Can You Lick Vape Juice For a Nicotine Rush?

Vaping has become an incredibly popular alternative to smoking cigarettes. Many people are drawn to vaping because it provides a quick and easy way to get a nicotine fix without the harmful effects of tobacco smoke. Some vapers go so far as to directly lick e-liquid from their vape tanks or bottles to get an extra strong nicotine rush. But is licking vape juice actually safe or effective?

Understanding Vape Juice and Nicotine Content

• Propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin - The solvents that produce vapor when heated. Typically make up 60-90% of e-liquid.
• Flavorings - Food-grade flavor compounds to provide taste. Generally make up 10-40% of e-liquid.
• Nicotine - The addictive stimulant extracted from tobacco. Varies from 0-36mg/mL or more.

The nicotine content is what dictates the strength of the “throat hit” and nicotine effects. Higher nicotine levels in e-liquid provide more intense sensation and stronger buzz. Many vapers start around 6mg/mL and work their way up.

Dangers of Licking and Ingesting Vape Juice

While vape juice is designed to be vaporized and inhaled, some vapers experiment with directly licking or drinking e-liquids to get a faster, more intense hit. However, ingesting e-liquids comes with considerable risks:

• Nicotine poisoning - Ingesting too much nicotine can cause vomiting, seizures, coma, and even death. Vape juices with 24mg/mL of nicotine or more are especially hazardous if ingested.
• Propylene glycol toxicity - Propylene glycol is generally safe when vaporized but can cause organ damage in large ingested quantities.
• Respiratory issues - Liquid in the lungs can cause inflammation, coughing, and breathing problems.
• Accidental overdose - It’s easy to consume too much nicotine by licking highly concentrated vape juice. This could result in a trip to the emergency room.
• Increased nicotine addiction - Orally ingesting e-liquid may reinforce addiction pathways in the brain more strongly compared to vaping.

For these reasons, licking or drinking vape juice is strongly discouraged as an extremely risky behavior, especially for nicotine chasing.

Does Licking Vape Juice Get You Higher?

Some vapers claim they get a faster, more intense nicotine buzz from licking or “dripping” e-liquid right onto their tongues. Is there any truth to this?

There are a few reasons why licking vape juice may seemingly provide a faster and stronger nicotine rush:

• Rapid absorption - Nicotine is absorbed almost instantly through the mucous membranes of the mouth. This provides a near-instant hit.
• Higher concentrations - E-liquids are formulated to be vaped over time. Licking provides far more nicotine at once.
• No dilution with air - Inhaling vapor dilutes the nicotine with air. Oral contact provides undiluted exposure.

However, the reality is these perceived benefits are outweighed by the considerable acute toxicity risks. Any "extra" nicotine kick from licking e-liquid rather than vaping is simply not worth the gamble.

Tips for Safely Experiencing Nicotine Rushes

If you enjoy the dizzying head-rush of nicotine but want to avoid the dangers of drinking vape juice, here are some pointers:

• Use high nicotine e-liquid - Vape juices with nicotine concentrations around 24-36mg/mL can provide an intense throat hit and nic buzz when vaped properly. Read more: How Much Nicotine is Actually in Your Vape?
• Take shallow puffs - Short, mouth-only puffs minimize nicotine oxidation and give bigger bursts to the brain.
• Vape after fasting - Vaping on an empty stomach leads to faster nicotine absorption.
• Try nicotine salts - Salts provide a smoother hit at high strengths with less toxicity risk if accidentally ingested.
• Drink caffeine - The combination of nicotine and caffeine can enhance the dizzy rush. But go easy!
• Don't overdo it - Extended nicotine abuse poses serious cardiovascular and addiction risks. Use nicotine rushes sparingly.

Getting your nic fix directly from licking e-juice is simply far too dangerous, especially considering safer alternatives exist. Respect nicotine and vape responsibly!

Frequently Asked Questions About Licking Vape Juice

Here are answers to some common questions about the safety and risks of orally ingesting e-liquid:

1. Is it ever safe to lick or drink vape juice?

No, licking or ingesting e-liquid is never completely safe and carries considerable health risks. Vape juice is formulated to be vaped, not swallowed.

2. What happens if you accidentally get vape juice in your mouth?

Accidentally getting a small amount of e-liquid in your mouth is generally not dangerous. Simply spit it out and rinse thoroughly with water. Seek medical help if you experience any severe symptoms.

3. Can you absorb nicotine by holding vape hits in your mouth?

Yes, some nicotine will absorb sublingually by holding vapor in the mouth without inhaling. But this is considerably safer than licking e-juice directly.

4. Why do some vapers “drip” e-liquid right on their tongues?

Vapers who drip or lick vape juice are chasing a stronger, faster nicotine buzz. But the dangers greatly outweigh any perceived benefits.

5. What should you do if someone drinks vape juice?

Call emergency services (911 in the US) immediately. Nicotine poisoning via ingestion can be fatal without swift medical intervention. Be ready to provide information about the e-liquid.

Last word

While licking or dripping e-liquid may seem like an easy shortcut to get a raging nicotine rush, the risks of nicotine poisoning and overdose simply make this behavior too dangerous. Choosing a widely trusted product like SKE Crystal Bar. is less risky. For heavy-hitting nic kicks, look to high-strength e-juices and nic salts instead. Respect nicotine and vape safely. Your health is too important to gamble.