E-cigarettes are battery-operated devices that heats a liquid that produces vapour when inhaled. This is commonly known as vaping. They come in many shapes and sizes, and usually contain nicotine.

Invented in 2003, e-cigarettes started to become widely used in the early 2010s as a harm reduction and stop smoking aid. Also known as vapes or e-cigs, are less harmful than cigarettes, and can help people cut down and quit smoking. Increasingly, e-cigarettes have been used recreationally by non-cigarette users.

The main substance in an e-cigarette is nicotine. It’s mixed with other chemicals, including propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine and flavourings. Different devices contain varying amounts of nicotine.

There are different types of e-cigarettes, including refillable and disposable devises. E-cigarettes often come in bright colours. They are also available in flavours that tend to appeal to young people, like fruit and sweet.

How are they used?

An e-cigarette comprises a heating devise that holds a nicotine cartridge containing liquid nicotine. When heated, the liquid nicotine changes into a vapour. The nicotine and other ingredients such as and flavourings are inhaled into the body.

What are the effects of e-cigarettes?

Nicotine is a stimulant drug. It increases the heart rate and blood pressure and makes users feel alert and stimulated.

What are the problems with e-cigarettes?

Vaping is less harmful than smoking. E-cigarettes don’t contain the cancer-causing tobacco, and most of the toxic chemicals found in normal cigarettes. But this does not mean vaping is harmless.

Most vapes contain nicotine, which is an addictive substance that is difficult to give up.

Some people who use vapes may experience headaches, dizziness, light-headedness, coughing, nausea, a dry mouth and throat and shortness of breath.

Nicotine is dangerous for pregnant women and their developing babies.

There are concerns that some flavourings in vapes may be harmful. This is especially the case with illegal vapes that do not conform to the UK regulations.

Emerging research has raised the possibility that long term use of e-cigarettes may cause health problems, but the risks are likely to be less than smoking.

Illegal Vapes

Since 2016, the UK Government has regulated e-cigarettes including the maximum strength of the products and rules about advertising them.

Some disposable vapes on sale are illegal and do not meet UK safety regulations. They can contain high levels of harmful substances.

Some people using illegal vapes have needed urgent medical attention after using devices with very high levels of nicotine or illegal drugs such as synthetic cannabinoids. It is difficult to know what it is that you are using.

Illegal vapes often look like legal e-cigarettes. Vapes with many more puffs or a greater amount of vaping liquid compared to may be a giveaway that they are not regulated.

THC Vapes

1. What Are THC vapes?

THC vapes contain THC oil, which is heated and inhaled. THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is the main psychoactive compound found in cannabis that causes the ‘high’. These vapes come in reusable and disposable forms and have gained popularity because they’re discreet, easy to use, and produce quick effects, and don’t involve traditional smoking.

2. Effects of THC vapes

THC can make you feel happy, giggly, or sleepy, but it can also make you feel confused, paranoid, anxious, hungry, and cause withdrawal symptoms. Effects typically begin within minutes and last about an hour, though some after-effects may linger, though it depends on the individual and the dose.

3. Are THC vapes Legal?

THC vapes are illegal in the UK. THC is a psychoactive compound found in cannabis and a Class B drug, making it illegal to possess, sell, or supply. In contrast, CBD is legal in the UK, as it relaxes the nervous system without causing a high.

4. Why Do People Use THC vapes?

• Easy to use: vapes are less smelly than smoking cannabis, require no flame, and need minimal preparation.
• Potentially less harmful: compared to smoking cannabis joints, vapes release fewer chemicals and usually don’t contain tobacco or nicotine. However, the long-term health effects are still unclear due to limited research.

5. Risks of THC vapes

• Mental effects: THC can impair judgment, coordination, and decision-making.
• Addiction: THC is addictive and regular use can lead to dependence and related health and social issues.
• Synthetic cannabinoids: some vapes may contain lab-made cannabinoids, which can have unpredictable and more harmful effects.
• Mental health: high or frequent doses, or mixing drugs, can increase the risk of mental health problems.
• Health risks: contaminated vape juice has caused lung injuries among UK users.
• Legal penalties: possessing or using a THC vape can result in fines, prison, or both.

Harm reduction

•  If you are going to use, start with a low dose to avoid overwhelming effects.

For further harm reduction advice on THC, go to the cannabis page.

6. Getting Support

• Ages 13-19 (Up to 25 with SEND): contact Response at 0151 666 4123.
• Adults (18+): contact Wirral Ways at 0151 556 1335.
• General support: your GP can help all ages.

Reducing risks

The best way to avoid the risk associated with e-cigarettes and normal cigarettes is not to use them. But if you smoke cigarettes, vaping is safer but if you don’t smoke, don’t vape.

Ensure that your e-cigarette complies with Government regulations. The vape must have a tank size of no more than 2ml, which this roughly translates to round 600 puffs. Vape products should also come with a nicotine health warning on the front and back of the packaging. 

E-cigarettes, particularly disposable vapes pose an environmental threat. They introduce a waste, including plastic, metals, lead, mercury and flammable lithium-batteries into the environment.

E-cigarettes, vaping and the law

In the UK, it is against the law to sell nicotine vaping products to under-18s or for adults to buy them on their behalf.

Getting help to stop smoking

For help with stopping smoking, visit the Wirral Stop Smoking Service website.