The word ‘vape’ has become common over the past few years, especially with the rise of electronic cigarettes. Many vapers assume that everyone knows the nitty-gritty of vaping. However, many people are still unaware and want to know what exactly “vape” means? Curious? In this article, we’ll go over Vaping: What Does it Mean? Is it Harmful for Athletes!
What is Vaping?
Vaping is the act of inhaling vapor (known as ‘vape’ for short) created by an e-cigarette or other vaping device. These vapes are battery-powered smoking devices. They have liquid cartridges that usually contain include nicotine, flavorings, and chemicals. The liquid or gel is heated in a vaporizer to create an aerosol, commonly known as a vapor. This aerosol is the smoke that vapers exhale.
What is the Purpose of Vaping?
When people smoke cigarettes or ‘joints’, they aren’t just doing it to inhale and exhale smoke. They do it to get the benefits of nicotine, THC, and CBD.
It’s the same with vaping. Vapes, unlike cigarettes, vaporize the liquid instead of burning plant material to inhale nicotine or other chemicals.
You then breathe in the aerosol or vapor to acquire the chemicals’ desired effects. The term “vape” refers to both the device and the method of breathing in and exhaling the aerosol.
Why People Prefer Vaping to Smoking
If you’re used to smoking regular cigarettes, you may be wondering why someone would choose to vape rather than smoke. It all boils down to personal preference in the end. Smoking cigarettes, however, exposes your body to carcinogens.
Vaping, on the other hand, allows smokers to enjoy tobacco or marijuana without the harmful toxins associated with combustion. With medical cannabis patients, vaping is a safer way for users to get the right amount of CBD without any of the other harmful compounds being present.
Is Vaping Bad for Athletes?
CBD and cannabis is a topic that generates a lot of passionately held views among athletes and non-athletes alike. While some people swear by its effectiveness, others vehemently protest against it.
Football fans have been abuzz lately after the video of Kylian Mbappé’s mouth went viral. Fans began wondering does Mbappé vape or does he smoke? Although it is uncertain if Mbappé actually does either, what is not doubtful is that the goalscorer has scored for both Paris Saint Germain and France. So even if does turn out that Kylish does vape or smoke, football fans still adore him and admire his talent within the field.
As it stands, the majority of the experts remain divided. Here are a few pros and cons to help you make up your own mind:
Pros
- Calming effects
- Feeling of alertness
- Uplifting feeling
Cons
- A banned substance in many countries and states
- Reduced cognitive abilities
- Stigma – there is a negative connotation associated with its usage i.e. the Michael Phelps scandal
- Most sports won’t let you compete while under its influence
Cannabis use always involves the risk of reducing cognitive function and slowing reaction time. During physical activities, this can result in a higher risk of accidents and decreased performance. Surprisingly, marijuana appears to have more advantages when used after activity.
Vaping Post-Workout
This is said to be the safest and most effective method to combine cannabis and athletics. Cannabis can assist with muscular discomfort, inflammation, and anxiety reduction after a game or workout.
Of course, if you compete in a regulated sport, double-check to see whether cannabis is banned. A drug test won’t indicate whether you used marijuana before or after the event; it will only reveal that it has been in your system.
Sports such as powerlifting may drug test their athletes. The prohibited substances list varies by the sports association or federation in question, so whatever you do, be sure to check the rules that apply to you!
What are your thoughts on athletes who vape? Is it justified? In what cases? Let us know in the comments below, and join in the conversation on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram!
