Why Are So Many Smart Women Vaping These Days? An Investigation

In October 2021, it became illegal to sell, buy or import vapes with nicotine in them. That is unless you have a valid permit or a prescription from a doctor. But experts including Dr Colin Mendelsohn, a leading specialist in smoking and vaping, have called the government regulations a “resounding policy failure”. “The regulations have failed to achieve their aims. In fact, they have had the opposite effect,” he said in a review of the policy. “A thriving black market has developed, supplying illegal, unregulated, high-nicotine disposable vapes.”

And, he adds, less than 12 per cent of nicotine vape users actually have a doctor’s referral. In addition, a 2021 study found that 21 per cent of vapes labelled “no nicotine” contained the substance anyway. With known and unknown health risks associated, the question remains: why are so many people vaping?

After heavy vaping led to her fainting several times in public, 33-year-old editor Alyx has quit. “I have looked in depth into the health risks and the reality is the jury is still out. Frankly, we just don’t have very good data because people haven’t been vaping for that long. The unknown health risks are a major factor in why I quit,” she tells marie claire, “but I mostly quit because being profoundly addicted to something is very inconvenient and unpleasant.”

Alyx also credits family planning as being a major instigator to quit. “When I turned 33, I was thinking about whether I was ready to have children yet and the first thought that popped into my head was, ‘If you wanted to have children, then you’d need to quit vaping.’ That’s when I realised that things had gone way too far and that my relationship with this chemical was not healthy.”

Quiting has been a struggle: the first GP she sought help from also vaped and she has relapsed several times. Even now, “To be honest, if a completely conclusive bulletproof study came out tomorrow saying vaping 100 per cent is not bad for you at all, I would potentially start again because I did find it so pleasurable.”

Despite declaring she could “quit anytime”, Bianca, 29, says she also finds it enjoyable. So much so that she even bedazzled a bridal vape for her wedding day. “When I had my bridal shower, there were so many photos with this bright pink vape in my hand and it looked disgusting!” she says. “So, I bought these little pearls and stuck them on my vape to make it look pretty for the wedding photos.”

Bianca, a journalist (and former smoker), blames her partner for her vaping. Having struggled to give up smoking, he began vaping while they were living together, which eventually led Bianca to try one out of curiosity. After a few puffs she thought, oh no, here we go! “Sometimes I’ll pick up [my vape] if I want a snack, as it tastes a bit sweet,” she explains. “Other times if I’m feeling a bit stressed or anxious the inhale relaxes me a little bit. But it’s mainly social. If I’m out, I’ll always have it in my hand.”

For the many vapers who want to quit, Lishman says there are several ways to do it. For the brave, she suggests quitting cold turkey. “However, make sure you have told the people around you to support you,” she adds. “And then make sure you distract yourself or change your routine so the brain gets tricked into not missing it.” Or, if you need a little extra support, add more beneficial health behaviours into your life first, such as a new fitness regimen, better nutrition, new hobbies or projects – anything to draw your attention away from your habit.

Having friends who support your actions can be vital, too. “One of my really good friends doesn’t vape or smoke,” says Zoe. “Whenever we’re vaping, she’ll always kind of throw it into conversation by saying, ‘Oh, I can’t believe you guys are still vaping! You need to quit.’ And we’re always saying, ‘We know. We knowww!’”