Recently the attorney general in the state of Virginia in the U.S. has determined that the use of electronic cigarettes do not violate the smoking bans in that state. He has determined that the vapour emitted by the electronic device does not constitute smoke in the way it is understood. This is good news for restaurant owners and smokers who use the device when they are out in restaurants and pubs.
It is a hopeful sign in the battle over the electronic nicotine delivery system. Essentially an e-cigarette is simply a nicotine replacement product that delivers the nicotine in a manner that smokers are familiar and comfortable with. Unfortunately, some anti-smoking groups have decided that the device looks a little too much like a cigarette and are fighting against the use of the product in public places.
Banning the electronic cigarette is the equivalent of telling smokers the best way for them to stop smoking. Quitting smoking is a very difficult and psychologically painful process for many smokers. The e-cigarette helps some smokers get past the uncomfortable nicotine cravings in a way that they are familiar with. The device looks and works just like a regular cigarette, which helps the smoker handle the difficulty of stopping the physical act of smoking.
The e-cigarette is not marketed to the public as a stop smoking device, but it is not uncommon for smokers to use the device to wean themselves off of the dangerous tobacco cigarettes. Smokers can even use cartridges in their electronic cigarette that do not contain nicotine. There is little doubt that some smokers can use the device to improve their health and finally kick the habit.
The health improvement that the electronic cigarettes bring is another benefit of the device. Smokers are not inhaling the hundreds of dangerous chemicals that are contained in tobacco cigarettes. This health benefit alone can help many smokers improve their health while they are enjoying smoking.
There are some smokers that do not have any desire at all to quit. While it would be great if everyone who smoked wanted to quit and was successful in their first attempt, but this is just not reality. The electronic cigarette can be used by both of these smokers. The e-cigarette is just as enjoyable to a smoker as the real thing and can be enjoyed inside without violating smoking bans. Until the time comes that a smoker decides to stop smoking, the e-cigarette is a healthier alternative.
As more people become aware of the truth about e-cigarettes, like the Virginia attorney general, it is likely that more people will enjoy the health benefits of the device and in some cases, quit smoking. Whatever the reason that people have for using an electronic cigarette, they present less of a hazard than tobacco cigarettes and help those around the smoker avoid second hand smoke, as well. The e-cigarette has a lot to offer to smokers and those who want to quit the habit. Eventually science and research will catch up with the innovative device.