FDA Lights Up "E-Cigarette" Ban Controversy

Matthew Bandyk ^

[GRRRRR]

The American Spectator has a good roundup of all the recent legislative activity to extend tobacco regulations. Another regulation possibly on its way concerns a completely tobacco-less product: the so-called "electronic cigarettes."

I was not familiar with e-cigarettes, but the basic idea is this: it looks like a cigarette, delivers nicotine like a cigarette, and even puffs "smoke" like a cigarette (actually water vapor.) But an e-cigarette doesn't have any of the tobacco or additives of a cigarette. It's just a battery-charged cartridge. That's why it's promoted as a safer alternative for people addicted to smoking.

But some people aren't comfortable with the idea of an alternative that is is still addictive. E-cigarettes currently exist in a legal gray zone--they have not been officially approved or banned by the FDA, but they are still commonly sold in the US. But the FDA has recently hinted that it will soon make a decision:

[GRRRRR]

Today the Senate approved a bill allowing the FDA to nationalize?tobacco and start screwing with another of our American Liberties...the right to pursue happiness!

How many of you have tried the electronic "E-Cigarette"? Which brand are you using? Do you refill your cartridges and with which 'juice'?

I've ordered two e-cigs as a hedge against the FDA regulating analog cigs out of price range.

I've already been making my own for the past three months and saving 60% or more per carton cost.

Any feedback on e-cigs?

[omega4179]

Everything else is digital why not?

[spectre]

Mr. Spectre has managed to quit smoking real cigarettes with the help of the "E-Cigarette"..

"We're concerned about the potential for addiction to and abuse of these products," says FDA spokeswoman Rita Chappelle."

No, they're concerned they aren't going to get their "tobacco tax revenues".

sw

[mylife]

I tried one the other day. It delivers a satisfying hit of nicotine.

I am considering it.

[dk88]

Dead on about the revenue. If it wasn’t for the taxes why would smoking still be legal?
I just started using one myself to quit - denying Oregon more taxes.
Of course, the AG yesterday started going after them saying it’s being “marketed to THE CHILDREN”
And of course, it’s not.
Only thing I find is the nicotine hit starts out too strong, then gets too weak.

[TigersEye]

E-cigarettes currently exist in a legal gray zone--they have not been officially approved or banned by the FDA, but they are still commonly sold in the US. But the FDA has recently hinted that it will soon make a decision:

e-cig ping

[RandallFlagg]

Posting for tagline.
They need to leave my ecigs alone!

[RandallFlagg]

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com

Everything you ever want to know about ecigs.

[RandallFlagg]

Get a Screwdriver

Awesome device!

[RandallFlagg]

I started with the DSE-901.

Using the Screwdriver now.

[RandallFlagg]

Any ecig users might want to print out a batch of cards to hand to the curious:

It saves time explaining the devices.

[GRRRRR]

Dang, that thing is HUGE! Do you carry it in a shirt pocket?

[RandallFlagg]

It’s only about an inch longer than a 100mm cigarette. The fat part is about the diameter of my thumb. It’s good because it uses a common battery -not a custom one that takes forever to get through shipping.

[Marie]

I really like mine, but it’s about as effective as the gum or the patch (which didn’t work for me). I can go about 5 or 6 hours with the ecig and be very content, then I start Jonesing for the real thing.

My friend loves them. But then, the gum and the patch worked for her.