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One of the most frustrating debates over eCigarettes comes from those who wish to ban the product. Smokers see the eCigarette as a tool in their arsenal to stop smoking tobacco products. However, there are some people who wish to ban the products in some parts of the world, in particular the United States. Why would an anti smoking group try to take away a tool that some people may use to stop the harmful effects of tobacco cigarettes? It is a perplexing question and one that smacks of a nanny state looking to exercise control over the population’s behaviour and habits.
While eCigarettes are under scrutiny among these groups, tobacco cigarettes are widely available to smokers. This is the biggest inconsistency in the debate. A smoker is able to purchase tobacco products without a prescription or difficulty, but the device that offers a healthy alternative is questioned for its safety.
The problem stems from the eCigarettes ability to hold enough nicotine to equal an entire pack of cigarettes in one cartridge. The detractors apparently believe that smokers will continue to use the product and potentially cause harm to themselves by inhaling too much nicotine in a single sitting. However, while this theory is certainly possible, it does not take into account the desire of the smoker to improve their health with the device. Some smokers are purchasing the electronic cigarette for the purpose of weaning themselves off nicotine and living a smoke free life. These consumers will most likely monitor the amount of nicotine that they are using so that their levels drop and enable them to quit.
It boils down to a nanny state that wishes to control the behaviour of smoking and not offer a realistic approach to stopping the inhalation of nicotine. Doctors all over the world have recognized the potential that e cigarettes offer to consumers and applaud the efforts of their patients to try and stop the dangerous tobacco habit. These doctors understand that nicotine and cigarette addiction are two different things. Smokers must overcome two addictions at the same time when trying to stop smoking. The nicotine addiction is their first concern which is where the electronic device comes into play. While the e cigarette gives the smoker the nicotine that they need, the deep psychological addiction to smoking can be approached. This is a two step approach to smoking cessation that may work for some smokers.
It is vital that anti smoking groups recognize this issue and allows smokers the opportunity to use the tools that have the best chance of working. Instead of trying to control a behaviour and nicotine addiction at the same time, these smokers can work on each of the addictions one at a time and finally kick the habit. You would think that anti smoking groups would recognize this possibility and embrace the e cigarette for the tool that it can be. These devices also do not affect those around the smoker which greatly diminishes the problems with second hand smoke.