The Australian market is a booming market for vape products or e-cigarettes. Although the Australian government is trying to implement stringent laws against vaping, vape consumption is on the rise. Thus it is important to know the basics of e-cigarettes.
What is e-liquid?
Unlike normal cigarettes, e-cigarettes do not contain tobacco or tar. These are battery-operated machines that require a special liquid called vape juice. Vape juice does not contain substances like tar and carbon monoxide that are harmful to the body. These juices are a solution of four elements – water, nicotine, fruit flavours, and PG (propylene glycerol). PG or VG (vegetable glycerol) can be used alternatively.
Knowing the elements of the vape liquid
Let us develop a basic understanding of what people inhale in e-cigarettes:
Nicotine: Nicotine, also known as a ‘stress buster’, is an addictive substance that increases the dopamine level in the body. As a result of this, it stimulates the central nervous system of the body, which makes one feel happy. However, while doing this, it enters the brain and causes the blood pressure and heart rate to rise.
Flavours:
The speciality of e-cigarettes is that, unlike normal cigarettes, people do not have to bear the taste of raw tobacco. E-cigarettes come in a variety of flavours such as grape ice, watermelon, strawberry, berry, apple, et cetera. Many chemicals are used in the making of these substances. In reality, it is next to impossible to find all the types of chemicals used. However, one of the most harmful is ‘Diacetyl’. Consumption of these flavours in gas form can cause respiratory problems.
PG (Propylene Glycol) –
This is a man-made liquid that is approved by various countries to be safe, albeit in limited quantities. Its usage is found in foods and cosmetics. This substance is also used in various events to create a false fog or smoke. However, for people with emphysema and asthma, it can irritate the lungs.
Glycerin –
Glycerin is a sweet liquid that is clear and colourless. Like PG, it is also approved to be safe by various governments. It is also found in various products such as food and drugs.
Different types of vape liquid
The only deciding factor among the different types of vape juice is the ratio of VG and PG found in the Glycol element of vape liquid. Following are a few types:
Nicotine Salt
Unlike the traditional nicotine that is drawn out from the tobacco leaves, nicotine salts vape liquids contain an equal proportion of VG and PG. At the outset, it seems to contain lower amounts of nicotine; however, the content of nicotine in such liquids is way more than in normal liquids. Such types are used in a mod pod.
70 PG / 30 VG
This proportion is contained in standard e-cigarettes. Higher PG leads to higher content of nicotine. Although it does not produce much vapour, it can be throat-hitting for some vape users. An alternative to avoid this hit in the throat is 70 VG and 30 PG. This potentially reduces the content of nicotine and produces more smoke.
80 VG / 20 PG
This ratio is considered to be the best. Not much harsh on the throat, this type is the most widely sought e-cigarette in the vape market as the nicotine content is optimal. The flavour and vape are in equilibrium and give the best experience to vape users.
E-liquid law in Australia
Non-nicotine vape juice is allowed in Australia. It means that legal adults in Australia can consume vape liquid that does not contain nicotine. In all the states, any kind of sale, manufacturing, possession, and usage is banned. If caught, there are heavy penalties associated with it. However, any e-cigarette containing nicotine for recreational and therapeutic purposes that is prescribed by a medical practitioner under supervised conditions can be used. The liquid containing nicotine can be supplied by a medical dispensary.
