A hot topic of discussion this week has seen the United States Food and Drug Administration (F.D.A) seek to impose an imminent ban on the sale of flavoured e-cigarettes and e-liquids. Why? Let’s find out.
Combatting Youth E-cigarette Usage
In an unprecedented move that has the potential to significantly impact the e-cigarette industry in the US, predictions suggest that flavoured e-cigarettes and e-liquids are to come under some tight restrictions due to what some are calling an e-cigarette epidemic among the kids of America. Sales of flavoured e-liquids, that some say contribute to the desire among the young to try e-cigarettes, are set to be banned from thousands of store across the country as well as online verification requests for online sales.
In 2018, it was estimated that there were some 3.5 million underage vapers in the US. When you take into consideration that there are just 3.2 million vapers in the UK, the US figure of young vapers seems worthy to warrant the attributed attention, but is a ban on flavoured e-liquid and e-cigarettes a step too far?
Naturally, a consideration to be made first and foremost is how are kids getting hold of e-cigarettes in the first place? Could stricter bans on underage selling be enforced to those licensed to sell e-cigarettes? Could shopkeepers impose a more rigorous line of questioning when it comes to knowing their customer’s age? Can common sense prevail?
The Problem with Banning Flavoured E-liquid
In a classic case of one step forward, two steps back, there lies a fairly fundamental error of judgement should the FDA move forward with their plans to ban flavoured e-liquids. Youth culture aside, adult smokers who are genuinely looking to quit cigarettes and use e-cigarettes, flavoured e-liquids and all, to abate their addictions will ultimately be missing out on products aimed at helping them.
The Sugar Content in Cigarettes
The addiction to cigarettes is at a bare minimum two-fold; in addition to nicotine, what you might not know is that cigarettes contain roughly half a teaspoon of sugar (20%) which means that when you quit smoking, you endure the unfortunate experience of withdrawing from both substances – fun times.
Indeed, the high sugar content of cigarettes bears the initial premise and thinking behind flavoured e-cigarettes. Fruity concoctions act to aid your withdrawal and to curb your cravings for sugar which in the past, would so often be remedied with a trip to the naughty aisle of their local supermarket, which would then subsequently lead to unwelcome weight gain. Flavoured e-liquids go some way to allay those cravings and should be seen as a contributing factor to encourage more people to ditch the cigarettes and make the move to vaping.
In the UK, Public Health England declares that e-cigarettes are up to 95% less harmful than tobacco and have the potential to help smokers quit. In addition, the UK is second only to Sweden in number of cigarettes smokers, with e-cigarettes playing its part in the continuing drive to reduce the rates of smokers.
CBD vape oil is gaining popularity because of a lot of recent publicity in the UK. The recent article that appeared in the “Independent” reported that the UK Government’s MHRA’s assessment on Cannabidiol (CBD) could “provide ground-breaking results” in leading to reform over cannabis’ medicinal use in the UK. The CBD assessment from the MHRA states that this product has a “restoring, correcting or modifying” effect on “physiological” functions. Furthermore, clinical trials have shown the safety and efficacy of the product which has helped people with several different illnesses, even cancer.
CBD Oil Studies
Several reports published by the NCBI have given us further evidence of the positive effects of CBD, the National Centre for Biotechnology Information stated; “CBD acts in some experimental models as an anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, anti-oxidant, anti-emetic, anxiolytic and antipsychotic agent, and is therefore a potential medicine for the treatment of neuro-inflammation, epilepsy, oxidative injury, vomiting and nausea, anxiety and schizophrenia, respectively.”
We have researched various CBD Oil products in the UK and have selected one of the best one’s so far, in the near future we’ll report on others in other blog posts. The way this has been decided is by ensuring that the CBD vape oil is organic, pure and free from artificial flavourings and prepared in proper UK and EU Laboratories. There are a number of variants including full spectrum CBD oil which preserves all the significant chemical content from the original plant including terpenes and the fatty acids.
#1 CBD vape oil
VSAVI CBD vape oil is our number 1 choice of CBD vape e liquid. The vast majority of other CBD oils and e-liquids contain flavourings and we suggest steering clear of these. So, if you’ve decided to buy CBD vape oil, stick with a plain one. The VSAVI Pure Cannabidiol range does not contain any artificial ingredients or flavourings. Vsavi is a registered member of the CTA. (Cannabis Trades Association)
100% Vegetarian
Only Pharmaceutical Grade Ethanol
Gluten Free
Pure CBD product – no added flavour
Only the highest quality and safest European ingredients are used
ORGANIC
Completely GMO free
Have not been tested on animals
Prepared in a “clean room” laboratory
Eco friendly production
Integrated supervision by chemical engineers to ensure consistency and safety
Entire production is done within Europe
Vsavi also offer a wide range of the best CBD vape pens. The range includes an essential CBD kit and extends to advanced vaporizer section so it will not be difficult to find a vape pen that suits you. All their CBD devices are TPD compliant, check out the Vsavi Discount code section and save money.
Why are people using CBD Oil?
There are many reasons why CBD is becoming popular but here are some that you may not have heard about.
Recently a CBD Oil study in the UK found that it was effective in reducing the desire to smoke cigarettes
Cannabidiol was found to be effective as a sebostatic and anti-inflammatory agent in the treatment of acne. It inhibits lipid synthesis.
It may curtails the development of diabetes.
Shows promising results in the treatment for fibromyalgia
It has shown promise in halting prions which is the protein that causes neurodegenerative diseases like Creutzfeltd-Jakob and mad cow.
CBD is known to produce anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory effects when ingested. It slows everything down and calms the user. It is therefore helpful in the treatment and management of PTSD and both chronic and acute anxiety.
There is some early documented evidence that it is an effective treatment for Crohn’s disease.
There is evidence to suggest that CBD has the potential to reduce various aspects of Multiple Sclerosis.
One of the very few side effects of CBD is tiredness, so it has proved effective in dealing with insomnia.
CBD has known antiemetic properties and has therefore proved to be effective in alleviating vomiting and nausea caused by chemotherapy and some other therapies.
There is therapeutic potential for the treatment of seizures as it has anticonvulsant properties.
Will CBD get you addicted or high?
CBD is one of many compounds found in the resin of the Cannabis plant. When the Oil is extracted in the lab, the Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of the cannabis plant is removed. This means that consuming or vaping CBD Oil cannot get the user ‘high’ like Marijuana would. Despite all these benefits, there have been some concerns around the safety of Cannabidiol because of misunderstandings about THC.
Does CBD Oil contain THC?
THC is a different compound contained in the cannabis plant which has psychotropic properties, and which is known to cause elation, sedation, relaxation and even hallucinations. It is due to this link between the two substances that causes doubt over whether CBD oil can cause a high. When people use marijuana for recreational purposes they choose strains of the plant that are high in THC, however CBD oil is produced from a different strain of the hemp plant (sativa) which is higher in CBD, so users can be assured that the process involved in extracting the CBD oil results in a product that only has minuscule levels of THC that can have no real or harmful effect on the body.
CBD oil is not addictive and will not get you high. Although cannabis is known to be an illegal substance in the UK, CBD oil has none of the psychoactive components that characterise marijuana. While Cannabidiol has a therapeutic effect, it does not cause any unwanted psychoactive effects and actually has an anti-psychotic effect meaning that it can be used in the treatment of patients with schizophrenia. The variety grown for medical and recreational purposes, marijuana, has a lower level of CBD and a higher level of THC, while other strains have a higher CBD content and under 0.2% THC. Certain dispensaries in the United States, Canada, Spain and in other countries where it is legalised, now grow strains for specific conditions and symptoms.
Is CBD oil illegal in the UK
An article at Sky News indicates that products containing CBD are to be classed as medicines from 2017. It’s also been reported that there has not been a single study which shows that CBD Oil gives the user any adverse effects. So now you know you wouldn’t get ‘high’ or be breaking the law by using this product. If you already have a vape and you’re looking for the oil itself, VSAVI CBD Oil is one of the best on the market. VSAVI offers CBD strengths from 50 mg to a maximum strength 1000 mg CBD. You can choose to start with the lowest concentration CBD e liquid which costs £6.00 for 50 mg CBD and ascend to higher concentrations if you need to, it seems like great value for money. Vsavi also offer CBD oil tongue drops in 300 mg – 1500 mg strength, an oral version of their product for those who do not wish to vape CBD.
How Is CBD Oil Made?
When making the oil, it is important to use the right strain of cannabis plant as there is a difference between those that are rich in THC and those that have a higher Cannabidiol content. CBD is derived from cannabis plant flowers or hemp where it is concentrated in its resin glands. When extracted from the flower, CBD oil is produced by combining the plant with other compounds such as olive oil, ethanol or butane and extracted using carbon dioxide methods of extraction.
Vaping CBD Oil
Vaping is one of the safest and most effective ways to ingest the oil, as it facilitates the absorption into the body. You can simply fill up a new vape cartridge with CBD vape oil and begin vaping as usual. The only difference would be that there will be less vapour than the usual e-liquid flavours. VSAVI offer a full range of simple and effective TPD compliant CBD Vape kits to suit every need.
VSAVI does not sell flavoured CBD Oil like many other companies, preferring to offer a clean pure organic brand of CBD. Most users will be health conscious and should be weary of CBD oil that contains artificial flavours or additives, there is little regulation in this area. If you want a specific flavour you can add a couple of drops of Vsavi 100% VG e-liquid which is regulated and therefore considered safe to use. The CBD vapour taste in its natural form, has a slight hint of “oak” taste. You should avoid adding too much flavoured e-liquid as this can cause crystallisation to occur – simply warming the solution up slightly will dissolve any crystal formation.
The product itself is completely organic, GMO-free and 100% vegetarian, which is great for ethical issues. It’s been reported to alleviate disorders such as anxiety, nausea, depression and even seizures. It helps with symptoms by regulating our body’s homeostasis, which can impact our mood, sleep patterns, appetite and even relief pain. You can buy CBD oil in the UK online and in vape shops.
Does Vaping Cannabidiol Work?
There is substantial evidence, both anecdotal and scientific that vaping CBD oil or using CBD tongue drops certainly helps people who are suffering from a wide range of conditions. One of the main benefits of vaping CBD oil is the ease of use, it means that you can completely control the amount of Cannabidiol that you’re ingesting and increase or decrease the amount of CBD based on how you feel.
Please note this information should not be construed in any way to mean that anyone is making a claim that CDB cures any of these conditions. Neither does this CBD Oil review article intend to infer or suggest that the ingestion of or inhalation of CBD is guaranteed to alleviate or eradicate any of the conditions or symptoms associated with any of the named conditions. This information is included here merely to inform the would-be user of the scope of medical trials and research being conducted on the marijuana plant.
Cometh the month of October and with it Stoptober, Public Health England’s annual campaign to implore cigarette and tobacco smokers across the country to stop smoking for 28 days. Game faces at the ready as the people unite in a fight against addiction.
The cases of individuals doing remarkable things all on their own, unassisted and unaided in any way are few and far between. Yes, all those years ago Noah supposedly built an Ark to save life from extinction, but he was of course accompanied by some 4 wives and a cohort of companions. Yes, Michael Jordan was one of the greatest basketball players of all-time, but he had a roster of fast-class athletes by his side in the form of the Chicago Bulls.
There will be innumerable moments in time when it has seemed that one person has stood upon a pedestal of glory, but drill down to the details and you’ll quickly find that a togetherness of a group of people has often been the foundation for that very same pedestal.
But what’s this got to do with Stoptober? Withdrawing from cigarettes will come with its fair share of niggling cravings, anxious feelings, and irrationality. It may seem to you that your smoke-free friends have no understanding of what you’re going through which can be a lonely feeling sometimes. Irritable and at the end of your tether, it seems the easiest thing to do when you’re trying to quit smoking and had enough with it all, is to reach for a pack of cigarettes.
The nature of a national campaign such as Stoptober, ultimately means that you will not be going it alone in your quest to become tobacco free. Whilst you may not know Nancy from Newcastle or Mike from Milton Keynes, one should take comfort in the fact that there will be thousands upon thousands of other smokers going through the same journey as you this month.
If you’re looking for more moral support, why not take the time to ask your fellow smoking friends if they fancy taking the challenge with you? If you smoke at work, you may well have fellow smokers you meet at regular intervals during the day who will also be up for the challenge. People power is a remarkable force to behold and with a little help from your friends, you may just find that by the end of 28 days you’ve achieved your objective of becoming smoke-free. Converse, communicate and cry on each other’s shoulders if you need to.
Since launching in 2012, almost 1 million smokers have signed up to take the Stoptober challenge and you could be next to join the journey to quit smoking. The Stoptober website has a host of tips, tricks to support you as well as a great list of products to aid you on your journey to becoming smoke-free. Listen to real-life accounts from people who have been in exactly the same position as you and track your progress throughout the month with the Stoptober app.
Looking to speak to someone about how you can use e-cigarette devices to help curb your cravings for tobacco this Stoptober? The customer care team at Vapour2 are on hand, online and just a phone call away should you need any expert advice or help regarding any information surrounding e-cigarettes.
We’ve never really thought of vaping as being sinful, have you? It simply isn’t on our list of anything that would approach being considered a bad thing. It’s true that sometimes a premium e-liquid will taste so good, that it feels sinful to indulge in it. But that’s the same as chocolate being sinful – we aren’t really being serious. So, the question remains. Does anyone seriously think vaping could or should be considered a sin?
Apparently, some in the British government think that it is. There are some in Whitehall who are indicating that vaping will be falling into the sin category. The reason? So they can tax vapers. So-called “sin taxes,” which include X Y AND Z, are an easy way for the government to raise funds for the budget. By going after consumption of products that are thought of as a negative behaviour or practice, it makes it simple to get the public behind the effort.
Up until now, vaping wasn’t considered a sinful indulgence that we were okay with taxing. That could all change with the government’s desire to raise an addition £40 million for the NHS, part of an overall commitment of £20 billion extra pledged. Sources have told The Sun that vapour products are directly in sight of. One of those sources was quoted saying, “Vapers are likely to be hit as they are not taxed at all”.
If these sources are accurate, that is about to change. While we may bristle at vaping being thrown in with alcohol and tobacco cigarettes, the very fact that there may be a tax should be seen in a broader context. After all, vapers have it good in the UK.
Vaping in the UK
In that same article in The Sun, praise was heaped on the UK’s vaping environment. “The UK’s liberal approach to vaping has become a model for the rest of the world,” explained Chris Snowden of the think tank the Institute of Economic Affairs. While he worried that a vaping tax would harm the health of the UK as a whole, he pointed out that we are currently a leader in the arena of vaping. The government has shown great vigour in promoting vaping, even featuring it in the UK’s Tobacco Control Plan.
As a result, vapers in the UK have prospered. There are almost 3 million people in the UK who vape, and they reap massive benefits because of it. While typically spending under £300 per year on e-liquid, it is a pittance when compared to the average spent by smokers. The average pack-a-day smoker will spend upwards of £3,700 each year on tobacco cigarettes. That’s just an incredible gap in cost and one that has helped drive the rise of smokers making the switch to vaping.
Proponents of the alleged inclusion of vaping in the sin tax category will explain that it is a minimal expense. Adding a 5% tax would mean vapers would spend perhaps £15 or £20 more per year on their e-liquid – a minor change compared to the £40 million it would raise for the NHS. While nobody likes being taxed more than they are, it does seem like a small amount for the average vaper to incur.
Still, the problem is the very ethos of adding any tax to vaping, especially labelling it a sin tax. Vaping, as we know, helps millions of Britons make that lifestyle changing decision. There’s something strange in taxing a product that Whitehall so fully supports in policy and practice. Vaping deserves to have the competitive advantage over tobacco cigarettes, which are rightfully in the “sin tax” category. In the meantime, the European Commission is set to hold public talks in September on adding vaping in with the taxation of tobacco cigarettes. We’ll pay close attention to how this all turns out.
Without informed advertising from the government and our intended choice of health care, a lack of information for smokers only perpetuates myths such as the safety on vaping or whether the cost may exceed our current habitual spend on tobacco. The word from the health professionals is that e-cigarettes and vaping are by far an altogether better alternative to smoking cigarettes.
As for cost? Depending on your kit, you could be saving yourself a small fortune. Begin with a simple starter kit to get a flavour for what you might like and go from there. Much like finding your favourite brand of cigarette, finding your favourite device and choice of e-liquid will be down to you.
Quitting smoking can be extremely difficult. This is in large part because of the addictive nature of nicotine. But it is also because smoking is a major psychological addiction. This means that part of the solution needs to be psychological as well. To ensure that you give yourself the best chance of success, here are our 5 Steps to use your mind to help you stop smoking.
Step 1: Do Your Research
Take some time to thoroughly research the effects of smoking on your health. Talk to your doctor, read support articles, or watch some videos There are some very good smoke-free videos about the harm caused by smoking on the NHS YT channel. This may not be pleasant to do, but it’s important to be informed about the effects your smoking has on your body. Being fully aware of these effects may make you more resolved to quit.
Next, spend some time researching the positive effects of quitting. Quitting smoking can almost immediately lower your risk for many health issues. Remember that there’s a lot of hope for improving your long-term health, and use this as motivation.
Step 2: Reflect
You should also spend some time focusing your attention inwards. Why do you want to quit smoking? Maybe you’ve noticed some negative changes in your health and want to change that. Maybe you have fitness goals that will only be possible without smoking. Maybe you want to do it for your children or other loved ones.
Think about these important reasons, and write them down. You can also write down how you expect your life to improve after quitting; what do you expect to get out of a life without cigarettes? If you feel yourself caving after you quit, reread these reasons to give you some encouragement.
Step 3: Remove Triggers
Once you’ve decided to quit, spend a bit of time thinking about what causes you to smoke. Is it stress during work or after school? Or perhaps you smoke after meals. Do you find yourself smoking around particular friends or in specific social situations? If you can, once you’ve quit, remove yourself from these triggers as much as possible.
Supportive friends will understand if you need to change up your routine a little bit. This is also a good time to remove all smoking-related memorabilia from your home. Clean out packs of cigarettes, ash trays, lighters, and matches from your house, workplace, and car. You’re transforming your home and life from that of a smoker to that of a non-smoker.
Step 4: Substitute Positive Activities
Think of quitting as an opportunity to add something good for your life in place of smoking. This is a great time to pick up a new hobby or skill. Exercising on your own, swimming, or taking classes at a gym is a fantastic way to stay healthy and reduce stress levels.
You could also take on cooking classes or a creative hobby such as painting or crafting. All of these new activities will help you to move your life forward and give you something to do when you need to distract yourself from the craving for a cigarette.
Step 5: Keep things Simple
If you are looking to quit and are using a vape device as support make sure it is a simple and small device. To increase the chances of success you need to replace your cigarette habit using a similar sized device so that you minimise the psychological factors associated with smoking. Don’t go for some complicated oversized vaping mod with a plethora of options that will just feel awkward. There is significant information to suggest simplicity is the best way regarding moving forward with a vape device.
As a stop smoking site I am frequently asked what the best e-cig is and why. I try to answer this question for everyone but recently thought that it would be a lot easier to create a blog that would be publicly available for anyone that is interested.
Obviously the advice that I offer in this blog is accurate based on my opinions at the time of writing and I will try to update it if our opinions change.
The short answer is that I recommend the V2 e-cigs, vape pens and vaporizers but allow me to give you a little bit more information.
V2 e Cigs are quality and they have proper tested e-liquids so you know what goes into your e-liquids – most companies do not give lab reports! V2 also manufacture and design etc. where just about everyone else buys from China and sticks a brand name on the e-cig – I believe there are 2 companies in UK who use their own facilities – V2 is one of them.
Beyond simply knowing which e-cigarette to choose I would also like to give you some other food for thought.
My experience of switching to e-cigs suggests you need to ensure you are fully covered (i.e. no chance of making an excuse to go out in the middle of the night to buy fags because your battery is broken/uncharged hiding itself from you etc.) Have a quality product and ensure you can’t make any excuses to nip out and buy some cigs. You need to have 3 batteries minimum for example if using the smaller cigarette style e cigs, alternatively the V2 Pro 3 vape pen will last all day while you then charge overnight. I use the Pro 3 BUT I still have 2 of the V2 smaller e cigarettes for convenience and back up – just in case! If you work from a pc a lot then also get a power cig, this connects to your pc usb port for all day vaping. If you are out and away from a plug – e.g. travel in car a lot make sure you have a PCC (personal charging case – this charges your e-cig without the need for a power supply) so you can charge batteries wherever you are.
Make sure you get a sampler pack of cartridges so you can find out exactly what taste and strength suits you –normally 18 mg if you smoke regular cigs. Too weak and you will be down the garage buying cigs. Final touch – I like to vary my vaping a bit to keep me from getting bored and so I use cartridges that are prefilled mostly – but now and again I use e-liquid in a self-filling mini-tank. V2 call theirs the ex-blank – here once you know which taste and strength of cartridge you like you can then buy separately the e-liquid equivalent and fill your mini-tank – this method give a similar experience to the prefilled carts but just a little bit more oomph!
Good luck – I have been on e cigs now for over 3 years now and my lungs have cleared – no coughing in the am, massively fitter, and saving money too!
Many of our readers may be thinking about quitting smoking and if they already haven’t done so 2019 is the year to make a determined effort to succeed and finally stop smoking – clear the way for a healthy 2020.
Ways to Stop Smoking
It’s easy to say at Christmas, or at New Year that you want to give up and stop smoking but the secret is not only to mean it but to take positive action. For the lucky few this can mean going “cold turkey” and just stopping, for others it can mean cutting back so that instead of getting through a packet of cigarettes a day you make a pack last a day and a half, then two days, then two and a half days and so on until you find that you are only smoking once a day or even less frequently. If you are doing this try to avoid places where you feel you should smoke to “fit in”, be that pubs or other social settings.
Another method that some people have used to stop smoking is to use e-cigs (e-cigarettes). These, as you may know, or have read elsewhere on this site, often look like cigarettes but instead of being filled with tobacco have cartridges will with liquid that sometimes contains nicotine (but can also contain flavoured nicotine-free liquids). I’m sure that you have seen the television adverts or even the e-cigs that you can buy over the counter in supermarkets, newsagents, garages or even in small shops of all types. If you need help on getting the right e cigarette, take a look at our guide on the best e cigarettes that you can buy in the UK.
Safety First
If you do decide to use ecigs as a way of stopping smoking there are several things to consider. Do you want to start with one that contains nicotine (there have been reports of pets being killed when they have chewed a nicotine cartridge such as this one on the BBC or this one from Australia. These articles would suggest that you need to keep the cartridges away from pets (and probably children as well) but any responsible smoker would do the same thing with their cigarettes and matches anyway.
Summary
There are lots of ways to stop smoking if you are determined to do so. The NHS offers a lot of support which is freely available and should be used in conjunction with your quest to stop using your vape pen.
According to the 2017 NHS statistics there was an estimated 79,000 deaths attributable to smoking in 2015 (up from 78k in 2014).
This represents 16% of all deaths.
These deaths were premature deaths. These people did not live a full life span.
Almost half (47%) of hospital admissions for cancers that can be caused by smoking, were estimated to be attributable to smoking.
NHS Stop Smoking Services are Under Utilised.
These statistics give a stark reminder of the effects of smoking and could give you the smoker enough reason to quit smoking and become an Ex-Smoker.
One of the proven ways to help ease the process of quitting smoking is to have people support where you can share your feelings and experiences with other people. This can come in the form of family or friends however the NHS also offer a helping hand in the form of the NHS Stop Smoking Services that should not be ignored. This service offers practical steps that can immediately help you on your way to becoming a non-smoker.
According to Dr Michael Apple with the medication offered and the support of these services you are four times more likely to stop smoking successfully.
And the proof is that it works – last year over 200,000 people set a quit date and at the 4-week follow-up half of them had successfully quit.
Seven NHS Services To Help You Quit Smoking
1. See your GP
Your GP is trained to help. They can prescribe nicotine replacement therapy including stop smoking medication, gums and patches. They can also discuss other NHS support including quit smoking clinics.
2. Join your local stop smoking service.
The clinics are there for you and offer help and a friendly service. The National Centre For Smoking Cessation and Training have reported that there is evidence that group treatment maybe more effective than one-to-one treatment and the impact of “buddy support” may vary based on treatment type. There is also support every year during Stoptober, 28 days of encouragement to stop smoking.
3. Get Online Support.
The NHS offer a comprehensive online support service, the Smokfree website is there 24/7 and offers a range of evidence-based support. Ideal for those sticky moments we all have when going through the process. You can always get reminders online of why you are quitting by visiting the NHS YT channel that has a number of good videos that detail smoking related harm issues.
4. Emergency?
Did you know there is a national Smokefree helpline open 7 days a week – call the number when you are at your weakest and you can talk to a trained adviser, it may just help prevent you lighting up that one single critical cigarette.
0300 123 1044. Use it!
5. Chat online with a sympathetic adviser.
Your thinking about quitting but haven’t done anything yet, you feel that you want to but don’t know where to start. Why not simply have an online chat. Its relaxed and there is no pressure, just someone to talk to that can help. You never know where it may lead. It could be your first step to freedom!
You may be sitting there, a day or a month into the quitting process, things have gone bad at work and you feel weak and the craving starts – before it gets any further chat online, it may make the difference!
6. Consider a nicotine substitute.
The NHS have moved with the times and accept that some people could benefit from alternative nicotine methods including NRT and electronic cigarettes.
Help is there, it costs you nothing and it may help you take the first step in your journey to becoming a non-smoker, a year from now how would it be if you simply did not need to buy or smoke a cigarette. Breathe!
7. Get a Free NHS personalized health score.
Want a quick 10-minute quiz to check “How are You?” The NHS can help here too!
This is the report from the NHS which monitors the Stop Smoking Services in England.
215,645 people set a quit date and at the 4-week follow-up 107,422 people (50 per cent) had successfully quit (self-reported).
78,400 (73%) of these successful quitters had their results confirmed by Carbon Monoxide verification.
Quitting success increased with age, from 41 per cent of those aged under 18, to 56 per cent of those aged 60 and over.
46 per cent of the pregnant women who set a quit date successfully quit.
77600 (36%) of people accessed Stop Smoking Services through their GP.
80 per cent of people used one-to-one support to help themselves quit smoking.
So lots of people are being successful, so you too can stop with proper support.
Still Not Convinced?
Children are more likely to smoke if their parents smoke.
Hospital admissions
There were estimated to be around 474 thousand hospital admissions attributable to smoking in 2015/16, which was an increase from 458 thousand in 2005/06.
As a proportion of all admissions, this has fallen to 4 per cent from 6 per cent in 2005/06.
Deaths
There were estimated to be around 79 thousand deaths attributable to smoking in 2015. This represents 16 per cent of all deaths.
E-cigarettes
There were an estimated 2.4 million current e-cigarette users in 2016, representing around 5 per cent of adults.
Expenditure
In 2016, tobacco was 27 per cent less affordable than it was in 2006
CBD vape oil, also known as cannabidiol oil, is a controversial oil used for health purposes. CBD is the name given to a particular compound found in the cannabis plant. It belongs to a group of over 113 compounds found in the plant called cannabinoids. In its oil form it can be absorbed by vaping.
The most well-known cannabinoid is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). It is known to produce mind-altering effects in users and it is the chemical that is responsible for giving recreational cannabis its effects. But researchers have discovered that another compound present in recreational cannabis, CBD (cannabidiol), does not contain mind-altering effects that affect the body. CBD is not psychoactive, meaning it does not change the way the brain functions or perceives things. Instead, CBD produces other significant effects in the body, and scientists are researching the medical benefits that it has.
Farmers have selectively bred recreational cannabis to be high in THC, which is the compound that makes users feel “high”. However, as research on CBD has progressed, more time and effort is being put into utilising the positive effects of CBD. This is why CBD is now being isolated and turned into oil form to be used in a variety of ways including vaping. When vaping with CBD vape oil ensure it is from a reputable specialist supplier such as Vsavi, use only pharmaceutical grade CBD oil containing no additives or flavourings.
How Does CBD Work?
Much like other cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, CBD attaches to different receptors in the body to produce a positive health benefit. By removing THC, the compound that gives cannabis its recreational qualities, you are essentially left with a compound that has many potentially positive effects. Because of the way CBD acts, it can be taken in a variety of different ways. CBD oil can be applied to the skin, inhaled through vaping or even taken orally.
CBD Oil Extraction Methods
There three main methods of commercially extracting CBD oil from the cannabis plant, Ethanol, Olive oil and CO2 extraction. Of the three methods CO2 extraction is the most expensive method requiring laboratory conditions but it also produces a pure product free from chlorophyll and an overall safer and perhaps more powerful CBD oil. The CO2 method is an important commercial extraction method because of its zero environmental impact and its extremely low toxicity. Mr P. Hunt, of Vsavi.co.uk who specialise in the marketing of CBD oil in both sublingual (CBD tongue drops) and CBD vape oil form explains: “CO2 extraction is used in a number of commercial applications that require high pressure CO2 which creates an extremely low temperature. Most of us have seen or heard of “dry ice”. CBD oil can be isolated and non-toxic pharmaceutical grade pure CBD oil can be extracted under stable conditions which yields clean CBD oil with little or no denaturing.”
Health Benefits of CBD
Because CBD does not contain the mind-altering compound found in regular strains of cannabis, it can be effectively used as a form of medicine. Although it is considered a safe substance, there are a few side effects that are mostly minor. You might experience an unpleasant dry sensation in the mouth, but this can be prevented by drinking more water. A high dosage can cause light-headedness and drowsiness, but these effects can be mitigated with some rest.
Can CBD Vape Oil Help you to Quit Smoking?
There is promising evidence which shows that CBD oil can help a patient reduce their smoking addiction. A study of CBD by The National Institutes of Health found that smokers who inhaled CBD smoked 40% fewer cigarettes. The compound managed to curb cravings for more nicotine, which is the addictive chemical found in tobacco. More research is needed, but currently CBD oil is showing promise as anti-addiction medication that can help patients avoid or lower withdrawal symptoms. CBD vaping may well be shown conclusively to aid in quitting smoking.
Epilepsy and Neuropsychiatric Disorders
CBD is being studied as a possible treatment for epilepsy and other neuropsychiatric disorders. It has been noted that CBD can be useful for controlling seizures, and studies suggest that it could be used to treat a number of neurodegenerative disorders that are linked to epilepsy. Another study has shown that CBD could have similar effects to antipsychotic drugs, meaning it could be used to treat patients that suffer from schizophrenia. New research has put CBD in a positive light as a potential alternative to antipsychotic medication when used in small doses that do not hinder a patient’s motor function.
CBD and Natural Pain Relief
Studies have shown that CBD can be a natural way to reduce swelling and pain. It can also help with inflammation and overall discomfort that is related to health conditions. CBD shows a great deal of promise when it comes to alternative treatments for chronic pain conditions. However, more trials are required before scientists can come to a solid conclusion on the effects CBD has on pain. Research has shown that the anti-inflammation properties of CBD could drastically change how we deal with arthritis pain in the future.
Cancer Fighting
CBD oil is also used by cancer sufferers. Studies have shown CBD oil to reduce the number of cancerous tumours in mice test subjects, but early research is also being carried out on humans. Currently, CBD is used to manage pain that is related to cancer.
Side Effects of CBD Oil
Studies show that using CBD oil does not pose any serious risk to users. There is a small possibility of experiencing sleep issues, feeling nauseated and becoming more irritable, but there are no major drawbacks that could harm the user’s long-term health when used over a long period of time. Unlike recreational cannabis, CBD oil is not addictive because it is extremely low in THC, meaning withdrawal symptoms are unlikely. On balance it would appear the potential benefits far outweigh the possible side effects.
Scientists are quickly discovering more beneficial uses for CBD oil and it is growing in popularity as an alternative treatment for a number of different conditions. Whether it is taken orally, inhaled with a CBD vaporizer or applied to the skin, there is no doubt that CBD oil possesses many positive health benefits.
I was surfing the web recently and came across the image below from the BeTobaccoFree.Gov website that shows how much time it takes to get healthier if you give up smoking and the improvement in your health over the following years.
What I found interesting was the immediate and mid-term improvements. For example :-
20 Minutes
Your heart rate and blood pressure start to return to normal. You will feel more sensations in your hands and your legs. Your body will slowly start to clean itself from the nicotine, which can make you crave for another cigarette, but try and be persistent.
12 Hours
You inhale carbon monoxide when tobacco is burning and that bonds with your blood cells. This in turn prevents oxygen bonding to your blood cells and can cause dangerous cardiovascular diseases.
You can cut that level of carbon monoxide in your blood back to normal by not smoking for 12 hours. Your oxygen levels will start to return to normal.
3 Months
Your respiratory system will start to get back to normal and you will start breathing more easily again. After three months of not smoking taking larger, deeper breaths becomes easier.
Microscopic hairs, called cilia, are found along your air passages and move in a sweeping motion to keep the air passages clean. But if harmful substances, such as cigarette smoke, are inhaled, the cilia stop functioning properly, causing health problems like bronchitis. These cilia will repair and start to function normally again.
Within 9 Months
Your cough will start to drastically reduce, although when and by how much depends on how long you’ve been smoking as the lungs slowly continue to clean themselves and get rid of toxins. As a result, you can be more physically active and you can start to do some cardio exercises without getting short of breath.
1 Year
Your risk of coronary heart disease is cut by a massive 50% !
As you can see from the infographic, some of the benefits of stopping smoking can be felt very quickly while other can take much longer – so the sooner you give up smoking the sooner you will be on the road to a healthier life. What’s stopping you making the initial step on that path?
A hot topic of discussion this week has seen the United States Food and Drug Administration (F.D.A) seek to impose an imminent ban on the sale of flavoured e-cigarettes and e-liquids. Why? Let’s find out.
Why are people using CBD Oil?
It’s easy to say at Christmas, or at New Year that you want to give up and stop smoking but the secret is not only to mean it but to take positive action. For the lucky few this can mean going “cold turkey” and just stopping, for others it can mean cutting back so that instead of getting through a packet of cigarettes a day you make a pack last a day and a half, then two days, then two and a half days and so on until you find that you are only smoking once a day or even less frequently. If you are doing this try to avoid places where you feel you should smoke to “fit in”, be that pubs or other social settings.
