Vaping is the act of inhaling a vaporized liquid from an electronic device. A vaping device will either have cartridges (pods) that are either pre filled or refillable. These vape pods commonly contain nicotine, flavoring and other additives. It can also contain THC, the chemical in marijuana that makes the user feel “high.”

What are Vaping Devices?

Most vaping devices have a battery, a heating element, and a chamber that holds liquid. “Vaping” is the process of heating up the liquid stored in a cartridge, sometimes called “vape juice,” to form an aerosol mixture which is then inhaled into the lungs.

Vaping devices come in many shapes and sizes, and are sometimes disguised as USB drives, pens, or other devices. Other names for vaping devices include “e-cigs,” “e-hookahs,” “mods,” “vape pens,” “vapes,” “tank systems,” or “JUULS,” one of the most popular brands of vaping devices.

These vaping devices and paraphernalia cannot legally be sold to or used by anyone under the age of 18.

In the 2017 Healthy Kids Colorado Survey, 44% of high schoolers report having used an E-cigarette at least once in their life, and 27% say they currently use E-cigarettes. In comparison, 4% of youth report vaping marijuana.

The information on this page relates to the health effects and risks of using nicotine, but it should be noted that vaping devices can also be used to consume marijuana products. Vaping devices for marijuana products are sold through a highly regulated system and cannot be bought online or at the local corner store unlike vaping devices for tobacco.