*HINT: It’s not the flavours*
Youths are using ultra-high nicotine vapes to get high.
Contrary to popular belief, the surge in youth vaping is not solely due to appealing flavors. Instead, it’s driven by the availability of ultra-high nicotine vapes catering to getting high.
Understanding the Shift:
While electronic cigarettes and vaping products have been in the market for about 15 years, the recent spike in youth vaping demands scrutiny into what changed during this period.
The Rise of Nicotine Salts:
A pivotal shift occurred with the introduction of nicotine salts, accompanied by the emergence of pre-filled pod systems, which gained traction among youth vapers. Nicotine manufacturers managed to minimize throat discomfort associated with vaping high-nicotine e-liquids through chemical processes.
The JUUL Impact:
JUUL, a prominent player, capitalized on this trend by offering e-liquids with unprecedentedly high nicotine concentrations. Prior to 2016, commercially available nicotine levels peaked at 24mg. With nicotine salts, JUUL pushed boundaries, offering pods containing up to 60mg of nicotine, nearly triple the previous maximum.
The Craving for Highs:
Surprisingly, the most sought-after nicotine strength in many markets is a mere 3mg, contrasting sharply with the excessively high levels found in some commercial vaping products. Over 95% of our sales consist of liquids with nicotine levels of 16mg or below. Such high nicotine concentrations, especially in JUUL pods, can induce a euphoric high akin to smoking marijuana, particularly among non-smokers.
The Misuse Dilemma:
Numerous conversations with teenagers aged 14 to 18 revealed a disturbing trend: vaping at parties for the sole purpose of getting high. This misuse parallels activities like huffing paint thinner or abusing prescription drugs for recreational purposes, deviating significantly from the intended use of vaping products.
Recommendations for Regulation:
To address this concerning trend, stringent regulations on nicotine levels are imperative. I propose limiting nicotine levels in vaping products to ensure efficacy for smokers transitioning to vaping while mitigating the risk of intoxication. A maximum nicotine level of 20mg is recommended to strike this balance effectively.
Our Commitment at Canada Vapes:
At Canada Vapes, we’ve taken proactive steps to address this issue by capping our e-liquid nicotine levels at 24mg and nicotine salt levels at 36mg/ml. We’re actively considering further reductions to 20mg/ml across all our e-liquids. It’s crucial for other manufacturers in the youth vaping market to follow suit, contributing to the collective effort to curb youth vaping in Canada.
This proactive approach underscores our commitment to responsible vaping practices and the well-being of our customers.
