product or a pipe while vaping uses an electronic device to heat a liquid until a vapor-like product is created. If you smoke, you’re also inhaling a boatload of tobacco smoke and tobacco by-products. However, the juice utilized by a vape device typically does not contain tobacco. Diving deeper into the contents of what’s being inhaled, there’s a clear distinction in the two nicotine products. The FDA has investigated some e-liquids to determine the ingredients, and, in doing so, found chemicals that are not present in tobacco smoke, including antifreeze, formaldehyde, and benzene. While these chemicals are found at higher levels in e-liquid than in their tobacco counterparts, it is still believed that the aerosol byproduct of vaping contains a lower concentration of toxic ingredients. In fact, tobacco smoke may provide nine to 450 times the level of toxic substances found in vaping aerosols.So, Is Vaping Healthier Than Smoking?
The question of safety and health when it comes to the vaping vs. smoking debate is a complicated one. Yes, on the one hand, smoking is one of the leading causes of death in America and, as previously stated, the number one cause of preventable death in the country. Its smoke contains hundreds of chemicals, many of which cause cancer. There is no disputing that. Further, there’s very little reason to believe that vaping exposes you to more toxic chemicals than cigarettes. There generally is no tobacco in e-liquids, and the vapor-like aerosol mitigates the harshness caused by inhaling smoke than a vape device produces. Additionally, many vapers speak of how vaping has freed their lives and allowed them to cut down on smoking cigarettes. If that’s the case, then vaping can have a benefit for individuals, as long as they continue to use it as a way to wean themselves off tobacco smoke. Yet, it’s difficult to say with absolute, scientific certainty whether vaping is truly healthier than smoking simply because vaping is such a new development in society. To conduct studies on the health impact of vaping, researchers would need decades of data to ascertain and analyze the typical long-term results of years of vape device use. Even when it comes to the use of vaping as a smoking cessation device, the current studies are fairly ambivalent. While most appear to say that those who are vaping are indeed trying to quit smoking, the results show that most of those cases still result with the user continuing to smoke tobacco. While there are individual successes, and it’s possible that you would be one of them, it’s important to note that the FDA has not approved vaping as a treatment for nicotine addiction.Contact Smoking Buddha Today!
If you have questions about vaping, make sure to reach out to The Smoking Buddha today! Our extensive product lineup makes us perfect for vaping veterans, while our knowledgeable, helpful staff make the ideal experts for newcomers. So, whether you’re looking to try out a new e-cigarette or you’re unsure about the best e-liquids for your device, make sure to stop by our Parker vape shop. You can also give us a call at 303-840-4388, or use our simple contact form to get in touch today! Image Credit: Shutterstock/Prostock-studioOur Most Popular Naked E-Juice Flavors
Naked is one of the most influential vape juice manufacturers in the United States. The brand has put out numerous profiles over the years. There is something for every personal preference. Whether you enjoy a smoother profile or something a bit fruitier, you will not be disappointed. Here are some of the most popular Naked E-juice flavors available for sale today. You may just find your new favorite flavor.
Lava Flow
When you want to send your taste buds on a tropical vacation, you cannot go wrong with the Lava Flow E-juice. From the very first puff, it will ignite your senses. It contains a rich assortment of tangy pineapples, creamy coconuts, and delicious strawberries. It will feel as though you are vaping the perfect fruit smoothie. Your mouth will water in anticipation when you start using this vape juice.
Amazing Mango
If you prefer mangos, then you need to put Amazing Mango in your vape pen. It is one of the most mouthwatering flavors you can get. It lives up to its name by being a perfect mango flavor that is accentuated with peaches and sweet cream. It is a simple profile, but it gets the job done. It is a great E-juice to use during the summertime when you want a big plate of fruit by your side all the time.
All Melon
One of the most sought-after Naked E-juice flavors is All Melon. You can enjoy the perfect trinity of melon flavors in a single bottle. You can taste delicious flavors of watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew all in one. It produces large clouds of vapor so that you can enjoy the scent for even longer. You get the ultimate satisfaction with each puff.
Hawaiian POG
You may not be able to go on a Hawaiian vacation, but you can feel as though you have a lei around your neck with Hawaiian POG. You get a delightful flavor with each puff. You can enjoy exotic guava, ripe orange, and delicious passion fruit all in one container. Whether you are hanging out in your living room or you are poolside, you get total relaxation with each drag. You can also try Hawaiian POG Ice if you want the addition of ice among the same flavors. It is the perfect way to cool down after a hot day.
Green Blast
Vape users looking for an unusual but excellent combination of scents need to try Green Blast. This E-juice combines the profiles of honeydew, kiwi, and apple. You have never had a vape juice like this one before, and it is the scent of your dreams. It is reminiscent of Jolly Rancher apple. It is a refreshingly original vape juice that you can only get from Naked.
Very Cool
Anyone looking to take a stroll on the wild side needs to get Very Cool E-juice. It comes from an exclusive vape juice line containing menthol. It also has an exotic combination of raspberry, blueberry, and blackberry. It will feel as though you are on a camping trip with each puff. All of the berry profiles are coated with the coolness of menthol for a refreshing sensation. It produces a nice, relaxing throat hit, so you do not have to worry about a lot of coughing afterward.
Brain Freeze
Naked has a successful line of fruity flavors, and Brain Freeze is just the latest addition in a long tradition of success. This vape juice also contains menthol to refresh your mouth and throat. It is exceptionally juicy with a mixture of ruby red pomegranates, kiwi, and strawberry. Once you are done, it will feel as though you just drank a delicious margarita. It is a well-balanced E-juice that will leave you wanting more.
Sour Sweet
Sour and sweet are two flavors you would not think would go well together. Fortunately, they blend perfectly in the Sour Sweet vape juice. One puff tastes like you just enjoyed your favorite lemon-lime jelly candies. It is incredibly layered, and it has an excellent sugary sensation, too. You get to enjoy all the flavor of your favorite candy without ingesting all of the calories.
Yummy Gum
Instead of chewing gum that loses its flavors after one minute, you can enjoy the same great taste with Yummy Gum E-juice. This vape juice was created using natural ingredients. It is an artisanal flavor that is unparalleled in its flavor profile. It will feel as though you are chewing strawberry bubblegum with every inhalation. It is an intoxicating flavor, and you will not have to worry about where to spit out your gum afterward.
Berry Belts
Strawberry and blackberry go together perfectly in Berry Belts. One puff will instantly have you coming back for more. It produces a tremendous citrusy sensation. It is not unusual for users to go through three or four bottles of this flavor a month. It is bound to become a signature part of your collection once you try it out.
Naked Unicorn
Naked Unicorn is one of the brand’s most signature flavors. It combines fruits with cream for a thrilling experience. It produces a clean flavor using natural ingredients. You will feel as though you have just eaten dessert when you get a taste of the rich combination of strawberries with cream. It will excite your taste buds like few vape juices are able to do.
Go Nanas
It is not every day you find a vape juice that incorporates the flavor of bananas into its profile. However, that is precisely what Go Nanas has done. It offers the pure flavor of bananas with nothing else getting in the way. You should not have to monkey around when it comes to finding the perfect E-juice. If you enjoy eating a banana every morning, then this product could be perfect for you.
Azul Berries
When you want to produce a seductive cloud of vapor, you need Azul Berries. Its primary flavor is blueberry. When you go deeper, you will also notice subtle hints of raspberry to give it some kick. Finally, there is some creaminess in there to make it feel like a dessert.
American Patriots
A lot of people vape so that they can quit cigarettes. When you still want the smooth flavor of tobacco in your mouth, you need to reach for American Patriots vape juice. It is bound to quench any cravings you have, and it is a great tool to have when you try to quit cold turkey. Upon every exhale, you experience the rich flavor of caramel bourbon. It is a full-bodied vape juice you will never want to run out of.
Maui Sun
You get a bunch of tropical flavors wrapped into one with Maui Sun. You will feel like you are basking in the rich island sun with the aromas of mandarins, oranges, and pineapples surrounding you. You can escape the scorching sun with this delicious combination. Everyone else gets in on the action with every cloud you make.
Here at The Smoking Buddha, we’re here to help. If you have any questions about a given product, then do not hesitate to reach out. Call our team or reach out through our online contact form, and we will get back to you shortly.
How Vaping Can Help Thousands of Smokers
1. Vapes May Offer An Alternative to Smoking
The health hazards involved in smoking are mainly centered around the delivery system of the nicotine: the cigarette. Vape devices rely on electronically heated vapors rather than smoke. This means no tar or carbon monoxide is produced. The harmful chemicals that are frequently tied to nicotine are actually associated with the act of inhaling smoke, and experts in the U.K. have estimated that vaping is 95 percent safer than the alternative. By switching to vape options, smokers cut down on the bulk of the risks. Those who switch have typically reported improvements to their health in a short period of time without a debilitating transition.2. Vapes May Help Reduce Your Smoking Habit
For individuals who are considering vaping in place of their cigarettes, it’s usually recommended to stop smoking altogether. This complete substitution can help to ease the transition off of smoking by providing the nicotine in a safer application. The choices you make with your vaping supplies allow you to adjust the nicotine content. This gives smokers the power to gradually lessen the concentration over time. The decrease can minimize the severity of nicotine cravings and encourage people to kick the habit altogether. Vape cartridges don’t need nicotine; once the craving is near non-existent, you can opt out of products that contain it.3. Vaping Can Satisfy Nicotine Cravings
One of the most satisfying aspects of smoking a cigarette is the nicotine content. Though vaping still often contains nicotine, it’s incorporated in a completely different way. Even though you’re inhaling vapors rather than smoke, you’re still appeasing that desire to light up without actually doing it. When you reach that point of the day where you feel you need a cigarette to make it through, vaping can help you overcome that dragging sensation. The hours become easier to conquer when you’ve answered your body’s craving, and you get to enjoy the experience in a more personalized and versatile way. E-Cigarettes are an Effective Way to Help Smokers Quit!4. Provides Variety of Choices in Flavor
Vaping offers hundreds of flavor choices to enhance the enjoyment each time you reach for your device. Whether you prefer sour or sweet, you’ll see something on the market that suits your taste and hits the spot in just the right way. You may find varieties that you quickly become loyal to or else have fun trying out different flavors just to mix things up. E-juice bottles are typically quite affordable, encouraging smokers to embrace the concept and experiment with several different kinds until they find one that pleases them. You just don’t get the same taste experience when you use traditional cigarettes. Flavor options that include blends of melon, strawberry, kiwi, banana, and other fruitful aromas make the process even more relaxing. This variety can often make the difference for those who have tried to stop smoking and haven’t been able to.5. Fits All Lifestyles
There’s only one way to smoke a cigarette, but there are numerous ways to vape. Products are available that allow smokers to customize their device to fit their specific smoking habit and lifestyle. Some options are more superior in some areas than others, so you can prioritize whatever’s most important to you in regard to several criteria:- Battery life
- Cartridge compatibility
- Tank size
- Portability
- Reusability
How To Take Care of Your New Tattoo
Aftercare Overview
By following a few recommended steps, you can help ensure your tattoo will be a showpiece for the long haul. In general, the aftercare process involves simple care until the art piece has healed.- Cleaning after bandage removal
- Moisturizing with ointment after cleaning
- Moisturizing with lotion
- Avoiding a few things that will hinder healing
Bandage Removal and Cleaning
After your new tattoo has been completed, leave the bandage in place for an hour or two. Make sure you remove the bandage in a clean environment to prevent unnecessary germ exposure. Using a gentle antibacterial soap that doesn’t include any scrubbing elements or moisture beads, carefully wash the tattoo and surrounding area. For best cleaning results, make a lather with the soap and water in your hand first before washing the tattoo area. Using a circular motion, apply the soap and gently clean off any ointment left during the initial bandaging process. After rinsing the soap, allow the tattoo to air dry. If necessary, a hair dryer with a cool setting could be used to assist the drying. At this point, you don’t want to rub with a towel or anything that can be too rough on the freshly exposed tattoo. Your tattoo will need to be carefully cleaned in this way twice a day for the first couple of days.Moisturizing Your Tattoo With Ointment
Each time your tattoo is washed and air-dried it will need to be moisturized afterward. Moisturizing will help with the healing process and prevent excess scabbing of the area. The ointment needs to be thick enough to cover the area lightly but not leave excess. Aquaphor or vitamin E oil are both good options. You will need to rub the oil or ointment carefully into the clean tattooed skin. Any excess can be removed with a paper towel by dabbing gently. If you see any weeping, light oozing or excess ink leaking away this can be typical and isn’t cause for alarm. Simply dab away with a paper towel and continue to use the ointment. You only need a small amount each time, reapplying every four to six hours. This step typically lasts three or four days. The ointment can be discontinued once the tattooed area begins to experience light flaking.Switch to Lotion For Moisturizing
Several days after your tattoo has been completed, you will be able to discontinue use of Aquaphor or other ointments. As a sign you are ready to move to the next step in the tattoo aftercare process, your tattooed skin will begin flaking. Flaking is a normal part of the tattoo healing process. After flaking begins, an unscented, plain lotion can be used to keep the skin moisturized. It’s important to make sure the lotion is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic in order to avoid irritation. Lubriderm or Eucerin are both good choices for providing moisture without irritation. Application of lotion can be repeated as the tattoo takes time to finish drying out, but overuse of lotion can also cause irritation. If you notice the area is starting to break out, ease up on the number of times per day you apply the lotion or switch to a different brand.What To Avoid During Tattoo Aftercare
In addition to keeping your tattoo clean and properly moisturized during the healing process, a few more tips can make the experience easier.- Avoid wearing tight-fitting or non-breathable fabrics over your tattoo for at least the first several days.
- Breathable cotton fabrics are best for healing and to prevent damage to your clothing.
- Avoid anything that might cause excessive itching or irritation, such as wool, a tight bra strap or a tight waistband on your pants.
Self-Expression Through Tattooing
If you are looking for a beautiful or exciting new piece of art for your skin, the Smoking Buddha’s in-house tattoo services can provide you with the customized, artistic tattoo of your dreams. An inspired tattoo artist knows how important self-expression can be to the customer, contact us today to get started on realizing your vision.Things to know before you start Vaping
New to Vaping? We’ll Help You Get Started!
Are you new to vaping? Even if you’re a seasoned veteran, wading through the pool of different lingo, equipment, and even etiquette can be frustrating without a proper guide setting the best path. As vaping continues to increase in popularity, having a guide such as the one you’re about to read will be an essential tool for feeling comfortable and cool during your transition into vaping. See some of the popular vapes and vape mods we carry hereWhat Exactly Is Vaping?
A vaporizer, or another vaping device, consists of a couple of essential components.- The tank: where the e-liquid is stored.
- Cotton wick: the means by which the e-liquid is absorbed.
Key Terms and Vaping Lingo
If your head is already spinning due to terms like “tank” and “cotton wick,” that’s okay. Because the words associated with vaping can be so different from other forms of smoking, it’s necessary to have a solid handle on their meanings.- Atomizer: A small tube that is packed with a tight coil, this is perhaps the essential part of any vaporizer, as it is the coil that heats up and converts the juice into vapor.
- Cartomizer: A disposable atomizer.
- E-cigarette: A vaporizer that visually resembles a typical cigarette.
- E-liquid: Another name for the juice you put into your vaporizer.
- Mods: A customized modified vaporizer with variations on the standard vaporizer design made by its producer. The resulting vape device no longer resembles a mass-produced vaporizer.
- Propylene glycol: The most common liquidused as a nicotine delivery system.
- Vapor: The cloud of gas your vaporizer exhales and you inhale..
- Vegetable glycerin: Another liquid that can serve as a base for a nicotine delivery system. It is made mostly from oils derived from plants and is preferred by those who find propylene glycol-based juices too harsh for their throat.
Get the Right Device
Generally speaking, there are three types of vaporizers you can purchase:- Disposable vaporizers: These vaporizers are small, disposable, and closely resemble typical cigarettes. If you’re a cigarette smoker, they make the perfect entry point to the world of vaporizers. Their main downside is you won’t be able to customize the flavor or smoking experience.
- Mods: Many veteran vapers prefer mods, also known as advanced personal vaporizers, due to the ability to customize the perfect device for themselves. With mods, you can change things like tank size, coil temperature, and battery power. Some even come with electronic displays and adjustable settings.
- Rechargeable vaporizers: This device is slightly more sophisticated and customizable than a disposable one, yet isn’t nearly as complicated as a mod. These usually come in two to three pieces, including a rechargeable battery, a tank, and an atomizer.