Menthol E Cigarettes

Digital, electric or electronic cigarettes are rising in popularity.  Posed to make more than $100 million in revenue worldwide in 2011, there certain seems to be a strong population of consumers.

Who is Buying Electronic Cigarettes?

There are 43 million smokers in the US, every year millions attempt to quit smoking.  Without help only about 5% actually succeed in cessation.  Many are looking for alternatives to provide nicotine in some form.  This could be patches or gum, prescriptions or digital (electronic) cigarettes.  

What are Electronic Cigarettes?

The electronic cigarette is nicotine delivery system that provides the nicotine in solution that is taken up in vapor form using an atomizer.  It uses a battery to generate the warmth to activate the atomizer.  The battery is usually lithium ion.  The standard electric cigarette comes in three pieces; the battery, the atomizer and the cartridge (containing the nicotine solution and the mouthpiece).  In two-piece versions the cartridge and atomizer are combined into one piece.  

What are the Benefits to Electric Cigarettes?
The predominant advantage to the electronic cigarette is the absence of tobacco, tar and ash.  The nicotine is in a solution with a glycol base (vegetable or propylene are the standard bases) and a flavoring.  Tobacco cigarettes contain thousands of toxins, poisons and carcinogens either in the manufactured product or in the smoke from the burning tobacco.  

Tobacco cigarettes are responsible for the death of over 50% of the smokers and thousands of non-smokers from the second hand smoke.  Electric cigarettes use no smoke, only a vapor that dissipates quickly.  

Smoking has been banned in most public places; electric cigarettes are usually outside that ban.  There is some indication that this may change as some areas are considering restrictions on the electronic cigarette, but in the US and UK there are currently no clear restrictions on electronic cigarettes.  

Flavors and Electric Cigarettes
The nicotine solution includes flavoring as well as the ability to control the amount of nicotine in the concentrated solution.  Many smokers switching to electric cigarettes initially choose a cigarette flavor such as tobacco flavoring or menthol, as it more closely replicates the smoking experience.  But the advent of a wide range of flavor options, has allowed the e-cigarette user to move beyond Menthol into other types of flavors including popular choices like coffee, cola or vanilla.  There are also alcohol drink inspired flavors such as cognac, brandy, whisky and beer.  

Cessation of Smoking
Electronic cigarettes are not therapeutic devices but rather they offer a reduction in the harmful effects from tobacco cigarettes.  For many smokers, the electronic cigarettes can offer an experience similar to the tobacco cigarette without the health hazards related to tobacco.  The nicotine delivery means that electronic cigarettes can’t be labeled as a healthy option, but it certainly reduces the harm from the tobacco cigarette.  

The electronic cigarette industry has landed and is growing in epic proportions, it is clear that many smokers will soon be vapers instead.  The electronic cigarette may not be the best fit for everyone, but they offer nicotine in a safer environment.