I Take Back Everything I Said About The Juul
I battle potential nicotine dependence for science.
A few months ago I wrote an article titled "Drop The Juul, You Aren't Cuul" and it explained my dislike for Juuling. I raised my nose at the juvenile nicotine fad, particularly because it changed from a safe cigarette alternative to "vape tricks" and "clouds" and "50 nic bro."
But when one of my friends called me a "hater," I quickly took a look at myself. Was I needlessly hating on it for the sake of being different? Did I look lame by trying to comment on how lame something else was? And then, when another one of my closest friends bought a Juul while on a business trip, I decided it was time to rethink this thing.
Open minded, I did more research. I found out I didn't have to spend upwards of $35 on a starter kit and could instead buy a disposable little nicotine vape, called a Stig, for $7, sold at some gas stations and smoke shops. I learned the numbers: the nicotine percentages and milliliter count. I also learned that these nicotine vapor products have delivery methods and nicotine content specifically designed to get people off of cigarettes. Because of this, the nicotine dosage in each hit is intentional and measured.
My device was a sleek little plastic dispenser, similar to a tube of Chapstick. I took a few puffs and the headrush of adrenaline and dopamine were immediate. Accelerated heartbeat, relaxed eyes, numb extremities? This was definitely a drug.
I went through the next few days taking constant mental notes of how I felt both on and off the Stig. The headrush was fun every time, it left me feeling calm and content, although sometimes a small comedown could leave me with a tiny hint of nausea. Like any drug, it's a slippery slope, and the Mighty-Mint flavor I picked up tastes just like a stick of gum, making it even easier to casually pick up and inhale at any moment.
Although the fast-paced server environment of my work was a seamless application for my newfound thrill, when I got home, I felt stressed and wondered what it would be like to keep hitting it while doing pretty much nothing at home. Having plenty of experience with drugs in the past and recognizing the early signs of craving, I knew I shouldn't hit it again.
That being said, these vapor nicotine products were originally intended to get people off of the smelly cancer sticks we know as cigarettes; the method of delivery is just enough to satisfy an itch and leave you no longer craving a cigarette. The nicotine stays in your system for a few minutes before gradually tapering off, so there's no noticeable "comedown." A few minutes after using it, I didn't feel like I wanted to use it again.
I also noticed several positive effects, specifically: I was calmer, I thought faster, and I spoke clearer. I could see myself using this as a spur for creative endeavors, like writing and painting and even dealing with people. It made me feel very comfortable and although my thoughts might have been a little accelerated, my movements felt slow and controlled. Within a day, I liked this more than caffeine. Although nicotine still affects the digestive system, similar to caffeine, this was more controllable and, in small doses, had no jitters nor tired comedown like caffeine often leaves.
My week of experimenting with nicotine vape products has not come to an end, but I already see why people continue to use them. And although I enjoy toeing the line between risk and reward, as is the case with possible nicotine dependence, I am interested to see how my biopsychology is altered through the use of these products long term. Will the rewards of focus and calm outshine the annoyance of possible nicotine dependence? Only time will tell.
13 YouTubers You Need To Start Watching, ASAP
Whether you have twelve minutes or half an hour, like true crime or travel vlogs, YouTube is the place you should be.
With hundreds of thousands of content creators out in the YouTube universe, I only thought that it would be right to name a few that are actually worth your time. YouTubers come in all shapes, sizes, and genres. Most YouTubers fit into multiple molds so when you find a good one it is worth it to stick with them, and dare I say, turn on notifications. Here are thirteen of my favorite YouTubers!
1. Ellen Fisher
Ellen has a well around channel with videos ranging from vegan cooking, lifestyle to gardening. Her videography is unmatchable as she spends her videos centered around nature and her family. If you ever need a relaxing video to put on right before bed, Ellen Fisher is your gal.
2. Kendall Rae
Kendall's channel is centered around conspiracy theory videos and true crime. Her videos and articulation in them keep you grounded while your head is full of all this new information. Her videos always hold every piece of information holding no gruesome detail back, lasting at least half an hour. Her videos are the ones you watch when you have time to sit and soak the crime in.
3. Levi Bernhardt
Levi's videos are videos you would expect to see from your home videos from 5th grade. His editing style is just comedic gold, and his vlogs are never disappointing. He recently moved to Korea and the amount of footage he has shot has doubled. Nothing but applause for this man right here!
4. Cut
A more popular channel, Cut is known for its masterpieces such as fear bong, truth or drink, and blind date episodes. their content ranges in time but is consistent when it comes to entertainment. Subscribing to Cut's channel will fill your subscription box with nothing but ready to watch videos.
5. KKandbabyJ
This family vlog channel always can put a smile on my face. Keren and Khoa have three adorable little boys, and a wedding on the way. Their channel shows the realness of family and how not every day is going to be the picture perfect day. They both also have their own separate channels and do other types of videos there as well. A great family vlog that shows a little diversity in the YT realm.
6. Michelle Reed
Michelle is the perfect guide to living in your early twenties and navigating life, school, relationships, and religion. Based in New York City Michelle discusses heavy topics from heart break to mental illness. She isn't afraid to show her "weak" side to her viewers and always finds the positive in situations. Michelle's channel will leave you with a calming sense, and relaxed demeanor.
7. Kristin Johns
Kristin's channel always makes me leave feeling warm, if that even makes sense. Her videos have a range consisting of lifestyle, relationship, health, religion, and my favorite her love for plants. Her plant videos always give me mad inspiration to go on a shopping spree. Also, she has two golden retrievers, Camper and Honey, who make appearances in her videos adding a wonderful bonus.
8. Wear I Live
Jenny has opened my eyes to the life of living in New York as a twenty-something-year-old. Her videos are always beautifully put together and her style is something I have never seen before. Jenny spends her time as a student but also talks about body image issues and how the standard of beauty needs to be thrown out the window. She also has great random videos that make you feel like you are right there with her in her little apartment.
9. Best Dressed
Ashley has videos that talk about her open sexuality and her body, along with killer thrifting and fashion videos. She always keeps it real and gives you the advice you wish your mom gave you years ago.
10. Tess Christine
The amount of time that Tess spends on her videos speak volumes in the end. Her perfect editing style and amazing camera shots show that hard work and dedication pay off. She makes mainly fashion videos but her travel videos are always breath taking.
11. April Athena 7
This mom of two has nothing standing in her way. April has multiple channels including ones for baking and cleaning. Her cleaning videos are what drew me in, in the first place. Her encouraging voice and dedication ot cleanliness may not be for everyone but these videos reduce my stress and are great for putting on while you clean up around your room, or even go full April and clean for eight hours straight.
12. Niomi Smart
Niomi's channel is one of the best lifestyle channels on YouTube. Her videos have a broad spectrum from travel vlogs, to skin care, and clothing reviews. Niomi has a very mellow attitude that will end up leaving you binge-watching her videos. She also has an English accent so what's not to love?
13. Cody Ko
This wouldn't be the best YouTubers to watch without Mr. Ko. Cody has over 200 videos that are nothing but pure geniuses. The fact that he not only roasts other people but mostly himself make his videos worthy of a shoutout. His videos are videos that end up on twitter and go viral only to be repeated by people on the daily. Ever heard of "too much nic?" yeah it was this guy (along with Noel).
After all of this is said and done, if you made it this far drop a like, leave a comment, and I'll see you guys next week! *hand goes over camera lens like every early vlogger in 2010*