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Let’s Talk About Nicotine
LETS TALK ABOUT NICOTINE We finished our previous article with a question. Despite all the deaths caused by cigarette smoking, how come they are voluntarily consumed by so many people? The answer is nicotine. As we know from Part 1 "The Vaping Crisis & How Did We Get Here", nicotine is an important ingredient of cigarettes, but we wanted to dig a little deeper into what this chemical is. Nicotine is a stimulant found in the leaves of the tobacco plant. The tobacco plant has been smoked or chewed for at least 2,000 years and was even used as currency. Nicotine is highly reviled because of its associations with smoking and addiction. It is addictive because it triggers a reaction in the brain's reward system, the structures responsible for giving us pleasurable sensations. More specifically, the drug intensifies the activity of the neurotransmitter dopamine in a part of the brain called the nucleus accumbens. Experts theorize that it may have an added effect because the drug amplifies the brain's response to the behaviors associated with smoking. In other words, it's not just nicotine, but the pleasurable sensations it confers on behaviors associated with smoking, which makes nicotine so addictive. Believe it or not, nicotine is NOT the villain of the story. Nicotine is not harmless by any means —it is addictive and affects the developing brain— but certainly, it is not the most harmful constituent of a cigarette, and most experts say nicotine itself does not cause cancer*. Actually, researchers hope that nicotine and related compounds could have therapeutic uses. The rogue substance has a wide range of effects on the brain, which may include some healing properties. Researchers are testing nicotine and related compounds as treatments for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other conditions. Some studies have hinted at nicotine's therapeutic potential. During the 1980s, it was found that smokers had lower rates of Parkinson's disease than nonsmokers*. Epidemiologists also validated what many mental health practitioners have long noticed: The smoking rate among people with schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety disorders is far higher than average. It's widely believed that people with certain mental health problems are self-medicating with cigarettes because the nicotine helps their minds function better. An especially promising area of research involves cognitive impairments that are a precursor to Alzheimer's disease. In 2004, Duke University researchers published a small study on the effect of the nicotine patch in people with such impairments. They reported significant improvement in decision-making ability and attention in 11 subjects. Those results led to a larger study funded by the National Institute on Aging. Dr. Paul A. Newhouse, director of the University of Vermont's Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit believes people are already using nicotine patches on their own for memory problems. "We get emails and letters inquiring about this almost every day," he says. "We still don't have the data to recommend it. But we're excited at the prospects and think the strategy looks pretty promising." As you can see from what is known about nicotine as a rough substance, there is yet a lot to be discovered. The disconnect from hard facts and the common perception, mostly negative, make further advancement slow. We hope this article gives you a little bit of clarity towards understanding the differences when we talk about cigarettes, tobacco, nicotine, etc. Join the Pop team in Part 3 of the series as we continue reviewing and digging deeper into the popular podcast “Freakonomics” episode #398, “The truth about the vaping crisis” Read you later! * “Nicotine, it may have a good side” Harvard Health Publishing. Harvard Medical School.
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The Vaping Crisis & How Did We Get Here?
THE VAPING CRISIS & HOW DID WE GET HERE Hello, Pop enthusiasts! We present to you Part 1 of a series of articles reviewing the popular podcast “Freakonomics” episode #398, “The truth about the vaping crisis”. I hope you find this article helpful! As we all know, (unless you’ve been hibernating) vaping has been under attack in the last year due to a series of unfortunate vaping related illnesses and sadly, 55 deaths across 27 states. Doctors in Detroit had to even perform a double lung transplant surgery on one person with the illness. E.V.A.L.I. or “e-cigarette, vaping associated lung injury” took the country and us by surprise and even though people have been vaping for years, the deaths are new, leaving a lot of us in a state of alarm. The caution is understandable, currently more than 40 million people in the world vape, a significant increase from the 7 million less than a decade ago. (That’s a lot of people!) In the U.S. roughly 1 out of 5 high school kids vape. And we agree that when it comes to the health of young people, we cannot take risks. But, how did we get here? Let’s start with the beginning…. Before vaping there were cigarettes. Cigarettes were extremely popular and even recommended by your doctor, and celebrities made it look pretty darn cool. But eventually, a mountain of scientific evidence emerged, (much of it had been suppressed by cigarette companies) showing that cigarette smoking greatly increases the risk for a number of cancers and cardiovascular disease and other really bad outcomes. The smoking rate is falling steeply and it continues to fall. This decline is considered one of the biggest public-health victories of all time. That said, cigarette smoking in the U.S. remains the leading cause of preventable death. The CDC attributes 1 out of 5 American deaths to smoking, that’s nearly half a million deaths per year, 1,300 deaths a day! If you add up all the people who die from alcohol and illegal drugs and car accidents and suicide and murder — those are still outnumbered by smoking deaths. But, what is a cigarette? This question might sound naive and clueless, but here at Pop we don’t think there is such thing as a dumb question, so let’s get to it. The basic components of most cigarettes are tobacco (nicotine), chemical additives, a filter, and paper wrapping. Nicotine, tobacco’s most valuable component, triggers a series of chemical responses in the brain that affect mood and cognition and yes, it can be highly addictive which makes cigarettes hard to quit. But nicotine is not the biggest villain of the story. What is problematic is that nicotine is delivered in a very dirty delivery system, and that is the cigarette. There can be approximately 600 ingredients in cigarettes altogether. When burned, cigarettes create more than 7,000 chemicals and at least 69 of these chemicals are known to cause cancer and many are straight out toxic. Many of these chemicals are also found in consumer products, but these products have warning labels, such as rat poison packaging. Cigarette smokers are exposed to*: Arsenic (used in rat poison) Ammonia (a common household cleaner) Acetone (found in nail polished remover) Butane (used in lighter fluid) Formaldehyde (embalming fluid) Methanol (a main component of rocket fuel) Lead (used in batteries) Tar (material for paving roads) In addition, nonsmokers are also exposed to many of these chemicals through secondhand smoke. But how can something so demonstrably dangerous be voluntarily consumed by so many people? In a word: Nicotine. Join the Pop team in Part 2 of the series as we continue reviewing the popular podcast “Freakonomics” episode #398, “The truth about the vaping crisis” Read you later! *According to American Lung Association. Lung.org
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STIG Crisp Apple Review
STIG CRISP APPLEREVIEW The moment has arrived! Just in time for the holiday season, we are gifted with a new flavor from one of our favorite brands, STIG. The same brand that you tried and learned to love has released Crisp Apple on December 2nd, and it’s good......like really good. If you have tried a variety of fruity flavors in your lifetime, we’re sure you’ve had difficulty finding the qualities you enjoy the most. The vape juice is either too sweet, has too much flavor, not enough flavor, or is just not quite right. As soon as the taste team at Pop received the first shipment, we couldn’t wait to try it. A new favorite Our first impression is that the STIG Crisp Apple has fantastic flavor, the keyword is BALANCED. From the first draw we’re instantly hit with the very smooth taste of green apple (Granny Smith to be more precise), without the same intensity and harshness from other devices. This is closest to the most popular mango pods in the market, simply because it doesn’t taste like “syrup”, and it has a more subtle quality to it. Frankly, the name Crisp Apple fits perfectly! While Lush Ice has won over devoted fans, we can confidently say Crisp Apple is even better! Each STIG is individually wrapped, making a 3-pack easy to share, or you can start with a single device to give it a try. It’s a win/win for you and your pocket! Try one today a taste it for yourself; we’re confident you’ll love STIG Crisp Apple every bit as much as we do. More about STIG The STIG disposable device was created for those who are looking for a more minimalistic solution to vaping. This disposable device is very small and extremely easy to use since it’s an on-draw activated device (no need to press buttons!) that has a pre-charge battery. This battery will last a significant amount of time until all the liquid is enjoyed. The STIG disposable device was created for those who are looking for a more minimalistic solution to vaping. This disposable device is very small and extremely easy to use since it’s an on-draw activated device (no need to press buttons!) that has a pre-charge battery. This battery will last a significant amount of time until all the liquid is enjoyed. The battery life is dependent on the user’s vaping habits, but the STIG device will offer at least 200 puffs per device, making it a great value! STIG provides a satisfying nicotine transfer at a 6% SaltNic per volume, a highly concentrated salt-based nicotine that provides better absorption, therefore delivering faster satisfaction for a longer time. Also, this SaltNic’s e-liquid is incredibly smooth and tasteful. A single STIG device is equivalent to a pack of cigarettes, this means that when you buy a pack of three, you are getting the equivalent to 3 packs of cigarettes (without the thousands of harmful chemicals). 2-6% nicotine strength. Each STIG contains 1.2ml SaltNic Juice. Roughly 200 puffs per device. Each pack contains 3 devices.
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Notes About Vaping
NOTES ABOUT VAPING If youʼre like us, youʼd agree that vaping is as satisfactory of an activity as laying on the beach on a warm day and petting a soft puppy at the same time. We enjoy it socially and during our private moments of solitude. We enjoy the packaging, the colors and the flavor variety and weʼre always trying to discover whatʼs the greatest and latest (have you received any of our flavor samples in your order?) But, there is a learning process to all of this and if you want to avoid some annoying side effects, keep reading! “Itʼs all about the method of delivery, the quantity of nicotine and the userʼs behavior” “Ouch! My throat is hurting!” Getting a sore throat from vaping can happen, so donʼt worry, youʼre not alone! Good news is, the fix can be really simple. Here are some of the causes of sore throat followed by a quick solution: Dehydration Vapor smoking is not an adequate source of hydration. Yes, it does involve liquids, but when you vape, you do nothing for your bodyʼs need for water. You might find that some puffs take the natural moisture out of your throat. How to fix it? Up your intake of water big time, before, during and after vaping to prevent it. Throat Hit Some puffs can produce a strong, powerful hit, and it can leave the throat feeling dry, irritated, scratchy and/ or sore in users not accustomed to it. In some rare cases, How to fix it? Be patience while you adjust to vaping. Donʼt over vape and take a break here and there! Nicotine Strength Vaping and smoking, despite their many similarities, are different. Choosing a nicotine level that resonates with your body, while also satisfying your cravings can prove tricky at first. If you have a sore throat from vaping, as well as a vape cough, feel nauseous, and/ or lightheaded, your nicotine strength may be too high. The Fix Check your level, and adjust as needed. Vaping Style Long and slow is NOT the way to go, like with traditional cigarettes. Deep draws can definitely leave your throat burning, tingling, or sore. The Fix Short and quick puffs, with drags lasting about 2-3 seconds is ideal. Vaping Frequency Vaping can be intensely pleasurable, however overdoing it can be detrimental. If your throat is sore, and youʼve checked all the above fixes, maybe youʼre just having a little too much fun with your vapor? The Fix Put the brakes on your passion for vaping, and puff a little less often. Hard, we know, but your throat will thank you!
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5 Reasons Skip the Shop and Get Pop
5 REASONS TO SKIP THE SHOP AND GET POP Smoking has reached a new era. We’re transitioning from an era of sitting next to someone on a park bench, deep in thought, reeking of cigarettes to a time where you turn your head and you see a cloud, immersing you in the smell of cool mint. In this modern age of convenience, we want variety and we want it delivered to our doorstep. With Get Pop! you can have your pods delivered to your job, house, or your favorite local bar. 1. FLAVORS, FLAVORS, FLAVORS! That’s half the reason we all switched to vaping in the first place. You can choose from cucumber, mango, fruit medley, and more with Get Pop! See you later Camel Crush and HELLLLLOOOOOO blueberry. 2. Thanks, but I just want my pods. Oh, you want pods? Well get in your car, drive to the shop, look for parking, wait in line behind 5 other people, and finally when it's your turn hope they have your product in stock. OR...You can just visit the website and have your pods delivered by your lunch break. Be smart with your time and let Pop bring your pods to you! 3. We're here for You. Say you did drive to the local vape shop on your lunch break, but the vape shop didn’t even have the pods you were looking for. Now you’ve wasted your hour and still no pods! We all need a brand that can be trusted for dependability - with instant delivery of your favorite smoking products, 24/7 online support and 5-day return policy for any of those leaky pod issues. 4. Consistent Pricing 👍 Avoid those crazy markups at the local vape shops. Maybe your Juul broke and you need a new one ASAP. Get Pop’s prices are dependable and will never face a “surcharge” due to supply and demand. Prices are standardized to make sure you’re consistently offered the best value. 5. Pop is where you are. 🛵💨 Whether you’re relaxing at home, putting extra hours at the office, having dinner with a client or enjoying happy hour at your favorite bar, Pop will come to you! With delivery windows as quick as 30 minutes, there’s no reason to head to the shop just get Pop!
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