Marino hasn’t smoked in a bit more than a month due in part to electronic or e-cigarettes, which offer a nonflammable, tar- and tobacco-free alternative to normal cigarettes. Powered by a lithium battery, the cigarette contains a liquid nicotine cartridge, a “glowing” end and smoke-like vapors.
“It’s a great option, particularly given the state considering a smoking ban,” said Marino, who smoked 2 packs of cigarettes a day for 25 years. “You can smoke it in restaurants or work, and carry it around with you and not need a lighter.”
Nicotine and all things tobacco are hot issues. In June, the FDA gained new authority to regulate tobacco products. Taxes on a variety of tobacco goods are going up, and Florida added an additional $1 tax on cigarette packs Wednesday.
President Barack Obama recently vented about his struggle to quit smoking, saying he doesn’t smoke in front of his kids, “but there are times I mess up.”
Enter the electronic cigarette companies, promising a device that looks, feels and tastes like a cigarette.
One electronic cigarette company tells users, “Do not be surprised when people ask about you smoking e-cigarettes. After all, to the casual observer, using an e-cigarette creates the appearance of tobacco smoking.”
The president of another e-cigarette company, said he regularly uses his product on airlines, including Quantas, American Airlines and Southwest.
“I just show it to the flight attendants, explain it, and they’re usually fine,” he said.
The electronic cigarette kits sell for roughly $99 to $129.99 and include a wall charger as well as a pack of five cartridges priced at $10 that come in 4 different nicotine levels: 16 milligrams, 11, 6 and 0. Various flavors such as regular tobacco, apple and vanilla are also available. To discover where you can purchase the kit click here.
One nicotine cartridge is the equivalent of twenty traditional cigarettes — or a pack. The device is not promoted as a smoking termination device. It’s planned to give users the feeling of a real cigarette but without the carbon monoxide, smell and smoke.
When somebody inhales, the tip lights up and it tastes like a cigarette but only vapors are emitted. Jackie Wilson, 51, of Detroit is considering purchasing the product. She has been smoking since age sixteen, has emphysema and “desperately needs” something to help curb the habit.
“I need to give up bad. I get tired just going up the steps. When I do, it feels like I ran around the block some times,” expounded Wilson taking a puff on an e-cigarette at Oakland Mall last month.
“I like the way it tastes. This could be a better option for me.”
Limited Time Free E Cigarette Starter Kits!
By: Jackie Trevino
About the Author:
Jackie Trevino is a journalist and author who specializes in health and social issues.
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