As of late there have been numerous reports that minors are using electronic cigarettes at higher and higher rates. This has fueled the fires of the anti-vapor camp, giving them more ammunition with which to target electronic cigarettes. The argument is that electronic cigarette makers are targeting children and that vaping will turn the next generation into smokers. Politicians have even taken to using this argument when they want press. As logical people it makes us wonder why politicians would be doing this. If they truly believe that vapor is bad for children, why are they wasting time with press releases and media interviews instead of passing legislation that would keep vapor out of the hands of children?

This is a notion that we as vapor lovers have supported for years now. While we feel that electronic cigarettes are truly a better option than smoking, we agree that it is an indulgence that should be reserved for adults. Over a year ago we published an article encouraging vapers to talk to their children about electronic cigarettes. We feel that every vaping parent should, in fact, let their children know that electronic cigarettes are for adults and contain nicotine, which has been proven to be addictive. At this point it doesn’t really seem like anyone, vapers or those against it, disagree on this point. So why all of the grandstanding from politicians?

The first reason is money. Politicians use anti-vapor arguments to spur an interest in regulation. Then they tie up the regulation process because they want to make sure that sin taxes are applied to vapor. Good regulation that would have taken vapor out of the hands of children has been put on hold due to no other reason than money. It happened in the State of Michigan just a couple of months back and continues to happen in states and towns around the nation. It would be entirely possible, and legal, to enact an age limit on vapor and then revisit taxes later. This would actually speak to public health and the safety of children, while still allowing politicians to go after their tax dollars. Yet none of the powers that be seem to be doing this. Instead they write letters and take interviews with the media to further their careers.

It’s hard to see this as anything but scapegoating. Electronic cigarettes could be embraced for the vast amount of good that they can do for smokers. In the essence of safety, public health and our children, these politicians could enact legislation that keeps them away from minors, and then push for studies and research which would better define the effects of vaping and lead to improvements. Instead they fall back on politics and bureaucracy. It is high time that they answered for their actions. They have officially become part of the “problem” that they so passionately speak out against. They are the ones with the power to save the children, yet they do not. We challenge you to demand answers from your elected officials who take this stance. Simply ask them why the ability to appear on television is more important than the arguments that they are making while they do so. The entire process lacks logic.

In order for vapor to reach its true potential, we need to know more about it. If there are health concerns, let’s study the effects on health. If there are concerns about our youth, let’s adopt a system that makes it more difficult for them to attain. These are the initiatives, in our opinion, that politicians should be focusing on. If we do not hold our elected official accountable, none of these factors will be addressed as they could be. So, before you join the ranks of politicians that are blasting vapor you should question why they aren’t taking the steps to make it safer.

It’s that time of year again. The holidays are upon us and a New Year will be here in just days. We know that you are probably focused on wrapping up gift lists, scheduling in time to see as many family members and friends that you can and possibly even beginning to think about what you will do for New Year’s Eve. Have you put any thought into your New Year’s resolution yet? If switching to electronic cigarettes is your New Year’s resolution, then it’s time to start.

Quitting smoking is one of the most popular, and least likely to be upheld, resolutions out there. Before I vaped, that was my resolution for three years in a row. As you can imagine it never stuck. Quitting cigarettes is, simply put, one of the most difficult things that most of us who have ever smoked regularly have ever done. Ever. That remained true until I was introduced to vapor. I had seen electronic cigarettes many times before I ever vaped. This was back in the early days when pretty much everyone had cig-a-likes, with the exception of a few early adopting modders, most of whom had box mods which I distinctly remember thinking were a bit funny looking.

Before vapor I tried the patch and nicotine infused gum. I can’t honestly say that I ever tried prescription medications, vaccines (yes, there is a shot that can has help you to quit smoking) or hypnosis. Those methods are out there, and have helped many, but they just didn’t seem right for me. What finally did work was switching to electronic cigarettes. If you ask around, I am not the only one who failed to quit smoking cigarettes year after year, only to finally kick the habit with vapor. If you are considering quitting smoking in 2015, then switching to electronic cigarettes is a New Year’s resolution that should be on the top of your list.

We all know that addiction to nicotine is the number thing that kept us smoking. That made trying methods that replaced it viable ideas. What I never thought about before using quitting aids, like the patch, was how much I honestly enjoyed the act of smoking. After a meal, while I was out having a cocktail with friends, even first thing in the morning along with my coffee, smoking was a part of my everyday life and I enjoyed it. It wasn’t just the nicotine, although cravings were a big part of why I would find myself lighting up upwards of twenty-five times a day. The ability to truly simulate smoking is why electronic cigarettes worked for me and thousands upon thousands of others. They allow you to continue with the hand motions and behavior patterns, just without the smoke. The upside is that vaping is in fact just as enjoyable as smoking. Current research supports that fact that electronic cigarettes do help smokers to quit, and the conclusion is largely based on this fact. If you are considering quitting smoking for your New Year’s resolution, electronic cigarettes can do the same for you.

While we still need to see a lot more research to know just how healthy vapor is, the overwhelming majority of researchers and physicians do seem to agree that inhaling a flavored, nicotine infused vapor is better for your body than inhaling smoke. Cigarette smoke has been tested. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that it contains thousands of chemicals, hundreds of which are toxic, with around seventy being linked directly to cancer. Electronic cigarette vapor has been tested similarly. Truthfully, there are so many blends of juice out there that the current findings state that there may harmful chemicals in some blends, but that results vary highly. You can’t find much on specific toxic chemicals in vapor from the CDC or similar groups because the research has not been performed, peer reviewed and published yet. More, and better, research is currently underway, but we will have to wait. Once it is here will all but surely be told that vapor is better for your body than smoke, and worst case scenario switching from smoke to vapor results in harm reduction.

I am not a doctor, scientist or public health advocate. I am a former smoker who switched to electronic cigarettes to avoid tobacco smoke and never looked back. Instead of coughing and foul smelling clothes I get coffee flavored vapor and a noticeably restored sense of smell and taste. I do save money versus what I spent on tobacco, although I know some very involved vapers who prefer high end pieces and a different juice every day. They may spend around the same amount of money as they did when they smoked. They don’t spend the money because they have to in order to satisfy their cravings or enjoy the experience of vaping. They fork over a few more dollars than I do because vaping has become a hobby and they are interested in having the latest and greatest vaporizer. In that regard my friends who spend more on vaping are no different than my non-smoking, non-vaping friends who prefer to have the latest smart phone and the newest television. While I am also concerned about the potential health factors, I can honestly say that I am glad that I made the switch and wish that I had done it sooner.

If you or a loved one is tired of smoking and looking for a way out, I hope that this has helped. All that you have to do is try. Pick up an e cigarette and give it a shot. We have plenty of electronic cigarette reviews available for you right here. Read a few. Decide which type of device might best suit your interests. Most people start out with a smaller cig-a-like device as they are the closest physical resemblance of a tobacco cigarette. Ultimately most move up to at least a basic personal vaporizer, but if you would prefer to start with something simple and low cost, go cig-a-like first. Just like your favorite brand of smokes, you need a vaporizer that suits you. I hope this helps you or someone in your life. I also hope that you have a very happy and prosperous New Year, regardless of which resolution you will take a run at.

How do vapers get into the holiday spirit? Well, one way is to take part in a vapor-friendly Secret Santa gift exchange. This holiday favorite has been connecting vapers for the past several years. The premise is the same as a traditional Secret Santa gift exchange. You join together with others who want to participate, set a price limit and a deadline to purchase and send the gift and then you start planning. Many a vaper has made connections with other vapor lovers and received a gift that made their holiday.

One of the best things about this idea is that it puts vapers in touch with other e cigarette users from around the nation. In addition to possibly making a new friend, you might just come upon a mod, atomizer or juice blend that you never would have heard of if you had not participated. There is so much craftsmanship involved in the vapor community that it is next to impossible to keep up with all of the designs and devices out there. Being matched with someone from half way across the country is a great way to end up with a custom piece from a local modder or manufacturer that you might not have had access to otherwise.  Even if you join a locally based gift exchange, you still stand a chance of coming across something rare. On top of all of that it’s a great way to kick off the holidays, vapor style.

How to Find a Vapor Friendly Secret Santa Gift Exchange

If you are thinking local and want to expand beyond your immediate friends, we would recommend visiting your local vape shop. Their management may be very open to the idea of helping to organize a gift exchange via their social media presence and email list. Their staff will also have a ton of great ideas for unique vapor-friendly gifts. If you own or run a vape shop this could be a great way to boost traffic in your store and to connect with your customers. It might even result in a few sales. Either way, it is good for your local vape community.

If you are looking to match up with vapers from around the nation then the internet is the place to look. You can find others who are interested in taking part in a Secret Santa exchange on Reddit and the Electronic Cigarette Forum.  Most of these gift exchanges use elfster.com. This site simplifies organizing the gift exchange, setting a price limit and deadline, and can even match up participants for you. From a user standpoint you can create a wish list that lets your Secret Santa know specifically what you are interested in, or that points them in the right direction. We would recommend going for the surprise and simply using specific products as examples of what you like. On the other hand you can add devices that you already have, with notes, so that you don’t end up being gifted something that is already in your collection. We do have to offer a warning for those who take to the internet for their Secret Santa this year. As with anything else, there may be scammers out there. These people create multiple accounts and enter them all into the gift exchange with the hopes of receiving several presents without the intention of ever sending one out. If you are using elfster you should communicate with your match before you purchase and send out your present. If you are going through one of the previously mentioned forums you should look in to how the exchange is organized. Do your best to make sure that the administrators are verifying the integrity of the participants. These steps will help you to establish that you are being matched with a real person so that you won’t fall victim to a Secret Scrooge.

Once you feel comfortable it’s time to dive in. Let your match know what types of devices you are interested in and find out a little about them too. We always prefer giving something that is a little outside of the box. Custom juice blends, vape holders and the like all make for great Secret Santa presents. Regardless of what you choose to gift, we hope that you have a great time doing it. The holidays are always afun time of year. Even more so now that we can include vapor.

We all want to stay abreast of what is going on in the e cigarette community, and as a result we all share information and insight on vapor bans in our communities. Truthfully speaking, there are even more bans and rules to come. What we haven’t yet discussed is if these bans will even work. Sure, governments can limit where and when we can buy and use our vapor devices, but do these new laws really change anything? Those who oppose vapor say they do so for community health reasons. They put together huge lists of rules, for the “common good,” and then they go on about their business. Are these changes actually making an effect?

In terms of age limitations we are seeing some positive change. Forty-one states currently have applied age limits to the purchase and use of vapor devices. As most vendors were already enforcing age restrictions; this really did not “change” very much. It is however an example of regulations working in the right direction. As the popularity of vapor increases we will almost certainly see more articles about increases in teens who have tried vapor, but that will simply be a natural by-product of growth. The most cited study concerning teens and vaping still uses data that compares vaping rates among teens in 2013 to rates from 2011, when most teens hadn’t even heard of e cigarettes. As for the future, the numbers will still likely lag far behind the number of teens who smoke. As vapor is an adult indulgence, vapor bans that limit availability to children are a good thing, and they are working.

But what about the adults? The actual e cigarette users. A group that grows in number by the day. Are limitations on when and where we can vape actually swaying users away from vapor? Recent numbers from the U.K. show that tobacco use is down, and while they do not record figures for vapor yet, they state that vapers in the U.K. are “almost entirely current or ex-smokers.” So adults in the United Kingdom, where vapor bans have been in place for some time now, are smoking less while vaping more. All in spite of bans and limitations. Here in the U.S. we are just starting to get feedback as to how these bans are affecting vaping. A vape shop proprietor in Tempe, Arizona is reporting that not only are sales up, he is about to open a second location. Tempe put limitations on indoor use of vapor in August, yet the vapor community did not miss a step. New York City banned indoor use and limited distribution points this past summer. They are considering banning flavors as of this writing. Yet no one from their City Council or public health groups is celebrating a decline in vaping. Why not? It’s simple, adults still want to vape, and they are doing so regardless of how they are required to obtain their vapor products, or where they are allowed to use them. The movement is here, it is real and it is not in going anywhere.

With bans being written into law left and right we are not seeing much actual change. It makes any logical person wonder why the bans are not being better thought out. Or why they are being introduced at all. Extra taxes are being applied at local levels, vapers are being sent outside with smokers, and more, yet the community still embraces vaping. More smokers join our ranks in spite of extra limitations. This fact is a testament to the power of our community, and to the benefits of electronic cigarettes themselves. Vapers will continue to vape, even if there are more rules. We would love to hear your feedback on how vapor bans have had an effect, or lack thereof, in your community. The more we communicate, the stronger the vapor community becomes.

Are you one of the many vapers who likes to tweak your e cigarettes? Do experiment with new batteries, different wicking materials and ways to increase vapor output? If so, you are playing a crucial role in the development of the e cigarette industry and culture every time you set out to improve your device. While mainstream media might not know about you, your work is not going unnoticed in the community.

As a modder you are in a very unique position in the world of vapor. Right now modding is not a practice that very many non-vapers know about. If they did, we would certainly see more uniformed articles about how “unsafe” it is for people to be building out their own devices. In that spirit we have a plea for all you out there who like to beef up your devices. Do it responsibly, and keep experimenting. Yes, we would love to see both. People who have little knowledge of how batteries and currents work have no place modding. That is obvious and the basis for our request of responsibility. For those of you who do know what you are doing, we implore you to CONTINUE. And here’s why, you are helping to push the entire e cigarette industry forward from the grass roots level.

Really, you are. Modders come up with new hardware combinations that have been known to make their way into other devices, even those put out by large manufacturers. Every time a modder develops a safe, yet powerful e cigarette they have single handedly shown the entire industry a new means of building hardware. You may think that your device is only seen by you and your friends. In reality you never know where those pictures and specs that you share with others end up. The internet allows us to instantly share information, making it simple for new takes on form and design to be spread across the globe. It’s no secret to vapers that modding had a significant impact on the development and popularity of open system vaporizers. Even the large manufacturers are now introducing them alongside cig-a-likes. It was modders, who originally began improving on cig-a-likes, that created the demand for better devices. While you will need an official patent if you intend to collect on your ingenuity, you are helping the vape culture nonetheless. We implore you to keep it up!

While we would once again like to reiterate that safety comes first, you are doing a great job. Every time you upgrade a device you raise the bar, even if it is ever so slightly. With all of the creativity out there it is hard to guess what is in store for us next. From better vapor production to devices with a customized look, it all starts in the modding community. You create the prototypes, we all get better devices, and for that, we thank you. We would love to hear about what you are currently working on. Hey, who wouldn’t like a sneak peak into the future of vapor?

Many vapers have questioned whether electronic cigarettes a tool for weight loss. If you ask some the answer is “yes.” While vapor devices are clearly designed as alternatives to tobacco cigarettes, we are hearing many reports of people using electronic cigarettes to shed pounds, or avoid weight gain. Their effectiveness as a dieting tool is far from proven, however for some e cigarettes really do the trick.

Tobacco cigarettes have long been associated with weight loss. Many people will tell you that smoking cigarettes increases your metabolism. The truth is that there is really no evidence to back this claim. What research has shown is that nicotine itself has an effect on the brain which curbs your appetite. As a result many smokers have a tendency to eat less. As most e cigarettes contain nicotine, they still deliver the same results as tobacco cigarettes from a hunger management standpoint. Yes, nicotine is a highly addictive element, but it is nice to see that it does have some potential benefits for vapers. If you already vape and are on a diet then this factor just might pay off for you in spades. One thing that we wouldn’t recommend is switching to a juice with higher nicotine content than you are accustomed to. Sure, the extra nicotine might help to suppress your appetite that much more, but at the end of the day a few extra pounds are not worth trading for a higher dependence on nicotine.

There is also something to be said for the behavioral effects of e cigarettes when it comes to weight loss and dieting. A considerable amount of vapers have reported using their favorite flavors of juice to substitute for snacks. Instead of taking in that 600 calorie piece of chocolate cake, many vapers simply fill their tank with chocolate, caramel, or any of the other thousands of tasty juice concoctions out there. You get the treat that you are craving without the unwanted baggage. A few puffs are usually all it takes to satisfy your sweet tooth. This is just another reason that we need to keep flavors around. We don’ t expect that many non-vapers will include electronic cigarettes in their weight loss plans, but vapor’s ability to substitute for a snack on the go sure does come in handy. Once again, these are adults using flavored e juice, not children.

We sincerely doubt that any doctors would prescribe electronic cigarettes as a part of a weight loss plan. We also do not recommend vaping as a tactic to anyone who does not already smoke or vape. You could definitely pick up zero nicotine liquid to satisfy cravings throughout the day, but it is not advisable to take in nicotine solely to trim down. Having said all of that it does look like e cigarettes could play a small role in your weight loss plan. Diet and exercise are obviously the key factors to focus on, but a little help never hurts!

You see more and more of them every day. Vape Shops are opening in towns big and small, catering to the ever-growing market of e cigarette users and aficionados. It has prompted a good amount of vapers to start their own businesses, and lead others wondering if now is the time to open a vape shop. It just might be, as long as you understand the current climate, and what it takes to run a proper e cigarette store.

What it Takes to Run a Vape Shop

There are several key elements that make up the best vape shops we have ever had the chance to visit. If you can hit the ground running with these elements in place, you have a much better chance at staking your claim in the vapor industry.

Employ the Right Staff

Frontline employees are key to success at any business. At a vape shop it is crucial to make the right hires. First off it makes sense to hire actual vapers. It sounds obvious but I have had conversations with multiple counter people and sales clerks who don’t seem to know much about vaping. Your staff has to be able to break down the different types of electronic cigarettes. Would a cig-a-like be best for a particular customer or should they start off with a personal vaporizer? If they know they want a personal vaporizer will a basic eGo-style device do the trick or are they ready for an e cig that lets them control air intake and battery power? A staff that knows the products, the brands, and the flavors is key. This is what we would look for first, and then thin the herd of applicants from there by focusing on personality, customer service skills and retail experience. One thing to watch out for is what I like to call a “vapor snob.”  They may be highly knowledgeable about vapor, but could end up being rude to a newbie. One employee not taking the time to educate and really help a newbie could cost you a lifelong customer. This is an issue that I have encountered more than once. The right staff will increase sales while helping to create an environment where vapers feel welcomed and actually enjoy spending their money.

Carry A Broad Selection of E Cigarettes

This is another one that sounds basic, but isn’t. How many times have you walked into a brand new vape shop, just to see a couple of brands of cig-a-likes and one or two options for super basic PVs? It sounds like a good idea to stick to that one small distributer with cheaper products at first. When you start losing out on sales due to lack of inventory it will not. Contact the larger vapor brands and ask for bulk pricing. This will give you brand names that people have heard of off the bat. You should also look to bulk buy from actual device manufacturers. With the internet this is easier than ever. Websites like Alibaba.com (not an endorsement ) have popped up allowing business owners to deal directly with manufacturers. You will have to investigate each product and make the deal yourself, but will have access to a far larger pool of manufacturers and products, with fewer middle men. We suggest stocking multiple options for: cig-a-likes, PVs, box mods, and if you can find them throw in a couple of higher end mods. If you are experienced, or a little more daring, you may want to look into mixing custom juices onsite. The margins will be in your favor and you can attract that many more vapers. Designate an area in the shop, ensure that it is hygienic and that all components are stored correctly, and add to your offerings. Having a full spectrum of products at a variety of price points will let you serve vapers of all levels.

Know the Law

E cigarette laws are changing at local and national levels. Even as bans pop-up many municipalities seem to still allow vaping in vape shops, even though it may no longer be allowed in an office building or bars. This is a huge opportunity, as owning an establishment that allows vapers to congregate and try new things in a town where they are otherwise banished to the sidewalk is a great way to attract business. Right now most vape shops are not required to have a special license. Look into local laws to see if you need the same level of licensing as a tobacco shop in order to do business. Even if you do not, keep in mind that impending regulations from the FDA may soon change this factor nationwide. Planning now to spend the time and money to acquire proper licensing is a must. There’s no point in opening a shop if you won’t be able to pay for the necessary license and permits in the next year. Another potential upside to a bric and mortar vape shop is the chance that the FDA bans online sales. The White House removed language that did this from the FDA’s original proposal, but that does not mean it will not beaded back in. While losing online sales would be detrimental to vapers, it presents a distinct opportunity for retail location. Also, getting in before regulations come down may allow you to be “grandfathered” in to certain abilities and distinctions that will not be available after laws are formed.

Pick the Right Spot

Okay, so you know you probably shouldn’t open up next to a school. But where should you open up?

Strip malls in residential sectors aren’t the most glamorous location, but they do provide you with a good amount of people who might rather shop with you than drive a further distance. They also allow you to target customer that reside near your business via mail-outs, online ads, and billboards. If you go the residential route aim for a location on a main road with good visibility. You don’t want to lose out on business to a convenience store just because they are easier to get to. On the other side of the coin you may opt to target an entertainment district. If you are in the center of an area that bustles with diners, partiers, and young people you can pick up a good amount of business based on location alone. You will get traffic from all over your area, which will help to spread the word around town. You will also have access to larger amounts of smokers who may pop in after dinner or before they go out looking for something different. One thing to keep in mind is that if you choose a club district over a residential area it will behoove you to keep later business hours. Closing at 9PM Thursday, Friday and Saturday could be very costly in an entertainment district. In either case you should look for a space that accomodates both retial counters and lounges. Shops that have an area for vapers to gather and relax succeed in building relationship much more quickly than small shops. Your location will heavily affect your overall business strategy.

Like any business, opening a successful vape shops takes a good plan. You need knowledgeable, dedicated staff, the right location, and a good selection of products. If you are planning to open up in a small, hardly trafficked strip mall that offers low rent, and sell the least expensive devices that you can find you won’t be in business for long. Far too many people open exactly this type of shop and fail. If you are ready to create an environment that really caters to vapers, and has great selection then now may be the perfect time to get started.

Bans and restrictions are being put into place right and left. Articles come out daily about the potential health effects, and the dangers of children coming into contact with vapor. At this point it really seems as if one of the biggest hurdles that electronic cigarettes have is the name itself. The fact that the word “cigarette” is included automatically cues skepticism, doubt and defensiveness. Considering how tobacco cigarettes have affected our society it really is no wonder that this happens. Smoking really is dangerous, and the stigma that surrounds smoking is often summed up with the word “cigarette”. Vaporizers, vapor products, vapes, mods, PVs or whatever else we call them would almost certainly stand a better chance if they had a name of their own.

When they were first developed the name made perfect sense. E cigarettes were brand new products; due to the fact that they were just being introduced they needed a name that would help explain what they were. As they were electronic, and they were a replacement for cigarettes the term “electronic cigarette” took naturally. Everyone, including ourselves, took the name in stride. Fast forward to 2014 and the name is just not as fitting as it once was. The public at large understands what e cigarettes are. Sure your average Joe on the street may not be able to break down how they work or the difference between a drip tip and a clearomizer, but he will likely know what an e cig is. Three years ago this would not have been true. So with the passage of time and increases in awareness it is time for a change. We as a community need to settle on exactly what we call our devices, and the name should not include the word “cigarette”.

The shift would be a good one. It would further concrete the vapor community, building upon the identity and comradery that already exists. It would also allow for the products and the practice in general to be differentiated, even if but slightly, from smoking. The fact that people automatically think of cancer, emphysema, high blood pressure and the like is just plain bad for the vapor community. Yes, more research must be done. Yes, nicotine is an addictive substance. But neither of these facts makes it fair or even logical to lump vapor under the same umbrella as smoking. As a community we already call it vaping, and it is high time that the rest of the world took notice.

To make that happen we need to take the first step. When we talk about vapor to non-users we shouldn’t argue about subtle differences between vaping and smoking, we should highlight that they are completely different practices. Show them your “vaporizer”. Let them know how it works and how it has helped you. Focus on not using the word cigarette, and politely correct others in the debate when they use that verbiage. Don’t be pushy. Certainly don’t be rude. But don’t accept “No” for an answer. Changing public perception and acceptance can be just that easy. Obviously a switch in terminology will not stop the anti-vapor types. But it will plant a seed in the minds of many, and help to disassociate vapor products from the downsides of smoking that simply do not have anything to do with vaping.

So what do you call your device? If you still call it a cigarette, would you consider switching up verbiage? This is more than merely semantics. It is a better way to describe the devices that have changed the lives of so many people. It will afford us more leeway as vapers, and put the rest of the community on notice.  It’s also a heck of a lot more accurate.