Nicotine Information
About Nicotine
Nicotine is a highly addictive substance found in cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and most vape products. It acts as a stimulant, affecting the brain, heart and nervous system.
Many nicotine products are easy to use frequently, which can increase tolerance and dependency over time—especially for young adults. Young adults are more vulnerable to addiction because the brain is still developing until the age of 25.
Nicotine Products
Vaping
Most vape products deliver nicotine through an aerosol created by heating a liquid (“vape juice”). In addition to nicotine, vape products may contain:
- Propylene glycol
- Glycerol
- Flavoring chemicals
- Heavy metal particles from the device
These substances can irritate or damage the lining of the lungs, which is why vaping should be approached with caution.
Oral Nicotine Pouches (Zyn)
The long-term health effects of oral nicotine pouches are still unknown. What we do know is that these products are highly addictive. Using nicotine as a young adult can be especially concerning, as it may negatively affect brain development and increase impulsive behaviors.
Tobacco Products
Tobacco products include cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco and dip. Tobacco use is linked to a wide range of health concerns, including cancer, heart disease and respiratory illness.
Research also shows that:
- People who smoke get sick (cold, flu, pneumonia, bronchitis) more often
- Using tobacco while on hormonal birth control increases the risk of stroke and blood clots
- Smoking affects circulation, slowing healing and increasing injury risk
- Smokeless tobacco contains carcinogens linked to cancers of the mouth, esophagus and pancreas
Nicotine and tobacco use also have significant financial, environmental and global labor impacts.
Being Intentional About Nicotine Use
If you currently use nicotine or are thinking about it, taking time to reflect can help you feel more in control of your choices.
Some people use nicotine to:
- Reduce cigarette or other tobacco use
- Socialize with friends
- Feel a buzz
- Enjoy flavors
Some things people often want to avoid include:
- Becoming dependent on nicotine
- Negative health effects
- Spending more money than intended
Checking in with what you want—and don’t want—from nicotine use can help guide safer decisions. You can also take this quiz to help you reflect on your nicotine use.
Ways to Reduce Risk and Stay Safer
If you choose to use nicotine, these strategies can help reduce harm. Please note: Harm‑reduction strategies lower risk but do not make nicotine use risk‑free.
Nicotine tolerance varies from person to person, especially if you’re new to use. Starting low and going slow can help reduce unwanted effects.
Consuming too much nicotine can cause:
- Nausea, vomiting or stomach pain
- Headaches
- Anxiety or restlessness
- Sweating
- Confusion
- Breathing difficulty
- Tremors or seizures
If you experience these symptoms within 15–60 minutes of vaping:
- Call Poison Control at 800‑222‑1222
- Follow up with a healthcare provider
Reducing how often or how much you use can lower health risks.
Nicotine use can increase when vaping indoors or throughout the day, leading some people to consume more nicotine overall than when smoking cigarettes.
Mixing nicotine with other substances can also increase side effects and strain on the body.
Sharing vapes can spread illnesses such as:
- Cold and flu
- COVID‑19
- Mono
- Meningitis
Sharing may also result in taking in higher doses of nicotine than intended. Use your own device and keep it clean, especially reusable vapes that require coil or filter maintenance.
Vape devices, pods and batteries are considered hazardous waste and should not be placed in regular trash or recycling bins.
On‑campus disposal options include:
- UMC, first floor (across from Alferd Packer Grill)
- West Boulder Recycling Center (63rd Street)
If you live outside Boulder, use a hazardous waste facility finder to locate disposal sites near you.