Not welcome here?

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lexic

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Mar 20, 2014
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I just signed up this morning. I don't know a thing about e-cigs/vapes. Then I get the "welcome" email which states:

"ECF does NOT advise or condone the use of e-cigarettes by non-smokers. Do not use an ecigarette except as an alternative nicotine delivery device if you are already a smoker. Do not buy an ecigarette if you are not a smoker."

So does this mean I am not welcome and can't post questions here? I'm not trying to start any big debate, I just want to be clear as I'm not big on being a rule breaker. I certainly don't want to be here if I'm not wanted.

So here is my situation: I was a smoker for about 15 years. I quit 10 years ago. I want to start vaping with nicotine as "self medication" for anxiety and OCD as these have become much worse over the past 10 years. Not sure if that will work, but I want to try it before seeking other medications. *shrug* I didn't realize this was such a taboo thing as much as I see sites talking about how safe vaping is.

FWIW, I purchased a Blu starter pack last night.

So.. am I welcome to post and ask questions here or is my type of use shunned? Thanks.
 

catalinaflyer

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I think (and we all know what happens when I think) ECF is just being safe and trying to discourage people from jumping on the e-cigarette bandwagon just because it's cool or some such malarkey. If you vape no matter the reason I think your more than welcome here. Heck they let me stick around so that in itself is setting the bar pretty low (it's laying on the ground) so you should have no worries what so ever.
 

stylemaster2001

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Feb 12, 2014
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I'm sorta "new" here too, but.....what I did initially was READ, READ, READ! There are thousands of threads here addressing many hundreds of the "concerns" newbies have, so rather than you "post and ask questions" here, I suggest you read for awhile. Then, (and ONLY then), if you cannot find a question or topic that has not already been addressed, ask away. But don't come here "new" and post your "concerns" for vaping. If you read thru the threads you will find this very topic addressed about every 10th thread, so.......read.

And welcome!
 

Spazmelda

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Aug 18, 2011
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It's sort of a touchy subject. The people who are all up in arms to regulate ecigs cite examples of non-smokers picking it up or former smokers being tempted back as reasons why ecigs are "bad" for public health.

My own personal opinions are that, while ecigs are much safer than cigarettes, it is much better not not inhale anything if you don't have to. As to whether getting nicotine from an ecig or NRT is better than using some other sort of pharmaceutical, I just don't know. I have mixed feelings. Self medication has been going on for a long time and I don't really see anything inherently wrong with it. Too many drugs get prescribed these days, and then you need more drugs to deal with the side effects of those drugs (this is my own personal opinion as my SO seems to be going down this very path right now and it's making me angry).

Have you thought about trying nicotine lozenges instead of vaping? The only reason I ask is because that habit of hand to mouth with an ecig or cigarette is such a big deal, and I'm wondering if it might be better for you to just avoid it if possible. That and the inhalation aspect. Ecigs do have flavorings, which are not very well characterized as far as inhalation safety. That's really more of an unknown than the nicotine or other components.

Anyway, you are an adult and can do as you please, I was just thinking I'd explain why some people aren't thrilled with on-smokers or former smokers taking up vaping. I hope I've done this in a respectful and non-confrontational way.
 

Kryyptyk

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Jan 26, 2014
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There are currently debates over the 'accepted' usage, safety etc etc of vaping, all over the US. These are being argued pretty hotly by both sides of the fence. In order to deny some of these arguments further fueling with inaccurate and skewed information, ECF has several 'disclaimers' proclaiming things like what you've pointed out. In truth, the majority of vapers are ex-smokers, recent or otherwise.

I personally have no problem with an adult choosing to vape, ex-smoker or non-smoker. It's none of my business what a person chooses to do with their life. I value my privacy and personal freedom, and pass that respect on to others. If you choose to vape, then vape.

Beats the alternative. :)
 

Rickajho

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Hi

You is fine. The e-mail might be a bit overstated, but it's making a point that nicotine addiction isn't a poops and giggles party. The general take here is vaping is a method of harm reduction in order to substitute for smoking. Versus anyone should just take up vaping - or smoking - just because you can. We know smoking is dangerous. We know vaping is a lot less harmful. Beyond that there is a lot we don't know. So if you have never smoked, why would you even want to vape? Something like that.
 

GPC2012

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Feb 12, 2014
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You are very welcome here. I think that possibly that state can be the equivilant of the surgeon generals warning on a pack of cigarettes. I joined in Feb. I thing and have been made to feel very welcome at all times. So much information here, so many very nice and extremely helpful people. I don't think there has been anything that I have asked that I haven't gotten multiple suggestions and answers for.

Welcome:)
 

lexic

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Thanks everyone.

I'm a very literal person so I wan't sure about how to take the meaning of the email.

As far as reading the forum, I am. I hadn't seen this question addressed so I'm sorry for bringing it up if it is common. Most of the posts I've read are about switching from cigarettes.

I do take (possibly) re-addicting myself to nicotine and other possible risks very seriously. I've considered this option for years.

Thanks again.
 

Rickajho

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Thanks everyone.

I'm a very literal person so I wan't sure about how to take the meaning of the email.

As far as reading the forum, I am. I hadn't seen this question addressed so I'm sorry for bringing it up if it is common. Most of the posts I've read are about switching from cigarettes.

I do take (possibly) re-addicting myself to nicotine and other possible risks very seriously. I've considered this option for years.

Thanks again.

Your initial inquiry isn't out of bounds regarding what goes on or gets discussed here. We have another recent member, long term ex-smoker, who is revisiting nicotine with vaping in order to deal with tremor. The guy has to wait months to get a diagnosis from a specialist, but he's concerned it's Parkinsons and nicotine therapy has been used to relieve symptoms of Parkinsons. In his own non scientific trial - it's helping in his case.
 

lexic

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Mar 20, 2014
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Wisconsin, USA
Your initial inquiry isn't out of bounds regarding what goes on or gets discussed here. We have another recent member, long term ex-smoker, who is revisiting nicotine with vaping in order to deal with tremor. The guy has to wait months to get a diagnosis from a specialist, but he's concerned it's Parkinsons and nicotine therapy has been used to relieve symptoms of Parkinsons. In his own non scientific trial - it's helping in his case.

That is extremely interesting. I have extensive neurological damage from a spinal cord injury that occurred when I was 15. A few years ago I started taking medication to help with muscle spasticity. I wonder if there is any connection to my quitting smoking. Huh. Guess I'll maybe notice if it helps with that too. Anyway, off topic.

Thanks again.
 

lexic

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Couple few areas you may want to check out:

I saw at least a couple threads there discussing nicotine and it's impact on depression. I know the OCD question has come up before.

Wow! Thank you. I hadn't even noticed that wellness group. That is totally where I need to be.
 
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