Is vaping or smoking worse?

Vaping was initially marketed as a “safer” alternative to smoking regular cigarettes or a means to wean from traditional tobacco-filled cigarettes, but that appears increasingly unlikely in both instances. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not determined any e-cigarette or vape device to be safe and effective for quitting smoking. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), young people who use e-cigarettes may still resort to smoking cigarettes in the future.

Both vaping and smoking are harmful to health and equally addictive, especially for younger people. Adverse health outcomes - both mental and physical - stem from higher concentrations and harmful chemicals in vapes, as well as consumption of high potency marijuana amongst vape users. Research related to rising vaping related risks is ongoing and likely to yield more disturbing results.