Have you ever thought about what a Juul pod is made of? Juul pods are made up of a liquid packed full of nicotine salts and other harmful chemicals such as glycerol, propylene glycol, benzoic acid, and flavorants. Nicotine is salt that comes naturally from a tobacco leaf. It is less harsh to inhale nicotine salts, but some Juul users have agreed they have a much stronger nicotine “hit” than other electronic cigarettes on the market.

Why they are so addictive? Juuls are more addictive than some other e-cigs on the market because of the amount of nicotine in them. A Juul contains up to twice the amount of nicotine than a pack of cigarettes. Many teens become addicted to Juuls, because their brains are not fully matured until they are around 25. Because their brains are not fully matured their prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain involved in decision making, emotional control, and impulse regulation, is still vulnerable. This is why teens are 16 times more likely to use Juuls (truthinitiative.org). Nicotine rewires the brain to crave more and more leaving users with a lifetime of addiction.

What long term effects will they have? Juuls were only released four years ago and have only been big for about two years. Because they have not been around for long, no one knows the true effect they will have on teens as they get older. It could be years before we find the true effect they have. While not enough research has been done on Juuls, one thing is for sure: they cause addiction in most users.

Why is Juuling attractive to youth? Not only do teens Juul because of peer pressure and hopes to fit in, but they are attracted to the flavors offered by Juul. Juul offers many sweet flavors that appeal to teen such as: Mint, Mango, Creme, Fruit, and  Cucumber. They also carry other flavors that would attract smokers: Virginia Tobacco, Classic Tobacco, and Southern Tobacco.

Juuling has become an epidemic that has spread across the United States like wildfire. While Doctors and researchers have taken initiative to investigate the Juul and find long term effects from Juuling, only time will tell.