Young vapers

[liqueurdechat]

How young is too young?

I'm 21, but I look like I'm 12, and I feel like I get questioning looks at my local B&M's all the time. I flirted with cigarette addiction in high school and started seriously smoking during a rough patch in my life shortly after starting college (which conveniently coincided with my 18th birthday). At the time I was more occupied with existential angst than my own health. Even when my perspective shifted, the addiction stuck... began looking for alternatives, made a few missteps, etc., but here I am, an ex-smoker turned full-blown vape head, at the ripe young age of 21. Makes me want to wear a t-shirt that says "I smoked more than a pack a day for 3 years, trust me, I need this."

Sometimes I think it would have been better to just quit completely, if nothing else than for the sake of being Stigma-Free, but when it comes down to it, I just like nicotine too much.

 

[Scootaloo]

Well if your 21 then in my book your legally old enough to make the choice: when I used to buy restricted products at your age I was always getting ID'd so they obviously didn't think I was old enough because I was small and skinny, and still am.

I wouldn't worry about it: it'll go when your a bit older probably: if your a guy, I'd recommend growing a beard it worked for me getting ID'd

 

[Tinkiegrrl]

You're of legal age. Not sure why those in a vape shop would look at you funny. Most of the employees at any vape shop I go into are around 21 themselves.

 

[liqueurdechat]

Believe me, I'm trying, but sadly my beard is still as nonexistent as my desire to give up nicotine

 

[DingerCPA]

+1 - what Tinkiegrrl says. When I was your age, I had a "baby-face" and got carded for YEARS when I tried buying alcohol. Always honked me off. Now, I'd LOVE for someone to card me when I buy....

If you have the valid ID to prove who you are, pish-tosh on anyone who who looks at you funny for buying vape stuff; it's not any of their damn business. Stand up proud that you're not buying cigarettes anymore (I'd smoked longer than you've been alive )

 

[Ken_A]

If you are at least 18, then vape on!!

Yeah, you will get looks. You will get carded.

Looking from the OTHER end....

cherish this time of minor inconvenience. The first time that they don't card you because you look old enough is nice, but then you start knowing that they think you look old enough because you are OLD, and when that happens it won't be any thrill at all.

 

[Bontasia]

I'd say enjoy it now because one day you'll only dream of being carded.

As to vaping, I say have at it.

I'm not a parent so I guess take what I say with a grain of salt but in my mind it's not a big deal.

Nicotine is about as addictive as caffeine. We don't think twice if we see a kid drinking a coke but OMG WHAT ABOUT THE CHILDRENNNN!!!!11 when it comes to vaping.

Sorry, I'm just sick of it. I'm sick of seeing people spouting off about banning flavors because adults couldn't possibly want to taste a gummy bear or a strawberry.

Let them go after alcohol and all its candy and fruit flavored versions and I guarantee the public would be up in arms.

Just do what you're doing and ignore the looks and comments.

When I was your age I was smoking over a pack a day and had been for 6 years and it took me TWENTY THREE more years to quit.

You're wayyyyyyyyy ahead of the game.

 

[AveryW]

How young is too young?

I'm 21, but I look like I'm 12, and I feel like I get questioning looks at my local B&M's all the time. I flirted with cigarette addiction in high school and started seriously smoking during a rough patch in my life shortly after starting college (which conveniently coincided with my 18th birthday). At the time I was more occupied with existential angst than my own health. Even when my perspective shifted, the addiction stuck... began looking for alternatives, made a few missteps, etc., but here I am, an ex-smoker turned full-blown vape head, at the ripe young age of 21. Makes me want to wear a t-shirt that says "I smoked more than a pack a day for 3 years, trust me, I need this."

Sometimes I think it would have been better to just quit completely, if nothing else than for the sake of being Stigma-Free, but when it comes down to it, I just like nicotine too much.

I feel you ‰100. I started smoking roughly a week after my 18th birthday. I grew up all around cigs, and when I'd ask my parents why they smoked, they'd always say stress. So as a teenage parent trying to balance a full time job and college, naturally I decided to start smoking for stress.
Within a few months I was at 2 packs a day, realized that was way to much, and dropped it to a pack a day. I couldn't go anything lower than a pack a day, and that devolved into me loving smoking, the habit, and it's taste. Also, i didn't want to quit either.
When I learned about the ecigs better than cig-a-likes, I had to try it. I was blown away and quickly replaced smoking with vaping.
I'm turning 21 in a few days and the way I look at it is like this. Five months ago I quit smoking before it turned into a 20+ year habit. If any older vapers think I'm stupid, thats their problem, I quit smoking before it got overly out of hand, and i couldn't be more proud of myself.

Sent from the mothership.

 

[fraychek]

I got carded a lot when I was in my early 20's. Now I get carded when I ask for the senior discounts. Looks like what goes around comes around! I'd rather see anyone vaping instead of smoking at any age.

 

[shorty70]

I got carded a lot when I was in my early 20's. Now I get carded when I ask for the senior discounts. Looks like what goes around comes around! I'd rather see anyone vaping instead of smoking at any age.

HaHaHa...so true, gotta love it...

 

[Bontasia]

If any older vapers think I'm stupid, thats their problem, I quit smoking before it got overly out of hand, and i couldn't be more proud of myself.

EXAAAAAAAACTLY.

If anyone you talk to who has been a decade's long smoker tells you ANYTHING other than "Good for YOU. You made the right choice" they are full of crap. Smoking robs you of your health and life.

 

[GrandSam]

Do what's best for your health and don't worry about anyone else's perception of you.