Anti-smoking groups are lobbying against electronic cigarettes. They have numerous unfounded claims for these products that are considerably harmless tools on kicking the smoking habit.

The Fight Against A Safe Smoking Alternative

Groups and people fighting in opposition to tobacco have latest movement that does not involve real smoking.  What they are now hoping to quench are electronic cigarettes, devices that vaporize nicotine liquid solution. Although providing nicotine hit to user, this vapor is free from the tobacco chemicals that endanger the user and bystanders.

Some of the available devices bear a resemblance to real cigarettes especially if one will scrutinize it from a distance.  Onlookers can see there is vapor that looks like smoke coming out of the user’s mouth, but this vapor is virtually odorless and it dissipates very quickly.

Pointless Worries Of Critics

Critics say that there is a trace of dangerous materials in the electronic cigarette vapor.  While the vapor might actually contain certain substances, these are not enough reasons for heightened alert and prohibition.

A new study performed by Dr. Igor Burstyn from Drexel University (Philadelphia, PA) found that based on the currently obtained data, vapor exposure from using electronic cigarettes is not an issue to be worried about.  No identified toxicological synergies in the aerosol compounds nor contaminants mixture found in the vapors that pose health risks.

In 2010, the FDA actually failed in its court battle to regulate electronic cigarettes as drug delivery devices due to the lack of ability to prove that the devices are harmful.

The Burstyn study also noted that there is likewise no reason to be concerned about secondhand exposure. What Burstyn is more concerned about is for users to consciously choose if they are obtaining nicotine or not.

Another advocate of electronic cigarettes, Michael Siegel from Boston University School of Public Health, expressed support for the devices in a recent article he wrote for New York Times electronic cigarette debate.

According to Siegel, ideology is what misleads and blinds anti-smoking groups in opposing electronic cigarettes.   He said that the opposition only finds it hard to promote or accept vaping because it looks very similar to smoking, although it is obviously safer and better than smoking.

Growing List Of Bans And Prohibitions

Despite numerous studies and expert opinions backing electronic cigarettes, there are now more and more law and policy makers that settle on banning the products.  In New York City, for example, mayor Michael Bloomberg is said to be silently moving to enact a law that will prohibit flavored electronic cigarettes.

Even in the less posh parts of the US, like in Illinois, electronic cigarettes sales to minors are now prohibited.  In Massachusetts, legislation is under consideration for outlawing free sample offers and free use of the devices anywhere.

Studies may have proven the lack of secondhand risks to electronic vapors, but school districts, colleges and universities are also implementing ruling out of electronic cigarettes on campuses.  Even transportation means like airplanes, buses and trains are now enforcing fight against electronic vaping.

It is understandable why anti-smoking groups fight to eliminate tobacco smoking because of its proven numerous harms to health. They appear to forget that electronic cigarettes are free from tobacco. They claim that the nicotine being delivered by the devices are derived from tobacco; that nicotine is addictive and is thus a reason enough to ban the products. Nonetheless, if these products dispense nicotine, then other nicotine delivery products like gums and patches equally deserve to be banned.

Moreover, supporters of vaping also assert that prohibitionists should also consider the fact that adults have their own rights to choose how they like to live their lives.  They must be treated like grownups and not like children who are incapable of making choices and decisions.

NW-SCC, Northwest-Shoals Community College, is an institution of two-year higher education in Alabama.  Last August 19, it began fall semester classes with a smoke free policy in its two campuses. One campus is in Phil Campbell while the other is in Muscle Shoals.

Dr. Humphrey Lee, President of NW-SCC, said that the institution has a commitment in providing students and employees with healthy and safe environment.  This Clean Air policy is a significant step towards a smoke free college; a step that was decided upon after thorough discussions.

Optimal Environment

President Lee also said that they are always searching for ways by which students and employees will be provided with the most favorable environment for working, teaching and learning.  Through the implementation of smoke free policy, they feel as if it is only another way that their pledge and dedication on health is demonstrated.

All over the country, there are roughly 1,182 universities and colleges hat adopted smoke free rules. NW-SCC is just an addition to this growing number.

Coverage Of NW-SCC Clean Air Policy

Under this rule, no one will be allowed to smoke tobacco products or use any lighted instrument for smoking inside the college buildings and other premises; inside any vehicle that is leased or owned by the college.  However, the smoke free policy does not apply to personal vehicles.

In this rule, tobacco products has a definition that says any lighted cigarette, including electronic cigarettes, pipe, cigar, clove cigarette, bidi and other products used for smoking.

Life Saving And Changing

Russellville City School System’s counselor for Safe and Drug-Free Schools Nancy Cooper said this positive step is one that can set an example for young adults and teenagers who will attend college.

Cooper expressed her excitement and appreciation for NW-SCC in encouraging its staff, faculty and students toward a smoke free lifestyle.

With this rule, other non-smoking people will be protected from secondhand smoke. The policy strongly relays the message about no tobacco.

Based on the figure from American Cancer Society, tobacco is said to be the culprit for 30% cancer deaths although none of these people were actually users of tobacco.  This statistic also shows that every year, there are over 800 adults in Alabama who are not even smoking, yet die due to second hand smoke.

One in every three smokers was also found to die of premature death due to tobacco consumption.  What is even alarming about the statistical figures is that the age prevalence is largest for smokers in their college ages of 18-24. It only shows that the decision of NW-SCC to enforce a smoke free policy is very significant.

Policy Enforcement

To implement the policy, it was also announced that information will be provided regarding community programs, services and local resources that are available to be used by anyone interested in learning ways on how smoking may be stopped.

There are resources from Alabama Department of Health such as smoke cessation aids like patches that can be availed for free.

Northwest–Shoals Community College is a two-year public institution of higher education with two campuses. One campus is located in Phil Campbell, Alabama and the second campus is located in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.

Other Smoke Free Institutions In Alabama

In Alabama, NW-SCC is not the only institution that started to adopt a smoke free program.  Other universities have previously begun the effort to strike out tobacco, including electronic cigarettes.

One is Alabama State University, which has been taking actions to prohibit smoking cigarettes and vaping electronic cigarettes on all campus properties.

Another is Auburn University that started its smoke free policy on August 21st.

Vaping inside the office is an issue that is becoming more and more of a concern for employers.  According to the president of a Human Resource consulting firm, employers need to tackle this issue and establish clear guideline on how electronic cigarette must be used in the workplace.

Jim Evans is the president of the JK Evans & Associates LLC, a company on human resource consultation. He said that electronic cigarettes use is not just increasingly becoming popular outside the office. One reason that smokers are turning to vaping is because the use of electronic cigarette is generally more accepted than tobacco.  Smokers who work in the office basically need to take their cigarettes outside the workplace or the building; but vaping is allowed in almost all offices.

Will Be Testing Workplace Smoking Policy Limits

Evans said that if these devices are not yet used in an office, they will soon be adopted there and will certainly test how tolerable the smoking policies are.  There are employers and human resource professionals who like to be ahead of things and as more establishments and local government bodies impose their rules on these devices; they too would be compelled to consider the company’s stand on the issue.

There were some companies and employers that have already decided to regard electronic cigarette use just like traditional smoking.  Yet, majority of employers still have no particular restrictions.

Some employers who have taken steps in restricting electronic cigarette use in the office said that they decided to do so because customers seem to think that it is unprofessional and/or vaping gets in the way of finishing works.

Electronic cigarette is not like a conventional cigarette. There are no proven health risks from using the devices, based on the studies that were previously done about it.  While the device produces smoke-like vapor, this mist does not contain tar, toxins and carcinogens from tobacco. Thus, smokers switch to these electronic smoking alternatives because they eliminate the need for smoking breaks outside.

Why Employers Must Consider And Decide On The Issue

The challenge of weighing up the drawbacks and benefits of electronic cigarette use will be upon the shoulders of employers.  Whatever the position of an employer would be reflected on the policy that will be enforced in the company.  Nonetheless, just like regulations from government bodies and any other agencies with authorities in the community, these workplace policies will surely be favoring or satisfying some, but not everyone.

Vaping In The Workplace Can Increase Workers’ Productivity

Electronic cigarette use, although opposed by some employers, may actually help to eliminate poor performance and productivity of smoking workers.

Last month, in the story published on the business magazine, Next Woman, it was lamented that in the UK, a mean 100 hours of productivity is lost by each smoker due to regular smoke breaks.

Rather than contest and disallow electronic cigarette use in the office, perhaps employers also need to be more open-minded about these smoking alternatives.  It is the business that will also suffer if these vaping employees are still forced to puff outside.

While it may take just a few minutes to take a smoking break, it will still affect the worker’s performance since he/she needs to leave the desk and get away momentarily from work.  Oftentimes, it takes some time to get one’s mind and mood back to what he/she was doing before taking a break.

Opponents of vaping claim that not because the electronic cigarette devices are safer than tobacco cigarette, it does not mean that they are completely safe. These opposing party claims that electronic smoking devices are still so new that their long term effects are still not fully known or studied. Yet, long time users of the device do not report any serious harm from using these products.  Even those smokers who have used the smoking instruments say that they have felt better and healthier since they used the electronic cigarette.

Allowing vaping in the workplace is believed to pose no serious threats unlike tobacco smoking.  Non-smoking employees will not be offended by the vapor because they are virtually odorless and dissipate very quickly. If ever other people would smell something out of the vapor, it would most likely be the delicious flavorings added to the liquid nicotine solution.

An electronic cigarette ban in Canton, Massachusetts was previously feared by local vapers when the news revealed that a proposed prohibition is on the way.  However, this electronic cigarette ban was dodged by the vaping community when the Board of Health decided not to impose an outright prohibition on the products.

Electronic cigarettes are products that basically have battery, atomizer and cartridge. Liquid nicotine mixed with other ingredients like water, propylene glycol/vegetable glycerin and flavorings are placed inside the cartridge. Once the atomizer is powered by the battery, it will start heating the liquid solution to start generating vapors.  This vapor contains nicotine that many smokers very much like and prefer because unlike tobacco smoke, this vapor does not expose them to carcinogens, tars and toxic chemicals of tobacco.

They are quite popular these days to smokers who like to use safer alternatives to obtain nicotine, while still enjoying the hand to mouth fixation of smoking.

Increase In Legal Purchasing Age

Last Monday night, instead of deciding on an electronic cigarette ban, the health board agreed on a measure to increase the legal age of anyone who would like to purchase the products.  From 18 years old, a consumer is now required to be 21 years old before he/she can be legally sold electronic cigarette products.  In other places, the legal age requirement for buying tobacco and electronic cigarettes is only at least 18 years old.

Residents Supported Electronic Cigarettes

Electronic cigarette ban was avoided after canton residents and campaigners have expressed support and advocacies. These people believed that electronic cigarettes are viable tools in helping smokers to quit their death-inducing habit of smoking.  The health board may have increased the legal purchasing age to 21, so smokers aged more than 21 years old can still avail the products.

According to the public health director of Canton, John Ciccotelli, the language by which the regulation was written somehow failed to notice and not really recognize the role of electronic cigarettes.

Ciccotelli added that the policy also aimed to decrease the youth’s use of nicotine products.   He also stated the results of a study by the Disease Control and Prevention federal centers, which showed that juvenile users of tobacco were given these goods by people, aged 18-21.

What The Regulation Involves

This approved regulation will be effective starting January 1.  This policy also involves sunset provision, which would revoke this regulation if after five years, it is proven not effective.

Also, the health board plans to monitor the effectiveness of this policy by conducting surveys of students from the public schools in Canton.

May Punish Even Innocent Law Abiders

This decision that excludes electronic cigarette ban is still a cause for some critics to comment.  They say that with this increase on legal buying age, even those innocent smokers obeying the rules might be chastised just the same.

CB Perkins Tobacco Shop in London is represented by Attorney Stuart Ravech. According to Ravech, he understands that the health board is stretching the age requirement for buying electronic cigarettes to 21 years old as a means to stop the products’ distribution to users under 18 years old.

Yet, according to him, consumers in between the ages of 18 years old and 21 years old are denied of the chance to buy tobacco products, even if they are also already adults.

Blow To Local Businesses

Other business community critics, although there is no electronic cigarette ban, still opposed the regulation. They claimed that Canton businesses will definitely be impacted by this.  New England Convenience Store Association Executive Director Steve Ryan said that this regulation will be implemented in the Canton Community while other communities do not have such policies. In effect, small businesses in Canton will be economically disadvantaged.  It is very possible that smokers between ages 18 and 21 from Canton will simply seek other nearby communities where they can legally buy their needed vaping supplies.  This would mean a significant revenue loss to Canton local electronic cigarette shops and stores.

There are three tobacco-related bills in New York City whose drafts have recently been leaked. These leaked drafts indicate that Mayor Michael Bloomberg has an intention to prohibit electronic cigarettes as part of his health crusade.  The said bills are expected to be introduced before the City Council. With these new legislations, electronic cigarettes would be considered as tobacco products and thus be covered by the regulations currently implemented on smoking.

Mayor Bloomberg’s Crusade On Health

New Your City’s Mayor is campaigning to get rid of all unhealthy things.  In the past, the mayor even aimed to eliminate different fattening foods like trans fat and other harmful products such as cigarettes.  Once, he also tried, although failed, to forbid even the large soda containers in the five boroughs of New York.  With these leaked bill drafts, it is clear that the mayor is taking one step further. Not only will regular cigarettes be banned in the city, but also electronic cigarettes.

Electronic cigarettes are sometimes dubbed as fake cigarettes because in looks and appearance, these devices are like cigarettes, but on closer inspection, one would see that the devices indeed have a lot of differences from real smoke.

There are some devices that look just like a real cigarette from afar. The devices also produce a mist that looks just like smoke that smoking cigarettes produce. However, this vapor is just water vapor that may contain nicotine, but not the other harmful chemicals of tobacco.  These devices are gaining popularity among smokers. Even the famous Hollywood stars like Leonardo DiCaprio are spotted puffing with their fake cigarettes.

Stricter Regulations

From the leaked drafts, it can be deduced that the City would have stricter regulations as much as tobacco products are concerned.  The minimum age would be increased to 21 from 18 years old.  In the plan, there is also a suggestion to forbid cigarette advertisement display on stores.  The floor price of a cigarette pack will also be set to $10.50.  It will also not be allowed to use coupons on tobacco. If anyone is caught selling cigarettes illegally, he or she would fine a greater amount than the usual.

With these provisions, one might think that electronic cigarettes are not even mentioned. However, According to CASAA or Consumer Advocates for Smoke-Free Alternatives Association, the bills also contained provisions that will classify electronic cigarettes under tobacco products classification.  This way, the modern smoking devices may be considered in the regular tobacco laws just so a stricter rule make be implemented.

Although there are already studies and research conducted in the past and recently that can attest the safety of electronic cigarettes, many prohibitionists are still against their use.  These products may deliver nicotine, but that is all it can deliver, with not even the slightest trace of tobacco, tar and toxins.

The ace that prohibitionists are holding is probably the lack of approval or confirmation from the Food and Drug Administration that these products are safe.  In fact, in 2009, the FDA even issued a warning because in a test the agency conducted, there were a few samples of cartridges whose contents were found to contain hazardous to health ingredients that are also used in making anti-freeze. Without further testing, the agency said that it cannot approve the products nor deem them safe.

According to the critics of electronic cigarettes, these devices do not help smokers to wean or stop from smoking. Instead, these products, as they say are only intended to promote addiction to nicotine.

Recent Study Claims Safety Of Electronic Cigarettes

As mentioned previously, these products continue to be a hot item in the eyes of legislators albeit studies that claim their safety. One recent study conducted in Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA by Professor Igor Burstyn whose results show that the chemicals found in the vapor and liquid of electronic cigarettes are at levels that are way lower than the levels thought to be perilous to human health.

This Drexel study is just one of the many studies that can affirm the devices are safe to be used and do not pose risks to bystanders unlike the secondhand smoke from tobacco.  Another study by a public health expert from Boston University, Dr. Michael Siegel is in support of the products.  Dr. Siegel believes that Mayor Bloomberg’s proposals will only be a disaster on public health.

The doctor added that he does not have an issue with the ordinance in general; including the raising of legal age to buy cigarettes and banning on advertising. Yet, the products are obviously and literally saving the lives of people who are in great dangers of death and diseases due to cigarette smoking. If these devices that make their lives better will be restricted, he wonders what these people will do.

In a dispute in an Estonian court, the Agency of Medicines lost against Zandera Ltd, a manufacturer of electronic cigarettes. This court dispute all began when the Agency made a resolution last August 2012 regarding the classification of electronic cigarettes by Zandera as medicinal products and should be limited.

Agency Of Medicines’ Resolution

According to the Agency of Medicines, electronic cigarettes must be restricted due to the amount of nicotine in the liquid solution that these devices contain. This nicotine amount, as the agency said, is a medicinal product. The agency is not alone in this stand because WHO (World Health Organization) also holds the same belief that the nicotine produced industrially is a medicinal substance that is utilized to treat addiction to nicotine.

According to what the authorities say, using nicotine from electronic cigarettes can be risky to people who have unstable blood pressure. The Agency of Medicines stated that the Nicorette gum available in pharmacies have a nicotine amount of only two milligrams; whereas a cartridge of Zandera’s electronic cigarettes has 24 milligrams.  Due to this high nicotine level and concentration and the health risks associated with them, the agency disallowed the trading of these products.

Battle In Court

Zandera Ltd went to court to fight this resolution by the Agency of Medicines.  One victory for electronic cigarettes is the decision made by the court to side Zandera. Yet, the agency, just like all the other prohibitionists, is not ready to give up.  The agency, as expected, appealed the court’s ruling.  On a similar note, the health author in UK, the MHRA, announced last June that it will begin to classify electronic cigarettes are medicinal products on 2016. This announcement was also received disapprovingly by the majority of industry participants.

Pharmacists In Estonia Side The Agency

Taking the side of the Agency of Medicines that the devices be classified under the medicine category, Estonian Union of Pharmacists stated that these electronic cigarettes be sold in pharmacies only.  According to the board member on the Union, Kristina Sepp, these products first need to obtain sales permit that are based according to the regulations for medicines.

She also added that the Agency of Medicine’s decision to consider these as medicines is only proper and also appropriate for the people’s health.

The Agency obviously wanted the industry of electronic cigarettes kits to be reduced and this can be favorable to the pharmaceutical industry.  Pharmaceutical companies manufacture and produce nicotine replacement products available in the market like Nicorette.  Since more and more smokers turn to electronic cigarettes instead of nicotine patches, gums, lozenges, inhalers and sprays, these companies’ revenues are greatly threatened.  Electronic cigarettes, if allowed to continue to dominate the market, will definitely push nicotine replacements to extinction.

About Zandera Ltd.

It is the company behind the electronic cigarette brand E-Lites, which is one of the favorites of British smokers and vapers.  E-lites offer the authentic feel, taste and experience of tobacco smoking, but excluding the harmful components and effects of tobacco tar, toxins and carcinogens.

Aside from an enjoyable, close-to-the-real-thing experience, E-Lites also offer an average smoking person with up to 70% savings.  As the perfect smoking alternative, E-lites devices are equipped with G9 batteries in order to give users 300-400 puffs from a single charge.

City School officials in Batavia City, Genesee County in Western NY have updated their code of conduct for the coming school year. The updates were said to go with the tide and with the time.  Times that passed certainly brought many innovations that children could be exposed to; such as electronic cigarettes. Changes in the school code of conduct were done to accommodate recent technologies that might affect students’ academic performance, health and welfare.

More Than Hallway Noises And Academics

Indeed, the responsibility of educators extends from mere academics. Playing the role as second parents to children, the school officials of Batavia feel they have the obligation to instill discipline and moral values to their students. While teaching per se is something that these educators were trained to do; nowadays, there are a lot of challenges that teachers need to overcome so they can ensure that students are getting the best education and character molding from their schools. After all, students spend most of their times in school, rather than at home.

These hurdles that teachers must be prepared to deal with include new technologies and innovations like smart and android phones, computer tablets and electronic cigarettes. Thus, Batavia school officials took the initiative to adjust their student handbook so that the code of conduct could include how these technologies are to be handled or dealt with while children are in school.

Scott Wilson, a High School principal, noted during the board meeting that the student manual’s electronic section now involves stricter regulations, yet the officials have decided to be a little bit open to the use of electronic gadgets that can help educators in performing their duties as teachers.   For example, teachers are allowed to use modern devices like computers and projectors to better teach students.  There were revised codes specifically for high school and middle school students that were approved by the board.

For High School, the new rule on electronic gadgets is that these devices shall be permitted to be used in school premises. Students can also use their electronics to pass time between classes according to their teachers’ and staff’s discretion.  Thus, it is the teachers’ responsibility to outline their policies and expectations on how students must use the gadgets in their syllabus, said Principal Wilson.  If the staff directed students to surrender their devices, students need to obey.

Bullying Concerns Raised

During the meeting, the president of the board, Patrick Burk, raised the question if all the staff can rightfully ask that device be surrendered.  This is because he has known about an incident involving substantial bullying by a member of the food service staff, who was known to ask students about their phones. Burk has no problems on electronics; it is just that he thinks this will escalate the already appalling bullying that is presently happening.

Necessity To Learn Electronics Etiquette

Gretchen Difante, a board member also likes to see that students are provided with better coaching on the etiquette of using electronic gadgets.  She said that children should know how to appropriately use these modern technologies while they are in school grounds.  The earlier that the school system can become a part of this education, the better, she said.

The Assistant principal, Jeff McKinney said that DiFante’s raised concern was already tackled by the committee on code.  According to him, there were a lot of conversations about this issue. There were even different added changes like pursuing criminal charges and involvement of law enforcement as probable punishment on disciplinary crisis; students who committed first offense with tobacco, electronic cigarettes, drugs and alcohol would need to be counseled. Electronic cigarettes, apparently, were added as prohibited paraphernalia for smoking.

According to McKinney, electronic cigarettes do not produce smoke, only vapor or mist, but using them inside school campuses is still not appropriate.

For Middle School rules, principals Julia Rogers and Sandy Griffin both presented certain regulatory changes for Grades 5-8.  According to them, Teens must wear clothes in school that will cover chest and stomach areas. Skirts and shorts would be allowed, but must provide decent coverage for the buttocks. They must also not be overly tight or excessively short.

Electronic and school apparel were not the only changes made in the student manual. The school officials also discussed the number of students to sit or occupy dining tales. Long tables should only sit up to 12 students; while round tables, up to 7 students.  These dining tables are popular gathering areas for students.

The two principals also noted the draw for light switches.  In the student manual section for no tampering, light switches are included along with fire alarms, fire extinguishers and other electrical systems of the school.

Suspended students cannot attend any event in school or be on any school property during the suspension. These prohibited locations include Dwyer Stadium, Van Detta Stadium, Genessee Community College, Falleti Ice Arena and Richmond Memorial Library. Other matters concerning student behaviors were included in the manual modifications that were brought about by reported incidents in school grounds and even in school buses.

LeCig is an electronic cigarette company with a mission of providing its clients with quality alternatives to tobacco products and excellent service. Being true to its mission, the company is now offering two distinctive updates on its line of valuable products.

Variable Voltage Electronic Cigarette

Lecig is offering ‘VariVolt’, an electronic cigarette with variable voltage.  As its name implies, this new product will enable the user to adjust flavor amount simply by controlling the level of voltage that the device will use using the provided control feature. The CEO of LeCig, Mike Elias, said that this new addition to their lineup is simply unique. Other products may give just the standard, single voltage usage. With VariVolt, the user can enjoy varying tastes by also varying the voltage consumed by the device.

Elias added that this is a great modification or mod to an electronic cigarette device because of its ability to accept 510 tanks. VariVolt was also given a flat design so that it will not accidentally roll off a table or a surface.

With LeCig, users can enjoy more than 40 various flavors with their VariVolt. These products are all made in the US, not from China like those offered by other companies.

One customer of LeCig, Amy Wilson from Long View Texas, said that she has tried other variable voltage electronic cigarette, but she was not satisfied due to the size. She finds VariVolt just the perfect size and once that will also not roll off and fall on the ground.

Electronic Cigarette Fruity Flavors

Another important announcement made by LeCig regarding their product lineup is the addition of fresh flavors.  It is good these flavors are made in the US because its customers appreciate made locally than those imported from China or other countries.

LeCig also offer imported e-liquids that are likewise high quality, but many vapers tend to feel and taste better with flavors that are made in their own country.

These new flavors introduced by the company are wonderful fruit tastes of Mango, Orange, Lemonade and Watermelon.

One customer, Jeremy Swisher from Branderton, Florida, who has tried the watermelon flavor exclaimed that it tasted indeed of the fruit from which it was named. The flavor is not very sweet; just the perfect flavor one would like to have from a vapor product.

LeCigs’ flavors and e-liquid are available in various nicotine levels. The users are free to choose how much nicotine they like or need to use.

About The Company

LeCig , an electronic cigarette company is committed to providing its customers with the best smokeless cigarette experience.  Its lineup of products includes high quality electronic cigarettes, liquid refills, accessories and starter kits.

Every electronic cigarette that it sells comes with 30-day warranty so it is confident that it can satisfy its buyers.  Starter kits, refills, accessories and chargers are available to any vaping enthusiast, novice and seasoned alike, at prices that are reasonable and affordable.

In case you have any questions or inquiries, LeCig can be contacted through its hotline numbers, (870) 518-4307. Up on its website is also a button that you simply click for chat support.  LeCig is even giving its customers added bonus.  Just by liking its FaceBook page, you will instantly receive 10% discount coupon that you may use when buying any product from LeCig.

Electronic cigarettes are now on the verge of facing the same fate as traditional cigarettes made from tobacco.  Due to the heightened concerns of many groups and individuals, electronic cigarettes are now being considered by the government and the lawmakers to be categorized under tobacco products. This means that the devices, no matter how many former smokers testify that they were able to quit with the help of vaping, will soon be banned, restricted and controlled just like tobacco cigarettes.

Almost everyone stood witness to how tobacco industry has crumbled and suffered due to regulations. Revenues plummeted and a lot of people lost their jobs, yet, many smokers still continue with their habits.  Electronic cigarettes may be like traditional cigarettes in some ways, but they are considerably safer and better.

Smokers Know They Have A Better Option

Regardless of how the government and health agencies warn the public about the unknown dangers of these devices, smokers themselves are aware of what they want and what they need to do. They know that smoking is detrimental, but approved nicotine replacements in forms of patches and gums do not seem to work for them. They heard about electronic cigarettes, tried them and almost unbelievably, their cigarette dependency was reduced and gone quickly.

Paul Davey is the owner of Vapor Loft, an electronic cigarette store that debuted last 2012 in Orange County.  He used to smoke for 27 years and then bought his very first device via the internet.  After one week of vaping, he was able to stop smoking.  After one year, he put up the store. He not merely sells products to customers, but also tries his best with the use of his pharmaceutical background to educate anyone who enters his shop.  When he opened the store last year, Orange County only had about two stores of the same specialization. Now, there are about 60 of them selling the products and other accessories needed to vape. This means that the demand is getting higher, so the number of suppliers is also increasing.

Senate Bill 648

Others say that the politicians are only worried about the decreased in tax revenue because smokers would merely turn to electronic cigarettes rather than shoulder the high taxes charged on regular cigarettes.  Whatever reasons are making legislators alarmed with the increasing popularity of electronic cigarettes, one thing remains certain: they are pushing for a law that will regulate and restrict these products.  One excellent example is the senate bill drafted by Senator Ellen Corbett for the state of California in February. Senate Bill 648 will essentially classify electronic cigarettes as tobacco product; vapers will receive the same treatment as smokers.  The bill initially passed the state senate and is now awaiting Assembly vote.

Understandable Concerns Of Local Businesses

Jason Shaeffer is the owner of E-Cig City located in Laguna Beach the first ever store that opened in the county. Just like other electronic store owners, Schaeffer was also a smoker for 38 years.  According to him, most of the studies had a difficult time to prove that they are concrete and reliable in proving the negative effects of vaping.

Over 40 local shops contributed money in an effort to contest SB 648.  The money collected was used to hire a lobbyist to represent the industry and make a protest in Sacramento, yet their efforts failed.

According to government officials, what agitates them is the e-liquid or juice. In general, this juice, which is being turned to vapor, is composed of basic components: propylene glycol (or vegetable glycerin), nicotine and natural/artificial flavoring.  According to critics, secondhand vapor is as dangerous as secondhand tobacco smoke.  No regulations were issued yet by the FDA concerning this e-liquid.  Furthermore, what makes it interesting is that other nicotine replacement products approved by the FDA, like gums and patches, were sold before with labels that say they are not supposed to be used with other nicotine replacements or not to be used for an extended period of time.  When electronic cigarettes became quite popular, the agency has ripped off such warning labels, saying that it has understood how these products actually work.

Davey said that it is not surprising, both the government and tobacco firms are aware that electronic cigarette is such a potentially lucrative industry.  Nicotine is not bad like other people think. In fact, Davey added, nicotine is also present in many vegetables and fruits.  Davey was also among those local businesses that pitched in money to contradict SB 648; yet, he was doubtful they can defeat the bill.  The biggest fight that vapers must face is the misconception of non-smokers so they need to listen and hear out success stories from real people.

He also pointed out that another problem causing the stir is the misunderstanding of many people about devices used with nicotine and those that are used with medical marijuana.  Just by smelling the vapors, one can simply tell the difference.

What Local Businesses Are Now Doing

Anticipating government prying and also to show they are abiding citizens, many of the makers and the shops have started to self-regulate. One organization, AEMSA or American E-Liquid Manufacturing Standards Association, has come up with a protocol that juicers can follow to ensure safety.

Davy said that right now, DIY juices can order their ingredients online and follow the protocol in their own bathroom or kitchen. The procedure will tell the juicer about the quantity of nicotine to be used so as not to pose danger to anyone.

Popular juice makers like Meg Strousse (from Vape Goddess) and Kevin Drake (from Drake’s Vape) agree with AEMSA’s intention to offer guidelines to DIY juicers.  Yet, they and other professional juice makers prefer that juices be taken to the lab where they can also be tested.  According to Strousse, all ingredients they use are approved by the FDA.  Strousse also added that they ensure their working environment is sterile.

Drake, on the other hand, compares juice making to bartending.  He explains that in bartending, you also buy approved ingredients from a store so it is only common sense that you mix these ingredients in a safe, sterile area. While one does not necessarily need to have an expensive facility to make juice, it is just not appropriate that they are made in a bathtub.

Varied Levels Of Opposition To The Bill

Strousse, Drake and Davey all share similar animosity toward the bill. They are not so worried about the effects of limited vaping places where vapers can enjoy their stuff.  Shaeffer, on the other hand, is like others who are greatly worried about this.  Shaeffer said that with the approval and implementation of the bill, vapers will be pushed to vaped in the designated smoking area where they will also be exposed to secondhand smoke. He added that the potential of electronic cigarettes in saving lives is not realized by many. However, all of them are also worried about how far or what other steps the government would take to supervise the products.

If vapers from Las Vegas and South California are already excited about their upcoming events on September, vapers from Canada are even more excited because their electronic cigarette event is closer. The very first annual big Canadian meet, Vapecan 2013 is set to happen on the 9^th and 10 of August.

Vapecan 2013

This vape meet for Canadians is scheduled to happen in Holiday Inn Airport at 970 Dixon Road in Toronto, Ontario.  On Friday, the public is invited to come in starting at noon; while on Saturday, doors will be open to the public earlier at 10 in the morning.

The organizers decided to make this first annual electronic cigarette event more enjoyable for every attending vaper by waiving entrance fee. Thus, anyone can enter and join without having to worry about entrance fee. However, you might need to be of legal age in order to be accepted.

The organizers of this electronic cigarette event are Jean-Francois ‘Frenchy’ Leblanc as vendor/tech coordinator, Ian Katz from Maple Leaf Vapes as volunteer coordinator and Jason ‘JayTheVapingGuy’ Hubbard as prize/sponsor coordinator.

Notable guests include Phil Busardo. Deej, who owns BetaMorph Recordings will also be coming straight from New Mexico just to provide dj services during the Saturday night event where partying is expected to happen.

Food and Accommodation

You can book for a Holiday Inn room at a discounted rate by calling and telling the customer representative that you will attend Vapecan 2013. Up on the website of this electronic cigarette event is the number you may call for making room reservations.  There, you can find and use the exclusive link on booking.  The website also contains other relevant information for all interested attendees, vendors and sponsors.

Where there are events, there are also foods. Surrounding the venue are a lot of eating places you can also go to.  Checkout the website to see in advance which restaurants you might want to order your foods from.

Vendors

As this electronic cigarette event is something that will definitely be attended by a lot of vapers, vendors can also take advantage in exposing their brands and selling their products to more clients.  Vendors are welcome to participate. Per table price is $250 where the vendor can occupy 10′x8′ space and will be provided a table as well.   During the show, there will be WiFi services provided and also coffee vending service.

Right now, the confirmed vendors are Maple Leaf Vapes, Vape Mail, Flavor Crafters, Midnight Vaper, Canvape, Vaporus, Canadian Electronic Vapor, EVape, Evapers, ESmoker Canada, Electro Vapors, Cold Turkey, Vape Shop, Vaporium, JR Custom Turnings, Canada E-Juice, Vapour Solutions,Happy Vaper and Jiffy Nic.

A Lot Of Prizes Await

Attending vapers will definitely have a lot of fun not only because they will meet a lot of other vapers. Their time spent will be even more productive as they can possibly bring home exciting prizes that include Provari and Provari mini devices, device kits and e-juices.

Events Schedule

On the website of this electronic cigarette event, you can also have an idea what will be in store for all attendees. On Friday, August 9, tables will be set up starting at nine in the morning so that by noon, the venue will be ready for the flow of guests.  Games will be held at four in the afternoon and prizes will be given away every hour until six in the evening.  If you have any rebuildable needs, you may proceed at the table for ‘Bob and His Rebuilders’. Vapers may purchase items from participating vendors until seven in the evening.

On Saturday, August 10, the venue will be prepared starting on the same time, nine in the morning. At 10 AM, the doors will be open for the public.  Prizes will also be given away every hour until 6 PM.  There will also be a table awaiting those vapers with their rebuilding needs.  Buying and selling of items will be until 7PM so that vendors can still have time to prepare for the party.  There will be a costume contest starting at 8 PM.

The Costume Contest is open to everyone who is in for some weirdest and wildest costumes worn during the event.  Three exceptional costumes will be picked and awarded with amazing prizes.

Sponsorship

Like other events, this Vapecan 2013 is also open for sponsors who like to have more and better exposure. Platimum sponsors now include Vaporus, Canvape, Vapour Solutions, Stinky Canuck, Vape Strong, JR Custom Turnings, Vape Shop, Flavor Crafters and Jiffy Nic.

Gold sponsors are ElectroVapors and Happy Vaper. Bronze sponsors include EVape while friends of Vapecan include Starr’s Co-op, Vapemail and Vapour Connection.