Node Smith, ND
A recent study highlighted the growing practice of producing e-cigarette liquids – vaping liquids – that have much higher nicotine levels than previously marketed. The range of nicotine concentration until recently had been between 1% and 3%. A 3% e-liquid is described as a “super high” concentration intended as an alternative for two packs/day smokers. The company JUUL, however, which controls roughly 75% of the vaping market, markets a 5% nicotine solution, which is pushing other companies to do the same.
Many people don’t realize concentrations of nicotine in these products exceeds traditional tobacco products
This is a significant change, especially because many people consider vaping a safe alternative to smoking, or method to eventually wean themselves off of cigarettes. Many people may not realize that the concentrations of nicotine in these products are becoming so much higher than traditional tobacco products.
The study was intended to look at other brands of e-liquid and catalog which devices emulate the high nicotine concentration of JUUL.
The results
The results were that JUUL compatible pods, of which 14 were identified, and 39 “knock off” products, all of which contained equal or higher concentrations of nicotine than JUUL. More than 70 e-liquid brands sell nicotine concentrations above 5%, all of which sell multiple youth appealing flavors that are sweet and fruity.
In addition, the study did find that the nicotine concentration is inconsistently reported.
Nicotine concentration is inconsistently reported
The conclusion of the study is that JUUL e-cigarette brand has triggered a precedent to market more e-liquids with higher and higher nicotine concentration. The rapid rise of popularity of e-liquids threatens a younger generation with nicotine addiction. The study also called for a more standardized method of labeling nicotine concentration to avoid consumer confusion.
Node Smith, ND, is a naturopathic physician in Humboldt, Saskatchewan and associate editor and continuing education director for NDNR. His mission is serving relationships that support the process of transformation, and that ultimately lead to healthier people, businesses and communities. His primary therapeutic tools include counselling, homeopathy, diet and the use of cold water combined with exercise. Node considers health to be a reflection of the relationships a person or a business has with themselves, with God and with those around them. In order to cure disease and to heal, these relationships must be specifically considered. Node has worked intimately with many groups and organizations within the naturopathic profession, and helped found the non-profit, Association for Naturopathic Revitalization (ANR), which works to promote and facilitate experiential education in vitalism.
Node Smith graduated from the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) in 2017, and is currently licensed as a naturopathic physician in Oregon and working towards becoming licensed in Saskatchewan, Canada as well.
