News reports state that several States are attempting to ban the sales of electronic smoking devices, or "electronic cigarettes," as most people call them, and it has one e-cigarette review specialist outraged. Andy Gray, a long-time smoker who made the switch to electronic cigarettes, has been blogging about the topic of smokeless
cigarettes for over six months, and in
the process has become a major voice in the e-cigarette movement. His blog and product reviews are read by thousands of people each day, and Gray has become a respected soundboard for people looking to make the switch to a greener alternative to traditional cigarettes.
"I'm absolutely outraged that most people don't seem to understand what this movement is all about. I have read many publications and quotes from people attempting to ban sales of electronic cigarette devices and one is just more uneducated than the other," stated Gray. Gray points out the following associated press release:
"ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Anti-smoking advocates are going after tobacco strips that dissolve in the mouth and battery-operated e-cigarettes that deliver puffs of nicotine vapor.
They rally Wednesday at the Capitol for a ban on the sale of the products to youth.
A bill from Democratic Sen. Scott Dibble of Minneapolis would prohibit retailers from selling the products to minors. They also couldn't display the products next to candy or gum, and "little cigars" would be classified as cigarettes and regulated more stringently."
"I don't know of one single electronic cigarette company on the planet that markets or sells their products to 'youth,'" continued Gray. "Never once in my studies, reviews, and interaction with the makers of these alternatives to traditional, harmful-to-the-environment cigarettes have I had an inkling that these companies were promoting their products to minors. I don't know what is going on in Minnesota, perhaps there was an isolated incident I don't know about, but as far as my research shows, not one company has crossed that line," added Gray.
Smoking is obviously harmful to the health of not only the individual who smokes, but also to others who are unfortunate enough to inhale second hand smoke. The odor from cigarettes also remains in people's clothing, and most people will agree it is an unpleasant smell. Electronic cigarettes are not marketed as a healthier alternative by most companies, as there still remains the component of nicotine in the process, which obviously is harmful. However, smoking an electronic version of a cigarette has many advantages.
* No smell or ash
* Several flavors and levels of nicotine
* No tar, no tobacco
* No lingering cloud of smoke
* A huge savings in comparison to traditional cigarettes - up to a 75% savings
* Safe to smoke almost anywhere
* No damage to the environment - traditional cigarettes create garbage
Many States are trying to ban the sale of electronic cigarettes, and of course, Big Tobacco is not happy giving up it's revenues. The Chicago Tribune recently reported that the State of Illinois is trying to ban the sale of electronic cigarettes, citing the lack of approval by the Food & Drug Administration.
"If there are things that are (FDA-)approved to help people curb the habit of smoking, I'm all for it," said sponsoring Sen. Terry Link, D-Waukegan. "Whatever the FDA approves, we will approve."
Lobbyists on both sides of this argument have been active in voicing their opinion in Illinois and other States facing the same issue.
"I'm not trying to create a controversy, nor am I trying to insinuate that electronic cigarettes are completely safe. I am all for the regulation and proper manufacturing of electronic cigarettes. Obviously, if that happens, this innovation will help the environment and go a long way to helping people live healthier lives. I just hope in the meantime everyone who is battling on both sides of this argument come to understand just exactly how these devices work, as well as weight the pro's and con's of their impact on society before making a fast judgment," concluded Gray.
