How to Tell if Someone Vapes

People who used to smoke regular cigarettes are now switching to alternatives due to the dangers cigarettes bring to their respective bodies. The main culprit here is tobacco, which is the central ingredient in making cigarettes as well as other combustible tobacco products like cigars.

One alternative to cigarettes that a lot of smokers and even beginners are now opting for is vaping products. The number of people vaping nicotine products has increased significantly over the past few years, while those who are smoking cigarettes continue to decrease. Young adults even go for vaping devices as their go-to source of nicotine.

Unlike cigarettes, vaping products don’t produce tobacco smoke, which you can easily smell due to its burnt, sweet, and pungent notes. So, how do you tell if someone vapes? In this blog, we’ll tackle a number of physical signs of vaping and how to talk to someone about their vaping habits.

Physical Signs of Vaping

There are plenty of reasons why many people resort to vaping.

First, many past smokers go for vapes as a substitute for traditional cigarettes as they perceive the former as a less harmful option due to the lack of tobacco leaves. They then use nicotine vapes to manage or gradually reduce their nicotine intake until they no longer depend on the said stimulant.

Vaping products are not only used by past smokers. 

Many young adults and even those who haven’t reached the legal age use vaping products due to social and trend influence. Vaping, over the past few years, has become a social activity. A lot of them, unfortunately, are encouraged to try it due to peer influence, online trends, or simply out of curiosity.

Most nicotine users then go for vaping since vape devices now come in a wide range of delectable flavours that make them more appealing than tobacco products. They are also more discreet than smoking since they produce less odour. Vaping devices are likewise more accessible as you can already buy them online and in stores, although their availability may now vary.

Native Smokes for Less currently offers a vast range of high-quality vaping devices from different brands. They are available in plenty of flavours and nicotine strengths.

These are the reasons why the number of people who are vaping nicotine products continues to increase, despite the stricter regulations set by the authorities all over the world.

Vaping has spread like wildfire across the world. However, it can be somehow difficult to tell if some of your loved ones or colleagues are vaping or not since it doesn’t release any tobacco smoke. Fortunately, you can still discover whether they are vaping or not by checking the following physical signs.

1. Drinking more water than usual: One telltale sign that someone you know is vaping if they are drinking more water than usual. Vaping can often cause dehydration or dry mouth, which is most likely due to the presence of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin in e-liquids. You’ll also know if they are dehydrated from vaping once you spot some dark circles under their eyes.
2. Persistent cough or throat irritation: If you know someone who persistently coughs in a day, they might be vaping. Vaping products produce vaporized chemicals. Once inhaled, they can lead to throat discomfort and irritation in the throat and lungs, causing an ongoing cough that seems to not go away for days or even weeks. 
3. Nosebleeds: Propylene glycol, which is a substance found in vape liquids, doesn’t only cause dehydration. It can also reduce moisture inside the nose. When someone vapes, they typically exhale the aerosol from the vape through the nose, which causes dryness and irritation in the nasal passages. Eventually, it can lead to occasional nosebleeds.
4. Skin damage: Vaping can cause dehydration. One of the effects of being dehydrated, however, is skin damage like irritation and worsened acne. If you notice your peers or family members suddenly experiencing acne breakouts, dry skin, or rashes, they might be vaping.
5. Change in appetite: One key component of vape e-liquids is nicotine, a stimulant that provides a short-term feel-good effect to users. It can, unfortunately, suppress appetite, which leads to weight fluctuations or irregular eating habits. Vaping frequently can likewise lead to a vaper’s tongue, which is the loss of taste due to a dry mouth. This can also somehow change someone’s appetite, causing them to eat less.
6. Occasional dizziness and headaches: Your friend, sibling, or children might be vaping if they often get dizzy or experience headaches out of nowhere. Dehydration and nicotine use can typically cause persistent headaches in a number of vape users. Additionally, the nicotine found in e-liquids can stimulate the nervous system, which causes a faster heart rate and dizziness.

These physical symptoms are only some of the things you need to watch out for if you suspect someone you know is vaping e-cigarettes. Some more physical signs that they are indeed vaping electronic cigarettes include mood swings, emotional problems, increased anxiety, depression, poor coordination, sleep disorders, and hyperactivity.

Detecting Vaping Habits

Vaping products like e-cigarettes are preferred by many nicotine users as they can often help them quit smoking and avoid the harmful substances produced by tobacco smoke. They are even treated by others as a form of nicotine replacement therapy.

However, health officials don’t consider them as a good tool for NRT. If you want to quit tobacco products, it would be best to go for nicotine gums, nicotine lozenges, and even nicotine pouches.

Now, if you want to know whether your companions at home or at work are vaping, you must first determine if they exhibit a number of vaping habits. These habits are patterns and behaviours associated with the use of e-cigarettes or vaping devices.

Remember, these habits can vary based on nicotine intake, vaping frequency, and personal preferences.

Scent and Odor of Marijuana Vapes

Outdoors, most people would use vaping devices with normal vape juices. Others, however, might be using marijuana vapes to somehow elevate their hits. 

Marijuana vapes are electronic devices that can heat cannabis products like dry herbs, oils, or concentrates, creating inhalable vapour instead of smoke. They work at lower temperatures than combustion methods, which helps preserve cannabinoids and terpenes while reducing the production of harmful substances like tar and carbon monoxide.

These vaping devices are used by some people due to their efficiency and discretion. They likewise have a reduced odour as opposed to smoking regular cigarettes. They are even customizable, allowing users to adjust temperature settings, which influence flavour, potency, and vapour production.

In the short term, marijuana vapes can produce a euphoric high due to tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, which is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. They can likewise change a user’s sensory perception, cause temporary spikes in heart rate, and lead to dehydration of the mouth and eyes. Marijuana vapes may likewise cause throat irritation, coughing, impaired coordination and reaction time, and increased feelings of anxiety, paranoia, or panic attacks. 

If users continue to use marijuana vapes for a long time, they may eventually develop a number of health issues that can affect their quality of life. These health issues include lung health concerns, cognitive effects, increased tolerance and dependence on THC, mental health risks, and reduced motivation and energy levels.

Given the short-term and long-term effects of marijuana vapes, it would be best that you determine whether your loved ones, close friends, or colleagues are using them or not.

The number one thing you can immediately notice if someone is using them or not is the presence of marijuana smoke, which you can tell through its distinctive smell.

Marijuana vapes typically produce a more acrid, sour, or burnt smell that can linger in one place for a long time. If you somehow notice this type of scent in your place, then it might be a sign that someone you know is vaping marijuana. 

Even though marijuana vape clouds dissipate faster, their scent remains distinct, especially when compared to the vapour produced by regular e-cigarettes.

The scent may also vary based on the terpenes in the strain. Some marijuana vapes may produce a citrusy, piney, or fruity scent, while others give off an herbal or skunky aroma. Cannabis oil and distillate vapes, on the other hand, generate a cleaner, less pungent odour compared to dry herb vaporizers as they retain more of the natural scents of the plants.

Once you confirm your suspicion regarding marijuana use, it would be the best time for you to talk to them about its dangers, especially when consuming it heavily for a long time. 

Vaping-Related Behavior

When you observe your loved ones or colleagues closely, you might notice some changes in their daily routine, especially if you suspect they are using vaping products or electronic cigarettes. From the way they move to the terms they use when speaking, you can already tell whether they vape or not.

Some vaping-related behaviour that you can somehow notice include the following:

1. Leaving the room constantly: If you know someone who’s constantly making excuses to leave the room briefly or go to the bathroom, it might be a sign that they are off somewhere to vape.
2. Searching for something frequently: Your loved one or friend might also be vaping if they are frequently searching for something. It’s a common behaviour for a vape user who often misplaces their device while they are craving nicotine.
3. Using common vaping terms: Many terms in the vaping world have been developed to pertain to certain things. Some of these terms include “atty” for an atomizer, “VG” for vegetable glycerin found in e-liquid, “sauce” for e-juice, “nicked” for experiencing euphoria due to strong doses of nicotine, and “nic sick” for getting heart palpitations, nausea/vomiting, or lightheadedness due to overusing vapes. Those who vape marijuana might then say “herb,” blasted,” “lit,” and “dank.”
4. Cutting back on caffeine: Teens and young adults who are using e-cigarettes may develop a sensitivity to the stimulant caffeine since it clashes with nicotine, which is another type of stimulant. Taking in multiple stimulants only leads to feeling anxious. Hence, you might notice if someone is vaping if they suddenly don’t drink caffeinated energy drinks or coffee even though they used to consume them regularly.
5. Having difficulties in school: Many young adults and teens can be influenced by their peers easily due to social pressure and many more. If you notice your children suddenly having difficulties in school or feeling irritated or anxious all the time, they might be vaping. Even their school performance or IQ may change once they vape regularly. These things happen because the nicotine from the vapes could drastically affect their developing brain.

If you notice these vaping-related behaviours, it would be the best time for you to step up and remind them about the dangers of using electronic cigarettes and vape pens. You can then remind them about the dangers of vaping, especially when it comes to their oral health. Despite the lack of tobacco, vaping can still cause a number of oral health risks like gum disease, tooth decay, and gum inflammation.

Talking to Someone About Vaping

Confronting someone about a sensitive topic can often be uncomfortable. In the case of using vaping products, a user may most likely defend their decision to depend on e-cigarettes as their source of relaxation, tobacco replacement, and many more.

Nonetheless, it’s still crucial that you engage in a conversation with someone about vaping and its perceived risks. Subsequently, you can introduce some healthier alternatives that might assist them in overcoming their vaping habits. Additionally, it’s essential to maintain an open mind to prevent any misunderstandings or conflicts that could potentially escalate the situation and further enhance the vape user’s reliance on e-cigarettes.

Approaching the Conversation

When trying to converse with your loved one, colleague, friend, or child about their vape use, you must make sure to do the following to keep everything peaceful:

1. Look for the right opportunity: The very first thing you should do is to look for the right opportunity. You must make sure that you and your child, friend, or colleague are in a calm state. Avoid confronting them in a stressful environment. 
2. Create a safe space: Next, you should create a safe space to open up a conversation regarding their vape use. Set the right environment and use the right tone to ensure they won’t feel scared or irritated. You must ensure that you’ll be warm and inviting. You should also disclose that you only want to open this conversation as you’re only concerned about their health and well-being.
3. Understand the reason behind vape use: Once a safe space has been established, it’s time for you to understand the reasons behind vape use. Letting them open up about their reliance on e-cigarettes helps you earn their trust, especially if you want to help them quit vaping. You can ask questions like: “What do you enjoy about vaping?”, “How does vaping make you feel?”, “Are you stressed lately?”, or “Did any of your friends introduce you to vaping?”
4. Discuss the dangers of vape use: After knowing the reasons behind vape use, you must establish its dangers both in the short-term and long-term. Even though they already know them, it’s important that you still present these facts alongside their perceived impact on their overall quality of life. You should bring up credible evidence when discussing the health effects of vaping to ensure a successful and productive conversion.
5. Set clear expectations: Now that you’ve established the health risks of vape use, you must set clear expectations, particularly if the involved vape user is a family member. You may want to establish some consequences if they start using vape again. Just make sure that they are not overly harsh, punitive, or long-lasting. You can then reward them with healthier choices and encourage them to reduce vaping until they don’t rely on it anymore. Doing this helps them have fun, feel cool, fit in, reduce stress, and address anxiety or depression without opting for vapes.
6. Teach how to resist pressures: You can then teach them to resist pressures to use vaping products. If you’re dealing with a young adult, you must understand that they will be most likely in social situations where they are offered or even pressured to use vapes. Teach them how to decline respectfully whenever they encounter these situations by saying “No thanks, I’m not interested,” with direct eye contact and assertive body language. 
7. Avoid scare tactics: Even though vape use may most likely cause health symptoms that can endanger one’s body, you must still avoid using them as a scare tactic. Instead, show them that you can help them overcome vape use and present effective solutions like opting for NRT or consulting with a medical professional.

These tips can help you engage in a fruitful conversation with your loved ones, close friends, or colleagues, allowing them to make a decision regarding their vape use. You can then offer help whenever they need it to help them overcome vape and even nicotine dependence.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you know if someone’s been vaping?

You’ll know if someone’s been vaping if they frequently go somewhere else, drink water excessively, or have a faint sweet or fruity scent on their clothes or hands. You can also tell if they are vaping if they manifest behavioural changes like increased restlessness or irritation when they haven’t puffed their vapes for a while.

How do you detect vaping?

You can detect vaping by checking for small vape devices and charging cables, smelling unusual scents, or seeing increased mist in the air that disappears quickly. You can then check whether someone is vaping if they have dry mouth and frequent coughs. You can also detect vaping indoors if there is vapour residue on mirrors or windows.

How to tell if someone is vaping by their mouth?

You can tell if someone is vaping by their mouth by checking their lips. If they are dry, then they might be probably vaping. They may also vape by their mouth if they have chapped skin around the mouth or possess occasional sores or irritation. A slight discolouration on their lips or tongue may likewise show up if they frequently vape. 

Can you smell it if someone vapes?

Yes. You can smell a noticeable scent from the vape, especially if flavoured e-liquids are used. Fruity, minty, or dessert-like scents can linger briefly in the air, on clothing, or in a room where someone has used vaping products recently. 

How can you tell if someone is secretly vaping?

You can tell if someone is secretly vaping if they frequently excuse themselves to the bathroom or elsewhere, take deep breaths while covering their hands, or exhale discreetly into their clothing. You may also notice a small, pen-like or USB-shaped device in their pocket or bag. 

Can you tell if someone smokes by their lips?

Definitely. Smoking traditional cigarettes or even vaping electronic cigarettes can somehow cause dryness of the lips. Chronic use of nicotine through these products may likewise cause a darker pigmentation or occasional peeling of the lips. You can also tell if someone smokes by their lips if they have fine wrinkles around the mouth due to repeated puckering.

Summary

Knowing whether someone is vaping is easy once you learn the tell-tale signs that they are indeed relying on e-cigarettes to satisfy their nicotine cravings. Even though e-cigarette vapours don’t produce the strong odour of tobacco smoke, you can still determine when someone is vaping by checking their behaviours, habits, and overall health conditions.

Vapes have gained popularity over the years, but many people are unaware of their origins and rise to fame. If you’re curious about the timeline and reasons behind their popularity, this article is for you.