Vaping
The history of electronic cigarettes or vaping devices goes back to 1927 when Joseph Robinson filed a patent for what he named Mechanical Butane Ignition Vaporizer. But, it wasn’t until the early 2000s that the first commercial e-cigarette appeared.
One pharmacist wanted to quit smoking, and this drove him forward to create a miniature battery-powered atomizer for nicotine. It was in 2003 that Hon Lik’s device became reality, and this has led to a huge market based around e-cigarettes and vaping devices.
As the years have passed, modern vape pens have passed Hon Lik’s invention for popularity, and 2023 is sure to see some new trends emerge. Here is a short article about what you can expect to see shortly.
Fewer disposable vapes
As concern grows over the environment, one-use disposable vapes have drawn considerable attention. These popular vapes are sold across the world and are usually the least expensive option for someone who enjoys vaping. However, many countries including Scotland want to ban disposable vape pens due to the amount of waste they produce.
The casing for disposable vapes is usually plastic, and this can take up to 500 years to degrade. And while there are recycling options, millions of plastic vapes end up in landfills every year.
Less advertising options for manufacturers
Some countries allow for limited advertising on vaping-related products. But, in general, vendors and manufacturers have limited options on how they advertise e-cigarettes. It is quite likely that restrictions on advertising become even tighter.
One area that won’t be affected is the vendors’ websites. Online stores such as Red Vape will continue to be able to advertise e-cigarettes and vaping kits.
Smaller devices but more efficient
As a general rule of thumb, technology goes forward not back. Therefore, it is very likely that vapes will become more powerful, but smaller. Some of the original vapes are cumbersome while modern vape pens are slim and pocket friendly.
More flavors in some places, but fewer in others
One big concern about vaping is that it appeals to youngsters and encourages underage smoking. Brightly colored, attractive vapes, plus fruit flavors that are a world away from smelly cigarettes, can attract young people who have never even smoked before.
This saw five states; Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, California, and Rhode Island to ban flavored vape juice. This has led to lawmakers seeking to stop the prohibition on flavored vapes, but the bans will likely spread further afield.
Yet, where this type of restriction isn’t put in place, you can expect to see even wilder flavors than those on the market already. Lobster vape juice anyone?
Fewer tobacco smokers, more vapers
A little less than 3/4s of smokers wish they could quit. Millions of people are already trying to kick the worst habits this year due to resolutions made in January. But, most will sadly fail.
Nevertheless, younger generations are less likely to smoke tobacco products than their peers. In 2021, youth smoking dropped to 2.3% which is an all-time low. Vape usage however is on the rise.
A push for more eco-friendly components
It isn’t just the casing that makes vape pens harmful to the environment, other components are causing damage to the planet too.
Vapes contain lead and mercury as well as the aforementioned plastics. Then there are the batteries to consider. Lithium batteries present a serious problem to the environment. They contain toxic chemicals which will never break down, and even the metal casing takes 100 years to fully degrade.
This will lead to careful regulation over disposable vapes, longer-lasting battery life, and a push for recycling and proper disposal of vaping products.
Stricter regulations
The US has already seen an amendment to the legal age for purchasing vaping-related products, and this year could see further regulations added or tightened up.
It is clear that vaping isn’t healthy, and while the habit is better than smoking, more research needs to be done on the possible health risks of vape usage. You probably know that giving up smoking will improve oral health, but little is known about how vaping might affect this area.
Expect further health warnings, more studies, and possibly even bans in some states or countries. Already a large number of countries have put serious restrictions or completely prohibited vaping, so expect to see tighter controls this year.
Summary
While there are concerns about how vaping may affect future health, it is unlikely that the states would bring in a countrywide ban. However, you may see more control over flavored vapes and far less advertising.
The e-cigarettes themselves are likely to get more powerful, more compact, and hopefully friendlier to the environment. Regardless of what happens with regulations, it is likely that there will be fewer smokers and increased vape usage as people move away from tobacco.
