By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning about the rising prevalence of e-cigarette use, noting that over 100 million people globally, including at least 15 million children, are currently using these devices. According to the WHO, children are disproportionately affected, with vaping rates nine times higher than those of adults. The organization’s officials state that e-cigarettes are fueling a “new wave” of nicotine addiction, potentially undermining public health efforts. The WHO also accuses the tobacco industry of aggressively targeting young people with their marketing strategies.
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Alarming number of people now vape, says WHO, and that’s certainly a headline that’s got a lot of folks talking. It’s easy to see why, considering the sheer speed at which the vaping industry exploded. It’s almost like a new version of Big Tobacco, cleverly disguised with fruity flavors and sleek designs. For those who have managed to quit, it can be a tough road. The advice seems to be to limit purchases, which is interesting. The crucial moment is right before you buy your next vape, the moment when you still have the choice.
One thing that’s become apparent is the idea of re-framing the craving itself. Instead of letting it consume you, some have found it helpful to associate the craving with their progress. Every time you feel the urge, remember how far you’ve come. It’s a powerful way to turn something negative into a reminder of achievement. It’s true, we have to remember that vaping is not safe, and you are still ingesting nicotine.
The flip side is, vaping has allowed people to cut back or shift to a different, less harmful, method of using nicotine, which is great. It’s a lot easier than quitting cold turkey for many, but then again, it might be just as easy to start. The lack of stigma surrounding vaping also makes it attractive, even to kids, which is a little scary. We’re still in the early days of understanding the long-term health effects, and more research is needed.
It’s undeniable that a pack of smokes can be expensive, and for the same price, you can get a vape that lasts a lot longer. The problem comes when you start again, which can happen quicker than you think. We’ve seen instances of outright bans, where cigarettes are still legal. It’s a complex issue that feels inconsistent.
Now, let’s talk about the other side of the coin: the experiences of those who have successfully quit smoking through vaping. It worked for some. It helped to break the hand-to-mouth habit, which is huge. The fact that lungs feel better after quitting smoking and vaping is telling. Vaping may not be perfectly healthy, but it’s definitely helped some people break free from the grip of cigarettes.
The industry markets vapes not as quit-smoking aids, but as the “healthy, fun and more convenient alternative” to cigarettes. This is where we see the same tactics as Big Tobacco being employed. It’s time for more regulation. In the last decade, lung cancer rates have dropped, which shows the positive effect of people smoking less.
However, many are questioning the alarm, with many asking if safer alternatives, are by their nature, a net positive. The WHO is concerned, even though vapes do not contain the same carcinogens as cigarettes. The goal should be to move away from smoking, even if it’s towards something less harmful. A future where vaping is the norm instead of smoking could be beneficial if done correctly.
The numbers are intriguing. If 100 million people are vaping, and 138 million have stopped smoking, could there be a connection? It is also true that a lot of us feel better after quitting cigarettes and switching to vaping. The cough disappears, the smell is gone, and the overall health feels improved.
It’s also worth pointing out that the tobacco industry only got involved when vaping became popular. They’re now busy trying to get everything else banned, which is a little ironic. We can’t ignore the fact that vaping is definitely less harmful than smoking, it has helped a lot of people and is very much a net positive.
Ultimately, it feels that it’s not a bad thing when you look at the alternatives. Vaping isn’t good for you, but it’s a better option than smoking. People are trying to cope with the world, and vaping offers a way to do that. Regulation is needed. It should say ‘Record numbers of people quitting deadly smoking as they take up a much safer alternative’.
Vaping’s impact is undeniable. People who switched to vaping haven’t had the same health problems as before, and that’s what matters. The key is to focus on reducing smoking rates. It’s also important to remember that the vape industry needs to be regulated. Is my weed vape a problem? Not if you compare it to the alternative of smoking cigarettes.