I have used vaping to stop smoking, so for me its a smoking cessation device.
The smell of cigarette smoke now repels me, so Im not sure where they get the argument that vaping leads to smoking....just unsubstantiated BS theyve made up. Like saying [Other Stuff] leads to [Worse Other Stuff] addiction.
Now, when I smell cigarette smoke, I want to remove myself from its path...so I won't be going back even if I dont have any vape gear at hand. Ive seen the way things should be, so smoking analogs now is a step backwards for me.
I agree. Their logic is: "if A=C, and B=C, then A=B".... It is a valid point mathematically, but we're not talking mathematics. If Smoking = Nicotine, and Vaping = Nicotine, then Vaping is Smoking.... that's their logic. Apply it to anything else and it sounds absurd. If Walking=Travelling, and Driving=Travelling, then Walking=Driving... start selling Walking licenses... or... if Alcohol=Drinking, and Water=Drinking, then Alcohol=Water... Start raising the limit of water drinking to 21.
The Truth is..... It's not a mathematical equation. They have studied smoking, and how nicotine works through smoking. There has been little study on pure Nicotine itself separated from smoking. There has been some, and it is proven that although it is addicting, it's not as addicting as when taken from a cigarette. They have even been told that cigarettes ADD chemicals to Enhance the Nicotine... this was proven through several documents that they found a use for ammonia even though they knew it would enhance the nicotine (Ref) .
It is known that nicotine obtained from a cigarette is on a totally different level than just the straight nicotine itself. That fact needs to be publicized and made open. Nicotine is NOT a carcinogen, it does have some benefits to the body if taken moderately. (ref1) (ref2) (ref3). The main guilt that nicotine has, is it happens to be consumed by combustion with thousands of other chemicals. And those other chemicals cause cancer/lung disease.
In conclusion... people are convinced that cigarettes and nicotine are one and the same... which they're not. The FDA needs to realize this, and talk to scientists that have done the studies. In all honesty, I doubt they will due to the fact that they're paid quite well to keep those two on equal terms.