My thoughts on analog/e-cig regulation

[fmx]

IMO, rushing to pass laws banning e-cigarettes is a two part process.

1. The government stands to lose a fortune in taxes as electronic cigarettes gain popularity. When you stop to think about how long we've known the dangers of cigarettes and that sales have continued unfathomed, it really is quite amazing. Furthermore, Uncle Sam's only response so far to the health implications of analogs to the public has been to raise taxes (oh yes, more money for him, and continued sales, addictions, health problems, deaths).

2. Electronic cigarettes are widely misunderstood (and it is our responsibility to change this!). Half of the complaints seem to relate to unregulated contents of liquids, primarily nicotine content (I do agree that there should be some sort standards on anything we consume). The big joke is that the contents of analogs are anything but common knowledge, and are certainly nowhere to be found on a pack of smokes. In the U.S. nicotine content isn't even advertised. The second half relates to the potential sale of these products to minors - something I definitely have strong opinions about. E-cig websites should have to abide by the same standards as the ones that sell alcohol. Not only should a credit card/age verification be required - but ID'ing should also take place upon delivery (something I have NEVER experienced). I've never seen, nor purchased e-cig products from a mall (nor do I plan to) - but that is another area that should be enforced. The idea that they are selling products to minors makes me furious as it only fuels the case for the government to halt sales of these life-saving devices.

The idea that electronic cigarettes could be banned while analog cigarettes continue to fly off shelves around the world is an absolute disgrace. We have much work to do.....

Thanks for reading my rambles.

Feel free to add your own thoughts, comments or disagreements.

 

[MichaelOz]

Thank you for sharing this. I fully agree with everything you said, great post.

Actually before I started vaping I didn't have much of a clue as to what was in an analog. Only by doing comparison studies did I go through all the 4000 +/- element traces in an analog. Horrified and perplexed.

I'll also add to your points:

1. I'm no expert, but from what I am aware there hasn't been much progress to make analogs any safer over the last 80 years, since they became popular in the 1930's. I've never opened a medical journal to read headlines such as "Improved Filter technology greatly reduces lung cancer risks" or "New tabacco processing regulations reduce toxins". Clearly something is wrong there.

2. I think its an obvious stare in the face, and the argument will always hold true. If e-cigs are getting banned, why the hell not analogs. Instead high level meetings take place (I don't even want to know about all the corruption and bribery going on) but we end up with analogs with big labels on them - this product kills. Utter waste of time, but these decisions are not designed for the publics best interests, but for the interests of freedom and business (mainly).

3. Sure pure Nic is a toxin, I've read some fear (propoganda) articles stating that its only a matter of time before people start poisoning each other with ejuice, or its unsafe to keep if you have children / pets. This needs to be debunked - lots of common house hold chemicals are highly toxic. When I lived in South Africa a mother sprayed insect repellent on her sons head, trying to kill off lice. Well the child died, but guess what? Insect repellent is still being sold. I don't think the debate holds any weight, if we are saying ejuice is toxic, then we need to stop selling everything from Petrol for our lawn mowers, right through to most over the counter drugs, which in high dosages can also kill. Even toilet cleaner can kill you if swallowed in large quantities. Come to think about it, it should be illegal to walk in the forests because a snake might also bite you. Actually the entire continent of Australia should evacuate now, because they have a Cain Toad infestation.

3. Wonder why PV's weren't invented in the 80's?. Back then we had much less of this controlled hypocritical society, where everything has to be politically correct. Back then it was rock n roll, live and let live.

 

[fmx]

All great additions, thanks!

The nicotine content flag is a funny one, especially where analog->e-cig converters are concerned. First of all, the majority of juices/carts DO list nicotine content. Even if you question their accuracy - ask an ex-analog smoker - they can tell (from past experience) whether the content is higher/lower than it should be. At least outside of America where nicotine level IS advertised on analog packs.