At a friend's wedding, he and his best man were vaping as I entered the building after having a cigarette. The delicious smell of their vapes wafted over me, and I inquired as to what was producing that heavenly scent. Grandmaster and Castle Long by Five Pawns was the answer, in case you were wondering. They passed me their vapes, and encouraged me to try it out. Just push the button and puff. When I took the devices in my hand, I was immediately surprised at the heft and size. These were something entirely different from the cigalikes and starter pens I had seen in the past. They were Provari v2s topped with AeroTank v2 Megas. I vaped on them a little whilst admiring the stainless steel and pyrex contraptions, rather mystified by the complexity of the design and mesmerized by the complexity of the flavours. "You say you haven't had a cigarette or cigar since you started using these?"
It was then that I knew the "electronic cigarette" was a thing of the past, and "vaping" had arrived.
Over the following few days, I was in constant contact with the guys, asking all the usual noob questions. I searched around online, read a few articles and their associated research studies, and watched many a video. Before long, it was abundantly clear that this was no passing fad of using gas-station hardware and liquid from who-knows-where. Things had changed, and people were finding success. Furthermore, all the research I could find pointed to the fact that (despite the opinions of the WHO and other groups supposedly interested in the health and well-being of the public) vaping was a safe and viable cessation method. I made plans to meet my friend at his favourite vape shop.
The day before meeting my friend in his town, I was immediately struck with the urge to see what was out there in my area. I stopped by several head shops, assuming that these were the types of places that would deal with equipment of this nature. They had a few pieces here and there, and a little juice selection. No sampling. I was underwhelmed. In talking to the staff, however, I learned that a "vape lounge" had opened up nearby. After passing through two more head shops within the span of a few blocks, I found the B&M they had described. I sampled the juice, discussed vaping a little bit, and, much more light-headed than when I had entered, I wandered back down those same blocks towards my return destination.
After about 6 blocks, I realized that I hadn't lit a cigarette. That's abnormal. I've never walked out of an establishment and not lit a cigarette. It wouldn't have mattered if I were only in there for 3 minutes and I had two just before I went in, I would light a cigarette. I didn't want a cigarette. I had no desire to smoke, and after a few more blocks, I was probably grinning like an idiot in amazement that I had not yet wanted a smoke. When I arrived at my destination, I opted to light one despite my lack of desire. I was immediately repulsed at the flavour and the sensation. I never liked the taste or smell of cigarettes, but I found it more intensely undesirable than ever. I had a couple puffs and tossed the rest.
Ten years at a pack a day. 25 cigarettes a day, give or take, at more than $10 CAD. A few short spurts without them while attempting to quit using the patch and the gum, lasting about 3 weeks to 3 months at most each time. I smoked my last cigarette as I walked into my friend's favourite vape shop the following day (Oct 3/14).
