to feel positively evangelical about electronic cigarettes?

[KatyTheCleaningLady]

I was reading the AIBU thread about the husband vaping in the house with a newborn. I was struck by the passionate testimonials from former smokers, saying they couldn't have done it without e-cigs. I had tried a puff one of those things that look like a cigarette and was underwhelmed. But I didn't know about the more advanced set ups where you can fill them up with your flavour of choice. Anyway, I was intrigued. I smoked a pack a day for 25 years, and never quit more than a few months at a time, no matter which methods I tried.

nb84 encouraged me to give it a try and told me what to buy to get started.

I ordered a starter kit that night. It arrived the next day and I fell in love. I have three of them, now (one always charging, one near to hand, and one in my purse ready to go) and eight different flavours of the juice.

I don't want to smoke cigarettes any more. I like this better. It tastes really good. It feels good. And it doesn't stink. My hands, clothing, and breath don't reek anymore. I don't have to keep going outside. I don't have to feel like a smelly pariah. My husband can't smell it even when I'm sitting right next to him.

And I don't have to try and not think about the fact that my mother died of cancer after spending her last decade debilitated by emphysema.

And instead of paying £8 a day for fags, I can buy a week's worth of juice for £10. The hardware was less than £20 to get started and will require only £10 a month going forward. Of course, I can spend more. Many people geek out on it as a hobby because the gadgets are fun and constantly improving.

I'm not worried about putting on weight like people usually do when giving up the cancer sticks. In fact, I snack less. I no longer crave sweets. I would normally nibble all day, especially Haribo sweets. I don't want them anymore because I am tasting a bunch of sweet flavours all day long.

I'm so happy that I want to tell everyone - every smoker and everyone who loves a smoker - about it.

[ArgyMargy]

YANBU. Anything that helps people give up smoking safely is a good thing. And the key word is safely. Sadly there are unscrupulous people out there who will try to cut corners to make money out of nicotine addicts. So just as you get counterfeit cigs full of crap you will get counterfeit e-cigs full of god knows what. Hence the government wants to regulate them, to ensure safety.

[PaulSmenis]

Links would be really good. I've been craving a fag so badly recently.

[KatyTheCleaningLady]

Havant, the tobacco companies are selling them, it's true. But those are the rubbish disposables you can get at Tesco. The ones that try to look like cigarettes. Proper vaping is different. The devices look like fountain pens or sonic screwdrivers or walkie talkies, and these innovations were user led. The hardware is manufactured in China and the juice can be sourced from many places, or even made at home yourself.Tobacco companies would love just enough regulation that only theirs could be sold.

[leylandii]

The government wants to regulate them in order to gain huge amounts of tax from them.

[ginmakesitallok]

Yanbu, I've been vaping for just over 3 months now. Love it and can't imagine having another stinky.

For good advice go here

I get most of my liquid from alchemists cupboard.

[sandiy]

I'm sorry to be a big spoiler but,these cigarettes hav nt been passed as safe by the health protection agency.Some of the vapours are made from glycerin the stuff that makes icing hard.Probobly not the safest stuff to inhale.They are currently being safety tested.Obviously smoking is really bad for your health so I guess it's up to the individual to make their own choice.However,any stop smoking service will provide you with nicotine replacement for free.These are at least safer.Sorry to be a complete downer.I would also like to add that young people are seriously endangering their health by dismantling e cigarettes and replacing vapours with legal highs.Ive heard of some really bad and harmful results.

[PaulSmenis]

Alchemists cupboard? That sounds all esoteric!

Thanks gin.

[KatyTheCleaningLady]

Links:

Well, here is the kit that I was recommended:

paradisevapeuk.vstore.ca/egoce4-blister-pack-p-536.html

The site is crummy, but I have heard nothing but praise for the vendor and this particular product. It's mentioned a lot on Money Saving Expert in the vaping thread. Buy that and a couple of small sample-sized juices and you're good to go. (be adventurous and try at least one mom-tobacco flavour!) Check Youtube for how to fill it.

There are many forums eager to help newbies. Google "Vape forums" and you're all set. It's also a good idea to go into a vape shop. If you live near a city, there will be some. You can try flavours and gadgets and ask lots of questions because these people are keen to convert you.

[TabithaCampbellBlack]

Sandiy

I think most of us get that. But e-cigs and the like have two or three chemicals in, while cigarettes have over 4000 (including, I believe, the couple that e-cigs have).

It's a no brainer really.

[KatyTheCleaningLady]

sandiy, I would only recommend these to people who have tried the other methods and failed.

There's no reason to think this is anything but much, much safer than smoking. But, no, I wouldn't recommend a non-smoker to take it up.

As for dumb shit kids get up to... well, they also play The Choking Game and drag race in cars.

[HavantGuard]

scienceblogs.com/insolence/2013/08/19/jenny-mccarthy-and-the-selling-of-e-cigarettes/

[LineRunner]

E-cigs have got to be safer for someone already with a 50 a day habit, a chest infection and angina, I think.

[HavantGuard]

Without the slightest doubt. That's not who they're marketing them too though.

[KatyTheCleaningLady]

I agree that some quality control wouldn't go amiss. You can buy liquid from abroad, or buy it from an enthusiast small business owner. In light of the baby formula scandal in China, I prefer stuff made in the UK. I trust an enthusiast more. They will use pharmaceutical grade nicotine (exactly as put in the gum), food industry grade flavourings, and then the vapour base, which is the stuff used in smoke machines.

The small FDA study that found a handful of trace toxins studied pre-filled cartridges made in China some years ago. Nobody has analyzed the "gourmet" stuff people are vaping now.

[KatyTheCleaningLady]

Havant, who are "they?" The guy in my town with a little shop where he sells quality stuff? He's just a convert who loves the stuff, wants to spread the love, and sees an opportunity in a growing market. His merchandise is NOT from big tobacco companies.

He is absolutely targetting the middle-aged person who is sick of the cancer sticks but couldn't quit the. People just like him.

[ginmakesitallok]

read this

[ginmakesitallok]

99% of vapers are ex smokers, there is no evidence that non smokers are taking up vaping.

[geekgal]

Just wanted to add my good for you!! I've seen them help some of my friends either quit or cut down loads, it's brilliant!

[motheroftwoboys]

I HATE smoking and my DH managed to stop smoking/started vaping two months ago. he started on e-lites then changed to nicolites which totally suit him. He started on the strong and is down to the medium. He is saving a fortune. Brilliant invention.

[KatyTheCleaningLady]

Havant, Jenny McCarthy is selling the sorts of crap that the government and big tobacco will allow because that's where the (tax) money is. I'm talking about something else.

More like this:

www.digitaltrends.com/features/inside-the-world-of-vapers-the-subculture-that-might-save-smokers-lives/

and this:

I found that video very moving. None of those people are buying anything from the tobacco companies.

[KatyTheCleaningLady]

crap! dead links! sorry


Havant, Jenny McCarthy is selling the sorts of crap that the government and big tobacco will allow because that's where the (tax) money is. I'm talking about something else.

More like this:

www.digitaltrends.com/features/inside-the-world-of-vapers-the-subculture-that-might-save-smokers-lives/

and this:

I found that video very moving. None of those people are buying anything from the tobacco companies.

[HavantGuard]

Look at the link. The advertising and marketing. The company in question is owned by the third largest US tobacco company.

When was the last time you saw patches advertised? Patches help you quit. E cigs are just a different habit.

[ginmakesitallok]

But a much less harmful habit

[HavantGuard]

For people who have tried all other options, maybe. The best option is still quitting.

[TabithaCampbellBlack]

Havant

E-cigs are not really a cessation aid, although they can be used that way. They are mainly a safer way for smokers to get their nicotine fix.

So yes - they are marketed at smokers, not quitters.