Redefining the Candy-Cigarette

Since the introduction of the E-cigarette in 2004 by the Ruyan Company (China) a battle has raged on between the FDA and the E-cigarette companies over the manner in which it is being marketed. Despite the companies' claims of the products health benefits, the FDA refused to allow the product to enter the US market for almost 3 years. Concerns were voiced over the unknown health effects caused by the "e-liquid" that provides the flavor and nicotine.The NPR Blog states that young people using E-cigarettes are twice as likely to develop an actual smoking habit. Debates also rage on as to whether or not these products help users quit smoking.  Those in favor argue that the vapor alternative is much less damaging to the users health while the opposition claims there is too little known the health effects of e-liquid to know that for sure. The argument is strong on both sides but the general consensus is that not enough information has surfaced to make either side the victor.

E-Cigarette Cartridges- Provided by Getty Images

Onw issue that has arisen in the last year is that from one look, you can tell these products are not meant to attract adults, and the studies can back that up. In a 2012 report by CDC, E-cigarette use has reportedly doubled in the period of a year (2011-12) among a surveyed group of middle school students. A recent article on The Hill, a political news web source reported that House democrats were putting a bill into place restricting the E-Cigarette industry from marketing their products to young people. Lobbyists and lawmakers argue the products flavoring and packaging is a tactic to attract new smokers just as the "Camel Joe" campaign did almost a century ago, glamorizing smoking for the youth through flashy ads and products. The simple white and brown look has been replaced with psychedelic rainbow designs and a bright blue LED light.

Luxury Vape™ Product Shot

Typical E-liquid flavors include:
-Pancakes
-Strawberry
-Watermelon
-Cotton Candy
-Vanilla
-Mango-Orange

Blogs like E-Cigarette Forum allow users to discuss the upcoming products,popular flavors and brands online, which has only furthered the appeal these products have to young people. Although forums tend to be user generated there is no denying the fact that the enticing flavors and visually appealing packaging is a tactic to draw in younger people, and being so unregulated it becomes easy for abuse to occur.