Unplug and puff: Are e-cigarettes good technology or bad medicine?

Electric cigarette: Connected to a USB charging cable, the e-cigarette's batteries can be recharged by getting hooked up to a computer. It releases a mist of nicotine to the inhaler to give them a smoking effect without the toxic chemicals.Courtesy WikipediaI’ve never been a smoker, never wanted to be a smoker and have a real hard time understanding smoking.
But I do have a bit of an understanding on how difficult it is for people to quit smoking. I’ve seen a number of friends and relatives struggle to kick the habit.
While there can be widespread viewpoints on the pros and cons of smoking, I think it’s pretty safe to say that everyone knows that smoking can have severe health consequences to the smoker – with lung cancer and heart disease being the main culprits.
Now along comes a new device – the e-cigarette – that hopes to cut down the health risks of smoking. It’s an electronic devices that same size as a cigarette with a battery-powered dispenser inside that atomizes, or mists, amounts of nicotine to be inhaled by the “smoker.” In effect, the e-smoker gets the fix of nicotine a cigarette delivers while keeping out the tar and toxic gases that can lead to the highest forms of health risks.
Here’s the personal story of the e-cigarette inventor from China. And below is a marketing video of one of the online retailers that sell the product.

Here in the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration is still studying the product. For the time being, it’s relegated the sale of e-cigarettes to the same condition as the sale of regular cigarettes, that they’re only available to those who are of legal age.
But several smoking cessation organizations are not giving the e-cigarette their seal of approval and are noting that the device is not a proven way to stop smoking. It merely is delivering nicotine to the user in a new way.
I can see that there area lot of positive health benefits to smokers to use the e-cigarette and keep a lot of harmful materials from getting into their body. But if the addiction to nicotine continues, will the e-cigarette user still be temped to go back to regular cigarettes.
What do you think of this new development in the smoking world? Share your thoughts here with other Buzz readers.


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Your Comments, Thoughts, Questions, Ideas

bistromathgirl's picture
bistromathgirl says:

I have to admit that I don't understand smoking either; but as to the e-cigarrette, where is the nicotine stored and what happens when it runs out? Do you buy another? And how would you dispose of the old one?? I guess I see the health benefit of not having the tar and toxins, but it seems a bit impractical to me.

posted on Sat, 05/09/2009 - 10:44am
e cigarette's picture

bistromathgirl, the liquid solution, which contains the nicotine, is stored inside cartridges, and you can buy refill cartridges after the liquid runs out. Depending on which model you use, each cartridge can last anywhere from 12 to 20 cigarettes or over 200+ puffs. Once you buy the main e-cigarette itself, you don't need to buy that part again -- only the refill cartridges. In the long run, a "pack" ends up costing about $2+, which is much less than a pack of regular cigs.

I think the e-cigarette is good technology and an awesome alternative to smoking tobacco-based products. It's a no-brainer... which one would you choose? The product that has 4000+ chemicals and cancer-causing agents or the product that has about 10 and doesn't contain those harmful chemicals and carcinogens.

Besides, the significantly vast majority of people who will use e-cigarettes are the ones who already smoke anyway. As for the claims about it appealing to children, anything that is considered "bad" is appealing to them. Kids will try to get their hands on anything that they're not supposed to because they're being rebellious. Booze, porn, cigarettes, etc.

posted on Sat, 05/16/2009 - 10:41pm
Anonymous's picture
Anonymous says:

I have smoked on and off for several years, and this is the first time I have ever used a nicotine replacement.

The e-cigarette has allowed me to take that first step of NOT buying another pack.

It has raised my awareness to the degree of my habits and addiction. When I think to myself "ARRGH, I need a smoke, I am just going to buy a pack." I reach for my e-cig and only one puff pacifies the intense craving.

Socially, I was always at a loss when a friend pulled out their tobacco, it was easy bum one, but now I have crutch for my moments of weakness.

I have found the e-cig very helpful for that first step. I find myself "smoking" far less with the e-cig than with tobacco. I have a higher level of productivity in the day (ever notice how smokers stop everything to get a fix?) and when I "need" my fix, a few puffs anywhere will get me back on track.

I plan to gradually reduce the nicotine and stop completely. The social stigma remains with the e-cig. Non-smoking friends think the e-cig is even more pathetic than tobacco, as it the pared down and simplified form of my addiction. However I see my habits changing and I feel I have gained a small victory in my personal battle with tobacco. Those small benchmarks oftentimes are what drives us to desire and achieve continued success.

This is just my recent personal experience with an e-cig. I generally have a 2 years smoking, 2 years non-smoking pattern, so only time will tell of longevity. But this time around, vowing to stop BUYING was the biggest challenge.

posted on Sat, 05/23/2009 - 2:19am
Anonymous's picture
Anonymous says:

Well said my friend! Im in the same boat as you. I love my e-cigarette. I have gone from 1 pack a day down to smoking 4-5 smoks a day in conjunction with my e-cigarette. I use the e-cigarette for the peddly smokes I want for no reason, like after the shower or after a meal. I find using the e-cigarette, I can totally cut down on real cigarettes to then eventually quit. I am currious if there are any risks associated with the vapour, but at the same time nothing is worse than where I was with real cigarettes and their affects. I am so excited to finally quit for real this time.

posted on Thu, 01/07/2010 - 2:37pm
JGordon's picture
JGordon says:

Looks like the FDA just released a report on e-cigarettes.

The conclusion? E-cigarettes aren't good for you. They're probably actually bad for you.

What?! Who would have thought, right?

I have a hard time imaging that they're much worse than old analog cigarettes (a term I hope will get picked up) on account of how the chemicals that come from burning just about anything are bad on top of bad in them. However, the report showed that there are still carcinogens in e-cigarettes, and that from cartridge to cartridge they're pretty inconsistent about how much nicotine they release. Also, the study found that most of the supposedly nicotine-free cartridges actually did contain some nicotine. Whoops.

Gizmodo has a short post on it. And here's the FDA's announcement and analysis of e-cigarettes.

posted on Thu, 07/23/2009 - 10:16am
Anonymous's picture
Anonymous says:

That website you posted on the analysis says nothing about risks in health safety. Only that the amount of nicotine dispensed is inconsistent and that non-nicotine cartridges are being mixed with nicotine ones during manufacturing.

Honestly, unless the atomizer turns nicotine liquid into carbon monoxide, methane gas, hydrochloric acid, etc. I can't see how it is necessarily "worse" for you than actual cigarettes. Addictive, yeah, sure. It's nicotine after all. But the FDA is mostly looking for a way to regulate the e-cigs so they don't lose money on the "sin" tax they make from regular cigarettes... among other trite issues.

posted on Mon, 11/15/2010 - 5:16pm
Anonymous's picture
Anonymous says:

I would like to say that I used to smoke almost a pack of analogs a day..wheww. It was very expensive for me which was about $6 a pack. (some places in the U.S. could be up to $10 a pack) I inadvertently ran into e cigs while doing research online for my econ class. I began looking into them quite extensively and decided to purchase 2 different kinds. I don't buy pre-packed carts for mine. I buy a bulk bottle of "e-liquid" so that when the cartridge runs dry, I can just drop a few drops and keep vaping. The e-liquid is heated by an atomizer (which is a metal coil that heats the liquid up or boils it to produce vapor) and the atomizer is powered by the battery or USB port. You can buy whatever nicotine strength you want anywhere from 11mg, 18mg, 24mg, or even 36mg.

I bought a USB passthrough version that plugs into a USB port for a computer. (doesn't need a battery) I also purchased a cigar version which works on the same principle as a regular e cig but produces more vapor. Once I had been using them for several days I wanted to see what smoking an analog would be like. I smoked about 10% of the regular cigarette before I put it out in disgust. Since I was able to stay off of them for several days my body or taste no longer enjoys them.

This is a breakthrough for me because I used to love them just days ago. Admittedly, I use the e cig all the time, it keeps me from smelling horrible, having to go outside in the cold, and keeps the yellowish brown tar out of my lungs. After 1 week I already felt huge physical improvements. My lungs no longer hurt, my teeth began to whiten, and I had an overall better feeling about myself. Even if e cigs were banned or if my e cigs quit working, I don't believe I could go back to analogs. Once I quit smoking them they just tasted nasty to me. I have only smoked an analog the one time mentioned above and I haven't tried since. I am trying to talk my loved ones who still smoke into getting e cigs.

My conclusion is that e cigs are a much much better alternative. Yes they probably do have some carcinogens contained in them, but the question is which ones? and how many of them? The answers to these questions are mild ones and very little of them. As for the nicotine content, I feel that once you begin e cigs you get less worried about the nicotine and more worried about the vapor production; as long as I see vapor coming out, I am satisfied and my cravings are stifled. I don't trust the FDA. They are corrupt and power-hungry. E-cigs have been used safely for many years in Europe, England, and many other nations. How many nations can you say that regular cigs have been used safely?

posted on Sun, 12/06/2009 - 10:01pm
E Cigarette's picture

propylene glycol kills like 99% of bacteria when inhaled, how is that not healthy for you.

posted on Wed, 12/16/2009 - 3:06pm
JGordon's picture
JGordon says:

I'd be willing to bet that most bacteria that pass through the burning end of a real cigarette are killed as well.

But, you know, so what? I don't think anyone would argue that the health problems associated with smoking cigarettes (or, potentially, "e-cigarettes") have a whole lot to do with bacteria. Cancer from smoking, for instance, is caused by the genetic damage done by chemicals in cigarettes, not by bacteria. I imagine we're probably better off inhaling a few airborne bacteria than absorbing another anti-bacterial chemical.

posted on Wed, 12/16/2009 - 4:01pm
GreenSmoke Electric Cigarettes's picture

It is VERY hard to quit's been compared to being as addictive as heroin.


posted on Fri, 01/15/2010 - 5:15am
Mihali's picture
Mihali says:

I am addicted to nicotine ciggarttes for 20 years smoking cigarettes. I have tried patch,welbuterin, nicorette gum,4 week cessation groups at hospitals. I failed. Over and over. Every day not wanting to be a smoker.
I bought a joye 510 e cig.

I have not smoked 1000 regular ciggarttes, in the 50 days since i quit smoking Marlburoh lights!

I use my ecig and its working for me.

I dont cough in the morniing, I dont cough up stuff anymore, I have more energy, my mind is clearer, my blood pressure changed from 140 to 113. I dont smell anymore, my breath is fresh, my taste has increased, I can smell a pack of gum in car, I dont have ashes all over the place, my car is cleaner, I dont burn holes im y clothes, I dont feel like a felon when vaporizing an e cig, I am not ingesting a carcinogen or 4000 unknown chemicals like in cigarettes.

O yes did you know that nicotine is not a carcinogen.

FDA can go suck a tailpipe. Just meddling like they care. They cant get the Ciggarette manufacturers to put the ingredients of ciggarettes on the package!!!!!!!
They are weak and want want to look good. Leave me alone.

posted on Sat, 01/23/2010 - 1:20am
Aaron Pearson's picture
Aaron Pearson says:

While there are always going to be people to put down anything to do with smoking, I think this just may be a great alternative. Sure, the effects of nicotine will still be there, but at least you're cutting out the tar and crap. Plus, there isn't any second-hand smoke for others to worry about or complain about - great for people with kids at home who can't stop smoking, too. ~Aaron Pearson

posted on Fri, 01/29/2010 - 10:55am
Cigar Bars's picture
Cigar Bars says:

I have been a serious smoker for 20 years, and anything you can suck on instead of a lit cigarette has got to be better for you in the long run. I have not tried an electronic cigarette yet, but I think I will based on what some pople have said.

posted on Mon, 02/01/2010 - 5:34pm
blu brand e-cig vap-er's picture
blu brand e-cig vap-er says:

my testimonial is that i smoked for 13 yrs, stopped, cold turkey for 5 yrs. started to smoke for an additional 5 yrs. tried the gum which to no success i got. until i saw my boss smoking (or should i say "vaping") and he hipped me to the factuals. so i finally caved and purchase a starter kit from a guy on craigslist who had an extra "sealed, never opened" "blu" starter kit. a bit of getting used to like anything else. but man, after a few puffs less than the traditional cigarette, i swear, i went outside to light up and, i could only smoke the regular cigarette twice and put it out. i made 2 more attempts that cold sunday night (two days ago) and really didnt feel the need to "smoke". i was most surprised at the posts being recent here on this thread. i just bought mine two days ago! these "alternative's" are no-joke. like my fellow smokers, i too, said, "oh, what the heck?! i'll give it a try". and wow, catered to my craving... i so, relate to a lot of these people in this forum...

posted on Tue, 02/02/2010 - 8:46pm
Anonymous's picture
Anonymous says:

The only reason they are saying it's bad is because they're loosing their taxes dollars!!! So just drop it and leave it alone ... think about all of the cancer patience out there, oh wait you can't because your charging them out the &%#?! to. They say their trying to help the obesity people out there and now they are taxing soda cans .......

posted on Fri, 02/05/2010 - 12:04am
prfctlyunnrml's picture

I'm 24 and been smoking from 1 - 3 packs a day for about 4 years now. I tried gum, the patch, chantix, nothing worked so far until I got my e-cig. Granted the first day or two I vaped I ended up coughing up a bunch of brown stuff and mucus mixed from my lungs. Though I questioned my doctor who after a quick exam said I actually sound better than what I did and more than likely that's tar build up my body has been expelling due to the vapor. He is actually promoting the e-cig over analog cigs. So if my doctor is happy with it so am I! It has helped me cut down, and hopefully I can quit. Though if not I'd stick with the e-cig anyway. I mean I get my nicotine which studies have shown is just the same as caffeine stimulant wise. So I can deal with the vaping, I've been promoting it to the point a friend of mine who owns a local smoke shop is going to start carrying e-cigs and accessories!

posted on Tue, 02/23/2010 - 1:34am
Steveee's picture
Steveee says:

I have been smoking almost a pack of cigs a day for almost 10 years. I have been hand stuffing for the last 6 months ever since the fsc cigarettes moved here. I descided to get an e-cig about 2 weeks ago. I just got a basic 2 piece kit - seemed kindove expensive.

At first when I got the e-cig I didn't really know how to hit it right, but it handled my cravings. I have only smoked a few cigarettes (only because I only had 8 cartriages and no liquid, but that lasted me a day or 2 after a week). When I smoked the analog cigarettes I did not like them. I felt like I wasn't getting smoke, and I wasn't going to hit my cig like a joint. I take hits 3 times the size of a cigarete, taste lovly vanilla and blow out now a few times and im ok. I love it. The only drawback I see as far as an e-cig is the battery - you have to constantly charge the thing.

When I first started smoking the e-cig for the first 2 or 3 days my lungs hurt, like an inside hurt. It went away after about 3 days, I didn't stop smoking on the e-cig because I could just tell it wasn't as bad for my lungs (I was not caughing). I see some one says "propylene glycol kills like 99% of bacteria when inhaled, how is that not healthy for you." Maybe it was getting rid of all the junk in my lungs? I do not caugh up ANYTHING now. I first got my e-cig to look exactually like a real cigarette but I am no longer concerned with that, and will never go back to analogs, I got lots of liquid!

posted on Tue, 03/02/2010 - 6:25pm
Anonymous's picture
Anonymous says:

I am a smoker and I am also doing some research about e cigarettes because in the press they scare you with the theme, and I just want to make sure I am not getting anything worse than the regular cigarette chemicals in my lungs.

The only thing that worries me the most is the long term effects of inhaling propylene glycol. I need more info about that because nicotine is like caffeine or any bullshit created by the system. There is many people (90% of population) coffee addicted and nobody says a word. It is not a matter of nicotine, is a matter of propylene glycol.

posted on Sat, 03/20/2010 - 9:31pm
Anonymous's picture
Anonymous says:

Propylene glycol has been used in ashma medication since the 1950's and is considered safe by the FDA. They won't regulate e cig because the amount of nicotine inhaled is unknown.

posted on Sun, 05/02/2010 - 8:15pm
Anonymous's picture
Anonymous says:

You can also get varieties with Vegetable Glycerin instead of PG. I actually use a 50/50 mix of PG / VG.

posted on Tue, 06/22/2010 - 2:17pm
Anonymous's picture
Anonymous says:

It's not propylene glycol. The FDA findings say its diethylene glycol which is the stuff in those artificial smoke machines they have at high school dances and stuff. Unless you're huffing it like a fool then it's pretty much harmless.

posted on Fri, 08/20/2010 - 4:52pm
disch70's picture
disch70 says:

I smoked the last 15 years about 1 pack a day until i got my e-cigarette 10 days ago. I haven't smoke a cigarette since then!!! It took me a day to get used to it but now i don't want anything else. I ordered the kit from (outstanding customer service) for $35 and some oil for $9. It already paid off :-). I have no idea what the exact ingredients are (they say it's vegetable oil and nicotine) , but it can not be worse than a cigarette. The worst thing what can happen is, that you can get cancer from it. I think you see my point.
I also have now an oil with a little apple flavor (even when i smoked i didn't like the "taste" of the real cigarettes). YUMMI!!!
If you are a smoker you should try it! Even if you "only" can reduce the consumption it will pay it off.
I love it

posted on Mon, 04/19/2010 - 12:51pm
Anonymous's picture
Anonymous says:

I have been smoking for 25 years. I've done alot of reading on the e cigarette. The main ingredient is propylen glycol, people are weary of that because they don't know what it is. It is an ingredient an ashma inhalers that is not what they are worried about. What the FDA is worried about is the unregulated amount of nicotine be inhaled, wich still has some carconagenics in it but much lower than smoking a cigarette. They can't prove how much actual nicotine you are getting. That is the issue.

I have just ordered my e cigarette because it does not have 4000 chemicals going into your body it has 4 chemicals at much lower amounts than a cigarette. You can also buy lower nicotine liquid until you have o nicotine liquid. Then you have kicked the addition. Next step would be to get rid of the habit.

We are allready addicted to nicotine so what is the big deal buying a safer alternative similar to a cigarette with 3996 less chemicals and no tar, for a healthier lifestyle even if you don't stop. You are also not harming your loved ones who don't smoke.

FDA should look at that instead of the cons. We are already harming ourselfs with smoking so why not let us harm ourselfs less, and cost our medical systems less and let everyone be happy!

Thanx for reading. maybe FDA will read and give their head a shake.

posted on Sun, 05/02/2010 - 8:11pm
Anonymous's picture
Anonymous says:

After extensively researching the pros and cons of the e-cig, I think it's quite clear that the FDA won't approve this because the government would much rather have people smoking regular cigarettes so that they can collect the $8 plus per pack taxes that they keep raising. I've smoked for 21 years and started to think I would never quit. I started the e-cig on Sunday and haven't picked up an analog cig since. While I'm still not convinced that it's a "healthy" alternative, I am convinced that it's a "healthier" alternative.

posted on Thu, 07/01/2010 - 10:27am
SANDRA's picture
SANDRA says:

I agree with you. FDA is not approving the e-cigs because once they did, the government won’t have the tax benefit out of it, that’s quite unwise… sometimes I wonder that they have some kind a deals with the big tobacco giants, that not to give approval to e-cig companies.
At times a question comes in my mind that what if e-cigs are completely banned…!!! I’ll have to go back to conventional cigs… No way… I hardly left cigarettes and was quite pleased to have jasper and jasper electronic cigarettes.
The e-cigs should be approved and there shouldn’t be any restrictions as it’s the best alternative to smoking and such statements are passed by the qualified doctors.
It’s much healthier and wealthy in all aspects. I too am convinced that its much healthier alternative.

posted on Tue, 07/06/2010 - 9:02am
Young adult's picture
Young adult says:

Here's My two cents on it. As far as bring addicted, you can become mentally(yes I know nicotine is physically addicing but bear with me.) addicted to almost anything. Food, exercise, video games, anything you do frequently in your life. This addiction doesn't necessisarily ruin your life like people think when they hear the word addiction, especially when you have the ability to satify your craving anywhere at your convenience, and at the same time not damage the health of others. As far as using substances, such as nicotine or caffine, people use them every day! Caffine in your drinks, advil for your pain, or even sugar for your energy. Every day you consume something that affects your body somehow. I don't see why people have to judge others who use nicotine to relax or relieve stress. I mean isn't it their body? Why does it make them some how a worse person?

Also people talk about how it has some cancercausing agents in it. Yes it does, but so does sunlight and almost all electronics, such as cell phones and tvs, release some form of radiation which can also lead to mutations in DNA. Yet we don't see many movements towards living in a cave and never seeing the sun. As far as the FDA report goes their major complains were addiction to nicotine and that these would actually increase users of nicotine products, but don't we have that right to decide what we put in our body? Or are they going to start regulating our caloric intake as well? I don't need someone thousands of miles away from me telling me what I can and cannot do to my body. Just because they don't see the appeal in it doesn't mean they need to force their opinion onto the entire population. Especially if they aren't elected to the position. If it's a victimless crime one chooses with their own free will, who are they to tell them they can't? I don't need big brother to be my mom and dad, or treat me like I'm a child. If our own government doesn't trust us to make decisions in our lives that affect us, doesn't that make their elections un legitimate? But that's just my opinion. you don't have to agree, but Respect my right to have it, and I'll respect yours

posted on Wed, 05/05/2010 - 11:33pm
Anonymous's picture
Anonymous says:

The e-cig is absolutely the best thing that has come into my life in many, many years! A 40+ year, 1-2 pack a day smoker who has tried everything under the sun to quit and stay quit, I can't say enough good things about the e-cig!! Most everyone here has already said most of it anyway. I just wanted to add my 2 cents worth! What a relief that I'm no longer a "smoker".

posted on Tue, 06/08/2010 - 12:41pm
Anonymous's picture
Anonymous says:

I have been using my e-cig for a week now, and I have to say that I actually prefer the e-cig over regular cigs. I can't see any reason why anyone who wants to quit wouldn't try it. My husband and I were spending about $60 per week on regular cigarettes. Now that we are using e-cigs, we will only be spending about $25 per month! We bought a starter set that came with 2 batteries, two chargers, two atomizers, and refill cartridges. We order the liquid through cig-not for $9 a vile. That vile will last month! The only thing we will have to purchase from now on is the lquid. We just keep reusing the cartridges. As far as the FDA goes, they should be ashamed. The tobacco company pays them. Sure the tobacco company doesn't want you to use e-cigs. If the FDA allows the tobacco companies to produce harmfull cigarettes filled with chemicals that kill people, I can't see why they wouldn't endorse this safe alternative. We are Americans, yet we don't have the right to decide what is good or bad for us, and that's a crock of crap! The FDA needs to keep their nose out of this and keep regulating fast food. 8o[

posted on Wed, 06/09/2010 - 9:14pm
Anonymous's picture
Anonymous says:

you mean "vial" not "vile"
vile means evil or monstrous.

posted on Sat, 10/09/2010 - 6:39pm
eCigpk's picture
eCigpk says:

Simply amazing. It far exceeds all of my expectations. It is the most pleasurable smoking experience I have ever had. By switching to eCigs, the only things I’m giving up are the things that made me want to quit in the first place. No more standing outside in the freezing cold, no more holes burnt into my clothing, no more stinky ashtrays or bothersome butts. Wow, I think I’m in love.

posted on Fri, 06/11/2010 - 8:05am
Amelia's picture
Amelia says:

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posted on Sat, 06/12/2010 - 12:29pm
Ralph's picture
Ralph says:

I am 61 years old, have smoked cigarettes for over 45 years, have failed heart stress test over a year ago and have been having serious problems with my heart.

2 months ago I started 'vaping' an e-cig, have not had a real cigarette since and do not miss them at all, tried a puff the other day and it left a foul taste in my mouth.

Last stress test was much better, heart did not labour as before, my wind is getting much better, coughing is almost eliminated, food tastes so much better now.

E-cigs are extending my life, I prayed to at least see grandchildren graduate, well now I think I'll see and hold great grand children!!!

I encourage all smokers to try e-cigs with the refillable atomizers and at least ( to start ) a high nicotine content, you can lessen this as you get used to the system. I love the 'flue cured' tobacco flavor, so satisfying.

Go brave, try something new which is actually better for you. E-cigs are best invention since sliced bread. :)

posted on Thu, 07/08/2010 - 11:00am
regg's picture
regg says:

I've heard people that actually quit smoking with the help of e-cigarettes. As far as I am concerned as long as these cigarettes have more health benefits then I am not against that. I do have a smoking addiction to cope with though and now I am even more convinced that my last hope is at one of the best drug rehabilitation centers I can find, e-cigarette won't cut it for a heavy smoker like me...

posted on Thu, 07/08/2010 - 4:40pm
EK's picture
EK says:

Trust me when I say that ANYONE can quit smoking using the e-cigarette. My mother smoked a pack a day for almost 40 years and hasn't smoked for months since buying the e-cig. I smoked 2-3 packs per day for over 10 years and have been smoke free for a week using the e-cig. The craziest thing is, it has been SO EASY not to smoke! I've tried quitting before and just couldn't do it, so if the e-cig worked for me, I'm convinced that it can work for you.

posted on Wed, 01/05/2011 - 6:06pm
MALACOO's picture

SMOKING IS BAD 4 YOU I HAVE HERD OF PEOPLE STOPING 4 A BAD HEART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

posted on Fri, 07/09/2010 - 12:21pm
Susan's picture
Susan says:

Yes Sandra I also use jasper and jasper e-cig
I have been a smoker for 20 years. I tried a lot to quit smoking but I couldn’t. cigarettes are so addicting the none of the gums and patches could work out for me. then one day my friend introduced me to jasper and jasper e-cigarettes. I used it and found e-cigs very well. Since then I am smoke free. No paper cigarettes (tobacco and tar) any more (Yaaaaaaaaay  )
After quitting I can smell and taste in a much better way. My cloths are smell free. I can now smoke with pride. Thanks to all who invented e-cigs especially jasper and jasper e-cig.

posted on Tue, 07/13/2010 - 4:18am
Paul's picture
Paul says:

I have smoked for 25 years and got an e cig a week ago after i yet again failed to stay given up. is far better than i expected. Not only haven't i smoked a real cig since then, i don't even want to!! I think this could be used as a really effective way of giving up altogether. The fact that I can pick it up, take one or two puffs, when I need it and then put it down means i am 'smoking' far less without noticing

posted on Fri, 08/06/2010 - 9:10pm
Anonymous's picture
Anonymous says:

Don't start e-cigs if u don't smoke...if you do smoke, make the switch.

They're the lesser of the evils.

Hopefully the tobacco companies and government don't join forces and find a way to ban them.

I currently smoke and am tapering down to none. Until I reach my goal, e-smokes have replaced my normal cigs...and I can breath again

(I did a 6mile hike in the mountains this morning easily!)

The end is in sight, and I'm not even cranky.

posted on Sun, 08/15/2010 - 5:37pm
Anonymous's picture
Anonymous says:

Just bought e-cig on sat and have not picked up a real one since. After 25 years of smoking, this is a great way of eventually kicking the habbit (not the bucket).

posted on Sun, 08/22/2010 - 9:28pm
Tammy's picture
Tammy says:

Smoke for 30 years. Smoke the ecig 6 days ago and have not had a cigerette yet. Love it. Tammy

posted on Sat, 09/11/2010 - 9:24pm
Liza's picture
Liza says:

Last week, the FDA issued warning letters to five makers of e-cigarettes. The FDA considers them drugs, and e-cigarettes haven't been proven safe or effective for their intended use. Also, manufacturing standards may not be up to par.

posted on Mon, 09/13/2010 - 10:49am
Anonymous's picture
Anonymous says:

I think some are missing the point:
FDA WILL consider it a drug as nicotine IS a drug.
For those that hold SO much regard for the FDA remember that they are the same people who sign off on many drugs that are later recalled 5-8 years down the road as they end up doing a ton of harm. Watch where you place your faith is my only advise.
Now lets break this down for anyone else:
tobacco cig:
-cause cancer
-increase chance of heart attack
-emphazima (excuse my poor spelling please)
-tar build up
-harmful to those around (second hand)
-causes many fires
-harmful to enviornment
-placing this one here as I'm sure i'm missing some things

-addictive based on if nicotine IS infact in it (you can get them without)
-IF with nicotine, THEN increase chance of heart attack
-half the price of tobacco products

This proves why smokers are making a switch and why doctors are advising that IF you are a smoker then MAKE the switch or use it as a tool to quit for good.
Doctors are NOT advising you use these products IF you do not smoke. It IS a healthier choice not only for the smoker but for all those people around them. To deny this is to deny known facts. Key word is "known."

When analyzing this product you should start with the chemicals used to create it and research each individual one and their effects on humans. From there it is pretty clear that the only harmful substance in them is the nicotine.
for all the supporters, keep going. You ARE making a difference on not only your life but those around you that you once before subjected to second hand smoke. Until they are PROVEN to be worse then tobacco cigs, keep on vaping!!

posted on Mon, 01/03/2011 - 4:45pm
Heather's picture
Heather says:

I recently purchased a Jasper and Jasper e-cig and it lasted about 20 mins. I also got a mouth full of a nasty tasty fluid which burned my tongue. I tried calling them, emailing them. The product was faulty and I feel upset about being stung for a lot of money. But worse was that it has been nearly 3 weeks and not a single response back from them. I now have gone back to smoking the real thing. :(

posted on Tue, 09/14/2010 - 10:33am
Jay From california's picture
Jay From california says:

I recently decided to give "e cigs a try.

I just got my joye 510 a week ago

after smoking 1 1/2 packs of camel filters a day, for the last 10 years, I thought nothing would work to help me quit smoking.

I gave the "e cig" a test run, and havn't stopped smoking it since.

These things are the best thing on the market to stop smoking. ( I have tried many times to quit smoking before)

I have not had a real cigarette since I got my "e cig" (over a week ago, thats 10 packs of cigarettes that I havn't smoked)

these things are amazing!

better than any nicotine patch or gum, you could ever buy.

This is the only thing that has worked for me! (and for 1000's of others)

even if they did contain some carcinogens (of which there are few if any "real" scientific tests out there, that conclude that they do)

"E-cigs" are definately a better alternative to (as mentioned before) the 4000+ chemicals that are in real cigarettes!

This is the only thing that has helped me forget about real cigarettes! (I never want to smoke a real cigarette again, they tasted horrible after the first day of smoking my "e-cig")

posted on Fri, 09/17/2010 - 3:16am
Anonymous's picture
Anonymous says:

I have smoked for 50 years!!! I started vaping 4 months ago and haven't had a cigarette since! I'm using an American made e-liquid and their cartridges. FDA keeps checking the foreign made e-cigs. They'll keep checking until they can get some sort of control and find a way to get more taxes for them!!!
If they take the e-cigs away I know I will go back to smoking and I have been on 0 nicotine for 2 months but the habit is harder to let go then the addiction!

posted on Sat, 09/18/2010 - 1:09am
Adam's picture
Adam says:

I just have to add my testimonial here. My wife ordered a Blu starter kit and I thought she'd just been scammed. We've both smoked for over 15 years, about half a pack for her, at least a pack for me. I've smoked around 110,000 cigarettes in my life. I'm not even 30 yet.

When I tried her Blu out, I ordered my own e cig that day, a Magma 510 from Volcano. Since it got here, I haven't smoked a cigarette, even when out drinking with friends, during which I'd usually smoke a pack in a matter of hours.

I feel so much better already (about two weeks); I'm hacking up all the same crap that I did the one time I managed to quit (for 29 days), so I know that I'm better off. I wouldn't smoke a cigarette right now for anything. Vaping is so much more pleasurable and it doesn't make me feel like I'm dying. I have no desire to smoke a traditional cigarette ever again and I pity everyone who's still doing it. I feel like a coal miner who just got a job at a showroom for air purifiers. These things have changed and potentially lengthened my life.

Do I plan to quit vaping eventually? I'm not sure - I loved smoking quite a bit and I like this even more, but...I do know that if I wanted to, the next time I buy liquid, I could move down a strength or two...eventually all the way down to 0mg liquid. At that point, all I'm dealing with is a habit, not an addiction, and a habit is way easier to drop than a chemical dependance.

All of the ingredients in e cigs are generally considered safe...we're talking water, PG, which is so commonly used it's incredible, VG which is just a natural plant substance, and alcohol-based flavorings like you'd find in any packaged food in a grocery store. Even nicotine really isn't bad for you if you're otherwise healthy, aside from being addictive. It's not really dissimilar to caffeine in any meaningful way when used in appropriate dosages.

What the FDA's doing, on one level, I understand - I agree that there needs to be quality control, warning labels, and some degree of childproofing, but I feel that they're being overly hostile about it. It's hard not to feel like there's a conspiracy here between the FDA, Big Tobacco, and Big Pharma. The report they released last year is so completely misleading. Just scroll up a few comments, read what 'Ralph' said, and tell me these things are bad. Seriously.

posted on Sun, 09/19/2010 - 2:07pm
KS's picture
KS says:

Unfortunately, I started smoking in high school to get a boyfriend mad after a bad breakup. It was the dumbest, most juvenile decision I've ever made in my life and I still regret it to this day. I was never a heavy smoker, except when drinking. But no matter how little I smoked I could never completely kick the habit. I ALWAYS had to have at least one a day. At 20, it really hit me how much I despise smoking. I never enjoyed it, I just couldn't quit. I tried and tried and tried. I even went a few weeks at one point, then I slipped up once and fell right back into it. I decided I would try anything to quit. Gums, patches, medication. None of it worked. Then one day I heard about e-cigarettes. I figured if I couldn't quit, I'd at least like to cut out all the terrible crap in cigarettes. I wanted my throat to stop hurting all the time, I wanted my chest to stop burning, and I wanted to be able to breathe while exercising with no problems. So, I figured I had nothing to lose and tried them out.

I started off with 20 MG of nicotene, I keep dropping the MGs and now I am at 8. I plan on staying here for a while before moving onto 0 nicotene.

I haven't had a tobacco cigarette in a year. I play soccer every night and can play for hours with nothing stopping me, such as being breathless. I can go for runs. And I can sing again! Which is an amazing feeling. I wasn't able to do these things when I smoked tobacco. I feel fantastic!

Anyone can tell it's not a smoking cessation device, nor should anyone take up smoking e- cigarettes if they aren't currently a smoker. But, from personal experience it really is a healthier alternative.

All in all, I'm absolutely for e-cigs. I think they're wonderful.

posted on Mon, 10/11/2010 - 9:35pm
Anonymous's picture
Anonymous says:

I have one, its good for a quick fix, if i run out of regular cigs, or if im at a place where i cant smoke normally, but its not as satisfying, when i smoke the e-cig i find that my nicotine consumption goes off the chart cuz i cant tell when i smoked the amount of a regular cig causing me to smoke it for like 30 mins while im not paying attention and im normally a 1-2 cigs every 2-3 hours kinda guy. Furthermore it doesn't taste as good nor does it provide that warm feeling of the smoke going down my throat and into my lungs, but it is a better alternative health wise i have noticed my coughing go down quite a bit after 2 weeks of only the e-cig. oh and when the batter runs out and i need a quick fix it only seems to hasten me to buy a pack.

posted on Thu, 10/14/2010 - 10:36pm
msbatty's picture
msbatty says:

I have smoked since I was 17 years old (so almost 22 years), actually probably longer if I count the times I would sneak cigs from my mom and hide outside. A lady that my husband works with bought several starter kits from a few months ago for her friends. She gave me one and it sat in my kitchen on what my family calls "the catch all" for at least a month or more. Now, I am a person like several of you who actually like to smoke. I don't like the coughing, etc. But I like everything else about it. I had been thinking about quitting for some time now as my chest, lungs and throat hurt. Not to mention I KNOW I STINK from it. But about 2 weeks ago I caught a cold and felt bad. So just out of curiosity I tried the e cig that next morning when I got up instead of an analog. It DID NOT hurt my throat. I couldn't believe it! I never thought I would quit. But here I am, I have never EVER went this long without a cig. I am so thrilled, I wish I would have tried it sooner. As some of you have said, I just take a puff every once in a while and I am good. I no longer feel like cigs run my life. I am feeling so much better and am getting so much more done during the day. I can't say enough about these. The way I look at it is, if you are like me and don't have the "will power" to quit then you would have stayed smoking anyway, so this e cig can not be worse than what the regular cigs were doing to us.

posted on Fri, 10/22/2010 - 1:09pm
Anonymous's picture
Anonymous says:

I just tryed my first e-cigarrete and my throught hurts, my chest hurts and I feel light headed, is this going away.. now how much can you smoke of this I guess with the other ones it was more like how much time you have to hide from the kids or go out to a brake but this is unlimited.. any idea ?

posted on Tue, 10/26/2010 - 10:14pm
MB's picture
MB says:

Worked for me. After 20 years of smoking haven't touched a cigarette for over six months and have no desire for one. Never went back after my first e-cig. No more cravings and down to 6 mg nicotine. Recommended to friends who were heavy smokers and happy to say not one has returned to regular cigarettes. No more standing outside, smelly clothes and hair and $$$$.

posted on Fri, 12/17/2010 - 8:23pm
lindsay's picture
lindsay says:

I have been smoking an e cig for a week. I have not had a regular cig since. I love it I love it I love it. I feel like an e cig salesperson. I want to tell everyone how great it is and how wonderful I feel.

posted on Tue, 12/21/2010 - 10:53pm
Anonymous's picture
Anonymous says:

If it walks like a duck, quack like a duck and looks like a duck, it's a duck

posted on Mon, 01/31/2011 - 5:53pm
elle_'s picture
elle_ says:

I started smoking 5 years ago socially, then slowly but surely found myself lighting up first thing in the morning. I worked my way up to smoking a pack a week. It was a disgusting habit I tried to kick with the patch, lozenges, and gum... to no avail as I would find myself smoking again due to the addiction!

It was only after getting my e-cig (as a gift) did I really find myself not buying another pack of smokes. It is not marketed as a device to curtail smoking cessations, but for myself the e-cig helped! Any time I feel a craving I can take a puff from my e-cig and my cessation to smoke is immediately eased. I started with 12 mg cartridges and now down to 6 mg.

posted on Wed, 02/02/2011 - 9:59pm
Anonymous's picture
Anonymous says:

My neighbors quit smoking with the "Yeti" brand of the E-Cigarette. They love it. They convinced my boyfriend and myself to try it. We have been going strong for quite a while! We haven't smoked since last August. I do feel my health is better. Also, it's so much cheaper! A lot of people around me smoke still. Even when they smoke in the car with me, it doesn't bug me. I just suck on my Yeti and I don't really care what they're doing. I can smell everything now! I can smell smokers across the counter at work. It's disgusting. And once you stop smoking actual cigarettes, if you try one a week or so later.. It tastes like CRAP. You think, how did I ever smoke that? It kills your taste buds. I love my e-cig. Most amazing thing that has happened to me.

posted on Mon, 02/07/2011 - 1:58am