I started smoking at age 23, so it seems very possible that your cousin (age 20) could have taken up vaping instead of smoking.
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I was about to say the same thing Barbara. IMO we can't forget that, while vaping is a blessing for those who used to smoke, it's sometimes easy to presuppose that no-one from now one will ever start smoking. Of course they will and they do. We were the smart generation, weren't we, guys? lol - and look at the dumb daft things WE did. Why? Because we knew better than anyone else, that's why. I would prefer to see a young adult vaping than lighting a cigarette. And while you may think he/she has never smoked, (again only from my personal experience) I wouldn't be too sure that they'd never started smoking in the first place....
I have seen underage kids who vape 0 nic disposables. I have no idea what the salesman was thinking but it makes me want to punch him. I don't have any issues with 0 nic vaping non-smokers as long as they're of legal smoking age. It's a relaxing habit and people will always enjoy having little rituals throughout their day to wind down a bit. They are not killing themselves (as far as we know), they aren't a hazard to anyone else either.
I am absolutely certain this will not be a gateway to smoking. In my opinion it's naive to think it is. Just because it looks similar doesn't make it similar. What were your thoughts when you tried a smoke again after vaping? Exactly, it's horrible and tastes like ashtray. Would people switch their good-tasting 0nic vape for the equivalent of obsessively licking ashtrays? I really don't think so.
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It's a double edged sword. If we can't stand the thought of teens vaping then we must support ecigs as medical treatment only. That has disastrous consequences. Does anybody really want that?
Kids are faced with so many choices that have dire consequences (smoking, coke, ...., pills, etc) that I really don't care if they choose to vape. They can choose to drink and smoke so why is vaping on an island? I have 4 kids and I don't want any of them to pick up any vices but is that a realistic expectation? My daughters told me that pot is simple to get in their high school (just like every other high school in the US) but they choose not to even consider it.
Vaping has been the perfect solution to my long standing smoking problem and that's great. But imo, the best case scenario going forward is that vaping is simply viewed and regulated as a recreational vice. Hopefully logic prevails and it won't be treated like smoking as a recreational vice. Interesting times ahead for sure.
Kids are faced with so many choices that have dire consequences (smoking, coke, ...., pills, etc) that I really don't care if they choose to vape. They can choose to drink and smoke so why is vaping on an island? I have 4 kids and I don't want any of them to pick up any vices but is that a realistic expectation? My daughters told me that pot is simple to get in their high school (just like every other high school in the US) but they choose not to even consider it.
Vaping has been the perfect solution to my long standing smoking problem and that's great. But imo, the best case scenario going forward is that vaping is simply viewed and regulated as a recreational vice. Hopefully logic prevails and it won't be treated like smoking as a recreational vice. Interesting times ahead for sure.
I was about to say the same thing Barbara. IMO we can't forget that, while vaping is a blessing for those who used to smoke, it's sometimes easy to presuppose that no-one from now one will ever start smoking. Of course they will and they do. We were the smart generation, weren't we, guys? lol - and look at the dumb daft things WE did. Why? Because we knew better than anyone else, that's why. I would prefer to see a young adult vaping than lighting a cigarette. And while you may think he/she has never smoked, (again only from my personal experience) I wouldn't be too sure that they'd never started smoking in the first place....
that is an excellent point!
Others have made a good point, us slightly older vapers were the first. Now the first of the next generation of vapers is hitting 18 and, choosing vaping over smoking. Yes some even younger, but, then how many of us smoked before we were 18? Like it or not, vaping is replacing smoking for these youth and, there are going to be some that get their first vape before they are 18.
We don't have to contribute to it, support it or, even like it but, that's where it's going. Most of us really do remember life without a computer and a cell phone but, guess what - the younger generation doesn't know what not having a computer at home is and not one of them thinks a cell phone is amazing - they are normal things that everyone has. In a decade, there will be a whole generation that does not remember a world where vaping did not exist. They will choose to vape, just as many of us chose to smoke and, just as nearly all of the youngers now choose to have computers and cell phones at young ages. Such is the advance of the human race.
We don't have to contribute to it, support it or, even like it but, that's where it's going. Most of us really do remember life without a computer and a cell phone but, guess what - the younger generation doesn't know what not having a computer at home is and not one of them thinks a cell phone is amazing - they are normal things that everyone has. In a decade, there will be a whole generation that does not remember a world where vaping did not exist. They will choose to vape, just as many of us chose to smoke and, just as nearly all of the youngers now choose to have computers and cell phones at young ages. Such is the advance of the human race.
Warning: Potentially unpopular opinions ahead. Flame if you must, but this is really what I think.
In the grand scheme of things, I don't think many kids are gonna take up vaping because the cool factor just isn't there. Let's be honest: smoking looks cool. That's why most of us took it up in the first place. But I don't care if you're James Dean or Marlon Brando and/or you can produce room-filling clouds of vapor, puffing on something that looks like a toy cigarette, a pen, a flashlight or an ICBM is always gonna look a little dorky compared to smoking a cigarette. And really, that's fine with me. If the public associates vaping with nerds and not with badasses and juvenile delinquents, they'll be more likely to leave us the hell alone. Take it from a former JD
In the grand scheme of things, I don't think many kids are gonna take up vaping because the cool factor just isn't there. Let's be honest: smoking looks cool. That's why most of us took it up in the first place. But I don't care if you're James Dean or Marlon Brando and/or you can produce room-filling clouds of vapor, puffing on something that looks like a toy cigarette, a pen, a flashlight or an ICBM is always gonna look a little dorky compared to smoking a cigarette. And really, that's fine with me. If the public associates vaping with nerds and not with badasses and juvenile delinquents, they'll be more likely to leave us the hell alone. Take it from a former JD
I really hope the media doesn't pick up on this and run some smear ad about vaping being a gateway to .......
heh most of is have accidentally left the CAP LOC ON AND DID NOT NOTICE IN TIME.
we are not saying to go and encourage someone of legal age to take up vaping. It not like.. Hey! You reached 21 today! Lets go to the local vape store and get you set up. Although many people, including myself have done so with drinking alcohol. If they make the decision on their own though, I'm all for them vaping instead of smoking with or without nic.
I try to double-check all my opinions to see if I'm falling for propaganda. And probably still fall for it.I really want to believe it's harmless, like everyone here. I'm starting to wonder though. It's obviously not toxic, massive amounts have been pumped into animals. It would be nice to know more though.
For Instance..
"We propose a novel hypothesis that PGEs in indoor air exacerbate and/or induce the multiple allergic symptoms, asthma, rhinitis and eczema, as well as IgE sensitization respectively."
What?! That's new to me. Not to say it's a fact though. I obviously don't think anything should be banned, but I do think if these "health" organizations cared about health, they would get scientists who understand the research to weigh in on what is *probably* the safest juice components. At least until further research is finished. I.e. is 100% VG potentially safer than using PG? Is there any substance that could replace PG? etc etc
All I know is, if PG can potentially affect children and allergies, I guess I won't be blowing clouds all over my house :/
Edit: Ughhh! Am I falling for propaganda? lol What about PG in asthma inhalers? That study should have also looked at asthma inhaler users to see if there was an increase in "multiple allergic symptoms, asthma (wait...say what?), rhinitis and eczema". Stupid scientists
So, as a kid, you never had those candy cigarettes and pretended to be cool? All I'm saying is that as it becomes more popular, more popular people are gonna do it.Warning: Potentially unpopular opinions ahead. Flame if you must, but this is really what I think.
In the grand scheme of things, I don't think many kids are gonna take up vaping because the cool factor just isn't there. Let's be honest: smoking looks cool. That's why most of us took it up in the first place. But I don't care if you're James Dean or Marlon Brando and/or you can produce room-filling clouds of vapor, puffing on something that looks like a toy cigarette, a pen, a flashlight or an ICBM is always gonna look a little dorky compared to smoking a cigarette. And really, that's fine with me. If the public associates vaping with nerds and not with badasses and juvenile delinquents, they'll be more likely to leave us the hell alone. Take it from a former JD
anybody remember their first time having a cigarette? ever wonder why we all bought our first pack? this evolution of e-cigarettes, past and present... there will never be a right explanation... AT LEAST they are just doint e-cigarettes and NOT analogs hopefully...
I have no issue with non-analog smokers vaping as long as they are 18+ as well. I think that in the end, many younger people will try some sort of chemical for the effect, be it alcohol, nicotine, excessive caffeine (tons of energy drinks), or even illegal drugs.
If they decide to pick up vaping as their vice, then at least it will not leave behind a lot of the issues of analogs (ashes, smells, etc...).
It's not perfect, and it's not 100% healthy, but at least it's cleaner...The ideal thing would be for them to not pick up anything at all...
But it seems we live in a world where many people feel compelled to do something with a chemical at some time. To me it speaks more about stress levels in society than anything.
If they decide to pick up vaping as their vice, then at least it will not leave behind a lot of the issues of analogs (ashes, smells, etc...).
It's not perfect, and it's not 100% healthy, but at least it's cleaner...The ideal thing would be for them to not pick up anything at all...
But it seems we live in a world where many people feel compelled to do something with a chemical at some time. To me it speaks more about stress levels in society than anything.
I'm a vapor who has been smoke-free for 16 months because of e-cigarettes. My daughter, who was about to turn 18 and a non-smoker, requested as her birthday gift her own mod setup to use flavored 0-nicotine e-liquids.
Now some background before you start being critical and pre-judge. She took an active interest in my vaping as a means to my quitting cigarettes, and is fully aware that the long term consequences of vaping (even 0 nicotine) are not known. Her 19 year old brother smokes. Most of her friends smoke. She wanted to be able enjoy vaping flavors when with her smoking friends.
Since she would be 18 and legally allowed to purchase her own cigarettes or e-cigarettes, I chose to be pro-active and get her a BB mechanical mod with easy to use clearomizers, along with some 0-nicotine e-juice in the flavors she requested.
Since she has begun vaping (again, 0-nicotine), several of her smoker friends have purchased their own e-cigs and are making the switch to vaping.
Even her closet-smoker mother has gotten into the mix. When out of cigarettes, she has "stolen" my daughter's setup to use for herself. This has allowed her have some exposure to vaping, and she is considering getting an e-cig herself to quit smoking.
I see this entire scenario as a WIN for all concerned. Don't be so judgemental about non-smokers taking up vaping if you don't know the whole story.
Now some background before you start being critical and pre-judge. She took an active interest in my vaping as a means to my quitting cigarettes, and is fully aware that the long term consequences of vaping (even 0 nicotine) are not known. Her 19 year old brother smokes. Most of her friends smoke. She wanted to be able enjoy vaping flavors when with her smoking friends.
Since she would be 18 and legally allowed to purchase her own cigarettes or e-cigarettes, I chose to be pro-active and get her a BB mechanical mod with easy to use clearomizers, along with some 0-nicotine e-juice in the flavors she requested.
Since she has begun vaping (again, 0-nicotine), several of her smoker friends have purchased their own e-cigs and are making the switch to vaping.
Even her closet-smoker mother has gotten into the mix. When out of cigarettes, she has "stolen" my daughter's setup to use for herself. This has allowed her have some exposure to vaping, and she is considering getting an e-cig herself to quit smoking.
I see this entire scenario as a WIN for all concerned. Don't be so judgemental about non-smokers taking up vaping if you don't know the whole story.
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The difference is that kids do not care. They WANT to do something that pisses off adults and they have no fear of mortality. The more you forbid, the more attractive it becomes. Please consider why you started smoking and lay off the preaching. It only encourages them. I say this as a mom of 20 somethings (who have never smoked) and as a decades long high school teacher. Understand your audience before prononuncing a cure all for future problems
IF they are 18+, then fine, but younger than that, I would be extremely leery because it COULD potentially be a gateway thing. If it was at home with 0 nic juices (while your nic juices are all stored/locked away), then fine, but just be responsible about it.
Most comments on message boards are "in general". There's always specific examples about just about any topic that go against the norm/recommendations.
This topic has been on my mind all day ...
Last week I gave a co-worker a Fling mini. He was going to the racetrack and wanted something to relax with. This guy is an occasional analog smoker but has quit for the moment. I gave him the disposable to keep him from buying a pack of smokes ...
Then he tells me today that his 12 year old daughter saw him with the e-cig, and asked to try it. He made a snap decision, and told her to take one small sip and then hand it back, knowing full well that if he refused, she would just try one later with her friends, and not under his supervision ...
Was this the "right" thing to do ? He's the parent, its his kid, and he's done pretty well so far by not preaching about and forbidding things that are readily available to kids, but rather encouraging smart decisions ...
The daughter coughed and said it tasted funny, and they agreed that it was something to delay until she was older ...
I'm pretty sure my own father would have done something similar ...
Last week I gave a co-worker a Fling mini. He was going to the racetrack and wanted something to relax with. This guy is an occasional analog smoker but has quit for the moment. I gave him the disposable to keep him from buying a pack of smokes ...
Then he tells me today that his 12 year old daughter saw him with the e-cig, and asked to try it. He made a snap decision, and told her to take one small sip and then hand it back, knowing full well that if he refused, she would just try one later with her friends, and not under his supervision ...
Was this the "right" thing to do ? He's the parent, its his kid, and he's done pretty well so far by not preaching about and forbidding things that are readily available to kids, but rather encouraging smart decisions ...
The daughter coughed and said it tasted funny, and they agreed that it was something to delay until she was older ...
I'm pretty sure my own father would have done something similar ...
A friend of mine who wasn't a smoker started vaping. Occasionally she'd take a drag off my cigarette or smoke a cigar. I went with her when she got her first kit. The person at the vape store tried to talk her out of it. My friend eats when she's stressed or bored and wanted another option besides eating. I was happy she started. She feels better about herself now that she's no longer stress eating and threw out the cigars. She vapes 0 nic in dessert and fruit flavors. She's lost 5-10 pounds since she started vaping.
This is an interesting discussion. It got my attention because I have seen quite a number of YouTube vaping videos by kids that are clearly in their early teens. I admit that some of these were from Europe, and I don't know about the smoking age laws there, but...
It bothered me at first, but then I realized that it would be much, much worse if they were smoking analogs at that age. (And yes, that's an age when some kids do start smoking.) I do still wonder about the parents of these young vapers, but I suppose they would rather have their kids vaping openly than smoking in secret.
As to anyone 18 or over starting to vape; if they can legally smoke at that age I don't see any reason to prevent them from vaping. I wouldn't stop someone that is over the legal drinking age from drinking, and there are known harmful side effects from that.
Not criticizing, but just to keep things clear here: I believe that the federal law states that "it is illegal to sell tobacco products to a person under 18 years of age." So under-age smoking is only illegal in that the kid can only have acquired the smokes illegally... Zero-nic vape gear is clearly not a "tobacco product", but it's still a grey area because it looks like smoking.
It bothered me at first, but then I realized that it would be much, much worse if they were smoking analogs at that age. (And yes, that's an age when some kids do start smoking.) I do still wonder about the parents of these young vapers, but I suppose they would rather have their kids vaping openly than smoking in secret.
As to anyone 18 or over starting to vape; if they can legally smoke at that age I don't see any reason to prevent them from vaping. I wouldn't stop someone that is over the legal drinking age from drinking, and there are known harmful side effects from that.
Not criticizing, but just to keep things clear here: I believe that the federal law states that "it is illegal to sell tobacco products to a person under 18 years of age." So under-age smoking is only illegal in that the kid can only have acquired the smokes illegally... Zero-nic vape gear is clearly not a "tobacco product", but it's still a grey area because it looks like smoking.
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