From the Guidelines
No, vapes do not contain tobacco. Vapes, also known as e-cigarettes or electronic nicotine delivery systems, use a liquid solution (e-liquid or vape juice) that typically contains nicotine, flavorings, propylene glycol, and vegetable glycerin [ 1 ]. When heated, this liquid creates an aerosol that users inhale. Unlike traditional cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, there is no tobacco leaf or plant material in standard vapes. However, it's essential to understand that while vapes don't contain tobacco, they usually do contain nicotine, which is the addictive substance naturally found in tobacco plants. This nicotine is extracted from tobacco or synthesized in a laboratory [ 1 ]. Some vape products are marketed as nicotine-free, but many still contain varying levels of nicotine. The absence of tobacco in vapes doesn't make them harmless, as the inhaled aerosol contains potentially harmful chemicals and the nicotine remains addictive regardless of its source.
Key points to consider:
- Vapes do not contain tobacco leaf or plant material
- Vapes typically contain nicotine, which is addictive
- Nicotine in vapes can be extracted from tobacco or synthesized in a laboratory
- Vapes can contain potentially harmful chemicals
- The health and safety claims regarding electronic nicotine delivery devices should be subject to evidentiary review [ 1 ]
In terms of regulation, as a precaution, electronic nicotine delivery devices should be restricted or banned until more information about their safety is available [ 1 ]. If they are allowed, they should be closely regulated as medicines or tobacco products. It's crucial to weigh the potential benefits of electronic cigarettes to an individual smoker against potential harm to the population of increased social acceptability of smoking and use of nicotine [ 1 ].
From the FDA Drug Label
Nicotine, the chief alkaloid in tobacco products, binds stereo-selectively to nicotinic-cholinergic receptors at the autonomic ganglia, in the adrenal medulla, at neuromuscular junctions, and in the brain. It is a colorless to pale yellow, freely water-soluble, strongly alkaline, oily, volatile, hygroscopic liquid obtained from the tobacco plant.
The answer to the question is: No, vapes do not contain tobacco, but they do contain nicotine, which is a substance derived from tobacco. Nicotine is the active ingredient in vapes, and it is obtained from the tobacco plant. However, the tobacco plant itself is not present in vapes. 2 2
From the Research
Vapes and Tobacco Content
- The provided study 3 does not directly address the question of whether vapes contain tobacco.
- The study focuses on the safety profiles of common smoking cessation therapies, including nicotine replacement therapy, bupropion, and varenicline, in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
- It discusses the adverse events associated with these therapies but does not provide information on the composition of vapes regarding tobacco content.
- There is no mention of vapes or their ingredients in the study, making it irrelevant to answering the question about tobacco in vapes.
Availability of Relevant Research
- Based on the provided evidence, there are no research papers to assist in answering the question about the presence of tobacco in vapes.
- The study 3 is related to smoking cessation therapies and their safety profiles, not the composition of vapes.
- To find an answer to the question, it would be necessary to consult studies or research specifically focused on the ingredients and composition of vapes.