A couple of months ago, I switched from cigarettes to "e-cigarettes." Actually, I did not completely switch as I still smoke 1-3 cigs a day, but I cut down my smoking by 75% and I can easily see getting rid of the cig habit altogether.
For those who don't know, the e-cig is a device that heats a flavored nicotine solution into a mist which is then inhaled into the lungs. The advantages are better taste, no bad smell, you can use them many places smoking is prohibited, and---most importantly---they have none of the carcinogens or carbon monoxide contained in tobacco smoke.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiqfGVmBD6U&feature=related
They've been (rather ridiculously) banned in a few countries, most notably Canada and Australia. Actually, Canada has the most idiotic e-cig policy it would be possible to invent: you can use them all you want, but only if they have no nicotine. That policy lets in all of e-cigs potential harms but handicaps their only benefit---getting people to quit smoking.
They're perfectly legal in the US and the EU right now, although regulations are coming in a few years. Once the regulations are in place and companies know what they're dealing with, Big Tobacco will start selling these. I could see them capturing up to 5% of the smoking market in a few years, which would be huge. Right now, most equipment comes from China (where the devices were invented).
It can't be said with 100% certainty that they are safer than cigarettes, since they've only been widely used for three years and there have been no long term health studies. However, theoretically they are far safer than cigarette smoking and I have no personal worries about health issues. I'm breathing much better than I have since I was a teenager and I've noticed increased energy.
I can't actually recommend anyone using them. I'm perfectly willing to make myself a guinea pig, but other people may not be. I would, however, support any smoker who wanted to make the switch.
There's been a bit of uproar within our department about the use of these. Some people complained about not being able to use them at their desks (whilst working) in offices that are closed to the public, whilst regular smokers are allowed to take many breaks throughout the day. I kind of agree in a way because it doesn't seem fair that we have all these healthy living schemes pushed on us work, the department making out they care about staff well-being and then not supporting those who are trying to overcome their addiction. It's quite annoying when you bust your balls all day, whilst your colleagues are getting 5-6 breaks in a day to slowly kill themselves...
Hope you can kick your habit Rev. :thumbup:
I'll have to give those a try. A smoker can actually "smoke" one of these things and it's satisfying, and doesn't just make you want to light up a real cigarette afterwards?
Thanks for the heads-up Rev :thumbup:
Edit: Ordered a starter kit from Green Smoke E-Cigarettes. So...we'll see how it goes :teddyr:
I'm intrigued. I give these a look!
Thanks, Rev!
Quote from: Jack on August 14, 2011, 12:40:35 PM
I'll have to give those a try. A smoker can actually "smoke" one of these things and it's satisfying, and doesn't just make you want to light up a real cigarette afterwards?
Thanks for the heads-up Rev :thumbup:
Edit: Ordered a starter kit from Green Smoke E-Cigarettes. So...we'll see how it goes :teddyr:
Jack: I didn't think anyone would go out and immediately buy one based on this thread or I would have recommended a model. That Green Smoke may be a decent unit, I don't know, but it looks way overpriced. I got my Riva starter kit from a place called Liberty Flights for about $30 (plus liquid sold separately).
The other one I've heard good things about is the Volt from Smokeless Image. Their basic starter kit is $45. The Volt looks like a cigarette and has pre-filled cartridges, the Riva looks more like a magic marker (I get teased about its looks sometimes). I buy the juice separately and fill it myself to save money.
All good wishes to Jack and The Rev: quitting smoking is not easy. I gave up cold turkey in 2009 after almost twenty years ~ the Lord only knows what damage that did to my lungs.
Thanks for the info Rev. I just looked up a review site and the Green Smoke one seemed to score well - they say it gives you a larger volume of smoke er...vapor than some other brands. Who knows if those reviews were even current though :smile: I figured that compared to the price of cig's, and considering the health advantages, the price wasn't a big deal.
According to the manufacturer, the refills will come out to be quite a bit cheaper than cigarettes, so it'll pay for itself before too long. Of course I have no idea if the manufacturer's claim of one refill equaling 1 1/2 packs of cigarettes is realistic or not. Maybe more like half a pack.
Ah whatever, I figured it was worth checking out. If I can smoke something that's a reasonable facsimile of a cigarette without the carcinogens and carbon monoxide, it'll be worth it. And I can always try other brands in the future.
Jack: I have seen Green Smoke get good reviews. They're just a bit pricey. And they have one other disadvantage in that their equipment is hard to find replacement parts for unless you buy directly from them. If you don't like one of their 6 flavors you'll have trouble finding something from another company you can use. Nonetheless, you could have done a lot worse. There are some real ripoff outfits out there. Hope you like it as much as I do!
A woman in my office who has been trying to quit smoking for about 5 years tried the e-cig. I think she used it for a day or two and I never saw it again. She has also tried nicotine patches and they haven't worked either. She even had an appointment to see a hypnotist a few months ago but she canceled it because it was too expensive. Amazing how some people can quit easily and other struggle with it. Both of my parents and my sister quit cold turkey. No patches or nicotine gum or anything. I feel bad for my co-worker because nothing has worked for her so far (although, she did quit for about 8 months, then she started again).
Rev - yeah, they've only got two tobacco flavors, Absolute and Red Label. For some reason I can't quite fathom, they've got FOUR other flavors like chocolate, vanilla and mocha. Oh well, I ordered some of each of the tobacco flavors. If I like e-cigs but don't care for their particular flavors or if it ends up costing more than I thought it would, I can always try different brands.
I'm looking forward to playing with my new toy :teddyr: At the very least I think it should be an adequate substitute for smokes at least some of the time. And if it turns out to meet my expectations, maybe I can switch over completely.
Quote from: Jack on August 15, 2011, 11:46:43 AM
Rev - yeah, they've only got two tobacco flavors, Absolute and Red Label. For some reason I can't quite fathom, they've got FOUR other flavors like chocolate, vanilla and mocha. Oh well, I ordered some of each of the tobacco flavors. If I like e-cigs but don't care for their particular flavors or if it ends up costing more than I thought it would, I can always try different brands.
I'm looking forward to playing with my new toy :teddyr: At the very least I think it should be an adequate substitute for smokes at least some of the time. And if it turns out to meet my expectations, maybe I can switch over completely.
I believe you can find adapters/blanks that will fit Green Smoke, you'll just have to look around.
Don't expect "cigarette" flavor to taste like cigarettes. They should taste much better. :smile: Personally the best flavors I've tried are Peach and a menthol/tobacco blend.
Quote from: Rev. Powell on August 14, 2011, 10:00:35 AM
They've been (rather ridiculously) banned in a few countries, most notably Canada and Australia. Actually, Canada has the most idiotic e-cig policy it would be possible to invent: you can use them all you want, but only if they have no nicotine. That policy lets in all of e-cigs potential harms but handicaps their only benefit---getting people to quit smoking.
Canada's food and drug policies tend to be idiotic on a lot of things.
Quote from: AndyC on August 15, 2011, 02:49:18 PM
Quote from: Rev. Powell on August 14, 2011, 10:00:35 AM
They've been (rather ridiculously) banned in a few countries, most notably Canada and Australia. Actually, Canada has the most idiotic e-cig policy it would be possible to invent: you can use them all you want, but only if they have no nicotine. That policy lets in all of e-cigs potential harms but handicaps their only benefit---getting people to quit smoking.
Canada's food and drug policies tend to be idiotic on a lot of things.
In this case, at least, I think it comes from trying to fit a novel new invention into a bureaucratic regulatory scheme that wasn't designed to deal with it. Here in the US, the Food & Drug Administration tried desperately to effectively ban them, but in an unexpected bout of rationality the courts shot them down. The legal reasoning was complex but it can be boiled down to: cigarettes are known to be deadly but they're perfectly legal, so you can't regulate something that uses ingredients that you already approved and is intended as a cigarette substitute more harshly than you do the real thing.
Quote from: Rev. Powell on August 15, 2011, 03:19:41 PM
Quote from: AndyC on August 15, 2011, 02:49:18 PM
Quote from: Rev. Powell on August 14, 2011, 10:00:35 AM
They've been (rather ridiculously) banned in a few countries, most notably Canada and Australia. Actually, Canada has the most idiotic e-cig policy it would be possible to invent: you can use them all you want, but only if they have no nicotine. That policy lets in all of e-cigs potential harms but handicaps their only benefit---getting people to quit smoking.
Canada's food and drug policies tend to be idiotic on a lot of things.
In this case, at least, I think it comes from trying to fit a novel new invention into a bureaucratic regulatory scheme that wasn't designed to deal with it. Here in the US, the Food & Drug Administration tried desperately to effectively ban them, but in an unexpected bout of rationality the courts shot them down. The legal reasoning was complex but it can be boiled down to: cigarettes are known to be deadly but they're perfectly legal, so you can't regulate something that uses ingredients that you already approved and is intended as a cigarette substitute more harshly than you do the real thing.
The way our system works, take the active ingredient out of a natural product you can already buy, and they treat it like something entirely new. And tobacco is such a heavily taxed product here, there might be just a little conflict of interest, at least until the details of taxing e-cigarettes are completely hammered out.
And there is a very strong anti-smoking sentiment in all levels of government here, to a degree that might cause some to resist a cleaner, safer alternative as some kind of a cheat. The eradication of smoking has become such an important goal, the reasons for it become secondary. Take away the stink, the mess and the lung cancer, and you're left with nicotine, which is considered safe enough to be available without a prescription. I think there is a mentality that the war on smoking can't be won by disarming the enemy.
I'm saying this as someone who is not a smoker, has never really smoked except on rare occasions in my youth, and generally thinks smoking is a filthy habit. But I'm also a reasonable person, and if you can give people all the things they want out of smoking - the flavour, the nicotine and the comfort of something in their mouths - in a way that doesn't require them to inhale smoldering leaves, I think that might just be a win-win situation. At the very least, it's a step forward. Deal with the issue of addiction and abuse as you would with all of the other substances people can abuse. At the very least, you have something that probably won't kill you, and doesn't stink up the room for everyone else.
A friend of mine started using those. I know he quit smoking regular cigarettes pretty easily with them, although I don't know if it stuck.
Probably the least objectionable way to get nicotine into your system. Leagues better than cigarettes, at least. The next step would be to water down the amount of nicotine in each puff. A great way to physiologically lessen the impact of cutting off the nicotine. Let us know if it helps with the behavioral aspects of smoking.
Whatever you do, don't end up taking the route my father took to quit smoking. Smoker for thirty years, then he had a mild heart attack. Quit smoking after that. Effective in his case, thank goodness.
Quitting is easy. I've done it a hundred times.
But seriously. I smoked for about 20 years before I finally quit. I tried quitting several times, but one day, about 4 1/2 years ago, I just quit cold turkey and haven't haven't touched a cigarette since. I was planning on starting a family and wanted to be well over smoke before my first child arrived. I don't know if that was the X factor that made it work, or if I was just truly ready to stop for the first time. Whatever the case, I think the vast majority of people are unable to quit smoking unless they are truly ready. No tricks will work unless that true readiness factor is there. That's what I believe, but what do I know. I think that if you are ready to quit, the e-cigs will help.
Got my e-cigs yesterday; I'm kind of amazed at how close to real cigarettes they are. They taste just slightly sweeter, but other than that you'd barely know you weren't smoking a regular cigarette. Probably the weirdest thing is that when you have a cigarette, you light it up, smoke it, and when it's gone you're done. No such thing with these - you could sit there and smoke it for an hour if you wanted. I've begun looking at the clock and saying I'll smoke for 6 minutes :teddyr:
I can VERY easily see cutting back on my smoking by a good 90%, if not 100% over time. They just take a bit of getting used to.
Thanks for the tip Rev! :thumbup:
Quote from: Jack on August 20, 2011, 08:30:31 AM
Got my e-cigs yesterday; I'm kind of amazed at how close to real cigarettes they are. They taste just slightly sweeter, but other than that you'd barely know you weren't smoking a regular cigarette. Probably the weirdest thing is that when you have a cigarette, you light it up, smoke it, and when it's gone you're done. No such thing with these - you could sit there and smoke it for an hour if you wanted. I've begun looking at the clock and saying I'll smoke for 6 minutes :teddyr:
I can VERY easily see cutting back on my smoking by a good 90%, if not 100% over time. They just take a bit of getting used to.
Thanks for the tip Rev! :thumbup:
I'm glad you like them. I was a little nervous because I have no experience with the brand you chose and I've heard of people being disappointed with rip-off vendors. The industry is still new and unregulated (though that's about to change).
One tip: drink more water than you used to. E-cigs can dehydrate you.
Quote from: Rev. Powell on August 20, 2011, 12:37:17 PM
One tip: drink more water than you used to. E-cigs can dehydrate you.
I'm going with Inglenook Crisp White at the moment, and it seems to be working well :thumbup:
QuoteQuitting is easy. I've done it a hundred times.
Nice Mark Twain quote. I've also used it. :smile:
I've been smoking Blackstone cigarillos for years and I need to quit. So, I'm thinking about buying this e-cigar setup. It got fairly good reviews.
(http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/7971/img3727ecigar.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/21/img3727ecigar.jpg/)
A regular e-cig won't do because I haven't had a cigarette in over 10 years. This ought to do the trick nicely.
Quote from: Ash on August 21, 2011, 05:35:44 PM
QuoteQuitting is easy. I've done it a hundred times.
Nice Mark Twain quote. I've also used it. :smile:
I've been smoking Blackstone cigarillos for years and I need to quit. So, I'm thinking about buying this e-cigar setup. It got fairly good reviews.
(http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/7971/img3727ecigar.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/21/img3727ecigar.jpg/)
A regular e-cig won't do because I haven't had a cigarette in over 10 years. This ought to do the trick nicely.
I still recommend the Riva. It's not trying to imitate the look of a cigar or cigarette.
(http://images1.liberty-flights.co.uk/upload/products/large/1/78.jpg)
One of the most important things, I think, is to find a model that you can get parts from anywhere. The Riva uses 510 threading, which means it can use any parts that fit a 510 model. I don't like the places that have proprietary parts so you have to order your replacements and refills from them and them alone.
Actually I think it would be easier to transition from cigars to e-cigs, since you're not used to inhaling. As a cigar smoker you'll need lots of vapor to satisfy you. That's a function both of the hardware and the e-liquid you choose.
Been using the e-cigs for a couple weeks now. I'd say it's reduced my real cigarette smoking by a good 50% - would have been more like 75% or more if I hadn't run out of the refills for a few days. Free shipping from Green Smoke is sloooooowwwww.
I like the taste a lot better than real cig's, especially since I got the Red Label Strong flavor. They're so convenient too - just stick one in your pocket, no lighting, no ashtray, no putting it out. The only real "shortcoming" is all in my mind I think. It's a slightly different experience than a regular cigarette, though once I get more and more used to them I think that may pass. One thing I do miss: when you have a real cigarette, you light it up, smoke it, put it out, and then my little break is over with. You don't get that with an e-cig, you could smoke it all afternoon if you wanted. :teddyr:
I'm also really impressed by how long the refill cartridges last. I though I'd be going through two a day, but one seems to last about 1 1/2 days.
Glad you like them Jack. With dozens of different models and the technology still changing weekly, everyone's experience is different. For me, I only had one cigarette yesterday. I can't seem to give up that first one of the morning with my cup of coffee, but if I only smoked one a day I would be happy.
The bad news is taxes are coming on them soon... there's a bill proposing taxing them at the same rate as cigarettes. We'll see what happens to that particular bill, but regardless sin taxes are coming in some form or the other.
Quote from: Rev. Powell on September 05, 2011, 11:01:18 AM
The bad news is taxes are coming on them soon... there's a bill proposing taxing them at the same rate as cigarettes. We'll see what happens to that particular bill, but regardless sin taxes are coming in some form or the other.
That's because the government wants to appear as though they genuinely do care about the nation's health (like over here) by green-lighting these e-cigs, but they really want you to keep smoking (tobacco industry makes billions) so e-cigs will probably end up costing more than normal cigarettes eventually. I find it to be the same ploy in regards to food. There's government initiatives spending lots of (taxpayers) money to promote healthy eating in the country, but the healthy food is much more expensive than the high fat/sugar stuff. If they really cared they would up the prices on unhealthy products (people would still buy it though, as they are addictive) and lower prices on healthy foods.
Quote from: Rev. Powell on September 05, 2011, 11:01:18 AM
Glad you like them Jack. With dozens of different models and the technology still changing weekly, everyone's experience is different. For me, I only had one cigarette yesterday. I can't seem to give up that first one of the morning with my cup of coffee, but if I only smoked one a day I would be happy.
Yeah I always need a couple real ones in the morning - that's just too darned early to be severing ties with my old friend :teddyr: I'd like to get to about 5 a day and then maybe whittle it down a bit from there. I really like them when drinking beer; the sweet taste makes a nice contrast to the hops.
We sell those things where I work, and I have never sold them to the same person twice.
Also, folks are always asking me if they work and, since I don't smoke, I merely tell them we
sell a lot of them. Do they work ?
Quote from: EstherBlodgett on September 08, 2011, 12:52:15 PM
We sell those things where I work, and I have never sold them to the same person twice.
Also, folks are always asking me if they work and, since I don't smoke, I merely tell them we
sell a lot of them. Do they work ?
The ones you sell don't work. :wink:
I bought one of those kits they sell at the store in an emergency and it was awful. This is the only product I know of where the ones that are sold in retail outlets are the lowest quality items available. All of the decent models, and there are many different ones, have to be ordered off the Internet.
Just an update--I've finally whittled myself down to just one "real" cigarette a day. Haven't gotten rid of the morning one with coffee yet. However, when this pack runs out I'm going to try 0 cigs/day.
I really think this is an amazing invention. I wish it had been around decades ago when I first started smoking.
Quote from: Rev. Powell on February 23, 2012, 12:26:02 PM
Just an update--I've finally whittled myself down to just one "real" cigarette a day. Haven't gotten rid of the morning one with coffee yet. However, when this pack runs out I'm going to try 0 cigs/day.
good luck :thumbup:
I quit cold turkey in 2006 and it was one of the hardest things I ever did
All the luck in the world....as a former smoker I readily encourage those who wish to quit. :wink:
Quote from: Rev. Powell on September 08, 2011, 01:02:59 PM
Quote from: EstherBlodgett on September 08, 2011, 12:52:15 PM
We sell those things where I work, and I have never sold them to the same person twice.
Also, folks are always asking me if they work and, since I don't smoke, I merely tell them we
sell a lot of them. Do they work ?
The ones you sell don't work. :wink:
:bouncegiggle: :bouncegiggle:
Quote from: Rev. Powell on February 23, 2012, 12:26:02 PM
Just an update--I've finally whittled myself down to just one "real" cigarette a day. Haven't gotten rid of the morning one with coffee yet. However, when this pack runs out I'm going to try 0 cigs/day.
I really think this is an amazing invention. I wish it had been around decades ago when I first started smoking.
That's a big step. Good luck. I backslid twice after I hit the cold-turkey phase, where I bought a pack. But, I after smoking a couple out of the pack I gave the rest of them away at work the next day. So, be prepared to do that. If you don't then you'll just end up drawing out the 1/day thing.
32 hours without a cigarette. Will go to sleep soon and log another 8. That's my longest stretch in 20 years.
Quote from: Rev. Powell on March 08, 2012, 10:19:51 PM
32 hours without a cigarette. Will go to sleep soon and log another 8. That's my longest stretch in 20 years.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IpPPDYWexE
congrats!!!
:cheers:
I quit smoking about a year ago. I quit doing Stonewall snuff back in October.
Last night, I tried a Finiti disposable. There was no volume to it, & other than a waxy aftertaste, had no flavor.
Quote from: LilCerberus on August 05, 2013, 11:42:10 AM
Last night, I tried a Finiti disposable. There was no volume to it, & other than a waxy aftertaste, had no flavor.
I think the disposables are all garbage, except that people seem to like the Blus.
Quote from: Rev. Powell on August 05, 2013, 01:16:36 PM
Quote from: LilCerberus on August 05, 2013, 11:42:10 AM
Last night, I tried a Finiti disposable. There was no volume to it, & other than a waxy aftertaste, had no flavor.
I think the disposables are all garbage, except that people seem to like the Blus.
Yeah, clerks keep telling me that Blu are the most popular.
I'm trying to get a feel for the flavor & volume of different ones before I blow $40 or $50 on a whole charge & refill kit.