A flash drive? Not hardly – it’s a Juul. Designed to look like a USB drive, the Juul is the newest form of e-cigarettes on the rise. But what is a Juul? And why you should be concerned about this growing fad?
What’s a Juul?
Marketed as an alternative for adult smokers, the Juul is the newest form of e-cigarettes. The Juul is made up of two components, the e-cigarette (battery and temperature regulation system) and the pod (e-liquid). This lightweight and small replacement for cigarettes requires less maintenance than vapes. To re-charge the battery, the Juul can plug into a USB charger in the computer, giving it the flash drive look. The pods come in eight various flavors, each containing up to the same amount of nicotine as one pack of cigarettes.
What’s the Appeal?
Juuls are officially marketed towards adult smokers who’re looking for an alternative but similar experience to smoking cigarettes. The appeal of Juuls comes from the small design, drawing less attention than a cigarette. The Juul also appeals to smokers because it mimics the experience without the irritation and unpleasant smell of a cigarette. While appealing to adults, the Juul appeals to high school student because of the discreet design, which means it’s easily hidden.
Why Should You be Concerned?
Though officially marketed at adult smokers, Juuls are on the rise within high schoolers. An alarming study from the CDC found that over 2 million high school and middle school students used e-cigarettes in 2016. The Juul’s discreet design is a danger itself because it allows users to hide it from parents and teachers, who often mistake it for a flash drive. Another danger comes from the fact that many are unaware of the amount of nicotine each pod contains or that it contains nicotine at all.
Juuls are the newest fad among smokers and even high schoolers. Many users are unaware of the dangers or just how addictive this deceptively attractive alternative can be. It is important to be aware of the dangers for the safety of those who could lured into this trend.
Text by Jonathan Mendoza
