Electronic Cigarette Use Is Also Hot And Rising In Buffalo NY
Electronic cigarette use is one of the hottest trends in society. Many people, especially smokers seeking a much better way to quit smoking, has been considering using these electronic devices to achieve their goals. Buffalo in New York is not exempted from this trend.
Electronic cigarette use is gaining popularity because smokers are still able to enjoy the perks they get from smoking. They enjoy the hand-to-mouth action from vaping (referring to the use of electronic cigarettes) that they once experienced from smoking. These devices can also deliver nicotine to users, just as tobacco cigarettes provide them with nicotine fix. However, electronic cigarette use does not expose a vaper to the numerous detriments that tobacco can bring.
Smoking Cessation Aids Fail To Help Smokers
Many may contend that electronic cigarette use can be more harmful that tobacco smoking. However, former smokers who actually became successful in quitting smoking actually hail the devices as their hero. Where other smoking cessation aids fail, electronic cigarettes come to the rescue.
One ex-smoker from Grand Island, Jason Rimes attests that he once struggled to stop his 10-year smoking habit especially now that he has his own baby girl to protect against tobacco smoke. Jason has tried other smoking cessation aids like patches and gums, but none of them were able to help him. It was already two years ago that he has found his best solution: electronic cigarettes.
Another example of the beneficial electronic cigarette use is Louis Ramos who is soon to be a father. He was addicted to smoking for 11 years and his first option is electronic cigarettes. These men are just two of the 3.5 million Americans who were once hooked on tobacco, but are now leading a better life with electronic cigarette use. This estimated number of vapers came from Tobacco Vapor Electronic Cigarette Association. With the increasing number of vapers, it is no wonder why new electronic cigarette stores just keep on showing up in almost all locations.
What smoker would not be allured by electronic cigarettes if these devices can satisfy them in terms of nicotine fix and also eliminate the stigma that society has marked them with? No more negative comments and cursing looks from other people, no more repugnant smoke, no more smelly clothes and hands, no more ash and butts to discard are just a few of the benefits that vapers count.
Buffalo: Vapor Hotbed
This region in the state of New York is termed a vapor hotbed because there alone, one can purchase the devices and vaping paraphernalia from 15 local stores. The Vapor Trail located in South Buffalo is just one of them and it is co-owned by CJ Johnston. According to CJ, he is expecting these 15 shops to be added with another 15 more shops before the year ends. CJ’s business partner, Andrew Osborne, believes that in the next five years, more people will be into vaping instead of smoking.
Safety Concerns Over Electronic Cigarette Use
Despite numerous claims by ex-smokers that vaping has helped them improve their health, health experts are still worried that electronic cigarette use might cause unwanted effects that users are yet to see. The FDA has not issued any recommendation, recognition or regulation over these products as aids in smoking cessation yet because the agency is doubtful about their safety. Still, the industry is still booming and blooming.
Increasing Industry Sales
Since 2008, the performance of electronic cigarettes in the market has been overwhelming. Each year, product sales reach double amount that the previous year. When 2013 ends, sales are expected to reach $1 billion and by 2017, it is expected to reach $2.5 billion.
Thus, it is not anymore surprising that many individual investors, companies and tobacco firms to be interested in joining this young and growing industry.
Users have mix intentions on electronic cigarette use. There are users like Jason Rimes who intend to cut down on nicotine strength as they continue to vape until they are able to reach zero nicotine. There are also other vapers like another Buffalo resident Bill Pietrzykowski who see electronic cigarettes as tobacco replacement and have no intention of saying goodbye to nicotine. Nevertheless, for Bill and other vapers like him, the good news is that they were able to steer away from harmful tobacco.
Furthermore, users are also able to save and economize with electronic cigarette use. Although the initial investment for a starter kit may be somewhat costly$35 to more than $100 depending on the brand), the monthly vaping expenses are definitely lower at just $20-50.
Another shop in North Buffalo, the Bufallo Vapor Lounge is owned by John Bolla. John’s Bufallo vapor Lounge has another branch at West Seneca and according to him; these electronic devices are actually driving smokers away from their usual tobacco brands. This, then, gives a punch to tobacco business, although with still very minimal effect. Nonetheless, big tobacco firms have already entered the market, each promoting their own brands of electronic cigarettes.
Not Exempt From Legislation
Perhaps because of concern for people’s health or perhaps worried about loss in tax profits, the government and other organizations are fighting against electronic cigarette use. Now, regulations and policies are successively implemented worldwide that aims to put electronic cigarettes under control. Some countries like Singapore and Australia completely ban the devices. Other countries impose heavy taxes on them such as Italy; while other places consider them as tobacco products and are, thus, covered by smoking bans.
In the state of NY, one cannot vape if within 100 feet from the entrance of a school. Minors are also not allowed to purchase them. There are some business and establishment owners that disallow the use of these devices as they could weaken the smoking policies currently implemented. Examples are in First Niagara Center and Ralph Wilson Stadium. Another establishment where vaping is not allowed in restaurant and bar is Laughlin’s located on Franklin Street. However, in Cabaret located on Pearl Street, patrons are allowed to vape if the restaurant is not crowded. According to the owner’s husband John Lattanzio, he noticed that these people on electronic cigarette use are more respectful toward others because they actually go outside the restaurant to vape when they see more patrons coming in. Another restaurant in Delaware Avenue, Tempo, also permits using the devices.
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