Beginner's Guide to E-Cigarettes & Vaping in Canada
New to vaping? This guide explains the basics - how e-cigarettes and vaping devices work, what e-liquid contains, the different types of devices available and common vaping terminology.
What Is Vaping?
Vaping is the use of an electronic device that heats a vaping liquid to produce an aerosol that is inhaled through a mouthpiece. This aerosol is commonly called vapour, which is where the terms vape and vaping come from.
Unlike a traditional cigarette, a vaping device does not burn tobacco. Instead, power from a battery is supplied to a heating element - usually called a coil or atomizer - which heats the e-liquid held in a pod, cartridge or tank.
These terms are often used interchangeably. Electronic cigarettes, pod systems, vape pens, vape mods, electronic cigars and electronic pipes are all different forms of vaping devices.
What Is an EPUFFER Electronic Cigarette?
An electronic cigarette, often shortened to e-cig or e-cigarette, is a compact battery-powered vaping device. Cigarette-style models are designed around a familiar slim format while replacing combustion with an electronic heating system.
EPUFFER has been developing cigarette-style electronic cigarettes since 2007. Our current SNAPS electronic cigarette continues that familiar format in a rechargeable system.
How Does an E-Cigarette Work?
Although vaping devices come in many shapes and sizes, the basic operating principle is similar.
The battery supplies power to the device.
A coil or atomizer heats the vaping liquid.
Liquid is supplied from a cartridge, pod or refillable tank.
The heated liquid produces the aerosol commonly referred to as vapour.
A typical cigarette-style e-cigarette combines a rechargeable battery with a cartridge containing the heating element and vaping liquid.
Common Types of Vaping Devices
Choosing a device is largely about deciding which format and style of use you prefer.
E-Cigarettes
Slim cigarette-style devices designed around a compact and familiar format.
Learn morePod Systems
Rechargeable devices that use replaceable or refillable pods to hold the e-liquid.
Learn moreElectronic Cigars
Vaping devices designed around the shape and feel of a traditional cigar.
Learn moreElectronic Pipes
Traditional pipe-inspired designs that combine a pipe-style bowl and mouthpiece with electronic vaping technology.
Learn moreWhat Is E-Liquid or Vape Juice?
E-liquid - also called vape juice or e-juice - is the liquid used inside a vaping device.
Most e-liquids use a mixture of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG), along with flavouring ingredients. Depending on the product, the liquid may contain nicotine or may be nicotine-free.
Propylene Glycol - PG
PG is a thinner liquid commonly used as part of the base mixture in vape liquids.
Vegetable Glycerin - VG
VG is more viscous than PG and is also commonly used as a base ingredient in e-liquid.
Flavour & Nicotine
Flavouring ingredients create the taste of the liquid, while nicotine may be included at different concentrations or omitted entirely.
EPUFFER offers a selection of e-liquids, including tobacco, menthol and other flavour profiles, as well as nicotine-free options.
Understanding Nicotine Strength
Nicotine concentration in e-liquid is usually shown in milligrams per millilitre (mg/mL). In Canada, legal vaping products may contain a maximum nicotine concentration of 20 mg/mL.
Not every vaping product contains nicotine. Products labelled 0 mg/mL are nicotine-free. Always check the product label before use and choose only products intended for your particular vaping device.
Nicotine is addictive. Nicotine-containing products should be kept securely away from children and pets.
What Is the Best E-Liquid?
There is no single “best” e-liquid because flavour preference is personal. Some adult vapers prefer traditional tobacco or menthol profiles, while others prefer fruit or other flavour styles.
More important than finding a universally “best” liquid is choosing an e-liquid that is compatible with your device and selecting the flavour and nicotine concentration that you prefer.
Vaping Product & E-Liquid Safety
- Keep vaping products and e-liquids out of reach of children and pets.
- Follow the instructions supplied with your device and e-liquid.
- Use only liquids intended for vaping and compatible with your device.
- Do not add oils or other substances that are not intended by the manufacturer.
- Use the correct charger and batteries specified for your device.
- Check product labels for nicotine concentration and safety information before use.
Vaping Terms & Definitions
If you're new to vaping, some of the terminology can seem unfamiliar. These are some of the terms you're most likely to encounter.
A battery-powered electronic vaping device. The term is especially common for cigarette-style devices.
The liquid heated by a vaping device to produce an inhalable aerosol.
A small reservoir that holds vaping liquid. Pods may be refillable or supplied prefilled, depending on the device.
The heating element inside a vaping device that heats the e-liquid.
Propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin, the two common base ingredients used in many e-liquids.
A common vaping term describing the sensation felt in the throat during inhalation.
The act of inhaling through the mouthpiece. Some devices activate automatically when the user draws, while others use a button.
Open systems can be manually refilled with e-liquid. Closed systems generally use prefilled cartridges or pods.
Beginner Vaping FAQ
Is vapour the same as cigarette smoke?
No. Cigarette smoke is produced by combustion. A vaping device heats a liquid to produce an aerosol that is commonly referred to as vapour.
Do all e-cigarettes contain nicotine?
No. Vaping liquids are available both with nicotine and without nicotine. A nicotine-free product is normally labelled 0 mg/mL.
What is the maximum nicotine strength in Canada?
The maximum nicotine concentration permitted for vaping products sold in Canada is 20 mg/mL.
What is the difference between a pod and a tank?
Both hold e-liquid. Pods are usually compact removable reservoirs designed for a particular pod device, while tanks are generally larger refillable components commonly used on other types of vaping devices.
How often does a vape coil need to be replaced?
Coil life varies according to the device, liquid and frequency of use. A noticeable decline in flavour or vapour production, or a persistent burnt taste, can indicate that a coil needs replacing.
Can I use any e-liquid in any vaping device?
Not necessarily. Different devices and coils are designed for different liquid characteristics. Follow the recommendations provided for your particular device.
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