Posted on 04/19/2009 9:04:51 AM PDT by FunkyZero
Good Day to all Freepers. I hope I have chosen the correct options to keep this in the proper topic area.
For about 6 months now, I have been using a device that helps me to reduce my cigarette consumption. Over time, I have gone from 2 1/2 packs of cigarettes per day down to about total 4 cigarettes per day. This device is one a lot of you may have heard about recently in the news, the electronic cigarette (or e-cig). It is also commonly referred to as a "PV" or personal vaporizer.
In recent weeks, the device has attracted the attention of the FDA and other do-gooders who want it banned on the grounds that it is untested.
I will breifly describe the device:
It consists of 3 parts
1- Power source (battery in most cases)
2- an "atomizer" that converts liquid into a vapor <0> 3- A cartridge that contains the liquid containing nicotine (some have no nicotine, most do)
The liquid contained in the cartridge is made of 3 ingredients: Vegetable Glycerin (most commonly used in baking), nicotine of varying strength ( the user chooses how strong or weak to buy the liquid up to a maximum of 34mg/ml), and flavoring.
When the user draws on the device similar to smoking, the battery is activated and charges the "atomizer" that converts the liquid into a vapor and it is inhaled in turn delivering nicotine and simulated smoke. The exhaled vapor is harmless water vapor that has near zero odor (I have yet to find anyone who can smell it at all).
Recently, legislation has been introduced to ban the sale of the devices and the liquid used by classifying the technology as a drug delivery device.
Everyone who uses one of these already knows the benefits and how much better they feel compared to conventional smoking. Nobody here is claiming it is harmless nor will anyone claim it is a smoking cessation device. However, MANY of us are using them to cut down on or totally stop smoking for many reasons including health and taxes.
We all know inhaling anything is risky. But we compare it to smoking and I think the conclusion pretty much speaks for itself. I cannot tell you how excited I am about this after smoking for 30 years, and now I am faced with losing it.
We can make many assumptions and accusations as to why some groups would want them banned, but we prefer to avoid that discussion and attempt to enlist the support of other smokers and anyone else who can think with reason, logic and common sense.
As users of the device, we want studies done just as much as anyone else, but we demand that the politics and lobbying stay hands-off while those studies are done and this very new technology is evaluated for both it's risks and benefits.
I am here asking for support from all Freepers and anyone else those members can bring on board to assist in signing the petition.
I personally consider this a life saving and life changing device. I have newfound freedom from the harassment and degradation of being a smoker.
I really did not want to post this here, but this is a very exciting technology that is in danger of being lost to politics. Who better than Freepers to help us in our fight!
I'm asking with all respect for anyone who has 2 minutes to please visit and fill out the petition. If you want your husband or wife to stop stinking up the house, you really need to look at this.
As a side note, anyone who is interested can read the public community forums and check it out for themselves. Just google "e-cig" and look for the various forums available.
The petition:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/keep-life-saving-electronic-cigarettes-available
I would definitely sign this petition as I believe that all drugs (not just nicotine) should be legalized and that the government should stay out of our personal lives.
BFL
Ever watch cops and seen someone drugged up on crack or meth??
I use the Janty Dura-C and the DSE 510. I went from 2.5 packs down to 3-4 a day in less than a week. My non-smoking family is happy, I’m happy, and I feel better. I’ll sign the petition.
I’ll add a comment - there is ZERO second hand smoke.
Aren’t these made in China?
“Keep life saving electronic cigarettes available!”
Might be overstating it a bit...
Still, it’s hard to imagine that eliminating all the tars, soot, oils, carbon monoxide etc., is a bad thing!
Have you considered adding to the list of virtues that it doesn’t produce that eeeeeeevil carbon dioxide?
Anyway, I signed...
Funky,
Try the most effective stop-smoking device in history...
Self discipline.
80% of ex-smokers quit by going cold turkey or by progressively reducing consumption over time.
There are many who do not choose to quit, but due to govt constraints, non smoking places all over, and parents who don’t want second hand smoke around their kids or their homes, it is a viable alternative for these folks. Not everyone wants to quit......
However, I don't believe it's the method that is flawed, it is my own self-discipline and conviction.
I simply don't want to bad ENOUGH. I tell myself I do, but obviously underneath I don't want it as bad as I say. It's been a lifelong struggle for me. I have my weaknesses for sure.
I see the e-cig as a holdover or wind down device. Soon, I will lay down my last cigarette (been saying that for 20 years though). When I do, I consider the battle 5% won (hehehe).
Too bad Lautenburg of NJ wants to outlaw these. Can't have the smokers give up sending the tax money for the SChip program.
Sounds like the smokeless cigarette that RJR spent millions developing and never brought top market.
Some people that are addicted to nicotine will never be able to stop. That is a fact that some people will deny, but it is true. Nicotine is the most addictive substance known to man.
Government needs to get behind harm reduction methods. This is one that the FDA needs to promote, not prohibit. It will save lives.
I believe that if the anti-smokers really cared about the health of people addicted to nicotine, they would demand that some of the taxes paid by smokers and tobacco industry be used to subsidize the cost of Nicotine Replacement Therapy. (NRT)
NRT works. The problem is that it is very expensive. Nicotine is CHEAP, and it really wouldn’t cost very much to produce affordable gum/patches/lozenges, for those people who are simply unable to break their addictions.
Youth education, nicotine supplement, etc., is the way to promote a smoke free population, and reduce health care costs and premature death.
Ok, I signed it.
I’ve been a nicotine addict for 40 years, and have never heard of this device until a couple of days ago. The testimonials in the lead post are phenomenal. I’m sure that tons of smokers would use this device if they only knew about it.
I’m all for keeping the device on the market while it’s being studied by the FDA.
signed
I gave up smoking long ago cold, but know that others could use some help.
What's the cost for these devices and the related supplies? Inquiring addicts want to know...
Just curious, Z. Are you an ex-smoker yourself, and did you quit cold turkey?
Just so you know, I'm more inclined to recommend the cold turkey method myself, but as a nicotine addict, I know how incredibly hard that is to do successfully.
That is an awesome endorsement of this product's effectiveness. I'd better hurry and buy some before Obama's FDA outlaws them. 40 year addict here.
I can warn you though, if you have gadget weaknesses, you can spend yourself into oblivion. Once you realize what this device can do for you, you want as many of them as you can get. I started hoarding the stuff fearing the bans.
I strongly suggest doing a lot of reading in the forums so you can decide which on is for you, otherwise, you can spend a lot of cash before you settle in on the right thing.
There is also a convenience factor. If you are a DIY type, you can save a ton of money. If you want to avoid all hassles and just open, use and discard, the savings can be less attractive.
The freedom aspect of it appeals to me just as much as the health aspects. I can sit at my desk at work and puff away on this thing. I no longer have to brave the weather to get my fix. I can puff away in the car with my wife and kids without worry. It really is liberating.
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