ElixirVapors

Like twins, we tend to consider tobacco and nicotine as one-and-the-same. Let's separte them. Understanding Nicotine: Nicotine is a natural product of tobacco. When a cigarette is smoked, it releases many chemical messengers- neurotransmitters- such as acetylcholine, norepinephrine, vasopressin, histamine, arginne, serotonin, dopamine, autocrine agents, beta-endorphin and other tongue twisters that are responsible for most of nicotine's effects. Effects that are, in fact, positive. Nicotine appears to enhance concentration, memory, alertness and arousal, reduces pain and anxiety, extends the duration of positive effects, and increases sensitivity in brain reward systems.

There is evidence that nicotine itself has the potential to prevent and treat Alzheimer's disease, has been shown to delay the onset of Parkinson's disease, has a mild laxative effect reducing symptoms of ulcerative colitis, and reduces the chance of breast cancer among women carrying the very high risk BRCA gene. Nicotine is unique in comparison to most drugs as its profile changes from sedative to pain killer to stimulant in increasing dosages. Therefore, when using the E-Cig, the effect upon your system will depend on how much you "puff" but if you'll follow the advice given by other members, you'll have no problem. Nicotine does not induce weight gain.

Contrary to popular belief, nicotine does not cause cancer and is not a known carcinogenic. In cigarettes, cancer is caused over a long period of time due to smoke inhalation and the burning of various carcinogenic chemicals. In fact, while tobacco and nicotine have been used for centuries, lung cancer was unknown until the invention of the machine rolled cigarettes in the late 19th century. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has not evaluated nicotine in its standalone form or assigned it to an official carcinogen group. And, technically, nicotine itself is not significantly addictive, as nicotine administered alone does not produce significant reinforcing properties. But beware the word "significantly;" a word often used in the political arena and therefore highly suspect. Of course we become addicted to E-Cigs if for no other reason than the pleasure derived from them. But, unarguably, and until the medical society proves otherwise, it's a far, far safer -and cheaper- addiction than cigarettes. Enjoy yourselves.

Beware the FDA. Like all governmental agencies, they have an agenda. Example: Every day 3000 young people become regular smokers, 6000 teens under 18 smoke their first cigarette, and more than 1000 adults die prematurely as a result of an adolescent decision. Clearly, a problem to be addressed. Let's recall the November 1998 multi-state tobacco settlement, — estimated at $246 billion over the first 25 years — that was to attack the enormous public health problems posed by tobacco use in the U.S. Well, how’s that working for us?

As of November 30, 2011, states have cut funding for tobacco prevention and cessation programs to the lowest level since 1999, the very first year they received settlement funds. Fiscal Year 2012 will collect $25.6 billion in revenue from the tobacco settlement and tobacco taxes, but will spend only 1.8 % of it - $456.7 million - less than two cents of every dollar in tobacco revenue to fight tobacco use. Where's the FDA? Where has all the money gone? Alien theft? Chewed up by the family pooch? Ask your revered congressman and good luck with an answer. Uncle Sam has absolutely no interest in your health or well being, only in your money, and E-Cig users will continually face his voracious taxation appetite.

I didn't realize this had already been going on for so long. I do realize, however, that the FDA must do its job and regulate anything that we put in our bodies and I can appreciate that to an extent. I'd rather they regulate something like, oh, I don't know, the hormones in the chicken nuggets we're stuffing in little kids every day that have proven to cause cancer? Psht. The nicotine in our e-cigarettes is no more dangerous than a freakin Red Bull. But for governors to start passing laws that we can't smoke the e-cigs outside is just plain ignorant. They griped until we put the analogs out. They won't be happy until we are all Stepford People.