Is Zero Nicotine Vape Safe?

There is no doubt that tobacco smoking is highly harmful to health. Since the decline of tobacco smoking, the incidence of lung cancer and other ailments has also declined. Thus, for example, smoking also increases the risk of other cancers, heart disease, and stroke. Nicotine vaping is relatively healthy. But nicotine in any amount harms health. But what about zero-nicotine vapes? Is zero nicotine vape safe?

Before we explain the pros and cons of zero-nicotine vape, it is vital to understand that everything is relative. Even if some habit is not entirely safe, and if it helps get rid of a highly harmful habit, then that activity is regarded as good. Although nicotine vaping is not entirely safe, it is multiple times safer than tobacco smoking. Thus, NHS says nicotine vaping is a good way to quit smoking.[1]

But why nicotine vaping when other options like zero nicotine vapes exist? Wouldn’t they be a safer option?

Nicotine vaping is several times safer than smoking. This is because, in tobacco smoking, health harm occurs not only due to nicotine but also due to carbon monoxide, tar, benzene, formaldehyde, and numerous other toxic chemicals. These chemicals cause numerous cancers and negatively affect the working of almost every organ.[2]

Nicotine vaping is much safer as it is combustion-free. Vaping produces vapours that contain small amounts of nicotine. Nicotine is relatively safe in small amounts. Vapes have few other ingredients like aromas, propylene glycol (PG), or vegetable glycerine (VG). Other additives in vapes are quite safe.

However, those who vape nicotine must understand that nicotine vaping is relatively safe but not entirely safe. Nicotine has no known health benefits.

Even small amounts of nicotine can cause health issues. Even in small amounts, nicotine is carcinogenic, harms heart and blood vessels, and causes gastrointestinal and respiratory issues. Nicotine in any amount is harmful to immune and reproductive health.

This means that though nicotine vapes are quite safe and good for quitting smoking, they have many health hazards. It means that people must ultimately try to get rid of nicotine use.

However, the problem is that many people get used to vaping. They develop a vaping habit. They find vaping a pleasurable activity that helps them reduce stress and socialise. Hence, for many, giving up vaping completely is challenging. Thus, there are few other options, like switching to zero nicotine in such cases.

Zero-nicotine vapes are very similar to regular vapes, minus the nicotine. It means that they contain propylene glycol (PG) or vegetable glycerine (VG), which are necessary for producing the vapour. They also contain different flavours. Additionally, non-nicotine vapes might contain some herbal extracts and other natural compounds, like terpenes, for added health benefits and a better vaping experience.

Thus, theoretically, zero-nicotine vape does not contain anything harmful. So, is it safe to vape without nicotine? Well, yes. It is safer to vape without nicotine.

Of course, one must understand that as nicotine vaping is safer than smoking, nicotine-free vapes are safer than nicotine vapes. However, they might still cause some adverse effects.

Studies show that the harms of vaping are more likely to occur due to poor quality ingredients, impurities, and contaminants. Thus, high-quality vapes must be free of heavy metals, toxic aromatic compounds, pesticides, and other toxins. Therefore, keep in mind that if you want to enjoy vaping without risking your health, buy high-quality vape pens or e-juices.

So, yes, zero-nicotine vapes are a safer option. However, one of the issues with zero nicotine vapes is that people do not enjoy them much. People want to vape, which may help them relax, reduce stress, and help overcome anxiety.

Of course, CBD vapes are also nicotine-free vapes. However, these vapes contain CBD instead of nicotine. CBD is not a potent stimulant like nicotine. Thus, the experience of vaping CBD is different from vaping nicotine. 

CBD vapes could be a good option if you are trying to get rid of nicotine altogether. This is because, though these vapes do not provide a high or do not stimulate the brain, but they help relax. CBD has a very pleasant impact on mood.

Though not much research has been done on the topic, switching to CBD vapes is a good way of getting rid of substance addiction. Much research has been happening in recent years, and most studies suggest that CBD is good for overcoming addictive behaviour.

One of the most extensive systemic literature reviews analysed data from many studies. It found 14 high-quality studies regarding the role of CBD in managing substance addiction. Of these, nine studies were in animals and five in humans. The study concluded that there is some sound evidence that CBD may help overcome nicotine addiction.[3]

 In conclusion, the safety of zero-nicotine vape depends on the context and your goals. While it’s true that nicotine vaping is significantly safer than traditional tobacco smoking due to the absence of harmful combustion byproducts, nicotine itself still poses health risks.

Even in small amounts, nicotine is known to be carcinogenic and harmful to the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and respiratory systems, as well as immune and reproductive health.

Zero-nicotine vapes can be a safer alternative for those who have difficulty quitting nicotine altogether. These products eliminate the risks associated with nicotine. However, choosing high-quality vape pens and e-juices is essential to minimise these risks.

Furthermore, individuals looking to transition away from nicotine can consider CBD vapes an option. While CBD vapes are nicotine-free, they help overcome stress and relax. CBD vapes are a valuable tool in overcoming substance addiction. Emerging research suggests that CBD may be effective in managing addictive behaviours, including nicotine addiction.

1. Vaping to quit smoking - Better Health [Internet]. nhs.uk. 2022 [cited 2023 Oct 19]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/vaping-to-quit-smoking/.
2. Tobacco [Internet]. NHS inform. [cited 2023 Oct 19]. Available from: https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/stopping-smoking/reasons-to-stop/tobacco/.
3. Prud’homme M, Cata R, Jutras-Aswad D. Cannabidiol as an Intervention for Addictive Behaviors: A Systematic Review of the Evidence. Subst Abuse. 2015;9:33–38.