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A vape is a marijuana smoking device that creates enough heat to turn the active compounds in cannabis flower or concentrate into a vapor. This may be done with a cannabis vape pen, or other tools to vaporize flower. Vaping is a preferable alternative to smoking because it does not release tar odors that can be associated with burning cannabis. There are still studies being conducted on whether vaporizing cannabis is a healthier alternative to smoking. For the time being, there are risks associated with vaping depending on the type of cartridge, device, and ingredients used.
An electronic cigarette (e-cigarette), or vape, is a device that simulates smoking. It consists of an atomizer, a power source such as a battery, and a container such as a cartridge or tank. Instead of smoke, the user inhales vapor. As such, using an e-cigarette is often called "vaping".


The atomizer is a heating element that vaporizes a liquid solution called e-liquid that cools into an aerosol of tiny droplets, vapor and air. The vapor mainly comprises propylene glycol and/or glycerin, usually with nicotine and flavoring. Its exact composition varies, and depends on matters such as user behavior. E-cigarettes are activated by taking a puff or pressing a button. Some look like traditional cigarettes, and most kinds are reusable.
Nicotine is highly addictive. Users become physically and psychologically dependent. Limited evidence indicates that e-cigarettes are less addictive than smoking, with slower nicotine absorption rates. The safety of vaping is uncertain because it is hard to separate the effects of vaping from those of smoking among those who both vape and smoke.
E-cigarettes containing nicotine are more effective than nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for smoking cessation. Vaping is likely less harmful than smoking, but still harmful. E-cigarette vapor contains fewer toxins than cigarette smoke, at lower concentrations. It does contain harmful substances not found in cigarette smoke. However, e-cigarettes have not been subject to the same rigorous testing that most nicotine replacement therapy products have.

An electronic cigarette consists of an atomizer, a power source such as a battery, and a container for e-liquid such as a cartridge or tank.
E-cigarettes have evolved over time, and the different designs are classified in generations. First-generation e-cigarettes tend to look like traditional cigarettes and are called "cigalikes". Second-generation devices are larger and look less like traditional cigarettes. Third-generation devices include mechanical mods and variable voltage devices. The fourth-generation includes sub-ohm tanks (meaning they have electrical resistance of less than 1 ohm) and temperature control. There are also pod mod devices that use protonated nicotine, rather than free-base nicotine found in earlier generations, providing higher nicotine yields.
English
Pronunciation
- (UK) IPA(key): /veɪp/
- Rhymes: -eɪp
Etymology 1
A shortening of vaporizer.
Noun
vape (plural vapes)
- Clipping of vaporizer (“device in electronic cigarettes”).
Derived terms
Etymology 2
A shortening of vaporize.
Verb
vape (third-person singular simple present vapes, present
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