Anyone who keeps up with the electronic cigarette community has heard of the proposed E Cig ban throughout the European Union. As an e cig vaper, not smoker, you likely think that this ban is absurd. We whole heartedly agree, however we cannot ignore the potential ban simply because it is taking place overseas. There is something to be said for theories that become laws taking hold, and spreading like wild fire. Let’s take a look at how an e cig ban in the EU could mean bad news for us here stateside.
Money
That one word has a whole lot to do with this ban in the first place. Under the proposed law, electronic cigarettes would be studied and then categorized as “medicinal”, due 
to the fact that they distribute nicotine. As a result electronic smoking devices of every sort will be banned across Europe during the research phase. Once they have passed the research phase they may be re-introduced, except this time they will be considered a form of medical treatment instead of what they really are, an alternative to tar filled cigarettes. Once re-introduced they likely won’t be made by the companies that have already pioneered the electronic cigarette market. Rather they will be manufactured by large pharmaceutical companies. The same big names that bring you nicotine patches and gum, will then have control over electronic cigarettes as well. The focus on product quality and innovation to improve the enjoyment of vapor will start to deplete, while the price of batteries, atomizers, cartridges and liquid refill packs will go up.
And all for what? A product that the Royal College of Physicians, a nearly 500 year old professional organization made up of doctors throughout Great Britain, has already backed and points to as a better alternative to cigarettes. This professional group has already gone on record by stating that “Nicotine itself is not a particularly hazardous drug … it’s something on a par with the effects you get from caffeine.” They continued to estimate that if all of the smokers in Great Britain switched to vapor there would be 5 million fewer deaths based on the country’s current population.
So How Will It Hit Home?
If lobbyists and pharmaceutical companies are able to work together to corner the market in Europe, how long do you think it will take them to set their sights on the growing number of vapers here in the U.S.? Realistically they are already looking at it, but based on current laws in the United States they must remain quiet and patient. This is way it is important for those of us here in the U.S. to support our fellow vapers “across the pond”. Ignorance about electronic smoking devices is already bad enough, we surely don’t need it turning into law.
Don’t get us wrong; we are all for having studies that help to let everyone fully understand the ingredients of electronic cigarettes. If more research took place, and was performed by unbiased scientists, the truth about electronic cigarettes would come out. More people would understand that vapor is better than smoke. Many smokers would likely turn to e cigarettes, as they have already done, and everyone would be better off for it. If you are interested in showing support, keep in touch with us and other vapor supporters for updates. If you are a Twitter user you can follow us, and use the hashtag #EUecigBAN to communicate with and show support for vapor lovers in Europe. If not, you can educate those around you, but do remember to be constructive and have respect for those who do wish to take part in vaping. We won’t win this battle by being inconsiderate.