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American Lung Association Pushes For Ban On Electronic Cigarettes

Anarki2004 writes "The American Lung Association is jumping on board the ban-E-cigs-train. From the article: 'So, while the ALA admitted that electronic cigarettes contain fewer chemicals than tobacco cigarettes, they refuse to acknowledge the obvious health benefit that lack of the most toxic chemicals provides to the smokers who switch. Are lives and lung health the real issue here or is nicotine addiction? The ALA must know that numerous studies show that, absent the tobacco smoke, nicotine is relatively harmless and comparable to caffeine. The American Heart Association acknowledges that nicotine is "safe" in other smoke-free forms such as patches or gum.' For those of you not in the know, electronic cigarettes (also called personal vaporizers) are a nicotine delivery device that resembles a cigarette in shape and size, but does not burn tobacco. It is less a expensive alternative to the traditional tobacco cigarette that is by all appearances (though not thoroughly researched) also healthier."

790 comments

  1. Good article by mcgrew · · Score: 5, Insightful

    But the ALA has an agenda to push, and logic and reason be damned.

    1. Re:Good article by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting

      Logic and reason being that local governments across the nation have had one helluva hard time pushing an insane sin tax on this alternate drug delivery vehicle. These guys have nothing to lose and everything to gain by banning them.

    2. Re:Good article by butterflysrage · · Score: 4, Interesting

      no kidding. My husband has a serious cigarette allergy (his throat swells shut and he falls over unable to breathe), more smokers people using e-cigs the better. The lack of all that crap in them greatly reduces his symptoms, and the fact that a far higher % is absorbed by the smoker means that there is less in the air per "cig".

      E-cigs have far less second hand smoke, and generally only harm the person using them. If anything, the APA should be trying to get more long term smokers to swap to e-cigs if they are not planning on quiting.

      --
      the preceding post was not spell checked... suck it.
    3. Re:Good article by lorenlal · · Score: 1

      American *Lung* Association - How about you do a study comparing the effects before you make some snap judgement?

    4. Re:Good article by bmk67 · · Score: 1

      E-cigs have far less second hand smoke

      Considering that they have no smoke whatsoever, I'm not really surprised by this.

    5. Re:Good article by lorenlal · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Is the tobacco industry against e-cigs? Wouldn't it be the least bit ironic if the ALA found itself on the same side as them?

    6. Re:Good article by Lord+Ender · · Score: 4, Insightful

      What is their agenda? (other than to promote lung health, which no reasonable person could criticize)

      --
      A slashdotter who didn't build his own computer is like a Jedi who didn't build his own lightsaber.
    7. Re:Good article by butterflysrage · · Score: 1

      good point, however I was refering to airborn chemicals.

      --
      the preceding post was not spell checked... suck it.
    8. Re:Good article by GungaDan · · Score: 1, Informative

      E-cigs have *no* secondhand smoke at all. They do not burn their content, they vaporize it. The "smoke" you see is water vapor.

      --
      Eloi are stupid, throw morlocks at them!
    9. Re:Good article by blair1q · · Score: 3, Insightful

      It would be ironic but not illogical.

      If the enemy of my enemy is his enemy for a different reason than mine, then he is still not my friend.

      Like the U.S. and the Soviet Union in WW2, we will fight our common enemy from either side, then when we meet in Berlin we will resume fighting each other.

    10. Re:Good article by mog007 · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Why isn't the ALA pushing for funding to get a study? If there's no hard evidence one way or the other, it seems stupid to make any statements about these things.

    11. Re:Good article by Shakrai · · Score: 4, Insightful

      What is their agenda? (other than to mandate lung health, which many reasonable people who want to control their own bodies could criticize)

      Fixed that for you.

      --
      I want peace on earth and goodwill toward man.
      We are the United States Government! We don't do that sort of thing.
    12. Re:Good article by nabsltd · · Score: 2, Interesting

      The "smoke" you see is water vapor.

      There must be some amount of other chemicals in that "water vapor" or else these devices wouldn't be any different from sticking your head over a humidifier.

      Anecdotal only, but I can smell something in the air when one of these devices is around me. Last I checked, water was odorless (no jokes about some river near you, please).

    13. Re:Good article by sjames · · Score: 4, Insightful

      It's hard to say, but considering that they want to eliminate a device which clearly causes less harm (and may cause NO harm) so that people RETURN TO SMOKING, clearly they have abandoned the promotion of lung health. My guess is that their new agenda is "keep the cash coming in". All else is secondary.

    14. Re:Good article by tsm_sf · · Score: 0, Flamebait

      Are they a government organization, or are you using a word you don't understand?

      --
      Literalism isn't a form of humor, it's you being irritating.
    15. Re:Good article by poetmatt · · Score: 1, Interesting

      nope. really, that's all it is. nicotine, fake smoke (For smokers), and that's it. No other millions of chemicals.

      The reason this is a big deal is that the rate of permanent cigarette quitters for ecigs is substantially higher than the rate of quitters on patches/etc. It's like 7% on patches versus somewheres in the 50% rate on ecigs.

    16. Re:Good article by spun · · Score: 0, Troll

      good point, however I was refering to airborn chemicals.

      What airborne chemicals? You need combustion to produce combustion products. These produce nothing but nicotine, and that gets absorbed into the user's lungs.

      --
      - None can love freedom heartily, but good men; the rest love not freedom, but license. -- John Milton
    17. Re:Good article by dekemoose · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Same as most bureaucracies, their agenda is the continuance of the bureaucracy. Organizations like this have a tendency to take on a life of their own and as their goals become closer to being achieved they need to expand their scope to ensure there is still a reason for their existence.

    18. Re:Good article by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      That's the 'flavor' additive you're smelling. It is just there to make the transition easier.

    19. Re:Good article by spun · · Score: 5, Interesting

      It's funny. Some people seem to have no problem with big corporations controlling almost every aspect of their lives, but take offense at mere suggestions from people trying to look out for them. It's almost as if they identify with the corporations and the owning class CEOs and board members who run them, and anything that limits the powers of said fat cats is a personal affront. News Flash, you idiots: you are not owning class fat cats and you never will be so stop siding with them all the time. They are laughing at you as they rape you and steal your wallet, while you sit there like the abused spouse who defends their own oppressor.

      --
      - None can love freedom heartily, but good men; the rest love not freedom, but license. -- John Milton
    20. Re:Good article by Kylere · · Score: 1, Troll

      Your husband does not have an allergy to cigarettes, it is biologically impossible. A large number of non-protein substances like Kleenex, paper dust, paint fumes, perfume, newsprint and cigarette smoke are erroneously called allergens, but they’re not. They do produce symptoms in many people, but it’s because they’re irritating, not allergic. Which means he is "allergic" to anything burning. Tobacco allergy does exist but only affects those who handle the raw leaves.

    21. Re:Good article by Shakrai · · Score: 1

      Apparently you couldn't even be bothered to read the headline, let alone TFA. Let me help you out.....

      Headline: American Lung Association Pushes For Ban On Electronic Cigarettes

      Next time you want to make a wise ass comment about not understanding words, try to learn the difference between "ban" and "recommend"

      --
      I want peace on earth and goodwill toward man.
      We are the United States Government! We don't do that sort of thing.
    22. Re:Good article by blargfellow · · Score: 1, Interesting

      One can only assume that all of the nicotine isn't absorbed in the user's lungs.

    23. Re:Good article by Attila+Dimedici · · Score: 3, Insightful

      What is their agenda? (other than to promote lung health, which no reasonable person could criticize)

      Their agenda is to acquire the funding to pay their salaries. Promoting lung health is only their excuse to get people to part with their money. If all the lung problems they currently work against were to be cured tomorrow they would find some other reason to ask for people's money. The ALA has done (and continues to do) a lot of really good work, but as eventually happens to most organizations its primary goal has become self-perpetuation.

      --
      The truth is that all men having power ought to be mistrusted. James Madison
    24. Re:Good article by castironpigeon · · Score: 1

      The agenda of any organization that grows large enough is to continue to grow.

      --
      mmmm...forbidden donut
    25. Re:Good article by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting

      fake smoke is:

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propylene_glycol#Applications

    26. Re:Good article by PitaBred · · Score: 2, Informative

      Same with MADD. That's why the founders quit.

    27. Re:Good article by 99BottlesOfBeerInMyF · · Score: 2, Informative

      nope. really, that's all it is. nicotine, fake smoke (For smokers), and that's it. No other millions of chemicals.

      From the FDA Website:

      Newer information from the FDA suggests that e-cigarettes are not safe. A 2009 analysis of 18 samples of cartridges from 2 leading e-cigarette brands found cancer-causing substances in half the samples. There were other impurities noted as well. For example, diethylene glycol, a toxic ingredient found in antifreeze, was found in one sample.

      The reason this is a big deal is that the rate of permanent cigarette quitters for ecigs is substantially higher than the rate of quitters on patches/etc. It's like 7% on patches versus somewheres in the 50% rate on ecigs.

      Do you have a citation for this? Last I looked the data did not seem to be there at all. I'd be curious to see a real scientific study.

    28. Re:Good article by Bakkster · · Score: 4, Informative

      Not quite. Now, these are significantly less harmful than the tar and such in cigarettes, but to say it's 100% pure nicotine is false.

      The bigger plus is that most of these chemicals are absorbed by the user, rather than dispersed second-hand. There are still trace amounts of harmful things in the solutions, not sure how much is released secondhand.

      --
      Write your representatives! Repeal the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics!
    29. Re:Good article by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Maybe if you stopped pushing your healthcare problems onto me, I would stop caring what you do to your bodies.

      Seriously, even in 100% non-socialized medicare nations, smoking results in increased costs to non-smokers thanks to,

        1. second hand smoke
        2. reduced productivity of the smokers (smoke-breaks, disease?), thus increased workload on non-smokers
        3. increased reliance on non-medical aids, like food stamps because smokers need their smokes, damn the food
        4. 3rd hand smoke (the stink smokers leave behind that lingers for days, requiring expensive steam treatments to get rid off (think hotel rooms)

      So yeah, the agenda they have is to stop people smoking. That also means no chocolate cigarettes for the 4 year olds and no ecigs for rest of the addicts - all are the same thing, promoting the act of smoking.

      ecigs today are what the asbestos filtered cancer sticks were few decades ago.

            http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kent_%28cigarette%29

    30. Re:Good article by socz · · Score: 1

      I think simply put: they're out of a lot of money if e-cigs catch on.

      So tabacco cigs cause cancer...

      Someone oh noes and ALA is born

      e-cigs take over, no more cancer?

      no more profit?!?! gotta lobby, ban e-cigs, but allow big tabacco to continue selling more dangerous product.

      I don't smoke, but learned through a friend of e-cigs, which I then pushed on a heavy smoking co-worker. He uses, just battery runs out too quickly! I think its better than traditional cig. No more smoker smell lingering, no more smoke!

      --
      My abilities are only limited by my imagination
    31. Re:Good article by HereIAmJH · · Score: 2, Interesting

      Are they a government organization, or are you using a word you don't understand?

      Do they have to be a government organization to force their agenda on the public? The American Cancer Society is currently lobbying Kansas Legislators to pass a $1 per pack tax on cigarettes. And they're running 'think of the children' radio spots.

      I don't smoke and I don't live in Kansas, but I find it disturbing that a private group has a good chance of singling out a minority who participate in an activity they don't approve of with higher taxes.

      --
      Another day, another update to a Google android app.
    32. Re:Good article by elrous0 · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Actually, many of us don't like the idea of ANY interest group, corporation, religious zealot, etc. forcing their lifestyle on us. There is always some causenik out there that wants the government to force everyone to do this or that, whether it's a Mormon telling me what kind of beer I can drink, to some environmentalist who wants to force me to use a crappy low-flow toilet (no pun intended), to some corporation who wants my tax dollars going into a sweetheart deal for them. Everyone thinks they've got it right, and that gives them to right to make me do it their way too.

      It's like grandpappy used to say "Kid, if you ever want to see everyone in the world all at once, just yell out 'Will everyone who thinks they're doing it better than I am please come here'."

      --
      SJW: Someone who has run out of real oppression, and has to fake it.
    33. Re:Good article by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting

      The "fake smoke" is really just water-vapor from what I have read...

    34. Re:Good article by Ichijo · · Score: 1

      E-cigs have far less second hand smoke, and generally only harm the person using them.

      Then it sounds like there's still room for improvement.

      --
      Any sufficiently unpopular but cohesive argument is indistinguishable from trolling.
    35. Re:Good article by poetmatt · · Score: 2, Interesting

      honestly, I read it on some sites I came across when the ban was pushed again, but I'll see if I can find it. From a read of wiki, maybe the sites were a bit biased, since wikipedia at least claims that there have been no conclusive studies.

      Hmm.

      I don't know, I don't have the expertise to reliably cite the studies, so someone please mod down my OPs.

    36. Re:Good article by Threni · · Score: 1

      > What is their agenda? (other than to promote lung health, which no reasonable person could criticize)

      It's to make something illegal, rather than the pro-choice position, which is to make sure people are aware of the risks but to let them do what they want with their lives. I don't care how healthy something is. Taken to its logical extreme, there'll be no coke, beer, chocolate, sweets, horse riding, skiing etc etc. I don't want my tax money used to put people in prison for doing stuff where the worst thing you can say about it is that it's addictive or unhealthy.

    37. Re:Good article by Sloppy · · Score: 0

      Probably their agenda is to promote lung health at the expense of other, vastly more valuable things, such as liberty.

      --
      As copyright owner of this comment, I authorize everyone to defeat any technological measure which limits access to it.
    38. Re:Good article by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting

      My personal anecdotal evidence is similarly persuasive. I bought my mother an e-cig and not only did she cut down on the amount of smoking she did--for the first time in almost 40 years--but her car and clothes stopped smelling like an ash tray. Plus she just plain began to feel better. Her friend kept bumming one of her spares and she too began to smoke less.

      Unfortunately, having to continually buy product replacements from overseas suppliers meant that after a few months she began reverting to traditional cigarettes, and now her smoking habit is escalating again. Correlation is not causation, but still....

      Nicotine itself is indeed carcinogenic, however. And the higher temperatures of burning cigarettes, plus other factors, leaves open the possibility that it would be hard to determine the relative cancer risk. Plus there have been issues w/ contamination with cheap producers of the glycol solution (but some producers advertise independent lab testing). Still, the persuasive part for me is how much easier people can stop smoking completely, if they choose, by using e-cigs.

      It's ridiculous how tobacco companies and health companies are conspiring to kill these things; the former because of profit concerns, the latter because of mostly moralistic issues (smoking == bad, e-cig == smoking, e-cig == bad; no matter the other characteristics).

    39. Re:Good article by spun · · Score: 2, Insightful

      And that is a problem, how, exactly? It's not like people are becoming addicted to nicotine through second hand inhalation, even with regular cigarettes.

      --
      - None can love freedom heartily, but good men; the rest love not freedom, but license. -- John Milton
    40. Re:Good article by bragr · · Score: 4, Interesting

      This is not entirely true. Some people have looked into the cartriges in the e-cigs and have found all sorts of interesting stuff like anti-freeze and unknown compounds.

      http://class-actions.lawyers.com/blogs/archives/1781-The-Dangers-of-E-Cigarettes.html

    41. Re:Good article by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      FRACK the ALA and the horse they rode in on!!!

    42. Re:Good article by operagost · · Score: 1

      I agree that MADD's founders quit because the organization had achieved its goals and outlived its usefulness. Unfortunately, others decided to rework it as a de facto temperance SIG and abuse their influence. It truly would be a shame if the ALA went the same way-- I was hoping that technology like e-cigs would ultimately allow anti-smoking organizations to outlive their usefulness.

      --

      Gamingmuseum.com: Give your 3D accelerator a rest.
    43. Re:Good article by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting

      Yes, the tobacco industry is against e-ciggs, the profit potential is much smaller with e-ciggs than it is with real tobacco cigarettes. And to my present knowledge none of the large american tobacco companies have licensed branded e-ciggs in any form from the current manufacturers/retailers to be sold along side their actual tobacco products.

      They are viewing the e-cigg as an invasive product in their market, it is taking market share and the traditional US tobacco companies [at this point anyway] have no interest in countering with equivalent products.

      IIRC there has already been something of a legal brouhaha over these things in Europe, any neighbors from across the pond care to chime in?

    44. Re:Good article by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Mothers Against Drunk *Driving* - your point on emphasis being?

    45. Re:Good article by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

      "Of all tyrannies a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good
      of its victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live
      under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies.
      The robber baron’s cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may
      at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good
      will torment us without end for they do so with the approval
      of their own conscience." - C. S. Lewis

    46. Re:Good article by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

      but take offense at mere suggestions from people trying to look out for them

      The summary uses the word "ban," instead of talking about people giving "suggestions" or people "looking out" for others. As soon as you hold a gun to someone's head, it's kind of silly to say you're trying to help them.

    47. Re:Good article by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It doesn't matter if people are getting addicted or not. I don't want ANY nicotine entering my system because some fiend is sitting there puffing away on a cigarette, electronic or not.

      E-cigs smokers will produce secondhand vapours, regardless of what anyone says. It is physically impossible for there not to be any residual vapours.

    48. Re:Good article by spun · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Living in a society requires compromise. Freedom, in fact, is always a trade off. We trade a freedom we don't desire, like the freedom to punch someone in the nose, for a freedom we do desire, like freedom from being punched.

      A Mormon telling you what beer to drink is not, in fact, impacted by your decision. But I am impacted by your decision to waste a scarce natural resource, or to pollute. I should have a say when people's actions impact me, and people should take responsibility for their actions, such as polluting, or wasting water.

      Freedom is far more complicated than asserting "You're not the boss of me!" We have an interdependent society. We aren't hunter-gatherers anymore, we require society in order to function. Living with others in an interdependent relationship is complicated, as any married person knows, but it is necessary these days, and so it is necessary to let others tell us what to do. In exchange, we get a say in what they do.

      If you don't want people telling you what to do, there is a simple solution: don't live in a society. Go be a hermit somewhere. That's the only legitimate way to not be told what to do. Otherwise, you are essentially saying that you want to make demands on others, but refuse to let them make demands on you.

      --
      - None can love freedom heartily, but good men; the rest love not freedom, but license. -- John Milton
    49. Re:Good article by mweather · · Score: 4, Informative

      The anti-freeze is just cheaper than propyline glycol or glycerine, which gives the smoke illusion. It's akin to a manufacturer who uses lead paint instead of normal paint. All products suffer from these kinds of problems.

    50. Re:Good article by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      it's negligible. You'd get more toxins from your friend's fart

    51. Re:Good article by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Nice try. Unless you believe the person smoking sucks in 100% of the smoke produced by the e-cig AND that when they breathe out, none of the chemicals they inhaled escape.

      Fat fucking chance.

    52. Re:Good article by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Some people seem to have no problem with big corporations controlling almost every aspect of their lives, but take offense at mere suggestions from people trying to look out for them. It's almost as if they identify with the corporations and the owning class CEOs and board members who run them, and anything that limits the powers of said fat cats is a personal affront.

      Straw man arguments are lies.

    53. Re:Good article by profplump · · Score: 4, Insightful

      And obviously the road to improvement is to ban the progress we've made so far and hold out for the yet-to-come perfect solution in the future.

    54. Re:Good article by sdguero · · Score: 1

      The companies making the tobacco-less cigarettes are not huge conglomerates like the tobacco companies right? This whole thing makes me think the ALA might be in RJ Reynold's back pocket...

    55. Re:Good article by spun · · Score: 1

      Some people seem to have no problem with big corporations controlling almost every aspect of their lives, but take offense at mere suggestions from people trying to look out for them. It's almost as if they identify with the corporations and the owning class CEOs and board members who run them, and anything that limits the powers of said fat cats is a personal affront.

      Straw man arguments are lies.

      Are they now? I thought they were true, but irrelevant. In any case, if you see one, do be a dear and point it out, okay?

      --
      - None can love freedom heartily, but good men; the rest love not freedom, but license. -- John Milton
    56. Re:Good article by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It seems like it is sort of the same process of debate as seat belts in cars. People didn't want to put them on until finally the research shamed us into requiring that children wear them to save kids lives. This seems like a the same "My body, I can do what I want!" and "Don't tread on my personal freedoms!" argument. I think that it will parallel safety concerns in driving and seat belts before it is decided. I think it also parallels the payout of insurance side. Death will be slower than in auto accidents, but it will also be more costly and drag on longer. We will end up paying for this in the long run. On the other hand we'll pay for lots of things in the long run so maybe this is just one more thing.

    57. Re:Good article by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      too lazy to create an account...

      anyways, seems that if people stop getting lung cancer from smoking, then the ALA ceases to exist. I'd be worried about being irrelevant too if i were the ALA..

      Nick Johnson

    58. Re:Good article by Scrameustache · · Score: 1

      If the enemy of my enemy is his enemy for a different reason than mine, then he is still not my friend.

      That is not what Robin Hood told me.

      --

      You can't take the sky from me...

    59. Re:Good article by AxemRed · · Score: 1

      Pretty much, this.

      It reminds me of when MADD opposed a liquor store's request for a permit to deliver liquor. Even though you'd think that it would decrease drunk driving, MADD was totally against it.

    60. Re:Good article by cayenne8 · · Score: 1
      Interesting concept..I'd never heard of an electronic cigarette before.

      I dunno....the nicotine isn't the 'fun' of smoking, but more to me when I've smoked..it is the 'firebug' aspect of it...lighting hit...blowing the smoke..etc.

      I'm guessing there is no blowing of smoke rings with an e-cig, eh?

      *sigh* Why is it that almost all things fun to do...are so bad for you?

      --
      Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.........
    61. Re:Good article by spun · · Score: 4, Insightful

      We do make social decisions about the nose, that's exactly my point. Without the social decision, we do not have rights. We either have, or lack, power. We either have the power to stop our nose form being hit, or we don't. To speak of rights without society is meaningless. Rights derive from contracts agreed to by individuals who collectively form society. Interdependence does not mean one person giving another orders. That is called dependence, and is a childish way to look at relationships. Society, and relationships are about acceptable compromises. Your reductio ad absurdum is actually a poorly constructed straw man that has nothing to do with my original argument, but thanks for trying.

      I'll say it again: freedom is more complicated than "you're not the boss of me." See my sig.

      --
      - None can love freedom heartily, but good men; the rest love not freedom, but license. -- John Milton
    62. Re:Good article by Dan93 · · Score: 4, Informative

      Actually, you do blow "smoke" though it's just vapor. A fluid called "e-liquid", which contains the nicotine, is placed in the filter where it's heated by a lithium battery and an atomizer. I use one of these instead of cigarettes, and couldn't be happier with it. And while studies haven't been done to prove weather it's safer or not than cigarettes, I find myself breathing much better, and don't cough nearly as much. Also, since there is no actual smoke, there is no risk of second hand smoke or any tobacco smell.

    63. Re:Good article by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      What is their agenda? (other than to promote lung health, which no reasonable person could criticize)

      There agenda is to control people, and to punish people who don't fit in to their "family values", neoconservative lifestyle. You notice how they never publish or promote any positive effects of nicotine?

    64. Re:Good article by merockstar · · Score: 1

      Admittedly I'm being a little pedantic here but, good sir, I just wanted to point out that the freedom to punch somebody in the nose is referred to as a liberty. The freedom to not be punched in the nose is a right. Politics, the non-violent resolution of conflict, is basically the balancing of individual rights with individual liberties in line with what the majority of people in a society feels is appropriate. The expansion of other people's rights means people make demands on me, such as the demand, request, or suggestion, depending on how you look at the issue, that I quit smoking. I don't remember ever demanding that anybody smoke a cigarette against their will...

    65. Re:Good article by eiMichael · · Score: 1

      All products suffer from these kinds of problems

      I don't remember the last time I was required to take my paint internally though

    66. Re:Good article by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Are they now? I thought they were true, but irrelevant.

      They aren't true, and you never thought they were.

      In any case, if you see one, do be a dear and point it out, okay?

      I already did.

    67. Re:Good article by zvar · · Score: 1

      As a great cartoonist once said "The enemy of my enemy is my enemy's enemy. Nothing more, nothing less."

      Yes, stolen from Schlock, but very true.

    68. Re:Good article by Trepidity · · Score: 1

      The bigger plus is that most of these chemicals are absorbed by the user, rather than dispersed second-hand.

      That seems like it'd further reduce the argument for banning them. That people can ingest things harmful to themselves is hardly unusual or worth the government's time to stop.

    69. Re:Good article by Trepidity · · Score: 1

      A Mormon telling you what beer to drink is not, in fact, impacted by your decision.

      Given the high rate of "2nd-hand drinking" injuries, via violent drunks and drunk driving, I'd say this is false.

    70. Re:Good article by Jeremy+Erwin · · Score: 1

      They want the FDA to do the study.

      We agree with the initial FDA determination that these products should be regulated as drugdelivery devices and as such, should not be sold until the FDA has determined their safety and efficacy. The Lung Association has called for the removal of all ecigarettes from the marketplace until they have been determined to be safe.

      source

    71. Re:Good article by Jeremy+Erwin · · Score: 1

      If you had read the article, instead of blindly citing it, you might have realized that the author of that article had an agenda to push.

    72. Re:Good article by spun · · Score: 1

      Wrong. Drinking beer does not impact me. Thus, we don't outlaw liquor anymore. Drinking and driving, on the other hand, can impact me, and so that is not legal. Thanks for helping support my argument with more examples, I do appreciate it.

      --
      - None can love freedom heartily, but good men; the rest love not freedom, but license. -- John Milton
    73. Re:Good article by Jeremy+Erwin · · Score: 0

      The FDA is studying the issue. The ALA is pushing for a moratorium on sales until the FDA makes its determination.

    74. Re:Good article by negRo_slim · · Score: 0, Flamebait

      Heaven forbid you notice how illogical it is to be addicted to a substance without even the benefit of a 'high'; regardless of the method of consumption.

      --
      On the Oregon Cost born and raised, On the beach is where I spent most of my days
    75. Re:Good article by Zerth · · Score: 1

      The local booze shop has some and their blends list only 4 ingredients: propylene glycol, water, nicotine and various "flavorings". Presumably in that order of concentration.

      I'm assuming any visible exhalations are mainly glycol.

      Actually, I've got an ultrasonic smoke machine handy(no glycol though). *2 minutes later* Most of the visible exhalation is a result of the glycol or any flavoring ingredients. Any water vapor in my lungs got absorbed, only the small amount of water vapor in my mouth was visible when I exhaled.

    76. Re:Good article by stuboogie · · Score: 1

      One can only speculate that all of the nicotine isn't absorbed in the user's lungs.

      There. Fixed that for you.

      You know what happens when one assumes?

    77. Re:Good article by Jeremy+Erwin · · Score: 1

      They're afraid that the young people will get hooked on the vile brew/weed and go on to drive under the influence/contribute to air pollution. Think of the Children!

    78. Re:Good article by HiThere · · Score: 2, Interesting

      Given the large number of chemicals in a cigarette, I wouldn't be so sure that an allergy to them is impossible.

      Also, if it's possible to have an allergy to tobacco leaves, then what are the grounds for presuming that it's impossible to have an allergy to the smoke from such leaves burning?

      I really doubt that you have any grounds for saying that such an allergy is impossible. Not that your hypothesis that it's a sensitivity to smoke, and tobacco only because it's in smoke form. That may be a reasonable conjecture. (I don't have enough evidence to tell.) But I really doubt your assertion that it's impossible.

      --

      I think we've pushed this "anyone can grow up to be president" thing too far.
    79. Re:Good article by Rene+S.+Hollan · · Score: 1

      Many things are bad for you. Unfortunately, some of them are rather pleasant.

      Alcohol and cigarettes come to mind.

      To the extent that they do not harm others, there is no justification to restrict one's use of them.

      This could be extended to marijuana as well, perhaps even to cocaine and heroin.

      Of course, the arguments against legalization of many controlled substances is that their use invariably creates those who become a societal risk: either made aggressive through their use, or having to commit crimes to finance their habit. This results in a call for prohibitive legislation, as opposed to after the fact punishment: the risk of committing a crime is so great, that prohibition is justified.

      The problem here is asking how much of the purported crime is actually fueled by existing prohibitions? Cocaine and heroin are relatively cheap, made expensive only because of a black market. That they are "bad for you" is without question, but morality should not drive laws aimed at responsible adults -- responsible in the sense that they be held accountable for their actions that adversely affect others.

      I would suggest that the bar for prohibitive legislation be set extremely high, with the benefit of the doubt in favor of responsible consumption of unhealthy substances.

      While there may be an argument for the prohibition of smoking burning tobacco in public places, because of the effect of second hand smoke, e-cigs do not produce second hand smoke. They vaporize harmless glycerol for visual effect. The nicotine, like all stimulants, can only serve to harm the user.

      The only possible justification for their prohibition is if the state is responsible for the health of the individual... Oh, wait! We're heading in that direction, aren't we (which is another really, really, bad idea, in the opinion of one who escaped Canadian health "non-care")?

      Even here, private sector insurers compensate by different premiums based on one's health and habits -- even gender, because women statistically live longer than men. There is no reason a public health care system can not operate similarly.

      Statutory preemptive prohibition of enjoyable substances and activities requires notoriously expensive policing. Witness the failed "War on Drugs". About the only place where such legislation makes sense is in the protection of children who have not yet demonstrated responsible self-sufficiency in society from harmful substances.

      --
      In Liberty, Rene
    80. Re:Good article by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative
    81. Re:Good article by Logic+and+Reason · · Score: 1

      Hey, what did I ever do to them?

    82. Re:Good article by HiThere · · Score: 1

      FWIW, hunter-gatherers also had this problem. This often caused them to degrade their habitat over time until they could no longer live there. Because they didn't have anyone to stop them.

      People aren't very good at abstaining from short-term benefits for the sake of long-term benefits. Can you make yourself go to a gym? I can't. O, for a few months at a time, yes, but not over a longer period, even though I know it would benefit me. Because I'd rather use my time enjoyably NOW!

      Only thing it, when you give some organization the power to do things for your own benefit, the people in charge are people, with they typical weaknesses of people. Someone will run off with the treasury. Someone will start a propaganda campaign to increase their political power. You just can't trust people with power, not even if there are, officially, rules to prevent them from abusing it. They'll find a way around the rules, or say that a word doesn't mean what it clearly means. If you can't think of blatantly obvious examples, it's because you don't want to.

      So, no, I don't think these things should be prohibited. And yes, I do think that they should be studied. And yes, I do think that the cartridges used by them should be carefully evaluated by the FDA...and the inclusion of unapproved materials reason for prosecution of the manufacturers.

      (N.B.: Actually, I think the FDA should only have the power to require warning labels and accurate lists of ingredients. But given the way they are allowed to regulate other things, the prior paragraph is my recommendations in context.)

      --

      I think we've pushed this "anyone can grow up to be president" thing too far.
    83. Re:Good article by QuantumG · · Score: 1

      If you don't want people telling you what to do, there is a simple solution: don't live in a society. Go be a hermit somewhere.

      The law still applies to hermits, as it more often than not these days regulates what one can do in the privacy of one's own home.

      --
      How we know is more important than what we know.
    84. Re:Good article by mog007 · · Score: 1

      Moratorium on sales? Hasn't the FDA determined that cigarettes are dangerous? Aren't they still sold, regardless of harm?

    85. Re:Good article by DM9290 · · Score: 1

      a regular cigarettes sits there burning and emitting chemicals directly into the air. an electronic cigarettes only releases vapor through the mouthpiece in response to someone sucking on it. thus all the vapour goes into the persons lungs first prior to having a chance to be exhaled.

      there is a massive difference. I've sat next to people smoking e-cigs and I could not even detect it. and when you aren't inhaling you can drop the thing in your pocket because it isn't emitting vapours between breaths.

      --
      No one has a right to their *own* opinion. They have a right to the TRUTH.
    86. Re:Good article by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Perhaps everyone who reads this should provide some "feedback" to them.

      http://ala.convio.net/site/Survey?ACTION_REQUIRED=URI_ACTION_USER_REQUESTS&SURVEY_ID=2600&__utma=1.1918059081.1271372894.1271372894.1271372894.1&__utmb=1.8.10.1271372894&__utmc=1&__utmx=-&__utmz=1.1271372894.1.1.utmcsr=google|utmccn=%28organic%29|utmcmd=organic|utmctr=american%20lung%20association&__utmv=-&__utmk=5992499

    87. Re:Good article by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I don't want ANY nicotine entering my system because some fiend is sitting there puffing away on a cigarette, electronic or not

      Have you considered walking away from the "fiend"?

    88. Re:Good article by hairyfeet · · Score: 1

      Bingo! And don't think once they have run all us smokers out of existence things will be happy and sunny, oh no. You see they still want that "sin tax" money to blow even if there aren't any sinners left. So what to do? Oh we'll just label sweets and fats as "sins" and tax the hell out of them as well!

      Remember folks, being free includes being free to choose what one puts in their own body, be it foods, drinks, or even drugs like alcohol and tobacco. If you are only "free" to drink what they tell you to, eat what they tell you to, and take what drugs they tell you to, or are taxed into the poorhouse, are you really free?

      And before somebody brings up the "You'll cost us healthcare" red herring, even though we've blown more on pointless crap in Iraq in a year than all the smokers could EVER use, I'll tell you what: I'll gladly sign a contract saying I will only get Morphine (which is cheap) if I get cancer, and you give me back my right to choose without being taxed to death, deal? But you and I know that NO politician would ever go for that, because it is NOT about healthcare, it is about having more money to blow because you are stupid and nanny government knows best.

      When they are done with smokers they'll move onto fats, sugars (which you are subsidizing with corn subsidies, which will probably increase if demand for HF Corn syrup goes down BTW) and salt, all because you are too stupid to take care of yourselves according to mama government. The TFA just proves that health is NOT the agenda, it is ever increasing taxes upon the poor and working class, with TARP and tax breaks for the wealthy. The only "socialism" we see in America is socialism for the rich, the rest of us just get buried in taxes.

      --
      ACs don't waste your time replying, your posts are never seen by me.
    89. Re:Good article by Phydeaux314 · · Score: 1

      Nicotene, in and of itself, may or may not be a carcinogen. From the Wikipedia page:

      The carcinogenic properties of nicotine in standalone form, separate from tobacco smoke, have not been evaluated by the IARC, and it has not been assigned to an official carcinogen group. The currently available literature indicates that nicotine, on its own, does not promote the development of cancer in healthy tissue and has no mutagenic properties. However, nicotine and the increased cholinergic activity it causes have been shown to impede apoptosis, which is one of the methods by which the body destroys unwanted cells (programmed cell death). Since apoptosis helps to remove mutated or damaged cells that may eventually become cancerous, the inhibitory actions of nicotine may create a more favourable environment for cancer to develop, though this also remains to be proven.[46]

      --
      Never underestimate the stupidity inherent in all human beings.
    90. Re:Good article by Trepidity · · Score: 1

      By that argument, drinking and driving doesn't impact you either; only drinking and crashing into you does. A drunk driver who drives home without crashing harms nobody.

      It's true that many beer-drinkers will not impact you, because they end up not doing anything that will harm you (e.g. punch you while drunk, urinate on your doorstep, get into a car accident). But many drunk drivers don't, either. The only difference seems to be the likelihood: DUI has a higher rate of harming innocent other parties than merely drinking does. But both have innocent-party-harm rates above 0% and below 100%. What's your cutoff?

    91. Re:Good article by RobertM1968 · · Score: 1

      What is their agenda? (other than to promote lung health, which no reasonable person could criticize)

      e-cigs are probably the best vehicle in assisting smokers who wish to quit to do so while releasing an immeasurably small amount of "second hand" anything for those around them who do not smoke.

      Unlike the patch and such, it also fulfills the habitual tendencies that smokers have a difficult time overcoming (and that patches and pills do not fix).

      In addition, being just as "dangerous" as the patch, and far less dangerous than say... Chantix (which is legal, even if by prescription). So... while Chantrix has such side effects as:

      changes in behavior, hostility, agitation, depressed mood, suicidal thoughts or actions, changes in thinking, or mood that are not typical for you, or you develop suicidal thoughts, mania, abnormal sensations, hallucinations, paranoia, or confusion

      Hmmm... I'd rather see them support Chantix than e-Cigs. Oh wait... nevermind.

    92. Re:Good article by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      People aren't very good at abstaining from short-term benefits for the sake of long-term benefits. Can you make yourself go to a gym? I can't. O, for a few months at a time, yes, but not over a longer period, even though I know it would benefit me. Because I'd rather use my time enjoyably NOW!

      Might I suggest you set up a home gym? You don't need much equipment. I bought my exercise bike used on Craigslist for $40. A exercise (or "swedish") ball cost about $20. I've spent about 80$ on dumb bells so far. A workout will take about 30-40 minutes, unlike going to the gym, which requires changing and travel time too.

    93. Re:Good article by KiloByte · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Rule 29: The enemy of my enemy is my enemy's enemy. No more. No less.
      -- "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Pirates"

      --
      The creatures outside looked from Alt-Right to Antifa; but already it was impossible to say which was which.
    94. Re:Good article by KahabutDieDrake · · Score: 3, Informative

      Ecigs don't have SMOKE at all. So there is NO second hand smoke. The "smoke" effect you see from an Ecig is in fact vapor, and not smoke. In fact it is (depending on the source mix) mostly water vapor. It is in fact entirely harmless to any bystander.

      The term personal vaporizor is used a lot. But that tends to make people think of smoke, and there isn't any. Nothing is burned in an Ecig. Instead an element is heated and the liquid nicotine substance is turned to vapor, inhaled and never exhaled significantly. There are almost none of the chemicals found in tobacco, and it's nearly impossible with current ecigs to OD on nicotine (something you probably can't do with tobacco, but could with liquid nicotine substances).

      Frankly this whole thing stinks of a ploy by the tobacco industry to maintain dominance in a field where technology and innovation are about to crush them. That, or keep the tax revenue up... or both.

    95. Re:Good article by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I too would like a study done to find out the effects. I once tried to buy an "E-cig" but paypal won't permit it. (apparently paypal is on the same bandwagon)

      It's not clear that the nicotine is mixed properly, and the possibility exists that you could end up with a lethal dose unless the dispenser is designed with very high quality. (plus, the lack of regulation means who knows what kinds of chemicals are added)

      In the US, the philosophy has been to eliminate the addiction, this, I believe might be ideal but it is impractical. (and ironic, considering we supposedly believe in freedom)

      The swiss have taken another approach, "harm reduction" they've had quite a bit of success with that, those who refuse to quit often use snoose, which isn't safe, but it is safer than cigarettes, resulting in fewer overall deaths. Snoose can have complications with dental work (and it's not as "quick" as smoking)

      There are people who simply cannot or will not quit, it seems only logical that we at least offer harm reduction.

    96. Re:Good article by neo8750 · · Score: 1

      You dont like wall candy??

    97. Re:Good article by yndrd1984 · · Score: 1

      I think that it will parallel safety concerns in driving and seat belts before it is decided.

      Except it's the exact opposite: When we didn't know much seat belts were voluntary by default, and only when we had solid evidence did they become required. With E-cigs some people want them banned by default, and only allowed when proven safe.

      And the difference couldn't be more important - the first policy is the basis of a free society, and parallels concepts like "innocent until proven guilty" and "the burden of proof is on the prosecution", while the second concept is an authoritarian policy that not only prevents society from trying out new ideas, but also puts innovators under the thumb of politically-connected rivals.

      This seems like a the same "My body, I can do what I want!" and "Don't tread on my personal freedoms!" argument.

      Exactly - it's the same argument that's been used to defend every right and freedom that anyone has ever had.

    98. Re:Good article by Jeremy+Erwin · · Score: 1

      You must have great faith in the ability of the FDA to regulate in the face of lawsuits.

    99. Re:Good article by scottrocket · · Score: 1

      "Anecdotal only, but I can smell something in the air when one of these devices is around me." There are various flavors that can leave a residual smell i.e., vanilla, cherry, etc. (I just received my Blu ecigs this week to quit smoking (seems to be working), so screw them).

    100. Re:Good article by dissy · · Score: 1

      What is their agenda? (other than to promote lung health, which no reasonable person could criticize)

      I can criticize it just fine.

      They are MY lungs. Get your own damn pair!

      By your logic, it would be just fine for me to pass laws that you are never again allowed to step out of your house, and you already said you are perfectly OK with that and no one could possibly criticize skin health.

      I guess the fines are to promote wallet health in addition to deter?

    101. Re:Good article by Pokey.Clyde · · Score: 0, Troll

      Just because your husband is genetically inferior doesn't mean I should have to snuff out my smoke because he's around. Oh, and as far as I know, Ecigs have no second hand smoke. So your precious little snowflake of a husband should be just fine around one of them.

    102. Re:Good article by geminidomino · · Score: 2, Insightful

      That people can ingest things harmful to themselves is hardly unusual or worth the government's time to stop.

      The War on Drugs sees what you did there...

    103. Re:Good article by davidbofinger · · Score: 1

      Like the U.S. and the Soviet Union in WW2, we will fight our common enemy from either side, then when we meet in Berlin we will resume fighting each other.

      So if the US and USSR hadn't fought each other in Berlin, what conclusions would you draw?

    104. Re:Good article by skipwiley · · Score: 1

      You are an idiot, propylene glycol is the SAFE version of anti-freeze, it is also used in nebulizers and is the oral suspension in children's medicines. What is used in e-cigarettes is almost always made by a chinese company named Dekang and they will gladly give you toxicology studies conducted in several countries including the US by the FDA! The only questionable contents was trace amounts of carcinogens left over from the nicotine extraction process, the trace amounts are the same as those found in most nicotine replacement products such as the patch or gum. An example was 5 parts per million versus a regular cigarette which contains 1000-1500 parts per millions. It would be nice if we could live in a world based on facts instead of rumor and here-say.

    105. Re:Good article by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yay, another bullshit slashdot socialist post getting modded 5 - interesting.

      What does this have to do WHATSOVER with the article being discussed? The fact that this gets modded interesting and not off topic shows how bad this site has gotten.

    106. Re:Good article by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      If you proceed to then drive a car, it is quite possible that the Mormon could be [fatally] impacted by the drinking decision. If we are willing to analyze things at the level of the butterfly effect, any act would be subject to restriction by the rest of society. As to addressing the scarcity of natural resources, that is what ownership is for. If I own or purchase the resource, I should be able to do with it what I will, and if this is an inefficient use relative to the supplies of it, prices will rise until I cannot economically continue this behavior.

    107. Re:Good article by pitterpatter · · Score: 1

      it's nearly impossible with current ecigs to OD on nicotine (something you probably can't do with tobacco,

      Spoken like someone who never swallowed a teaspoon-sized plug of chewing tobacco as a 10-year-old. I didn't die (obviously) but I really wanted to. I'm convinced a larger dose could have killed me.

    108. Re:Good article by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Or cigarettes, for that matter.

    109. Re:Good article by tsm_sf · · Score: 1

      So they've gone from mandating a ban to pushing for one now? My point, jackass, was that the ALA isn't in the position to mandate dick.

      And the reason that I'm being this pedantic is that that one word changes the entire conversation from one about health and lobbying into one about teabaggers, ACORN, and guns.

      --
      Literalism isn't a form of humor, it's you being irritating.
    110. Re:Good article by Shakrai · · Score: 1

      Wrong. Drinking beer does not impact me. Thus, we don't outlaw liquor anymore.

      Smoking cigarettes doesn't impact you either. What do you think of the ACA's position?

      --
      I want peace on earth and goodwill toward man.
      We are the United States Government! We don't do that sort of thing.
    111. Re:Good article by ClosedSource · · Score: 1

      Yes, you concatenate ASS, U, and MES. Did you have a point?

    112. Re:Good article by ClosedSource · · Score: 1

      "Actually, many of us don't like the idea of ANY interest group, corporation, religious zealot, etc. forcing their lifestyle on us."

      I understand. However my experience is that most people who share your opinion are quite willing to force their lifestyle on others.

      It's a bit like Supreme Court Justices. There are two kinds: those who pretend they're s strict constructionist and those who don't.

    113. Re:Good article by Just+Another+Poster · · Score: 1

      It's funny. Some people seem to have no problem with big corporations controlling almost every aspect of their lives, but take offense at mere suggestions from people trying to look out for them.

      Government mandates at the point of a gun or baton aren't exactly "mere suggestions".

    114. Re:Good article by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting

      Same here. I've been using one for a few months, and I love it.
       
      The base of the liquid is propylene glycol, widely used as a medical filler both in vapor form (inhalers) and as a filler for injections when a very small amount of something is being injected. Beyond that, the only other ingredients in the liquid are tobacco-derived nicotine; the FDA was bitching because there were still TSNAs (tobacco-specific nitrosamines, known carcinogenic substances) present in the extract, but they failed to mention that they're also present in pretty much any tobacco-derived nicotine (e.g, nicotine patches, gum).

    115. Re:Good article by snake+pliskin · · Score: 1

      "E-cigs have far less second hand smoke", by saying this, you come across as implying that ECigs (or E-NI's = Electronic Nicotine Inhalators) have some second hand smoke, just not as much as an analog cigarette. An E-NI does not produce smoke. Period. The "smoke" you see when someone drags on one of these is created when it heats the liquefied nicotine solution into a vapor. You inhale a vapor, not smoke into you lungs, where the nicotine is absorbed into your blood stream. The ingredient list for the solution I use is as follows: USP Grade Propylene Glycol, FCC Grade Vegetable Glycerin, USP Grade Glycerol, Distilled water, Nicotine, Natural Flavors, Artificial Flavors, Citric Acid (as a preservative). Everything in here, with the possible exception of the artificial flavor, is totally safe for human consumption. I just started using a personal vape a few weeks back, and I have not bought any cigarettes since.

    116. Re:Good article by DeadChobi · · Score: 0, Offtopic

      The fiberglass in Chew will kill you more readily than the actual tobacco. One of the first things you learn from other chewers is not to swallow anything while its in your mouth. It will tear up your stomach.

      --
      SRSLY.
    117. Re:Good article by nacturation · · Score: 1

      At least it's not like the Nicorette inhaler which looks like you're sucking on a tampon: http://www.nicorette.ca/stop-smoking/products/inhaler.aspx

      --
      Want to improve your Karma? Instead of "Post Anonymously", try the "Post Humously" option.
    118. Re:Good article by mikael_j · · Score: 4, Insightful

      If I were you I'd be more worried about other sources of "secondhand vapors", like car exhaust, than I would be of accidentally inhaling a little nicotine.

      --
      Greylisting is to SMTP as NAT is to IPv4
    119. Re:Good article by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The only studies that the FDA have done have all been financed by Philip Morris. With the exception of 1 study done at a college that received heavy financial aid from Philip Morris.

    120. Re:Good article by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Gee lets take a wild stab in the dark here.
      1. How much funding do they get from big tobacco companies.
      2. How much $$$ does the ALA have invested in Big Tobacco
      3. How much $$$ does the ALA have invested in the companies that make all of the stop smoking gums and pills.
      4. Look at the same questions above and ask those questions about the people running the ALA personally.

      I have heard time and time again and have many friends who have stopped smoking by using these E-cigs.
      Imagine if they really take off. who would lose MASSIVE amounts of $$$$

      1. Big Tobacco and anyone holding stock in them or related companies (who would buy a product that kills you when a safer substitute was available)

      2. The STOP SMOKING companies. All of the companies selling over priced useless crap to people trying to quit smoking. And anyone who is invested in them or anything related to them.

      3. The ALA. yeah they would lose out Big Time as well. If you look at the statistics and removed anything from them dealing with the harmful side-effects of smoking , what wold you have.
      The American Lung Association would lose a lot of its importance.

    121. Re:Good article by daveime · · Score: 1

      So something like decaf coffee then ?

      Just because someone enjoys something YOU don't does not make it illogical.

    122. Re:Good article by daveime · · Score: 1

      Oh fuck off with your holier-than-thou attitude.

      Everything we do poses some kind of health risk.

      Anyone who eats McDonalds every day is going to be just as much a burden on the health system due to obesity and heart-related problems. Are you suggesting we ban fast-food restaurants also ?

      Anyone who drinks could become riddled with liver or kidney problems. Not to mention the third-part burdens on healthcare due to DUI accidents and the like. So let's ban booze too, right ?

      Better still, let's just ban EVERYTHING and live in plastic bubbles for the rest of our lives ... then you won't need to finance anyone's ailments at all.

    123. Re:Good article by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yeah I know Ill be modded down but tough shit I dont care.
      You my friend may or may not be an idiot but that post sounds like it came from an idiot.

      First you made the assumption that people like being controlled by big corporations. Most people dont like being controlled by big corporations. All it takes is looking at the posts here on slashdot to see how people feel about the big corporations who are control freaks.

      The RIAA for trying to control everything that has to do with music and what you can do with it.
      The MPAA ..same thing but movies.
      Sony , Apple , Nintendo the list goes on and on for companies that think after you buy some electronic gizmo or gadget from them that they should be able to control how you use it. They dont fare to well in that regard either.

      The second assumption you made is that the American Lung Association is just trying to look out for us. Im sure that many of the individuals that make it up may have the best intentions at heart. But when ever you have an organization that big you will always have people creeping into whose only motivation is controlling everything around them.
      Plus it would help if they were RIGHT.
      Before the E-cigs came out the big bad wolf was smoking. All those nasty chemicals in the smoke. All of those cancer causing agents. Now with E-cigs out the FDA and ALA have switched the sights from Smoking as the Big Bad Boogie Monster to Nicotine being the Big Bad Boogie Monster.
      If nicotine is sooo bad lets ban it and everything with nicotine in it. But wait wheres the mass panic over other nicotine producing plants.
      BAN TOMATOES
      BAN POTATOES
      BAN EGGPLANTS
      BAN GREEN PEPPERS
      BAN CHILI PEPPERS
      oh yeah my favorite BAN NICOTINE PATCHES AND GUMS.

      The third assumption you made was that we like being controlled by big corporations because we identify with the CEOs and such. Bullshit. Most Americans see themselves as the opposite of the classic CEO.
      Classic CEO- in total control of everything all the time. Main goal in life Make Lots of Money. Corporate rights.
      Example -- Gordon Gekko

      Classic American -- Fighting the good fight. Standing up for whats right.Main Goal Taking care of his/her loved ones and building a better future. Individual Rights.
      Example -- John Wayne.

      Maybe you see yourself as Gordon Gekko but I sure as hell dont.

      I take it back.
      You ARE AN IDIOT

    124. Re:Good article by frizzantik · · Score: 1

      it's not "quitting" when you just change the form of the drug you ingest... though ceasing to smoke is obviously a good thing does this 'personal vaporizer' work for doobies too? or just cancer sticks?

    125. Re:Good article by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Everything done on this planet impacts everyone on this planet. Your argument that if something impacts you you should be able to control it is bullshit.
      Should we outlaw retarded people from being married and having kids. It impact me. If a retarded couple get married and has kids how will they take of them. Will they need Government funding. Funding that should go to something I think is more important. Why should my tax dollars and where they go not be in my control.

      What about other handicaps and illnesses.
      Perhaps euthanasia should be implemented to save valuable resources.

      Do you have any kids. I do not. Why should resources be going to take care of your offspring when the world is overpopulated as is. How many kids do you have. Maybe we should limit how many kids you have (overpopulation affects us all)
      And what if you already have more than the decided amount. (Hey there's that euthanasia idea again)

      How smart are your kids. This is important. After all why should we waste resources on them if they are not that smart. The world needs ditch diggers too.
      Lets spend those resources teaching kids that have a better chance at succeeding in life instead of your offspring.

      Do you have a car. I dont. I walk 2 miles a day to work and back. You should be forced to get rid of your car/cars. After all if you own and drive a car think about how that affects everyone else. Cars use gas. That gas comes in part from countries that support terrorism and terrorism is bad right? You dont support terrorist do you?
      Plus gas pollutes the air I breath.

      Do you participate in any sport or activity? what are the risks involved with that sport or activity?
      What kind of music do you listen to? How often? How loud?
      Are you predisposed to any disease or illness?
      What job do you work? Do we have too many people working that now?
      How much do you weigh?
      Do you exercise? How often? Which excersizes?
      How much do you eat?
      How much do you sleep?
      How often do you masturbate?
      How often do you have sex?
      Are you gay or straight or Bisexual?
      Where do you live? Are you taking up more room than needed? Is it payed off?
      Do you drink ? If so what do you drink and how much?
      Do you practice any religions? If so which one?
      Do you have any credit card debt?
      When You go shopping do you use paper or plastic?
      Where do you shop? Is this company "Green"
      When you die will you be cremated or do you expect to take up much needed land with a grave?

      Everything You Do AFFECTS ME. So I should have a say in every part of YOUR LIFE.

    126. Re:Good article by daem0n1x · · Score: 1

      This summary is full of shit. The highly toxic and addictive effects of nicotine are very well known for decades. The poster dares comparing it with caffeine, recognised as beneficial to health? How is it possible to post such an obvious biased and lying piece of shit in Slashdot?

    127. Re:Good article by drinkypoo · · Score: 1

      Bingo! And don't think once they have run all us smokers out of existence things will be happy and sunny, oh no. You see they still want that "sin tax" money to blow even if there aren't any sinners left. So what to do? Oh we'll just label sweets and fats as "sins" and tax the hell out of them as well!

      The difference is that secondhand smoke is harmful, at the very least it's disgusting. You can say the same thing about cars but cars get us around, tobacco is just a drug. Also, even nicotine is carcinogenic; the body produces free radicals when it breaks down nicotine! If we're going to control the distribution of non-food items on the basis of carcinogenicity, then clearly we should be controlling drugs on this basis as well.

      The only "socialism" we see in America is socialism for the rich, the rest of us just get buried in taxes.

      Forcing the rich (including corporations) to pay their fair share of taxes is absolutely the only way out of the current financial slump. In 2000, the top ten taxpayers paid taxes on only 50% of their income. And as we have recently seen, large corporations often pay zero taxes. This will not stand.

      --
      "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
    128. Re:Good article by Shakrai · · Score: 1

      News Flash, you idiots: you are not owning class fat cats and you never will be so stop siding with them all the time

      Why do you assume that someone who wants to be free to smoke cigarettes or engage in other harmful vices is siding with the "owning class fat cats"?

      --
      I want peace on earth and goodwill toward man.
      We are the United States Government! We don't do that sort of thing.
    129. Re:Good article by Shakrai · · Score: 1

      About the only place where such legislation makes sense is in the protection of children who have not yet demonstrated responsible self-sufficiency in society from harmful substances.

      Shouldn't such legislation allow for the parents of said children to introduce them to the responsible consumption of such substances? I'm thinking specifically of alcohol. It's been demonstrated that countries where "underage" drinking is part of the normal culture (Italy, France) have less of a young adult binge drinking problem than countries where the culture frowns on such behavior (US/UK).

      When I went to Italy our hosts gave their kids (one of whom wasn't even a teenager yet) wine with the evening meal. It was no big thing. They cut the wine with sparkling water for the youngest kid. I couldn't help but think that those kids probably aren't going to abuse alcohol in the manner that many American kids do once they leave the nest.

      --
      I want peace on earth and goodwill toward man.
      We are the United States Government! We don't do that sort of thing.
    130. Re:Good article by Shakrai · · Score: 1

      My point, jackass, was that the ALA isn't in the position to mandate dick.

      And my point, dickweed, is that it's entirely appropriate to have a conversation about the proper role of government in a story about an organization that's currently lobbying the government to protect us from ourselves.

      And the reason that I'm being this pedantic is that that one word changes the entire conversation from one about health and lobbying into one about teabaggers, ACORN, and guns.

      I didn't bring up any of those things. This site used to lean libertarian in these matters. For example, in times past (and maybe even today) you would have found a majority of /.'ers that think the War on Drugs should be ended. Now the leftists have run amuck and take any suggestion that the government is overreaching as evidence that the person making said suggestion is some sort of right-wing nutjob itching for GWB to come back.

      BTW, since you brought it up, I don't happen to agree with all that the Tea Party stands for, but I get a huge kick out of seeing the knee-jerk reaction to them by Democrats. Democrats used to talk about the value of grassroots movements and how dissent was patriotic. Now they use every dirty smear in the book in an attempt to discredit a dissenting grassroots movement. That's just hypocritical. It's also bad politics -- I know a lot of people that didn't take the Tea Party seriously until the Democrats started attacking it.

      --
      I want peace on earth and goodwill toward man.
      We are the United States Government! We don't do that sort of thing.
    131. Re:Good article by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      What is their agenda? (other than to promote lung health, which no reasonable person could criticize)

      the ALA is afraid of loosing cancer 'customers' , when lung cancer is all but eradicated from people quitting smoking and vaping instead. their cash cow is going away and they don't like it.

    132. Re:Good article by Shakrai · · Score: 1

      second hand smoke

      So who is holding a gun to your head and forcing you to remain in my house while I smoke? In large parts of the US it's illegal to smoke just about anywhere else.

      reduced productivity of the smokers (smoke-breaks, disease?), thus increased workload on non-smokers

      That's your employers fault for allowing smoking breaks. Mine doesn't. My co-workers who smoke have to do it on their own time at the lunch hour.

      increased reliance on non-medical aids, like food stamps because smokers need their smokes, damn the food

      I could easily make the same claim about the person I saw at the grocery store the other day buying her beer with cash and her food with a benefits card. You wanna outlaw booze next?

      3rd hand smoke (the stink smokers leave behind that lingers for days, requiring expensive steam treatments to get rid off (think hotel rooms)

      Nobody has suggested hotels be required to permit people to smoke. Most usually have smoking and non-smoking rooms.

      --
      I want peace on earth and goodwill toward man.
      We are the United States Government! We don't do that sort of thing.
    133. Re:Good article by drinkypoo · · Score: 0, Troll

      Heaven forbid you notice how illogical it is to be addicted to a substance without even the benefit of a 'high'; regardless of the method of consumption.

      If cigarettes don't make you high, then you're smoking them wrong, toolbag. Being allowed to smoke while driving is fucking stupid if it's rational to make it illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol or marijuana; when you take a good hard drag of a real cigarette (like an American Spirit roll-your-own) you will know. All these people driving down the road getting high, it blows my mind. Oh shit, I'd better not get behind the wheel in this condition... :p

      --
      "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
    134. Re:Good article by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      If you want some info, (the research Anarki2004, lacks). You should check out a google for this guy.

      http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=murray+laugesen

      This probably has most of the information for those that don't want to hold down control.

      http://www.ecigarettedirect.co.uk/interviews/murray-interview.html

    135. Re:Good article by tsm_sf · · Score: 1

      I don't happen to agree with all that the Tea Party stands for, but I get a huge kick out of seeing the knee-jerk reaction to them by Democrats.

      Gotta agree w you there, it's like someone tailor made an organization that'll push all of our buttons at once: rich, white, ignorant, cryptoracist. If I were a paranoid man I would suspect that they're purposefully misspelling their signs at rallies.

      At any rate I can see that you're totally missing the point I was trying to make, and the point wasn't really worth the time we've both spent on this anyhow, so I'm going go ahead and call it.

      --
      Literalism isn't a form of humor, it's you being irritating.
    136. Re:Good article by mcgrew · · Score: 1

      There are still trace amounts of harmful things in the solutions, not sure how much is released secondhand.

      I'd bet money it's far less than the carcinogens and other poisons you breathe by any roadway, especially in a city with big buildings.

    137. Re:Good article by Jiro · · Score: 1

      If I were a paranoid man I would suspect that they're purposefully misspelling their signs at rallies.

      They are purposefully misspelling their signs at rallies. Or rather, left-wing organizations are intentionally misspelling their signs at rallies in order to make it look like the tea party is doing it: link.

    138. Re:Good article by mcgrew · · Score: 1

      Frankly this whole thing stinks of a ploy by the tobacco industry to maintain dominance in a field where technology and innovation are about to crush them.

      The nicotine has to come from somewhere. Is thare anywhere but tobacco that you can get noccotine? That's like saying that the coca farmers are against cocaine because the innovation is about to crush them, or the opium farmers saying the heroin innovation will crush them.

    139. Re:Good article by spun · · Score: 1

      Did you miss the part where the ALA is not part of the government?

      --
      - None can love freedom heartily, but good men; the rest love not freedom, but license. -- John Milton
    140. Re:Good article by spun · · Score: 1

      Smoking cigarettes does so impact me. I'm a smoker.

      I'm pro legalization of all drugs. If it's really dangerous, require people to take a class and get a license. And I say that mostly as a sop to the whiners who think drugs will destroy society, I personally think non-mandatory education would do the trick nearly as well.

      --
      - None can love freedom heartily, but good men; the rest love not freedom, but license. -- John Milton
    141. Re:Good article by spun · · Score: 1

      You forgot to put a matta boo boo in your post.

      --
      - None can love freedom heartily, but good men; the rest love not freedom, but license. -- John Milton
    142. Re:Good article by spun · · Score: 1

      I'd have to consider the magnitude of harm as well, in order to even have a shot of answering that question. Car crashes tend to create greater harm than being punched in the face or having your doorstep peed on.

      --
      - None can love freedom heartily, but good men; the rest love not freedom, but license. -- John Milton
    143. Re:Good article by VocalEK · · Score: 1

      It's amazing how many people fell for the FDA's spin job. FDA screamed "carcinogens", but their "toxicology report" lacked a quantitative analysis. Turns out that Health New Zealand did quantify the Tobacco Specific Nitrosamines (TSNAs) in e-cigarette cartridges and found that the highest quantity was 8 nanograms/milligram -- matching the amount found in a government-approved nicotine patch. In contrast, a day's supply of tobacco cigarettes contains 5,500 to 11,000 ng/mg of these carcinogens. Which seems more carcinogenic to you? And while FDA got a lot of mileage out of the "antifreeze" label, they conveniently neglected to mention that the substance (DEG) is actually used in tobacco to keep it moist. Since the nicotine in e-liquid is extracted from tobacco, that's the most likely source. So how does the amount they found compare to what's in cigarettes? FDA didn't say that either. The American Association of Publich Health Physicians has submitted a petition to the FDA asking them to correct their misleading report and press release.

    144. Re:Good article by mcgrew · · Score: 1

      A Mormon telling you what beer to drink is not, in fact, impacted by your decision.

      But I am impacted by his if he gets Congress to outlaw the brand of "beer" I drink. Whether I drink Busch or smoke Bud has no impact on him and he should leave me the hell alone.

      I agree with the rest of your post.

    145. Re:Good article by roystgnr · · Score: 1

      Without the social decision, we do not have rights.

      Exactly. If society decides that some people should be owned by others, or should be locked up in camps, who are those people to say otherwise? They're not society, and they clearly have no power, so they have no rights other than what each society says they do.

    146. Re:Good article by spun · · Score: 1

      Without the social decision, we do not have rights.

      Exactly. If society decides that some people should be owned by others, or should be locked up in camps, who are those people to say otherwise? They're not society, and they clearly have no power, so they have no rights other than what each society says they do.

      Unfortunately, that is simply a cold hard fact. Look, even if you believe that rights derive from some other source, such as nature or God, you still have to convince other people, a.k.a society, of that fact, and it still boils down to a social agreement that that is where rights come from. You can try to argue from authority, but people still must believe your authority.Any list of natural or God-given rights does not in fact come from nature or God, it comes from an individual who dreamed them up and attributed them to God or nature. And each individual will come up with a list at least slightly different from any other.

      Utility to the individual is the only real way to argue for rights. What is the utility to the individual for owning others, or locking other people up? There may be some advantage, but the disadvantage is obvious to everyone: you may be the person owned or locked up. What starts with even one small minority group may extend to your group. Better to forbid owning others or locking people up without due cause, because that provides the most utility to the individual.

      --
      - None can love freedom heartily, but good men; the rest love not freedom, but license. -- John Milton
    147. Re:Good article by spun · · Score: 1

      Well, I may smoke bud but I lick Busch. Amongst other things I do with it...

      --
      - None can love freedom heartily, but good men; the rest love not freedom, but license. -- John Milton
    148. Re:Good article by SnarfQuest · · Score: 1

      And while studies haven't been done to prove weather it's safer or not than cigarettes, I find myself breathing much better, and don't cough nearly as much. Also, since there is no actual smoke, there is no risk of second hand smoke or any tobacco smell.

      Great! But what happens to all that atomized stuff? Does your lings absorb 100% of it, or does it come out as "non-smoke"? If you aren't absorbing 100% of this atomized crap, is this concentrated stuff being spewed out that much safer than regular smoke? If it is so safe, are you willing to give it to a 3 year old?

      Why ae they selling it as a safer alternative, when they admit that they don't know if it is safer? The building has been filled with chlorene gas, but since there's no smoke, you're perfectally safe? Sorry, it sounds like a load of crap to me.

      Let me know if it works as well as that "unstudied" fen-phen. Nothing went wrong with that wonderful discovery.

      --
      Who would win this election: Andrew Weiner vs Andrew Weiner's weiner.
    149. Re:Good article by Rene+S.+Hollan · · Score: 1

      Yes, of course.

      My thinking was regarding the providing of harmful substances directly to children without the oversight of a parent or guardian.

      Society generally defines things as helpful, benign, or harmful, in various contexts.

      The presumption is that nothing be provided to children without the approval of a parent or guardian unless it can be shown that it would be immediately harmful not to. For example, clearly one feeds a child healthy food if their parent starves them.

      That stops others from offering a child anything deemed harmful, even doing so in moderation may have an educational benefit -- the short term harm being outweighed by the long term benefit is something I don't want the state to have -- only those with authority over the child. That takes care of moderate amounts of arguably harmful substances in an educational context.

      However, now the burden shifts on the parent or guardian to demonstrate the help outweighs the harm, and a body of case law and evidence can back this up: clearly there is no reason to intoxicate a child, for example, even if giving a shot glass worth of beer to a 9 year old with a heavy meal is a decent introduction to alcohol. The body produces alcohol all on its own, and has alcohol dehydrogenase to metabolize it -- if the quantities involved are comparable to what the body could conceivably produce on its own within the limits of what it can metabolize quickly, that is a good defense.

      Contrast teenager who has developed a taste for alcohol. Perhaps a good hangover might be in store to teach him or her a lesson. But, at this point there is just cause to seek professional medical and possibly mental health advice, to help comping to the conclusion that this would be a good idea.

      Generally, the greater the risk, the more the burden falls on proving it is warranted, particularly when acting in the manner of a guardian.

      I can't however, see any benefit to introducing a child to things like cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, etc.

      --
      In Liberty, Rene
    150. Re:Good article by SnarfQuest · · Score: 1

      Here's a take of chlorene gas, carbon monoxide, anthrax, flesh eating bacteria, etc.

      Let me release it into you home. There won't be any smoke, so it's perfectally harmless.

      How stupid are you people? If I said "Let me fart in your face, but it's Ok since there aren't any pelicans", would you think it was wonderful? Who cares if there's no smoke? It's not the smoke that's the problem. What we worry about is all the damn chemicals being spewed out. And they admit they don't know what's being spewed out, or what the long term effects will be.

      --
      Who would win this election: Andrew Weiner vs Andrew Weiner's weiner.
    151. Re:Good article by Kylere · · Score: 1

      Smoke does not contain proteins, humans react to proteins. My grounds are human biology. Your dismissal of that is grounded in ignorance.

    152. Re:Good article by MaskedSlacker · · Score: 1

      If it is so safe, are you willing to give it to a 3 year old?

      DING DING DING DING

      My moron-alert just went off. There a hell of a lot of perfectly safe things I wouldn't give to a three year old--like a glass of water with no lid.

    153. Re:Good article by roystgnr · · Score: 1

      even if you believe that rights derive from some other source, such as nature or God, you still have to convince other people, a.k.a society, of that fact

      Fortunately for humanity, that hasn't ever been the only way to have your rights recognized. There are many other successful tactics, but a few worth mentioning:

      - Get people to agree to principles that are too general to allow micromanagement of how each application of the principle might affect their individual utility. This works because we still have enough people agreeing to the meta-principle that principles can trump individual utility and majority rule, although support for that one is frighteningly eroded by sentiments like the ones in your earlier posts. Everyone approves of "freedom of speech" for speech they approve of, for example, not necessarily for speech they disapprove of. But we've managed to convince enough people of that principle in general, and now we don't have to convince so many people to prevent having exceptions carved out for "anti-patriotic" speech, "radical" or "reactionary" speech, "pro-corporate" speech, or whatever else manages to make a majority angry or fearful of the speech's potential negative consequences.

      - Keep your business private. It helps if you've already got privacy respected as one of those general principles, but it's not entirely necessary. If person A and person B want to engage in an actual contract, and person C insists that he gets to trump that with an unwritten "social contract", A and B can just leave him out of the loop. It doesn't always work so ideally. If you want to invite person A and his friends to your speakeasy, you have to hope that C isn't pretending to be such a friend. Smuggling someone else's property carries similar risks whether the smuggler works with petty thieves or the Underground Railroad. But in general society has always been good at ordering unjust restraints on individuals' private lives and less good at enforcing those orders.

      - Keep your powder dry. Defenders often have an advantage in a fight. Not always a decisive advantage, of course, but enough to have often been helpful for those of us who think that people have more rights to their own bodies and property than to each others'. "Live and let live" is often good tactics as well as good ethics.

      Utility to the individual is the only real way to argue for rights.

      What we have here seems to be not just a real disagreement, but also an argument about vocabulary. Under you definition of "rights", it makes no sense to "argue for rights". Is society denying someone their civil rights? Impossible - by your definition, if society chooses to deny something then it can't be a right! But if you think that society is denying someone something that they deserve, and you want to be able to argue for that something, then you have to first admit that it is theoretically possible for people to deserve something that society is not giving them. Historically, the word "rights" has been used for that something. What word would you prefer instead?

      There may be some advantage, but the disadvantage is obvious to everyone: you may be the person owned or locked up.

      Exactly - "You're not the boss of me!" sounds quite reasonable when you imagine yourself in the non-boss role, doesn't it?

      You can start with individual utility, but to do so safely you have to recognize that in many cases you will end up having to decrease individual utility in favor of individual liberty, in the hope that by doing so you establish a precedent that will preserve your own liberty when the time comes. But to really be safe, that liberty has to apply not just to freedoms that you would want to use yourself, but also to freedoms that you wouldn't. Have you talked to many people who can't imagine themselves wanting a beer? Your "freedom" to drink a beer is indistinguishable from "license" in some of their minds! What definition of "license" woul

    154. Re:Good article by MaskedSlacker · · Score: 1

      I can only conclude that you are one of those housewives that lives on the west side of LA and bitches about construction ruining the air quality when you live two blocks from Wilshire Fucking Boulevard.

      Seriously, what the fuck is wrong with people like you?

    155. Re:Good article by SnarfQuest · · Score: 1

      How dare they block something like this? Where would dieting pills be if they had banned "fen phen" untill it could be studied? Nobody wants something like that to block progress!

      --
      Who would win this election: Andrew Weiner vs Andrew Weiner's weiner.
    156. Re:Good article by MaskedSlacker · · Score: 1

      Pathetic alarmism is pathetic. It's propylene glycol and nicotine. WHOOP DEE FUCKING DOO. Grow up.

    157. Re:Good article by SnarfQuest · · Score: 1

      My farts have no smoke in them, so it's OK for me to fart in your face anytime I want?

      You're ok if I get a spray can of "concentrated second hand smuck" and sprayed in your and your kids faces periodically, because it isn't smoke its a vapor, even though it contains all the same chemicals? It's got to be OK with you, because there's no smoke, right?

      --
      Who would win this election: Andrew Weiner vs Andrew Weiner's weiner.
    158. Re:Good article by SnarfQuest · · Score: 1

      What is their agenda? (other than to promote lung health, which no reasonable person could criticize)

      Money

      --
      Who would win this election: Andrew Weiner vs Andrew Weiner's weiner.
    159. Re:Good article by spun · · Score: 1

      It is the only way, sorry, your examples do not contradict my hypothesis. Lets take them one by one:
      -"Get people to agree" is my hypothesis. You are supporting what I'm saying in this example.

      -Keep your business private. You are talking about segmenting society, perfectly acceptable. In your example, A and B are now the society in question, C is not. Remember, society is just individuals acting under shared agreements.

      -Keep your powder dry. Now you are talking about power, not rights.

      Of course it makes sense to argue for rights: you are arguing that society recognize a certain right. It is not currently a right society recognizes, or you wouldn't be arguing for it.

      You must always imagine yourself in any role society has, if you want to evaluate your society for fairness. If liberty is important to the individual, then liberty is utility. Decreasing liberty decreases utility.

      ALL decisions are mine to make, regardless of what society says.

      I do not want to unfairly impact others by my actions, because I do not want to be unfairly impacted.

      --
      - None can love freedom heartily, but good men; the rest love not freedom, but license. -- John Milton
    160. Re:Good article by tsm_sf · · Score: 1

      Don't ever, ever ask me to click on a link related to Michelle Malkin.

      --
      Literalism isn't a form of humor, it's you being irritating.
    161. Re:Good article by mweather · · Score: 1

      I don't remember the last time I was required to take my paint internally though

      Since when did you need to ingest lead to get it in your system?

    162. Re:Good article by mcgrew · · Score: 2, Insightful

      The March of Dimes was started to eradicate polio, and polio is now gone. But the March of Dimes isn't.

    163. Re:Good article by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      zero smoke is produced by an electronic cigarette.

    164. Re:Good article by HiThere · · Score: 1

      I'll grant that smoke doesn't contain much protein. I doubt that it contains none. (That seems *extremely* unlikely.) I also doubt that proteins are the only allergens, though I'll readily grant that they are the major ones.

      But you could be right. My doubt may be based on ignorance. If so, the ignorance still exists after reading your posts.

      From what I've read, it appears that the active region of allergens are generally small fractions of a molecule, and that they would be equally reactive were they attached to a different molecule, or even drifting about as a radical. If a complete protein doesn't exist in smoke, therefore, it can still have allergenic properties. I'll admit I'm not an MD or a biochemist or other such specialist. I see no grounds, however, for believing that you are either.

      --

      I think we've pushed this "anyone can grow up to be president" thing too far.
    165. Re:Good article by hairyfeet · · Score: 1

      If that were truly the case they would be FOR electronic cigs, since they only release water vapor and the ONLY person affected is the one using it! You seem like a smart person, don't be deceived. This is about heaping taxes on the poor and low income, nothing more. Don't buy the "health" bullshit, as I pointed out they will do the SAME TRICK when they run out of smokers when it comes to sugar and fats.

      Remember, it doesn't hurt a millionaire to raise taxes on these things by 30%, same as when abortion was illegal nobody checked the women coming back from France to see if they had taken an "abortion holiday" because that is how the rich dealt with it. No this only hurts the poor and lower class, yet again.

      And if you think the rich are ever gonna pay their fair short short of dragging them from their homes at the barrel of a gun I have some swampland you might be interested in. Notice any of the major media pointing out that JP Morgan has been rigging the gold and silver markets for the better part of a decade? For you and me that would be PMITA prison time, for them it is just another week. Laws and taxes are only for the poor, didn't you know that?

      --
      ACs don't waste your time replying, your posts are never seen by me.
    166. Re:Good article by Just+Another+Poster · · Score: 1

      Did you miss the part where the ALA is not part of the government?

      They are, however, "suggesting" that government ban electronic cigarettes.

    167. Re:Good article by Larryish · · Score: 1

      Fuck you.

      If I were hungry enough, I would kill and eat you.

      The world is a real place.

    168. Re:Good article by hashp · · Score: 1

      Sounds more like de-coffeed caffeine to me

    169. Re:Good article by Chrionic · · Score: 1

      This is not entirely true. Some people have looked into the cartriges in the e-cigs and have found all sorts of interesting stuff like anti-freeze and unknown compounds.

      http://class-actions.lawyers.com/blogs/archives/1781-The-Dangers-of-E-Cigarettes.html

      Actually that article was written by a lawyer, and one who's firm specializes in class actions, product liability, customer fraud etc. Can you say McDonald's coffee? He is parroting the FDA's flawed and incomplete study, where yes, the FDA found trace amounts of diethylene glycol in one single cartridge out of nineteen tested. The fact is though, the same chemical can be found in much higher amounts in tobacco cigarettes. You yourself will probably inhale much more than the amount found just from going about your day tomorrow - from the lotions, antiperspirants and cleaners you may use to the printer ink, and let's not forget antifreeze and brake fluid vapors during your commute. No other study has found diethylene glycol in any other e-liquid or cartridge. The FDA also did not list any margin for error within their testing parameters. By the way, the main ingredient in e-cigarette liquid is propelyne glycol. It is commonly used in fog machines for haunted houses, rock concerts, stage plays, and home units sold in stores during Halloween.

    170. Re:Good article by nabsltd · · Score: 1

      Nicotene, in and of itself, may or may not be a carcinogen. From the Wikipedia page:

      The carcinogenic properties of nicotine in standalone form, separate from tobacco smoke, have not been evaluated by the IARC, and it has not been assigned to an official carcinogen group. The currently available literature indicates that nicotine, on its own, does not promote the development of cancer in healthy tissue and has no mutagenic properties.

      Apparently there's something other than nicotine in tobacco that's quite carcinogenic, then, as there is no smoke involved in smokeless tobacco, yet cancer of the lips and gums for users of such products is far beyond coincidence.

  2. healthier? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Of course lets ignore the more "healthier" alternative, quit smoking!!!

    1. Re:healthier? by fuzzyfuzzyfungus · · Score: 5, Insightful

      From an epidemiological perspective, the perfect-but-difficult solution almost certainly saves far-fewer man years of life than does the merely-ok-but-easy solution.

      The quit rate for nicotine sucks. Nicotine is just that addictive. It just isn't that harmful, though, so that isn't a huge deal. If you can skip the hard problem of getting somebody off nicotine, and attack the (much easier) problem of just getting them to use a delivery method that won't kill them and piss off everyone around them, you get 80% of the gains for 20% of the effort. A classic good outcome.

    2. Re:healthier? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Wow. People actually understand this concept?!

      What's it matter, though? The US government has progressively gotten more and more parenting, probably because no one in the US cares to actually take proper care of their kids any more and just want the government to do it for them. And here comes Brave New World.

    3. Re:healthier? by trbarry · · Score: 1

      There isn't much doubt that increased use of e-cigarettes would be a net gain for both society and general health. Nicotine vapor alone is much less harmful and smelly than smoking.

      But there are powerful lobbies with an incentive to hinder e-cigarettes. The current push is to 'temporarily' ban them until exhaustive study is done.

      - Tom

    4. Re:healthier? by Wordplay · · Score: 1

      The quit rate for cigarettes suck. The quit rate for nicotine is pretty good (how many people have you heard of being hopelessly hooked on nicotine gum or the patch?). Some research shows that the combination of nicotine and a MAO inhibitor is what's so horribly addictive. Tobacco smoke has MAO inhibitors in it that occur naturally; e-cig liquid nicotine does not.

  3. The entire concept is mistaken by BadAnalogyGuy · · Score: 2, Insightful

    As long as you continue to feed your nicotine addiction, you will never be able to break yourself away from these crutches.

    Cold turkey is the only method that actually works short of medication (which has its own problems).

    1. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Well, the concept is not to quit.
      The concept is to wilfully continue using nicotine without all the damning health consequences.
       
      It is this difference that the ALA and you both seem to miss.

    2. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      No way cold turkey is the hardest way to quit. Getting hyponotized is a really good way to quit smoking permanently and without any craving in the back of your mind.

    3. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by MBGMorden · · Score: 4, Insightful

      But you're missing the point. Breaking away from these "crutches" should be a personal choice. They're wanting to legislate them out of existence.

      "Crutch" or not, if someone wants to use that crutch, that's their business. This is PARTICULARLY true when the crutch has been reduced to a mere financial draw, with no serious health consequences.

      --
      "People who think they know everything are very annoying to those of us who do."-Mark Twain
    4. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by stonewallred · · Score: 1, Insightful

      I fail to see why I should give up something I enjoy. Is the government or AMA going to outlaw high fructose corn syrup? Big Macs? Motorcycles? Sex outside of a certified monogamous relationship? Cars capable of going over 20mph? Bicycles? Football(American rules)? Electricity? Not to mention such things as alcohol, and many of the drugs prescribed by doctors. Point is that we each make decisions everyday based on risk versus rewards. Just because you dislike my habit does not give you any right to make me stop, regardless of what mindless drones have told you.

    5. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Informative

      Is the government or AMA going to outlaw high fructose corn syrup? Big Macs?

      No, but they should.

    6. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

      Who said anything about quitting nicotine?

      Why do you want to limit people's options artificially? Electronic Cigarettes are a cleaner option for nicotine delivery.

      Or is this just about telling other people what to do?

    7. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by WinterSolstice · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Exactly.

      I smoke, on occasion, when I feel like it. A cigar once a month, sometimes a pipe if I'm in the mood. Not exactly a pack a day sort of thing, but I have a real problem with people trying to make this illegal, or tax it unfairly.

      What I do in my home is my problem. Don't smoke in yours.

      The bar thing drove me nuts too - I ended up having to join a 'club' instead so that I could still have a whiskey and a smoke when I felt like it instead of having to stand outside like dog.

      --
      An operating system should be like a light switch... simple, effective, easy to use, and designed for everyone.
    8. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by thms · · Score: 1

      nicotine addiction [..] Cold turkey is the only method that actually works [..]

      Technically, nicotine is not significantly addictive, as nicotine administered alone does not produce significant reinforcing properties. However, only after coadministration with an MAOI, such as those found in tobacco, nicotine produces significant behavioral sensitization, a measure of addiction potential. (source)

      When when the first step is switching to an nicotine administration method which then is easier to quit, I'd say that makes it easier to actually quit. However, since nicotine itself is not that harmful these might become as commonplace as coffee is now as a stimulating drug.

    9. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by lupis42 · · Score: 1

      Or is this just about telling other people what to do?

      It's always about that.

    10. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Every single advertisement for eCigs I've ever seen poses them as "healthy smokes for people who like to smoke". They give "all the benefits of smoking, without the health risk".

      These things are NOT stop-smoking-aids. They are NOT crutches. They are a hobby.

      It's the same as me going out with my friends and having 2 beer. I'm NOT using a crutch for any addiction, because I do NOT have a drinking addiction. I do, however, enjoy having a couple of alcoholic beverages on occasion, especially in a social setting, though I do sometimes have a beer or two when I'm home alone watching a movie or sports too.

      Why should anyone have the right to tell me I can't, if I'm not doing anyone else any harm?

    11. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Xelios · · Score: 4, Interesting

      It should be mentioned that most of the manufacturers of e-cig liquid offer nicotine-free versions. Getting through the physical dependency of nicotine could be a lot easier if you don't have to fight through the psychological habit of the whole act of smoking at the same time.

      --
      Murphey's fighting Occam, and we're in the stands.
    12. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by quadrox · · Score: 4, Insightful

      I can completely follow your reasoning until right up in the end. I think it's only fair that you are not allowed to bother other people with your smoke. If you want to smoke in private or with only other smokers present, by all means. But don't do it anywhere where I have to inhale it.

    13. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by CorporateSuit · · Score: 0, Troll

      But you're missing the point. Breaking away from these "crutches" should be a personal choice

      Not if I'm being taxed for their medical bills.

      You see, That is when government-mandated healthcare comes full circle.

      --
      I am the richest astronaut ever to win the superbowl.
    14. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Itninja · · Score: 1

      So when said person goes to the hospital at 55 with some disease(s) caused by a lifetime of drug addition, and cannot pay the $100K+ to treat them, is that their business too?

      --
      I judt got a nre Kinesis keybiartf so please excusr ant egregiou typos.
    15. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by zzsmirkzz · · Score: 2

      NO THEY SHOULDN'T!!!! If you live in the USA and feel this way get out or get shot!

    16. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by poetmatt · · Score: 1

      cold turkey doesn't work. do you understand that people get withdrawals?

      meanwhile, ecigs work substantially more successfully at helping people quit. the feeding the addiction, is what the patch does.

    17. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by postbigbang · · Score: 1

      I sense incongruity here.

      I get: joining the club and whiskey and smoke. Some people like booze and smoking concurrently... like coffee and a cigarette.

      I don't get 'A cigar a month, sometimes a pipe if...." and standing outside.

      Logic examination seems to indicate that you have only a couple of visits to the bar per month. But this drove you nuts? Is random smoking that important?

      --
      ---- Teach Peace. It's Cheaper Than War.
    18. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by AvitarX · · Score: 1

      Most people of the mind to live and let live, also feel live and let die.

      So the argument would be, yes, it should be only the sick persons business and not yours.

      --
      Wow, sent an e-mail as suggested when clicking on "use classic" banner, and got a fast response that addressed my msg
    19. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by sammyF70 · · Score: 1

      Exactly. Go cold turkey, and find yourself a different addiction, goddamit!

      As a smoker, I will now say something you might not want to believe : I actually *enjoy* smoking. Obviously, the health risk is something I'd rather be without, but I like the anti-depressing and hunger-decreasing effects. It's also very nice to smoke up while sitting at the window when I need to think about some programming problem. I'm also self-aware enough to know that I'm someone who, no matter what, will always be addicted to something. If I stop smoking, I'll probably end up eating candies or chocolate, or just become video game addicted, start up drinking or, worst of all, destroy my knees by jogging every day. So I'll stay a smoker, and if electronic cigarettes alleviate the worst problems while keeping the benefits, I welcome it.

      There is something seriously fucked up if society can dictate which addictions (the victimless ones) are socially okay (consuming, TV, some sports, Farmville), and which ones are not (smoking, FPS games, sex, going to raves) regardless of the benefits to YOU personally. (note: I don't go to raves, I seldom play FPS, and I'm reading /. which automatically negates any mention of a sexlife)

      --
      "DRM is like the Ford Pinto: it's a smooth ride, right up the point at which it explodes and ruins your day."-C.Doctorow
    20. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You realize that more bars are not located in your home, right?

    21. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by postbigbang · · Score: 1

      Ok. Pizza. It's addicting. Did you know that tomatoes have nicotine in them? I like pizza as a nicotine delivery system. And no one is hurt by the cheese. I hope.

      --
      ---- Teach Peace. It's Cheaper Than War.
    22. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Itninja · · Score: 1

      I have no problem with that. As long as I don't have to pay their medical bills. But of course I do...therein lies the rub.

      --
      I judt got a nre Kinesis keybiartf so please excusr ant egregiou typos.
    23. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by TheFlamingoKing · · Score: 1

      But that's rarely what's argued. The laws that are being pushed remove my ability as a private individual to decide what I want to allow on my private property. If I own a business, and I choose to allow smoking in my building, I don't really see that as an issue that the government should even be involved in. My property, my right to decide. Your life, your right to decide whether you want to work in my building, or do business with me in my building, etc.

      Your suggestion would mean we treated smoking like we treat littering - if I drop trash in a public place, I'm subject to a fine for cleanup and penalty, but you can't tell me not to drop trash in my house wherever I want, or in my businesses. I think I personally could get more behind that idea than this push to mandate that individuals no longer have the right to choose how they use their property.

    24. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Itninja · · Score: 1

      I agree. Unless I (and all other tax-paying citizens) am to pay their medical bills. Which I do. So, yeah....

      --
      I judt got a nre Kinesis keybiartf so please excusr ant egregiou typos.
    25. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by IndustrialComplex · · Score: 1

      No, but they should.

      No they should not. All they should be doing is requiring people to tell you what it is you are about to eat. Then guess what, it is up to you to decide if you are going to stuff it in your mouth or not.

      If you can't handle that limited amount of responsibility, go have yourself admitted to a hospital for the mentally infirm.

      --
      Out of modpoints but really liked a post? 1BDkF6TtmmeZ3yqXbz9yhdYVqRYnwFoXDj
    26. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by PopeRatzo · · Score: 1

      Yes, but the problem here is that if someone stops smoking, and does NOT use some kind of replacement therapy or "e-cig" then that means they are not consuming. And that, ultimately, is the most grievous sin in our society. There's the possibility that for some few moments, they are engaged in an activity that does not act to put money in someone's pocket. This is unacceptable by all of our social standards.

      You are allowed to give cigarettes up, but only if you transfer your consumptive activity to SNUS, or some patch, pill or gum, e-cig, cigar, snuff or chewing tobacco. You are expressly NOT allowed to not buy something.

      --
      You are welcome on my lawn.
    27. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Abcd1234 · · Score: 5, Informative

      As long as you continue to feed your nicotine addiction, you will never be able to break yourself away from these crutches.

      Uhuh.

      So?

      Honestly, I don't get American culture. There's this utterly ridiculous obsession with drug dependence, even when the drugs are completely harmless. Hell, even patients undergoing end-of-life palliative care sometimes refuse to take pain killers for fear of dependence. It's ridiculous!

      Honestly, *who cares* if these people are addicted to some drug, so long as the drug itself causes no negative health effects? Does it make them less productive members of society? No. Does it create an undo burden on the healthcare system? No. Does it hurt them in any way, save that they blow a little extra money to maintain the addiction? No! So who gives a shit?

      The only reason to oppose devices like this is because you believe you have some higher moral standard that other people should aspire to. And quite frankly? You can shove that standard straight up your ass, because it's none of your damn business what these people choose to put in their bodies.

    28. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by elrous0 · · Score: 4, Insightful

      You cool with me legislating how you can live your life too, or is your way the only right one?

      --
      SJW: Someone who has run out of real oppression, and has to fake it.
    29. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by timeOday · · Score: 2, Informative

      This is PARTICULARLY true when the crutch has been reduced to a mere financial draw, with no serious health consequences.

      But that's exactly the question isn't it? "the groups say e-cigarettes have yet to be proven safe... 'Nobody knows what the consumers are actually inhaling,' says Erika Sward, director of national advocacy at the American Lung Association." "[The FDA] has examined electronic cigarettes and determined that they meet the definition of both a drug and device under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, according to legal filings. Drugs and delivery devices must receive FDA approval before being marketed."

      So, if this were any other new drug or medical device on the market, we would expect some testing to be required before approval. But since it is perceived as an alternative to smoking, which is almost certainly much worse, the case could be made for lowering the bar in this case. But does that argument has any legal basis? People are assuming these are safe; if it turns out otherwise, there could be a lot of upset. We could blame individuals for assuming they're safe without proof, but did you feel like you were going out on a limb when you asserted "no serious health consequences"?

    30. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by aevan · · Score: 1

      Having went from an average of 2 to 3 packs of cigarettes a day over the course of 7 years, to having not smoked in 15 years...I'd have to say cold turkey works, at the very least for some.

    31. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Attila+Dimedici · · Score: 1

      But you're missing the point. Breaking away from these "crutches" should be a personal choice

      Not if I'm being taxed for their medical bills. You see, That is when government-mandated healthcare comes full circle.

      So, we should outlaw the version that has the least health risks (e-cigs) and that those already addicted can use to quit, while continuing to allow the original unhealthy version (regular cigs)?

      --
      The truth is that all men having power ought to be mistrusted. James Madison
    32. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Korin43 · · Score: 2, Insightful

      I think it's completely fair to bother people with your smoke if they choose to allow it in their establishment. If you don't like it, go somewhere else. (note: I don't smoke)

    33. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Firethorn · · Score: 2, Insightful

      'Nobody knows what the consumers are actually inhaling,' says Erika Sward, director of national advocacy at the American Lung Association."

      Wouldn't it take the mythbusters around 5 minutes to come up with a gadget to get you an air sample? Feed it to a mass spectrometer and you have your list.

      I'd push for testing before pushing for a ban, personally.

      But does that argument has any legal basis? People are assuming these are safe; if it turns out otherwise, there could be a lot of upset. We could blame individuals for assuming they're safe without proof, but did you feel like you were going out on a limb when you asserted "no serious health consequences"?

      Given the circumstances, all I personally ask for is that it's settled that they're statistically safer than cigarettes. The next step would be to make sure they're as safe as such a nicotine delivery method can realistically be. If they're a couple orders of magnitude safer, why the heck wouldn't we allow them?

      --
      I don't read AC A human right
    34. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by PitaBred · · Score: 1

      Easy solution: Don't eat at McDonald's, and buy the throwback (sugar instead of HFCS) sodas that the market has demanded and is now receiving.

    35. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by betterunixthanunix · · Score: 1

      What is wrong with a nicotine dependence? If you can use nicotine without harming yourself, is it really a problem? Would you take the same stance with a drug like caffeine?

      --
      Palm trees and 8
    36. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by 45mm · · Score: 1

      What I do in my home is my problem. Don't smoke in yours.

      No problem. Just don't expect people to pay the same amount for your place as the guy's down the street who didn't smoke in theirs.

      The bar thing drove me nuts too - I ended up having to join a 'club' instead so that I could still have a whiskey and a smoke when I felt like it instead of having to stand outside like dog.

      Seems a bit contradictory to your previous statement. Your choice to smoke is your own ... I choose not to because I don't want the health problems. I'd rather just plain kill my liver. Smoking in a bar means the bar patrons smoke with you. That's what the law is preventing. I rather enjoy going to the bar and not coming out smelling like it.

    37. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by h4rr4r · · Score: 1

      The nicotine addiction is not the problem, getting cancer or emphysema is.

    38. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by poetmatt · · Score: 1

      very few. it can be done, but to say it is willpower is a lie to what the withdrawal is.

    39. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by OrwellianLurker · · Score: 1

      NO THEY SHOULDN'T!!!! If you live in the USA and feel this way get out or get shot!

      I despise people who believe that the government should dictate what can go in our bodies. However, you must remember that this is the United States of America. We have free speech, and we should never tell people to leave our country for utilizing their right to it.

      "I may disagree with what you have to say, but I shall defend to the death your right to say it."

      --
      'Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun.' - Mao Tse-tung
    40. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by mcgrew · · Score: 1

      As long as you continue to feed your nicotine addiction, you will never be able to break yourself away from these crutches. Cold turkey is the only method that actually works short of medication (which has its own problems).

      Wrong. I don't know how many times I tried to quit smoking unsuccessfully. Then came nicotine patches, and they worked; I stopped in 1999 after smoking for decades. What most people don't know is that the physical addiction is only half the problem, and maybe less than half -- the habituation is as strong or stronger. With the patch, you still want a cigarette but the urge isn't as bad. When you hit an addiction trigger (coffee, beer, food, driving, waiting for the bus, etc) you're going to want a cigarette even if your nicotine levels are high enough.

      A year after quitting, when I no longer had any urges to smoke at all, when I went down the stairs at the end of the workday my hand automatically hit my shirt pocket, despite the fact that it had been a year since there had been any smokes in it and I didn't even have an urge or desire to.

    41. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by 99BottlesOfBeerInMyF · · Score: 1

      But you're missing the point. Breaking away from these "crutches" should be a personal choice. They're wanting to legislate them out of existence.

      I don't think that is the issue the ALA has here. Rather they are concerned that these are being marketed fraudulently as smoking cessation devices when studies of them for that purpose do not seem to have been submitted to the FDA. Some studies that have been done seem to indicate the presence of carcinogens and other toxic chemicals in debatably dangerous levels. Further, there is question as to whether or not these devices actually reliably introduce significant amounts of nicotine, thereby helping addicts with the physical effects of their problem. The ALA wants to promote scientifically proven methods of smoking cessation.

      Personally, I'm not in favor of things being made illegal unless there is real data showing harm, but I can certainly understand the ALA not wanting to support them and people wanting to sue the makers of them for false advertising or unsafe products.

    42. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by zero_out · · Score: 1

      An addiction weakens, if not breaks, a person's free will. When a person is addicted, they don't choose to smoke. The addiction tells them to smoke, and they do it despite any desire they may have to not do so. Ask any recovering alcoholic why he can't have even one drink. The second the addiction takes hold, all control and free will goes out the window.

    43. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Urkki · · Score: 1

      NO THEY SHOULDN'T!!!! If you live in the USA and feel this way get out or get shot!

      These days US is (by traditional US thinking) a socialist country too, where other people end up paying for other peoples mistakes (such as getting ill by smoking, getting obese by cheap HFCS-filled foods). And if you pay for it, you should get to have a say about it...

      HFCS should be made into bio-fuel (or whatever), using it in food should be banned.

    44. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      "Nobody knows" means "nobody is told". Are you going to run every brand through the mass spec then get it printed on the label?

    45. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Smauler · · Score: 1

      Tax from cigarettes = 8.1 Billion.
      NHS spending on cigarette related illness = 1.7 Billion.

      These are UK statistics, per year. Honestly, don't worry about us smokers costing you money, worry about where the money would come from otherwise. Cigarette taxpayers in the UK are funding non-smokers, many times over what the extra costs are from being a smoker.

    46. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by harl · · Score: 0, Flamebait

      So you think OSHA should be abolished? There should be no protection or safety standards for employees? You think the concept of workman's comp is unfair?

      --
      I find being offended by me offensive.
    47. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Smauler · · Score: 1

      See my reply above. Smokers contribute way more in taxes than they cost medically.

    48. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by zzsmirkzz · · Score: 2, Insightful

      I didn't say he should leave or be shot for saying it. I said that he should be for believing it ;). This belief goes against the very grain of freedom this country was founded and based on and for that fact alone, this person would be better suited in place that doesn't believe in freedom. One bad apple spoils the bunch and this country has lots of them (enemies of freedom) lying around....

    49. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Red+Flayer · · Score: 1

      I was reading an article some time ago that suggested that the economics play out in favor of having more smokers on public healthcare. Lifetime, we pay less if they smoke and die early than if they don't smoke and die of something else.

      --
      "Trolls they were, but filled with the evil will of their master: a fell race..." -- J.R.R. Tolkien on Olog-hai
    50. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by bluefoxlucid · · Score: 3, Informative

      This one's easy. The chemicals in tobacco smoke (GOOD tobacco) dissolve in your saliva and impart a flavor to it, which you can taste on your tongue.. vaguely. However, drinking good scotch (scottish whiskey) with those chemicals lingering in your saliva vastly changes the flavor; for some people, scotch is nothing special until they've had it with a cigar and experienced some amazing epiphany as the flavor opens up and transforms into something truly unique.

      As a result, some whiskey drinkers like to drink good malt liquor (whiskey, scotch, bourbon) with good tobacco.

    51. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by socz · · Score: 1

      You can be told not to drop trash in your house... Lets say you OWN your own home right... you make it a nasty place, full of trash. You can be asked to clean it up. If it continues, you can get booted out of your property!

      This is especially true if you live in: apartments, 'town house,' gated community, or those who live in home association areas.

      The placed I used to work at had a no smoking policy on the premises right... so people took to smoking just off of building property. So they put up no smoking signs but that didn't stop them. Fortunately for everyone you had to walk by them and the cloud to get into the parking structure!

      --
      My abilities are only limited by my imagination
    52. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by mea37 · · Score: 5, Interesting

      I enjoy going to smoke-free establishments as well; however, if that were my only reason for liking smoking bans, I would oppose them. If you don't like what goes on in a bar, it's your responsibility to not patronize that bar. If no bar owners choose to provide the product you want (a smoke-free bar), too bad for you; you shouldn't be able to legislate that someone provide a product you prefer.

      HOWEVER, that is not the only reason to support a smoking ban. A far more valid reason, and the reason I do support such bans, is that the bar's employees are also exposed to second-hand smoke. The argument "they could choose not to work there" doesn't hold up, unless we also discard all of the OSHA regulations that provide for workplace safety.

    53. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by zzsmirkzz · · Score: 1

      These days US is (by traditional US thinking) a socialist country too, where other people end up paying for other peoples mistakes (such as getting ill by smoking, getting obese by cheap HFCS-filled foods). And if you pay for it, you should get to have a say about it...

      This has nothing to do with socialism or having to pay for the health care costs of others which may or may not be due to their own personal choices. This has everything to do with the federal government over-stepping their authority, and exerting power they were not granted in the constitution thereby threatening the very freedom this country was founded on. You don't like HFCS, that's fine, all food products have been required to be labeled so that you know its in there and you can make the choice to eat it or not. It's not the governments purpose, role, or place to make these decisions for anybody. It is their place to provide (or require it to be provided) the correct and necessary information for the people to make their own choices. And yes, freedom includes the ability to choose to do the wrong thing. But along with it is the responsibility to accept the consequences of ones decisions. The accepting responsibility part is what is wrong in this country, nobody does it or is expected to do it. This is the root of the problem. Address it and all of the side-effects will be taken care of.

    54. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by HereIAmJH · · Score: 1

      Not if I'm being taxed for their medical bills.

      You see, That is when government-mandated healthcare comes full circle.

      That's the heart of this whole Socialized Medicine misdirection.

      You're already paying! Do you have insurance now? Ask your HR department if your smoking co-workers pay higher premiums to offset their habit. If not, you're already paying because they are in the same pool as you. Just like you're paying for the alcoholics and overweight, and any number of unhealthy habits.

      People need to get over "I don't want to pay for your ...." mentality and start think about whether it's good for society. I pay thousands of dollars a year for 'socialized' education, yet I have no children and do not plan to have any. Education is good for our society, and a healthy population is even more important.

      If you want to think about it strictly economically, 'a rising tide lifts all boats.' In the same way education makes us more productive, so does being healthy. Personally, I'm for a single payer system knowing that I would be subsidizing families with children and spouses who are not employed. According to the SBA, 65% of new private sector jobs are created by small businesses. And I have to wonder, how many small businesses are not being started because it's too risky to give up employer provided insurance.

      --
      Another day, another update to a Google android app.
    55. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The typical thing I have seen with the e-cigg suppliers is a step-down program where the nicotine content of each filter cartridge is gradually decreased over time, and then at the end of that program there is a nic-free filter to help with the physical-habit/oral-fixation aspect of the behavior...

      It seems quite a bit like the programs the new nicotine patches use.

    56. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by rmushkatblat · · Score: 1

      No, it shouldn't. We should just stop paying for those people's medical care.

    57. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Orleron · · Score: 2, Informative

      The fight over whether this is a drug delivery device or not is extremely important. Cigarettes are commodities. They don't require huge clinical trials and expensive Pre-Market Approvals to be sold. If e-cigs lose this battle and get categorized as Class III combination devices by either the CDRH or CDER (the two FDA divisions that govern devices and drugs respectively), EVERY model of e-cig from EVERY company will require a clinical trial before sale.... not to mention the requirement to follow a whole slew of regulations under 21 CFR for manufacturing, labeling, etc. We're talking millions of dollars to make a damned e-cig. Eventually they might be downgraded to Class II, maybe, but a 510(k) submission is more often not so simple either lately.

    58. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by operagost · · Score: 1

      No problem. Just don't expect people to pay the same amount for your place as the guy's down the street who didn't smoke in theirs.

      Irrelevant. We don't need politicians to tell us what they think are good free-market decisions. Are bars too big to fail? I'm pretty sure that once smoking bars are no longer lucrative, they'll change or die.

      Smoking in a bar means the bar patrons smoke with you. That's what the law is preventing. I rather enjoy going to the bar and not coming out smelling like it.

      Then go to a non-smoking bar and stop electing people who think it's OK to legislate people's personal choices. If you really need an analogy, how about legislating the volume of the sound system at bars and clubs to protect the audience from hearing problems?

      --

      Gamingmuseum.com: Give your 3D accelerator a rest.
    59. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by operagost · · Score: 1

      People like the GP poster are the reason progressives are allowed to remain in power. Responsible citizens think about protecting everyone's rights, rather than imposing their own pet ideas.

      --

      Gamingmuseum.com: Give your 3D accelerator a rest.
    60. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by operagost · · Score: 1

      Mmm... tomacco.

      --

      Gamingmuseum.com: Give your 3D accelerator a rest.
    61. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Smauler · · Score: 1

      I notice you've not mentioned any "bad" drugs in your list of things you enjoy. Personally, I agree with you, I think absolute banning of any drug is completely stupid, and infringes citizen's rights. I don't take cocaine any more because I got caught once, and if I get caught again, I'll probably be at least on community service. So I've been taking less well know drugs, which are legal, like mephedrone. That's becoming illegal tomorrow here (UK), so I'll move on to something like naphyrone.

      Regulation is key, but banning stuff is stupid. There are an estimate one million cocaine users in the UK... that of a total population of 60 million or so. Cocaine possession has a maximum sentence of 7 years in prison. Imprisoning responsible users of drugs is absolutely suicidal for the government, since it'd have to lock at least 5% of the adult working population up.

      I _absolutely_ agree that people should be held accountable for their actions, whether high, drunk, or anything. The war on drugs has not worked, at all. What it has done is criminalised loads of people who should not have been criminalised. What it has also done is pushed people onto legal drugs that may well be more harmful. Like I said before, I absolutely agree with regulation, and even taxation of drugs... banning them has been shown to absolutely not work.

    62. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Hatta · · Score: 5, Funny

      You can shove that standard straight up your ass, because it's none of your damn business what these people choose to put in their bodies.

      Something about that statement strikes me as contradictory.

      --
      Give me Classic Slashdot or give me death!
    63. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by timeOday · · Score: 2, Interesting

      Given the circumstances, all I personally ask for is that it's settled that they're statistically safer than cigarettes.

      If they turn out to be harmful but less so than cigarettes, perhaps they should be available on prescription for smoking cessation only, rather than just marketed to everybody as a harmless way to get addicted to nicotine. (I don't think there's any controversy about the addictiveness of nicotine, is there? Tobacco companies spent good money spraying it onto cigarettes to make them more addictive, and marijuana advocates claim nicotine is far more addictive than THC).

      And if they do turn out to be totally harmless, than they should just be spot-checked for purity like anything else. Nicotine patches are available over the counter (no prescription), and hopefully e-cigarettes turn out no worse than those.

    64. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by COMON$ · · Score: 1
      Name one drug that causes no negative health effects...

      The better question is, do the effects (good or bad), of the drug effect society in any way. If so then society has a say in its use. if not then party on.

      --
      CS: It is all sink or swim...oh and did I mention there are sharks in that water?
    65. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by quadrox · · Score: 1

      Yeah, but most non-smokers wouldn't bother switching to another bar, while smokers can easily be brought to switch to a bar allowing smoking. The net result is of course that all bars must allow smoking or live with a severely reduced customer base. This in turn means I have no almost no place to go to where I won't be bothered by second hand smoke - that is hardly ideal.

      Legislative intervention is strictly necessary (for people like me).

    66. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Urkki · · Score: 1

      These days US is (by traditional US thinking) a socialist country too, where other people end up paying for other peoples mistakes (such as getting ill by smoking, getting obese by cheap HFCS-filled foods). And if you pay for it, you should get to have a say about it...

      This has nothing to do with socialism or having to pay for the health care costs of others which may or may not be due to their own personal choices. This has everything to do with the federal government over-stepping their authority, and exerting power they were not granted in the constitution thereby threatening the very freedom this country was founded on. You don't like HFCS, that's fine, all food products have been required to be labeled so that you know its in there and you can make the choice to eat it or not. It's not the governments purpose, role, or place to make these decisions for anybody. It is their place to provide (or require it to be provided) the correct and necessary information for the people to make their own choices. And yes, freedom includes the ability to choose to do the wrong thing. But along with it is the responsibility to accept the consequences of ones decisions. The accepting responsibility part is what is wrong in this country, nobody does it or is expected to do it. This is the root of the problem. Address it and all of the side-effects will be taken care of.

      Freedom includes, not just ability, but also responsibility to make the choice. When people stop making choices, others do the choices for them. When too many people let others to make choices for them, government should step in if bad choices are consistently being done (like food industry consistently produces cheap crap containing just energy without other nutrients).

      Total ban on HFCS would go too far, but limiting how much there can be in food could be a good idea... Or just explicitly exposing food industry to obesity lawsuits (compare to lawsuits against tobacco industry).

    67. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by dominious · · Score: 1

      Cold turkey worked for me too. Where did you get your data from?

    68. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Mindcontrolled · · Score: 0

      Nice kind of thought police you are installing here... So, in the world regarding to zzsmirkzz, people ought to be shot for *believing* something. That is how you envision your "free" society? Well, go ahead, install your society somewhere where it does not bother me, I guess the periodic purges of "undesirable elements" withing that community will take care of the problem sooner or later without the need for outside intervention.

      --
      Ubi solitudinem faciunt, pacem appellant.
    69. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by CorporateSuit · · Score: 1

      You're already paying! Do you have insurance now?

      I'm paying for smokers on my insurance, yes, but I wasn't required by the government to do so - it was a voluntary action. I wasn't being TAXED for them (except medicare), so it landed outside the government domain. Now that healthcare IS in the government domain, and has become a tax-payer issue, they CAN now make laws about your health. We let the camel into the tent.

      People need to get over "I don't want to pay for your ...." mentality and start think about whether it's good for society.

      People need to get over the "Someone else will pay for my mistakes" mentality and start thinking about whether their actions carry consequences. You're trading accountability for apathy -- because "The government will take care of the poor and healthcare and everything else, so why should I?" and if they aren't fixed? "It's those dadgum rats in congress that got it wrong! Well I'll just keep sending them money!"

      Meanwhile, instead of a bug fix on our healthcare, we've gotten an perpetuated, exaggerated, federally-mandated version! All the problems we were getting before, only bigger. Healthcare was expected to crash our economy before the housing market did, and the bill did NOTHING to solve those problems. It only made them worse. So perhaps we'll be able to all have some buggy form of healthcare for a few years, we will have a full-scale depression in another 10! Unless of course, someone decides to actually FIX the underlying problems of overpriced healthcare.

      --
      I am the richest astronaut ever to win the superbowl.
    70. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Scrameustache · · Score: 1

      Cold turkey is the only method that actually works short of medication (which has its own problems).

      You know that it's dangerous for alcoholics to quit cold turkey? Their metabolism has adapted to the constant presence of alcohol and it's a shock to suddenly have none. That's why it's important to be honest about people's alcohol intake when they need emergency surgery, they might need some in their drip if they are to survive.

      Sudden withdrawal from drugs such as alcohol, benzodiazepines and barbiturates can be extremely dangerous, leading to potentially fatal seizures. In long-term alcoholics, going cold turkey can cause life-threatening delirium tremens and thus is not an appropriate method for breaking an alcohol addiction. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cold_turkey

      --

      You can't take the sky from me...

    71. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Just+Some+Guy · · Score: 1

      As long as you continue to feed your nicotine addiction, you will never be able to break yourself away from these crutches.

      I am addicted to caffeine. It's not causing health issues and I love coffee, so why should I have any desire to break away from it? Substitute nicotine for caffeine; is there something fundamentally different that breaks the logic?

      --
      Dewey, what part of this looks like authorities should be involved?
    72. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      If you can't handle that...

      I can handle it, not sure about others. Truth is, people are stupid.

    73. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by CorporateSuit · · Score: 1

      That is an interesting point. I wonder if any insurance companies would be willing to cough up their data (as they have scads of it) on what the average non-smoker costs them vs. average smoker over the course of a lifetime. A quick google search tells me what the SMOKER would pay, but not what the insurance expects to pay. I'm sure insurance companies would hate to divulge such information, because if it turned out that what you say is true, then smokers could argue that they should only have to pay what nonsmokers pay (or less) -- and to answer their point, insurance companies would raise their rates for non-smokers to compensate... If only some slashdotter worked as a sys admin for a big insurance company and could easily tell us..........

      --
      I am the richest astronaut ever to win the superbowl.
    74. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Scrameustache · · Score: 1, Troll

      If you don't like it, go somewhere else.

      I should be allowed to inject you with anything I wish. If you don't like it, go somewhere else before I'm done preparing the second injection.

      What, that doesn't sound ok? How about pouring things in your drink? Rubbing things on your skin? Or adding things to your food? You think it's ok to put things in my lungs, that I can just opt out once someone started to saturate the air with the chemicals of their choice, but you wouldn't let them do the same with other delivery methods? Why is that? It's easier not to drink something than not to breathe.

      --

      You can't take the sky from me...

    75. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by ab0mb88 · · Score: 1

      There used to be this whole system that worked exactly like that... it was called the smoking section.

    76. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by omnichad · · Score: 1

      And in places without those sorts of rules, nearly 100% allow it. Or have "non-smoking" sections separated by a lattice or a 3-foot high wall.

    77. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by mirix · · Score: 1

      Bingo. Not to mention that if a smoker dies at 65, they don't have to pay out 20 years of pension, nor do they have to cure "normal" old age heart disease and cancers.

      --
      Sent from my PDP-11
    78. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by omnichad · · Score: 1

      Not if you subtract all of the benefits they themselves receive for paying taxes.

    79. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Dan93 · · Score: 1

      Actually, ecigarette makers are banned from advertising their products as smoking cessation devices. See here.

    80. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by loupgarou21 · · Score: 1

      In all due fairness, you are choosing to go to the bar, no one is requiring you to be there.

    81. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by zzsmirkzz · · Score: 3, Insightful

      So, in the world regarding to zzsmirkzz, people ought to be shot for *believing* something.

      No, in the world regarding to zzsmirkzz, people ought to be shot for trying to foist their beliefs onto others. If he does not want HFCS that is his choice, and he has the tools necessary to make that choice for himself. He can even get on a podium and convince others that they should also go along with his choice. But this isn't good enough for him, he wants to make the choice for you and deny you your right to choose for yourself. People who are intolerant of the right of others to make their own choices are enemies of freedom. I, for one, will fight to the death to protect my freedom from these enemies.

      or, the smiley face could of meant I was joking.... ;)

    82. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by MBGMorden · · Score: 1

      Except that by definition the "smoking" section has a bounding that butts against the "non-smoking" section. Case in point - I had a table in the non-smoking section of a restaurant once. It was separated by a wall with cutouts from the smoking section, and the tables butted against the wall. Being right next to one of the cutouts, and next to a smoking table, I literally had a burning cigarette sitting less than 2 feet from me for an entire meal - in the non-smoking section.

      While I support anyone's right to do as they wish in their home, in places open to public business, I fully support no smoking. Not only do you have to deal with smelling the smoke, you have to deal with smelling LIKE smoke for the rest of the evening. Wherever smoking is allowed, you can pretty much forget visiting anywhere BUT a bar after having visited a bar, because you're going to literally REEK afterwards.

      As I said, I fully support your right to do it, but do it in private.

      --
      "People who think they know everything are very annoying to those of us who do."-Mark Twain
    83. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by CohibaVancouver · · Score: 1

      Tax from cigarettes = 8.1 Billion.
      NHS spending on cigarette related illness = 1.7 Billion.


      How dare you taint this discussion with statistics.

      Seriously though, as others have said, "bingo." In my opinion this is why governments are unwilling to outright ban ciggys. They don't know what they'd replace the revenue with... So instead they do these little incremental steps. For example, in my jurisdiction (British Columbia, Canada) it's illegal to buy smokes if you're under 19 years of age. It's not illegal to smoke, just buy them. So a thirteen year old can puff away on a park bench, but he can't pop into the 7-11 to buy a pack.

    84. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Insightful

      People like the GP poster are the reason progressives are allowed to remain in power.

      We need more people like him, then.

    85. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Legislative intervention is strictly necessary (for people like me).

      People like you? Sucker. You're not entitled to have fucking legislative support to enforce your fucking lifestyle on others.

      Go die alone.

    86. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by taucross · · Score: 1

      But it's such a sweet, sweet, crutch. No person in their right mind would want to quit smoking. And if it's not quite so poisonous... well I guess that's a plus, though it only factors lightly into my considerations.

      --
      "In the absence of the ability to establish the attribute of truth they tried to establish the noble attributes."
    87. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by HiThere · · Score: 1

      Anecdotal evidence claims that you are mistaken.

      My hypothesis was that the tobacco companies put multiple chemicals into their cigarettes to make quitting more difficult. Also, that without those multiple chemicals, I would be able to slowly cut down.

      Test: I switched to an organic cigarette (Sherman's: at the time it may have been the only choice). After switching I waited a week for the short term addictive chemicals in the normal cigarettes to eliminate their effects. Then I slowly started cutting down on the number of cigarettes I smoked. When I'd gotten down to six per day, I started cutting down the amount of each cigarette I smoked. Eventually I just quit. That was 20 years ago. I remained addicted for about 5 years after the last cigarette... (I measure this by my reaction to smoke from others who were smoking.), but it was only bothersome for about a week.

      This was the second time that I quit. The first time I just quit cold. That worked, but after a year I presumed that I was no longer addicted. Bad mistake. Quitting the second time was much harder.

      --

      I think we've pushed this "anyone can grow up to be president" thing too far.
    88. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by nxtw · · Score: 1

      Not if I'm being taxed for their medical bills.

      This has an easy solution: tax the harmful products in proportion to the added cost of care. Tobacco products are already separately taxed.

    89. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by crazycheetah · · Score: 1

      What the hell is all of this fuss about paying their medical bills? If they have their own insurance (apparently, you'd be surprised how many smokers do--working in the hospital, I've learned smoking really doesn't define this one way or the other), you're not paying anything--they're paying it themselves. And if you want to talk about the ones that don't and having to pick up their bill, you also need to look at the homeless, jobless, illegal immigrants, etc, who overall, you pay for much more than just smokers. And it's been that way for a long while--before Obama even ran for president. If you want to bitch about paying people's medical bills, smokers really aren't that high up on the list compared to the ones you're paying for much more frequently.

    90. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by h4rr4r · · Score: 1

      So a safer product would be restricted and the more dangerous one anyone could get?

      Did you not think this through?

    91. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by geminidomino · · Score: 1

      Do you have an official-ish source for those stats? I want to tattoo the URL onto my forehead.

    92. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by JesseMcDonald · · Score: 1

      The bar's employees have just as much choice regarding whether to work in that particular bar, or for that matter any bar, as the bar's customers have regarding whether to patronize it. Yes, I am saying that "you shouldn't be able to legislate that someone provide a [workplace] you prefer." Employment is not some sort of unique good deserving of different treatment than other products or services. Supporting OSHA for employee protection is just as much a mistake as supporting smoking bans for customer protection, and for the same reasons.

      --
      "The state is that great fiction by which everyone tries to live at the expense of everyone else." - Bastiat
    93. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by geminidomino · · Score: 1

      Total ban on HFCS would go too far, but limiting how much there can be in food could be a good idea... Or just explicitly exposing food industry to obesity lawsuits (compare to lawsuits against tobacco industry).

      Agreed that the ban is too much, even though I hate that crap.

      A good first step is to knock off the dumb goddamn corn subsidies so that it stops being cheaper than frigging real sugar.

    94. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by geminidomino · · Score: 1

      Easy solution: Don't eat at McDonald's, and buy the throwback (sugar instead of HFCS) sodas that the market has demanded and is now receiving.

      I love those things. Only two problems:

      1) It only seems to be PepsiCo and Dr Pepper/Snapple putting them out. I'm a Coke man.

      2) The market down where I am can't seem to decide. They keep appearing for 3 months, then vanish from stores for a year. It sucks.

    95. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by geminidomino · · Score: 1

      And no one is hurt by the cheese. I hope.

      That's not true at all. Someone might be in the same room with me.

      After 30 years, I'm apparently only now developing lactose intolerance.

    96. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      >You can shove that standard straight up your ass, because it's none of your damn business what these >people choose to put in their bodies.

      >choose to put in their bodies.

      >their bodies.

      AHA! true! thats fine ....
      except I am still powerless to chose to have _none_ of the cig's toxic chemicals enter _my_ body when I breathe around these people while they are using one of these things.

    97. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by WinterSolstice · · Score: 1

      I find it interesting that your sig supports personal freedom and independence (against government influence, considering that the crew of Serenity were smugglers and pirates), but your personal stance is one of asking the government to make the world safe for you.

      You might want to rethink this a bit.

      --
      An operating system should be like a light switch... simple, effective, easy to use, and designed for everyone.
    98. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Belial6 · · Score: 1

      I assume you feel the same way about car exhaust. Or are you only offended by other people putting crap in the air?

    99. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by thegarbz · · Score: 2, Informative

      Ah but you glossed over the OH&S point. You are absolutely right that legislation should be based on preference, however when it becomes an incredible health risk to work long term in such conditions it's a case of protecting employees. You can't on the one hand have mass payouts to victims of asbestosis while on the other do absolutely nothing about the known problem of lung disease. There are solutions to this problem though impractical such as require all employees behind the bar to wear gasmasks. At our work is forced by OH&S legislation to require us to wear gasmasks when working on any equipment that handles benzine (carcinogen). So why should some poor bar staff member spend 8 hours inhaling a substance that is known to dramatically increase the chance lunge disease? If you ignore this then you can effectively roll OH&S legislation back to the 1920s and watch the return of people getting maimed or worse, killed due to a lack of safety provided by their employers.

    100. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Korin43 · · Score: 1

      It basically comes down to this: You wouldn't inconvenience your smoker friends by telling them "We have to go to the non-smoking bar", but you will support legislation that ensures that there aren't any smoking bars. Kind of a dick move.

    101. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Korin43 · · Score: 1

      You're welcome to open a "We'll inject you with random chemicals" bars. I don't think you'd stay in business very long though (even if it was legal). The difference is that people are so opposed to being injected with chemicals that they wouldn't go somewhere where they know it will happen, but they're not opposed enough to smoking to completely avoid bars and restaurants that allow it, so instead of doing the responsible thing and not going to places that they don't like, they change the law so no one can go to places they don't like.

    102. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Korin43 · · Score: 1

      Like I've mentioned in my other responses, it just shows that people are perfectly willing to inconvenience everyone else (by banning smoking), but not willing to inconvenience themselves at all (by refusing to go to these places). Smoking bans were passed relatively recently where I live, and I remember plenty of places that didn't allow smoking, but I guess not going to Perkins is too much for most people.

    103. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by olrik666 · · Score: 1

      "Honestly, I don't get American culture. There's this utterly ridiculous obsession with drug dependence, even when the drugs are completely harmless..."

      The only drug americans accept is "jesus", and he's not even harmless! Go figure!

    104. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Abcd1234 · · Score: 1

      Name one drug that causes no negative health effects.

      Well, to name a few: nicotine, morphine, oxycodone... heck, I could probably go on. None of these drugs have any known negative, long-term health effects associated with them (though some have short-term side-effects, such as constipation, mood swings, etc). The only danger associated with them is dependence.

      But, again, the problem is people don't like the idea of addiction maintenance, because, apparently, addiction is bad simply because it's bad, even if it's well managed and has no impact on the addict's day-to-day life.

    105. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Zennboy · · Score: 1

      Legislative intervention is strictly necessary (for people like me).

      I don't think legislative intervention is strictly necessary because you can't find a bar in which to hang out.

      As nasty or unhealthy as you may think it is, people smoking around you in a privately owned establishment that is willing to allow such practices is not a violation of your rights that the government needs to protect you from.

      It is not your right to have your favorite bar be smoke-free. However, it is your right to find a new bar that that prohibits smoking.

      Or better yet, open your own.

      I wonder what will happen to the bars when the crusaders begin espousing the dangers of second-hand booze.

    106. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by DeadChobi · · Score: 1

      Howabout you go enforce your idea of what's right on the other side of town and we'll go enforce our idea of what's right on our side of town.

      --
      SRSLY.
    107. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Well, I can't speak for the entire country of course, but in my neck of the woods, before the ban, you pretty much had to avoid all public buildings (with the exception of government blds) if you wanted to not inhale cigarette smoke.

    108. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Mindcontrolled · · Score: 1

      Sorry mate, been a bit primed to explode by dealing with asshats all day long, so you kinda became collateral damage there. My irony receptors are burned out on some of those days...

      --
      Ubi solitudinem faciunt, pacem appellant.
    109. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Firethorn · · Score: 1

      If they turn out to be harmful but less so than cigarettes, perhaps they should be available on prescription for smoking cessation only, rather than just marketed to everybody as a harmless way to get addicted to nicotine.

      In my mind that's like requiring a permit for non-leaded gas when you can still buy leaded without a permit.

      As others have pointed out cigarettes are more addictive than most other forms of tobacco; it's not just the nicotine. In addition, the e-cig advertising I've seen was trying to lure smokers, not non-smokers.

      And if they do turn out to be totally harmless, than they should just be spot-checked for purity like anything else.

      There's a huge difference between spot checking and requiring a prescription/permit.

      They're unlikely to be 'completely harmless', but if you can get them to be around the danger level of eating a salad(most common source of food poisoning) or a steak(heart attack), we're good.

      --
      I don't read AC A human right
    110. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Scrameustache · · Score: 1

      I find it interesting that your sig supports personal freedom and independence (against government influence, considering that the crew of Serenity were smugglers and pirates), but your personal stance is one of asking the government to make the world safe for you.

      You might want to rethink this a bit.

      My personal stance is not allowing addictive poisons to saturate public spaces. Smokers had decades to learn to enjoy their personal freedoms without interfering with others, and they choose the "if you don't like it, leave" approach instead. So now they can't smoke anywhere. They pushed too far, and they're being pushed back.
      They ABUSED their right to smoke by forcing others to breathe smoke, now they're forced to respect others' rights and they're very upset that they have to show respect for others. This is troubling to them, they want to be able to just fill a room with noxious fumes and have others leave, but they can't be assholes and it turned them into crybabies instead.

      If you want to smoke, get your own spaceship and go to edge of the verse. Don't pollute my atmosphere and tell ME to leave.

      See, it is about personal freedom, the freedom not to have a jerk force you to breathe poison.

      --

      You can't take the sky from me...

    111. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by drinkypoo · · Score: 1

      Howabout you go enforce your idea of what's right on the other side of town and we'll go enforce our idea of what's right on our side of town.

      So your solution to the fact that some people don't want to breathe toxics so that other people can get high (or for those who don't smoke that hard, just to feel normal) is to reintroduce segregation? You're not representing your class well, though perhaps you are representing it accurately.

      --
      "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
    112. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by chrisG23 · · Score: 1

      Marijuana. Marijuana caused health conditions have claimed the lives of zero people, ever. It sounds like bullshit I know, but then I looked it up, and found no medical evidence that marijuana has ever been positively linked to health problems, as well as no record of a marijuana smoker dying from a condition caused by marijuana. It does tend to make one fat and lazy though.

    113. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by nhtshot · · Score: 1

      As a scotch drinker and cigar smoker, I take offense to your condescension.

      Oh wait, you're saying something I agree with.

      Shit.

      Let's try this then:

      1. Smoke
      2. Drink
      3. Profit?

    114. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by COMON$ · · Score: 1
      dude, each one of those has negative health effects, massive ones at that...just because they don't kill you doesn't mean they don't have negative side effects.

      But yes, addiction is a term that is abused way too much.

      --
      CS: It is all sink or swim...oh and did I mention there are sharks in that water?
    115. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by COMON$ · · Score: 1
      fat and lazy would be a negative health effect. But as my statement goes, it depends on whether or not it effects society.

      From NIDA: "A number of studies have shown an association between chronic marijuana use and increased rates of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and schizophrenia.

      --
      CS: It is all sink or swim...oh and did I mention there are sharks in that water?
    116. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Abcd1234 · · Score: 1

      dude, each one of those has negative health effects, massive ones at that

      Such as?

    117. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Abcd1234 · · Score: 1

      A number of studies have shown an association between chronic marijuana use and increased rates of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and schizophrenia.

      Well of course there's an association. You'd almost certainly see the same association with those illnesses and alcohol (among other drugs). Why? Because people who have anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, or schizophrenia, are likely to self-medicate.

      Or, to break out the classic Slashdot trope: Correlation != causation. Particularly in this case.

    118. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Bullshit. People only smoke to get nicotine - blaming the habit is just a lie smokers tell themselves. I should know, I smoked 2 packs a day for 15 years.

      You notice how we don't go on about helping alcoholics with their "bottle to mouth" habit, or heroin addicts with their "syringe to arm" habit. Break the addiction and the habit just disappears.

    119. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by quadrox · · Score: 1

      Since your comment is the only one being civil, I will put my response to everyone here.

      1) I never said that I had a god-given right to smoke free bars
      2) The "for people like me" part was meant to emphasize that people like me see a need for such legislation in our own interest - Not that this is an absolute right that we have.
      3) I do think that in a fair society there would be legislation that would guarantee that there are at least *some* smoke-free public places. This is similar to how we make sure handicapped people can get on busses. In theory you could just say "you are choosing to ride the bus, no one is requiring you to be there". The analogy is not completely fitting, I know, but I think it is fairly close.
      4) In general I share the liberalistic view that anyone owning a private establishment can do whatever he wants there. I would like to have anti-smoking legislation for myself, but in theory I agree that it isn't the governments business. I could accept/spport such legislation more than other "meddling" legislation though because it "encourages" more healthy living.
      5) When it comes to public places (post office, town hall, whatever) there should be absolutely no smoking allowed.
      6) At first I thought it was a stupid analogy, but the reply by Scrameustache further down is rather insightful I think:

      "If you don't like it, go somewhere else.

      I should be allowed to inject you with anything I wish. If you don't like it, go somewhere else before I'm done preparing the second injection.

      What, that doesn't sound ok? How about pouring things in your drink? Rubbing things on your skin? Or adding things to your food? You think it's ok to put things in my lungs, that I can just opt out once someone started to saturate the air with the chemicals of their choice, but you wouldn't let them do the same with other delivery methods? Why is that? It's easier not to drink something than not to breathe."

    120. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by COMON$ · · Score: 1
      Could be true, but the trope works both ways in this situation.

      All I am trying to do is point out there is no such thing as a free lunch. Every action has a consequence.

      All these yahoos seem to forget that they don't live in a bubble. We live in a society where our actions effect each other. When it comes to addictions, they need to be measured in their ill effects. Every drug has a negative health effect from Asprin, to Alchohol, to Caffine. It is the consequences of that drug that need to be measured. To say there is no consequence is just to publicize ignorance and to hurt a given cause.

      --
      CS: It is all sink or swim...oh and did I mention there are sharks in that water?
    121. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by COMON$ · · Score: 1
      Morphine: outside of the dizziness, headaches, and death from overdose...not much, it is actually a pretty safe drug, hard to overdose on and is usually very well controlled.

      Nicotine..oh where do we start, here is an abstract:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9864303 for one small negative health effect...not to mention possible death from overdose.

      Oxycodone...death is a factor, especially when someone is addicted, same as Morphine.

      --
      CS: It is all sink or swim...oh and did I mention there are sharks in that water?
    122. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Abcd1234 · · Score: 1

      Morphine: outside of the dizziness, headaches, and death from overdose...not much, it is actually a pretty safe drug, hard to overdose on and is usually very well controlled. ...
      Oxycodone...death is a factor, especially when someone is addicted, same as Morphine.

      So you agree with me, neither of these drugs has any known negative, long-term health effects, and therefore a well-managed addiction is largely harmless.

      Weird, since your post said exactly the opposite. So either you lied before, or you had a knee-jerk reaction based on the prevailing belief that these drugs must be bad simply because they're addictive. How very illustrative.

      Nicotine..oh where do we start, here is an abstract:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9864303 for one small negative health effect...not to mention possible death from overdose.

      Umm, what? It's well known that Nicotine shouldn't be used during pregnancy, something which is true of *many* drugs. I'm obviously referring to long-term negative side-effects experienced by the *user*.

      So... care to try again?

    123. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Abcd1234 · · Score: 1

      All I am trying to do is point out there is no such thing as a free lunch. Every action has a consequence.

      And I'm saying that's a lie. THC, as just one example, has never had any negative health effects connected with it. Any claimed effects are either correlation studies (such as the one you cite) and do not actually prove causation, or are deeply flawed.

      Hell, I would wager the reason THC is demonized is specifically *because* it has no negative side-effects. At least with booze, those who would push their morality on others can rationalize alcohol consumption away because users are "punished" for their abuse. THC has no such consequences.

      All these yahoos seem to forget that they don't live in a bubble. We live in a society where our actions effect each other. When it comes to addictions, they need to be measured in their ill effects. Every drug has a negative health effect from Asprin, to Alchohol, to Caffine.

      What, have you just chosen to conveniently forget that other thread? I already pointed out three drugs that have no known, long-term "ill effects". Caffeine is actually a good example of a fourth.

      Honestly, what is it with you and this assumption that all drugs *must* have a negative side-effect, given the numerous examples to the contrary?

    124. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by COMON$ · · Score: 1

      It isnt an assumption it is a fact. I am not denying that THC is not that bad for you. I am simply contending that all drugs have negative effects.

      --
      CS: It is all sink or swim...oh and did I mention there are sharks in that water?
    125. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by COMON$ · · Score: 1

      You are changing your terms. you said "no negative health effects" and "completely harmless" the ONLY point I am trying to make is there is no such thing.

      --
      CS: It is all sink or swim...oh and did I mention there are sharks in that water?
    126. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by COMON$ · · Score: 1

      i think you may be assuming that I am Demonizing THC or something. Far from it, I am giving you ammunition if anything. ALL drugs have consequence, and you are correct, addiction isnt a good reason to ban something. Better insight into what the drugs negative effects actually are is what needs to be reviewed.

      --
      CS: It is all sink or swim...oh and did I mention there are sharks in that water?
    127. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Abcd1234 · · Score: 1

      You are changing your terms. you said "no negative health effects" and "completely harmless" the ONLY point I am trying to make is there is no such thing.

      Bah, that's just stupid. Water, in sufficient quantities, has negative health effects (in that it can kill you). I *specifically* referred to "long-term negative health effects" (go back and re-read my post where I listed those drugs).

      My original point was this (quoted): "Honestly, *who cares* if these people are addicted to some drug, so long as the drug itself causes no negative health effects?".

      Obviously that statement should be interpreted to mean *long-term* health effects, as those are the effects one should be concerned about vis a vis addiction. And if a drug has no said effects (such as nicotine), I repeat, who gives a shit if someone is addicted to it?

    128. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by COMON$ · · Score: 1
      I agree with you...my definition of negative effects is different from yours. A bullet to the head has a very short lived side effect, so is alcohol poisoning. Overdosing on nicotine does as well. Death in all three cases. Do I care if someone has a nicotine addiction? hell no as long as they aren't blowing smoke in my face. Why don't I care? Because the chances that my friend is going to die from that nicotine is slim. Now if they had a meth or an alcohol addiction I would step in. Being married to a pharmacist has opened my eyes, every drug has a list of side effects and negative health effects.

      However, I will concede that there are many drugs we don't know the long term health effects to right now. Those we should keep an eye on at the most but saying it is a bad addiction without proof is stupidity.

      --
      CS: It is all sink or swim...oh and did I mention there are sharks in that water?
    129. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Philip_the_physicist · · Score: 1

      Personally, I think that the right way to deal with the employee health aspect would be to declare a maximum permissible exposure (in terms of amount averaged over time, since many are used in cleaners and so on) of the various harmful chemicals, and then state that this applies to the whole workplace, including beer gardens, office lawns and so on. In my state, we have smoking bans which only prohibit smoking in enclosed spaces, but that definition has massive loopholes in it, so it is effectively worthless from the point of view of staff health.

      If the owner wants to allow smoking, he would have to provide appropriate safety equipment, whether it be forced ventilation, respirators, or something else.

    130. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by samwichse · · Score: 1

      Bah! Just give them a NIOSH approved respirator and they're set.

      I'm sure bar patrons would be perfectly comfortable being served by someone dressed like this.

      Sam

    131. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by Korin43 · · Score: 1

      I didn't notice this response until just now, but I already responded to the "how about I inject you with stuff" argument. It's a straw-man. No one would go to that bar, and it would go out of business. The problem is that non-smokers aren't willing to go to any effort to make non-smoking bars exist, but they are willing to stop everyone else from being able to go to smoking bars (through legislation). If it's such a big problem, stand up for yourself and refuse to go to to a bar that allows smoking. I keep seeing comments like "I used to go to smoking bars since (my friends wanted to / there were no other options)". If you don't want smoking bars to exist, stop patronizing them. If you can get legislation passed to ban smoking, then there's obviously enough people to cause a non-smoking bar to get decent amounts of business without the use of force.

    132. Re:The entire concept is mistaken by quadrox · · Score: 1

      Very well, maybe my first impression about that post was correct anyway - I do see your point. I also definitely agree that non-smokers should stand up to it and refuse to go to smoker bars.

      The problem is, I can refuse this all I want but if 90% of everyone else doesn't I still get only smoker bars. So in spite of doing everything right, I still have to endure the smoke if I go out. Of course you can say "stop frequenting bars altogether then" but that is hardly realistic/fair towards me.

      Yes, the smokers would be inconvenienced by this legislation, but less so than the non-smokers are otherwise. Smoking is not essential to survival, while second hand smoke is a health risk. Therefore legislation ought to be more in favor of non-smokers than smokers.

      I feel like there is some essential point to the above paragraph which I haven't expressed quite well enough yet, but right now I am unable to express it any better. The idea is somewhere along the lines of smoking being harmful and therefore less worthy of the legislative protection. That still doesn't quite cover what I am trying to express but it's the best I can come up with now.

  4. I have a better idea by Pojut · · Score: 5, Insightful

    How about we sell cigs that don't contain so much bullshit? I mean honestly...is all that crap really necessary?

    1. Re:I have a better idea by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

      grow your own tobacco and you'll be fine

    2. Re:I have a better idea by Microlith · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Well, just removing the extra bullshit doesn't solve the fundamental problem of inhaling hot gases produced by the combustion of solid matter. You're still pulling things into your lungs they're capable of handling, but the regularity of it just overwhelms them.

      I think the ALA here is seeing a "suggestiveness" due to the cigarette appearance, and it doesn't have anything to do with nicotine (I haven't seen them fuss about nicotine patches.)

    3. Re:I have a better idea by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Informative

      grow your own tobacco and you'll be fine

      There's a little entity called the ATF you have to deal with should you go that route.

    4. Re:I have a better idea by MaWeiTao · · Score: 3, Insightful

      How about we sell cigs that don't contain so much bullshit? I mean honestly...is all that crap really necessary?

      If that were so easy don't you think the tobacco companies would already be offering such a product? The simple fact is that you're setting fire to something and sucking in the fumes; it's inevitable you're inhaling something harmful.

    5. Re:I have a better idea by Khyber · · Score: 1, Interesting

      No, not really. If you intend to sell it, yes. If you cultivate it for your own personal use, they can't do shit.

      Hell I just ordered a ten pack of albino tobacco seeds.

      ATF What?

      --
      Still waiting on Serviscope_minor to wake up to fucking reality and realize that Jessica Price isn't going to fuck him.
    6. Re:I have a better idea by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You are free to sell your own brand of cigarettes without so much 'bullshit'.

      As it stands now, you are free to do either, while your tone suggests your wish for big brother to step in to dictate what proprietors may or may not sell and what consumers may or may not purchase.

    7. Re:I have a better idea by mswhippingboy · · Score: 0, Offtopic

      Well, just removing the extra bullshit doesn't solve the fundamental problem of inhaling hot gases produced by the combustion of solid matter.

      Ahem... it might be helpful if you knew what you were talking about.
      E-cigs do not burn any combustible solid matter. They simply vaporize a (liquid) mixture of water and propylene glycol along with a wee bit of flavoring (if you choose) and are available in various nicotine levels, including zero-nicotene. My wife and I have switched to e-cigs and it's one of the best decisions we've made. After 30 years of smoking, I now, for the first time, don't feel addicted since I can smoke my e-cig (with a very low nicotine level) when I choose to. I sometimes going days without it - but I never feel deprived. I'm not sure what the ALAs beef is, but it has nothing to do with health. This is the equivalent of the wing-nuts who fight against distribution of condoms because they think it promotes promiscuity.

      --
      Sometimes the light at the end of the tunnel is the headlight of an oncoming train.
    8. Re:I have a better idea by Nadaka · · Score: 2, Informative

      Wrong. There is precedence that even growing your own wheat for personal consumption is regulated by the administrative branch an the concept that there is an interstate market of wheat, and your growth and consumption affects that market.

      The ATF can and will use its unnatural power however it sees fit.

      However, an the topic of home grown tobacco, it will still have a load of nasty crap in the smoke. Just less than manufactured cigs with formaldehyde, etc.

    9. Re:I have a better idea by chickenarise · · Score: 1

      Wrong. Cig companies knowingly add chemicals that make cigarettes more addictive. More addictive = more money, duh. "Easy" has nothing to do with it, "money" does.

      --
      One convenient locations...in Africa.
    10. Re:I have a better idea by Hurricane78 · · Score: 1

      Well, there always is additive-free tobacco.
      As a comparison: “Normal” cigarettes have 600+ additives. Amongst them about every highly toxic stuff you can think of. As long as it allows stronger nicotine intake (into the blood stream), it’s in there. As long as it raises addictiveness, it’s in there. Now a cigarette, despite having just as much nicotine, can be 100 times more of the bad stuff into you than just pure tobacco.
      Would you buy weed, if it was cut with 600 other things? No. You wouldn’t even buy it, if it was cut with one non-weed ingredient.
      Also, adding that much additives not really makes thing cheaper, which is the reason it’s done with illegal drugs.
      So I bet you even save money.

      A friend of mine, who got an extensive experience with all kinds of drugs, told me, that in terms of pure addictiveness, pure tobacco is a bit above alcohol. But cigarettes are on par with heroine. (A study supports that statement.) Yes, it’s that hard to get rid of them. Not because of the tobacco. But because of the additives.

      --
      Any sufficiently advanced intelligence is indistinguishable from stupidity.
    11. Re:I have a better idea by dekemoose · · Score: 1

      Ahem... it might be helpful if you knew what you were talking about.

      Oh my, awkward. You see, Microlith was responding to the statement "grow your own tobacco and you'll be fine" and you rather jumped down his throat on an entirely unrelated matter. Seems that someone is having a bit of a nic fit :-D

    12. Re:I have a better idea by Pojut · · Score: 1

      while your tone suggests your wish for big brother to step in to dictate what proprietors may or may not sell and what consumers may or may not purchase.

      Actually, my comment was directed towards cig manufacturers focusing on a quality smoke rather than an addictive one.

      But thanks for playing. I always love it when people who don't know me assume something about me...especially a coward.

    13. Re:I have a better idea by phlinn · · Score: 1

      You missed the context. Someone suggested just making cigarettes without all the extra BS instead of E-Cigs, he pointed out that combustion creates some nasty stuff even without the added BS. He never suggested that E-Cigs involve combustion. Rather the opposite, in fact.

      --
      "Pulling together is the aim of despotism and tyranny! Free men pull in all sorts of directions" -- Havelock Vetinari
    14. Re:I have a better idea by Attila+Dimedici · · Score: 1

      Well, this article is about somebody who is and the fact that the ALA wants to make it illegal.

      --
      The truth is that all men having power ought to be mistrusted. James Madison
    15. Re:I have a better idea by Xaositecte · · Score: 1

      The Case you're referring to was a commercial wheat farmer growing wheat for his own consumption IN ADDITION to the commercial wheat. Dude swore up and down that his commercial plot was in accordance with federal standards (it was) and his private plot was for his own consumption (so far as anyone ever proved, that too was true). - He still got fined because the privately grown wheat still affected his commercial sales.

      This has been used as precedent to allow the Fed to regulate entirely non-commercial agriculture across the States, but the legal status of doing so is still disputed. See, Fed vs. States battling about home-grown Marijuana.

      Generally, stuff grown for personal use is regulated by state laws. The Feds will take interest if you make a nuisance of yourself, but otherwise you don't have to worry.

    16. Re:I have a better idea by mswhippingboy · · Score: 1

      Apologies for missing the context of your comment.
      I sometimes have a knee-jerk reaction to misinformed idiots whose answer to all of lifes problems is to just "ban it".
      I guess I'm just miffed that there hasn't been a posting here in the last 5 minutes praising Steve Jobs. :)

      --
      Sometimes the light at the end of the tunnel is the headlight of an oncoming train.
    17. Re:I have a better idea by Locke2005 · · Score: 1

      I think the ALA here is seeing a "suggestiveness" due to the cigarette appearance, and it doesn't have anything to do with nicotine

      Yeah, they look pretty phallic to me, too.

      --
      I've abandoned my search for truth; now I'm just looking for some useful delusions.
    18. Re:I have a better idea by martas · · Score: 1

      [citation needed]. what other than nicotine is addictive in, say, a regular Camel?

    19. Re:I have a better idea by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      if that were so easy don't you think the tobacco companies would already be offering such a product?

      It apparently is easy, because American Spirit has been doing it for years. The simple reason why mainstream cigarette companies put all those chemicals into their product is because it increases their bottom line. They've done the numbers, and they know exactly why they do it. Why else would they do it, but to make a bigger profit?

      However, American Spirit proves that there's a market for natural tobacco. And I think that's great. I'm not a smoker, but I'll be damned if I'd ever support a law which removes an individual's god-given right to choose for himself how to live his life.

    20. Re:I have a better idea by OrwellianLurker · · Score: 1

      The Case you're referring to was a commercial wheat farmer growing wheat for his own consumption IN ADDITION to the commercial wheat. Dude swore up and down that his commercial plot was in accordance with federal standards (it was) and his private plot was for his own consumption (so far as anyone ever proved, that too was true). - He still got fined because the privately grown wheat still affected his commercial sales.

      This has been used as precedent to allow the Fed to regulate entirely non-commercial agriculture across the States, but the legal status of doing so is still disputed. See, Fed vs. States battling about home-grown Marijuana.

      Generally, stuff grown for personal use is regulated by state laws. The Feds will take interest if you make a nuisance of yourself, but otherwise you don't have to worry.

      SCOTUS ruled in the '00s that a Californian medical marijuana patient growing for her own use was violating Federal laws and affecting interstate commerce. Face it, unless enough Americans wake up in time, we're all fucked.

      --
      'Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun.' - Mao Tse-tung
    21. Re:I have a better idea by bluefoxlucid · · Score: 3, Insightful

      I don't smoke, BUT I do advocate smoking LESS if you do smoke. Wind down with a pipe at the end of the day, on GOOD tobacco. It's less toxic and it's less of it. Or roll your own cigarettes... your choice of rolling paper, but be aware that burns and a pipe doesn't.

    22. Re:I have a better idea by mcgrew · · Score: 1

      Patches let you get past the habituation before tackling the physical addiction. Smokeless cigs don't; they're just like smoking as far as your lungs, brain, and reflexes are concerned.

    23. Re:I have a better idea by chickenarise · · Score: 1

      [citation needed]

      AKA you're too lazy to look it up and educate yourself. Here you go you lazy bum. Now what do you think the chances are that none of those 599 additives enhances the addictiveness of a cigarette? Notice caffeine in there? Isn't that addictive?

      --
      One convenient locations...in Africa.
    24. Re:I have a better idea by careysub · · Score: 1

      [citation needed]. what other than nicotine is addictive in, say, a regular Camel?

      There are at least two types of additives used to heighten addiction.

      The first is something to make nicotine more bio-available - e.g. ammonia - which ensures that all of the nicotine is in free-base form. The second is something that reduces the unpleasant acute effects of smoking, so that it is easier to inhale - e.g. menthol - which is an anesthetic that prevents coughing and feeling lung irritation (the irritation is still there, you just can't feel it). Other anesthetic oils have been used, clove oil for example.

      --
      Starships were meant to fly, Hands up and touch the sky - Nicky Minaj
    25. Re:I have a better idea by Xaositecte · · Score: 1

      Medical Marijuana has been a pissing match between the Feds and the States for a while now. It's the fed's position that a significant number of "Medical Marijuana" growers are simply drug traffickers hiding behind state laws.

      Whenever a legitimate medical marijuana grower is raided, and the evidence doesn't support the idea that drug trafficking is going on, the Fed nevertheless refuses to drop charges, and we're left with bad precedents.

      Nevertheless, the States are already winning this paticular 'war' - Americans are already waking up, as you've put it. Honestly, we just need to keep on this path, and it'll get legalized for good.

    26. Re:I have a better idea by TubeSteak · · Score: 1

      If that were so easy don't you think the tobacco companies would already be offering such a product? The simple fact is that you're setting fire to something and sucking in the fumes; it's inevitable you're inhaling something harmful.

      Actually, it is that easy, but when the FDA tried to regulate nicotine (and consequently cigarettes) the Tobacco companies took the FDA to court and won.
      The Supreme Court *decision aknowledged how dangerous cigarettes are, but said that Congress did not intend to give the FDA such regulatory powers.

      The House passed a bill (298-112) back in 2009, but AFAIK it died in the Senate because of resistance from Senators in tobacco/cigarette producing States.

      *FDA v. Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corp

      --
      [Fuck Beta]
      o0t!
    27. Re:I have a better idea by Spit · · Score: 1

      Snus is a fairly benign packaging of tobacco which is becoming popular with dip users in the USA. I managed to stop smoking within a week of taking up snus, after smoking for 25 years. But for some reason I can only get snus from its native Sweden and the US, I have to import it to Australia and this goes for most of the world.

      You'd think that snus would be a win/win for tobacco companies, health organizations, government taxation and users, so I don't know what the problem is. For any dippers or smokers out there I strongly recommend snus.

      --
      POKE 36879,8
    28. Re:I have a better idea by internettoughguy · · Score: 1

      Actually we do, Native American Spirit, but tobacco smoke is inherently harmful, even with no additives. These e-cigs don't all contain this "crap" organic material that comes with the plant, they just have the good stuff, the nicotine.

    29. Re:I have a better idea by internettoughguy · · Score: 1

      *oops, natural american spirit.

    30. Re:I have a better idea by mirix · · Score: 1

      There isn't 600 additives, and they don't add toxic stuff for the fun of it.

      When you burn organic material it makes a bunch of combustion products, and a lot of them are bad. It's not like they're pouring benzene and cyanide into the tobacco before they roll it; They naturally occur during combustion.

      --
      Sent from my PDP-11
    31. Re:I have a better idea by OrwellianLurker · · Score: 1

      Hopefully, but we're up against huge corporations, a Federal government that wants to maintain the power they have and is seeking more power, "think of the children" arguments, and typical puritan bullshit.

      --
      'Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun.' - Mao Tse-tung
    32. Re:I have a better idea by useless4321 · · Score: 1

      If that were so easy don't you think the tobacco companies would already be offering such a product?

      Are you 100% certain that they're not? Who says that the tobacco companies are not funding development and advertisement of e-cigs? It might be the conspiracy theorist in me, but methinks that the tobacco industries are a lot better at adapting and thriving through increased taxes, limits on advertising, etc. than most other industries. Disclaimer: I do smoke regularly and have tried e-cigs. While the nicotine rush is similar to a regular cigarette, it seems to cause a sore throat over the course of a few weeks of use (at least in my experience)

    33. Re:I have a better idea by tehdaemon · · Score: 1
      This is factually incorrect. Well, the lungs bit anyway. The studies done so far indicate that the compounds in the e-cigs are harmless to the lungs. (compared to regular cigs anyway, think inhalers for asthma) Granted this has not been studied enough to say for sure.

      What some of the others here are saying (and I can't say they are wrong) is that e-cigs are harmless enough that there is little point in quitting. Think coffee.

      T

      --
      Laws are horrible moral guides, moral guides make even worse laws.
    34. Re:I have a better idea by Khyber · · Score: 1

      "SCOTUS ruled in the '00s that a Californian medical marijuana patient growing for her own use was violating Federal laws and affecting interstate commerce."

      Well, yea, the dumb bitch was growing more than legally allowed by the state as the law at that time proscribed, and was trafficking it. DUH.

      On the other hand, just a couple of months ago the Californian Supreme Court said that the limitation on how many plants a patient could cultivate was 100% unconstitutional. That in itself flies in the face of that particular '00's ruling.

      As it sits, the Federal government has no real power. California decides to break away and the USA loses most of the global influence it has.

      That's why Obama is slowly calling the retreat. If they don't retreat, California will pull the plug and secede. It's not said on the news but the word is heard almost daily just from random walks I take through the town.

      --
      Still waiting on Serviscope_minor to wake up to fucking reality and realize that Jessica Price isn't going to fuck him.
    35. Re:I have a better idea by OrwellianLurker · · Score: 1

      I didn't read anything in the case about Raich violating California's medical limits. In fact, only six plants were destroyed, which I believe to be within the limit (at that time). If she was trafficking it, she should have been charged with trafficking marijuana. If she grew more than the state allowed, the state should have prosecuted her. From what I have read, the court ruled the way they did based largely on the "wheat" case decades ago. You know, the basis for twisting the Commerce Clause into the "Federal government can do whatever the fuck it wants Clause."

      --
      'Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun.' - Mao Tse-tung
    36. Re:I have a better idea by Bruce+Perens · · Score: 1

      Would you buy weed, if it was cut with 600 other things? No. You wouldn't even buy it, if it was cut with one non-weed ingredient.

      While I am glad that you don't see in yourself the symptoms of a tainted weed encounter, there is a well-documented history of adulterant addition and I doubt that most people would be able to tell.

      Back when there were lead radiators in cars, lots of them were used to condense moonshine.

    37. Re:I have a better idea by drinkypoo · · Score: 1

      If that were so easy don't you think the tobacco companies would already be offering such a product?

      You mean like American Spirit, or Winston, or one of several other additive-free brands? Second-hand smoke is still disgusting, and tobacco still contains nicotine, which is itself carcinogenic.

      --
      "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
    38. Re:I have a better idea by drinkypoo · · Score: 1

      Would you buy weed, if it was cut with 600 other things? No. You wouldn't even buy it, if it was cut with one non-weed ingredient.

      While I am glad that you don't see in yourself the symptoms of a tainted weed encounter, there is a well-documented history of adulterant addition and I doubt that most people would be able to tell.

      Uh, what? If you'd ever been passed tainted weed, you'd know, because when people adulterate it they do it with nasty things like speed. It's happened to numerous people I know, mostly females to whom it was done intentionally. Additionally, Cut != Tainted, although Cut is a subset of Tainted. Congratulations on attacking a straw man.

      Back when there were lead radiators in cars, lots of them were used to condense moonshine.

      Yay, we love car analogies. This would be analogous to pesticide contamination, in this case. But it's still not the same thing as being cut with it. dozens of different chemicals and compounds are typically sprayed on any given variety of tobacco, as an intentional component of the curing process. No such activity is engaged in with the substance we are now discussing.

      Please try to stick to material with which you are familiar, like trying to redefine the meanings of common English words. Thank you.

      --
      "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
    39. Re:I have a better idea by lwsimon · · Score: 1

      That is correct, but the precedent has been applied in much wider circumstances. The wheat case was Wickard v. Filburn. Go check out Gonzales v. Raich, where the Supreme Court decided that another plant grown for personal consumption may be regulated, even though a legal interstate market did not exist.

      --
      Learn about Photography Basics.
    40. Re:I have a better idea by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The simple fact is that you're setting fire to something and sucking in the fumes; it's inevitable you're inhaling something harmful.

      How about a little research before you comment ... there is absolutely nothing combusted in an electronic cigarette. Unlike the FDA and ALA, let's keep the facts straight here.

    41. Re:I have a better idea by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      They can't. The key component to these (the atomizer) has been patented by a company in China.

    42. Re:I have a better idea by mcgrew · · Score: 1

      You misunderstood me; I wasn't talking about harm to the lungs, I was talking about how cigarettes make your lungs feel, which is part of its addictive properties.

    43. Re:I have a better idea by SnarfQuest · · Score: 1

      How about we sell cigs that don't contain so much bullshit? I mean honestly...is all that crap really necessary?

      without the bullshit to thin out the tobbacco, the smell of a smoker (especially between smokes) would be even fouler. Instead of knowing that a smoker has just walked into your building, you'd be able to tell a smoker walked across the street from your building sometime during the last month. Please don't ask them to remove the buffer.

      --
      Who would win this election: Andrew Weiner vs Andrew Weiner's weiner.
    44. Re:I have a better idea by Khyber · · Score: 1

      It's more than the plants it's what the potential product could weigh out to after harvest as well, and that fell clearly within federal drug trafficking laws.

      --
      Still waiting on Serviscope_minor to wake up to fucking reality and realize that Jessica Price isn't going to fuck him.
    45. Re:I have a better idea by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Praise Jobs! Only through him can the path to salvation be realized!

    46. Re:I have a better idea by tehdaemon · · Score: 1
      Are you opposed to coffee? Caffeinated soda? Do you encourage everyone you know to avoid these? They are addictive too. Once you are free from the harm that the addiction does, there is little reason to be upset about the addiction itself. Nicotine addiction, once the harm from cigarette smoke is gone, isn't any more harmful than caffeine addiction.

      So the question is, what are you really trying for? A "DONT USE ANY DRUGS" anti-anything addictive rule, or are you more concerned about general health and happiness? If it is the first one, then e-cigs aren't any different than regular ones, or coffee for that matter. Given human nature, this is a fight that you can never win, and by fighting it, you will cause more heartache pain and suffering than all the harmful addictions combined.

      If you are worried about health and happiness, then who cares that e-cigs may not get rid of all of the addictive properties of smoking - these addicts will still be healthy, happy, and productive members of society. Not much, if any, worse than if they were not addicted.

      Which is it?

      T

      --
      Laws are horrible moral guides, moral guides make even worse laws.
    47. Re:I have a better idea by OrwellianLurker · · Score: 1

      It's more than the plants it's what the potential product could weigh out to after harvest as well, and that fell clearly within federal drug trafficking laws.

      Uh, the output of six plants could easily be way under federal trafficking laws. Either way, the Federal ban on Marijuana is illogical, immoral, counter-productive, and hypocritical.

      --
      'Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun.' - Mao Tse-tung
    48. Re:I have a better idea by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      If that were so easy don't you think the tobacco companies would already be offering such a product?

      There's this, at least... no idea whether their claims are true, or meaningful for that matter, but my sister swears by the stuff (personally, I'm a total non-smoker).

    49. Re:I have a better idea by DevilsThadvocate · · Score: 1

      There are additional alkaloids in tobacco that inhibit MAO's and research is showing that these MAO Inhibitors have a synergistic effect on addiction when combined with nicotine. http://www.springerlink.com/content/78756648h2300v80/ Without the MAOI's, nicotine alone (as found in e-cigarettes and FDA approved products like Nicoderm or Nicotrol) is still somewhat addictive but doesn't have nearly the habit forming properties of whole tobacco alkaloids.

    50. Re:I have a better idea by mcgrew · · Score: 1

      I'm not arguing against either ecigs OR caffiene. I think the lung association is wrong, I don't know how you read it as me being against addiction OR e-cigs. Hell, I'm addicted to caffiene, can't function without my coffee.

      I don't even worry about the health aspects, you have to die from something.

    51. Re:I have a better idea by zummit · · Score: 1

      But if you do smoke and want to track how much you're smoking, you might want to use this site: http://www.trackmypacks.com/ .

  5. Nicotine by gregben · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Nicotine is far from harmless. Best to keep people away from it if at all possible.
    Not by force of law necessarily, but by education and social support.

    1. Re:Nicotine by Wyatt+Earp · · Score: 1

      And alcohol? Pot? LSD? Other "soft drugs". Do we need to keep people away from all of that too?

    2. Re:Nicotine by Stradenko · · Score: 2, Funny

      Wait...LSD is a "soft drug?"

    3. Re:Nicotine by MBGMorden · · Score: 1, Insightful

      Nicotine is far from harmless.

      Citation needed. And remember, we're discussing nicotine only. Don't link me an article about cigarettes.

      --
      "People who think they know everything are very annoying to those of us who do."-Mark Twain
    4. Re:Nicotine by tophermeyer · · Score: 1

      Yes. Think of the children!

    5. Re:Nicotine by Orga · · Score: 1

      Funny, I'd comment alcohol is a soft drug? LSD and pot are not addictive. LSD unlike alcohol enhances mental capacity unlike alcohol that horribly hinders higher thinking.

    6. Re:Nicotine by Ellis+D.+Tripp · · Score: 1

      In that it is non-addictive, and just about impossible to die from an overdose of, yes.

      --
      Remember "News for Nerds, Stuff that Matters"? Help make it a reality again! http://soylentnews.org
    7. Re:Nicotine by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yes.

    8. Re:Nicotine by Wyatt+Earp · · Score: 1

      Pot is definitely addictive. But still a "soft drug" in that it won't kill you, same with LSD.

    9. Re:Nicotine by BKX · · Score: 1

      Yes, generally. It has no known LD50 (ie, a dosage where 50% of people who take that dose die), and has never killed anyone by overdose (same as with pot). It has very few long term effects. The only studies which state opinions opposing what I just said have been thoroughly debunked by science. LSD is mostly illegal because some people don't like it when other people have fun.

    10. Re:Nicotine by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Sort of. It's not addictive, it's not too likely to kill you(directly), and you build up a tolerance almost instantly.(You can't take it every day and get a trip, have to wait at least a day or two)

    11. Re:Nicotine by FlyingBishop · · Score: 1

      A moderate amount of alcohol causes no significant problems.

      A moderate amount of LSD can cause psychosis.

      The difference is in volume. Eating a nutmeg will kill you, that doesn't mean that it's a problem to put a small quantity of nutmeg on your food.

      Alcohol also has a variety of industrial and household uses, including as a disinfectant and flavoring (like nutmeg.) LSD is only useful as a recreational drug, and possibly for psychotherapy (though there are more targeted drugs that achieve the same effect with fewer side effects.)

    12. Re:Nicotine by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Nicotine IS COMPLETELY harmless. You are an idiot, muddying the waters of this discussion.

    13. Re:Nicotine by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicotine#Toxicology

      Yes I know it's wikipedia, but it matches all the things I've read in chemistry and health books.

    14. Re:Nicotine by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Pot is definitely non-addictive

    15. Re:Nicotine by Shakrai · · Score: 1, Interesting

      Pot is definitely addictive.

      Citation needed.

      --
      I want peace on earth and goodwill toward man.
      We are the United States Government! We don't do that sort of thing.
    16. Re:Nicotine by farble1670 · · Score: 2, Informative

      "The currently available literature indicates that nicotine, on its own, does not promote the development of cancer in healthy tissue and has no mutagenic properties"

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicotine

    17. Re:Nicotine by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yes, I would call LSD a soft drug, no addiction.

    18. Re:Nicotine by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting

      Nicotine is far from harmless.

      Citation needed. And remember, we're discussing nicotine only. Don't link me an article about cigarettes.

      Go and look it up in the wiki. It is well known that nicotine is a deadly toxin with an LD50 as low as 50mg. Even in the lower doses found in nicotine patches, it causes birth defects for pregnant women and inhibits aptoposis.

    19. Re:Nicotine by FranTaylor · · Score: 1

      Maybe it hasn't killed anyone but I know at least two people with some pretty hardcore permanent brain damage from consuming too much LSD.

    20. Re:Nicotine by Itninja · · Score: 1

      Cannot speak for the others, but alcohol is a food, not a narcotic. It is processed by he body and converted to energy. One of the reasons why alcohol addition withdrawal is one of the few that can actually kill you.

      --
      I judt got a nre Kinesis keybiartf so please excusr ant egregiou typos.
    21. Re:Nicotine by sjames · · Score: 1

      Evidence? Practically all "nicotine" studies were actually studying smoking or, more generally, tobacco. The e-cigs get right to the point with a mixture of nicotine, propylene glycol and some flavoring. No tobacco or smoke.

      In that form, there is little to suggest that nicotine is any more harmful than caffeine.

    22. Re:Nicotine by nabsltd · · Score: 1

      Yes, generally. It [LSD] has no known LD50 (ie, a dosage where 50% of people who take that dose die), and has never killed anyone by overdose (same as with pot).

      It took me a while to figure out you were referring to LSD, because nicotine certainly does have an LD50 and has killed a wide variety of animals (usually as a component of some sort of pesticide).

    23. Re:Nicotine by Shakrai · · Score: 1

      Learn to support your claims before making them. I've never seen any study that didn't come from the NIDA that claims pot is addictive. It can be habit-forming, but then, so can Slashdot, junk food, and WoW. If you have a scientific study from a neutral course that concluded that pot leads to physical dependence I'd love to see it.

      --
      I want peace on earth and goodwill toward man.
      We are the United States Government! We don't do that sort of thing.
    24. Re:Nicotine by skids · · Score: 1

      I disagree with the parent, as vaporizing nicotine is a lot less harmful than, say, jogging in the city.

      But it's not a good idea to go around saying "nicotine is harmless" because in purified liquid form, it is deadly.

      Now, before you say that really doesn't matter, google e-liquids and note that e-cig users who do not want to buy cartridges buy nicotine solutions which are potent enough to be toxic on skin contact. Though most users are very aware of the dangers, and one hopes careful about proper handling and storage, this is not an especially safe product for general domestic use. Not that that should be illegal, but in general the problem can be fixed with proper packaging, and mandating proper packaging (like, say, cartridges) is not a particularly onerous thing to do.

      In a sane world, we'd allow e-cigs, but ban liquid refills and regulate the price of cartridges.

      In America, the people who irrationally hate all things tobacco, unwittingly aided by the people who sell it, will probably cost several people their lives over the next decade as e-cigs aren't going anywhere, now that the user base has caught on, and already have cost lives by keeping e-cigs off the market for as long as they have managed, due to the health effects of Po210, N-nitrosamine, and all the other crap in smoke.

    25. Re:Nicotine by Itninja · · Score: 0, Flamebait

      Nicotine is not cancer-causing (by current knowledge). It's just an additive narcotic. Much like an opiate. But unlike those, nicotine offers no significant relief of pain. I think any reasonable person would agree that narcotic addition is rarely (if ever) less than fundamentally negative for people and society in general.

      --
      I judt got a nre Kinesis keybiartf so please excusr ant egregiou typos.
    26. Re:Nicotine by M8e · · Score: 1

      I don't know the definition of "soft drug", but LSD is non-addictive according to this source on wikipedia.

      this "Rational scale to assess the harm of drugs" gives a picture of how "bad" lsd is.(lsd is under tobacco and alcohol on both "physical harm" and "dependence")

    27. Re:Nicotine by Otto · · Score: 1

      Funnily enough, Google says you're wrong.

      Again, citation needed.

      --
      - Give a man a fire and he's warm for a day, but set him on fire and he's warm for the rest of his life.
    28. Re:Nicotine by Otto · · Score: 1

      No, you know two people who have some pretty hardcore permanent brain damage who happened to consume a lot of LSD.

      Correlation is not causation.

      --
      - Give a man a fire and he's warm for a day, but set him on fire and he's warm for the rest of his life.
    29. Re:Nicotine by Samalie · · Score: 1

      Um, Nicotine is a nurotoxin with a toxicity of .5-1mg/kg in human beings. Far from "harmless"

      --
      09 F9 11 02 9D 74 E3 5B D8 41 56 C5 63 56 88 C0
    30. Re:Nicotine by Otto · · Score: 1

      50 mg is a whole frickin' lot of nicotine. A normal cigarette only delivers about 1 mg to the user, maximum.

      --
      - Give a man a fire and he's warm for a day, but set him on fire and he's warm for the rest of his life.
    31. Re:Nicotine by babblefrog · · Score: 1

      A moderate amount of LSD can cause psychosis, in the same way that breaking up with your girlfriend, or moving away from home to go to college can cause psychosis. Maybe 'cause' isn't exactly the right word here.

    32. Re:Nicotine by Wyatt+Earp · · Score: 1

      Moore THM, Zammit S, Lingford-Hughes A et al. (2007). "Cannabis use and risk of psychotic or affective mental health outcomes: a systematic review". Lancet 370 (9584): 319–328

      Fergusson DM, Horwood LJ, Ridder EM (March 2005). "Tests of Causal Linkages Between Cannabis Use and Psychotic Symptoms.". Addiction 100 (3): 354–366.

      Henquet C, Krabbendam L, Spauwen J, et al. (January 2005). "Prospective Cohort Study of Cannabis Use, Predisposition for Psychosis, and Psychotic Symptoms in Young People.". British Medical Journal 330

      Patton GC, Coffey C, Carlin JB, Degenhardt L, Lynskey M, Hall W (November 2002). "Cannabis Use and Mental Health in Young People: Cohort Study.". British Medical Journal 325 (7374): 1195–1198

    33. Re:Nicotine by chickenarise · · Score: 1

      If you smoke enough of it you will experience withdrawal symptoms when you go without. It takes around half an oz. per day for most people to actually get addicted. I know of 0 people who smoke that much, that would be a very expensive addiction.

      --
      One convenient locations...in Africa.
    34. Re:Nicotine by Shakrai · · Score: 1

      I believe I asked for a citation that it's addictive not a citation that it can cause mental illness in those already predisposed to it.

      --
      I want peace on earth and goodwill toward man.
      We are the United States Government! We don't do that sort of thing.
    35. Re:Nicotine by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      yes, but same article..
      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicotine#Link_to_circulatory_disease

      As I understand it (caveat: not a doctor) part of the reason it helps with suppressing appetite is that it increases the levels of lipids in the blood-stream. If not used, they have to go somewhere, typically on walls of arteries.

      A few years ago there was an anti-smoking ad showing a section of a 30 year old smoker's aorta who died in a car accident. They then proceeded to squeeze this length of artery like a tube of toothpaste, with the gunk that had built up over time coming out. (Yes it was an anti-smoking ad, i'd like to know if this was a 'dramatization' or not -- but either way, pretty graphic.)

    36. Re:Nicotine by Wyatt+Earp · · Score: 1

      Read 'em, I have.

    37. Re:Nicotine by Abcd1234 · · Score: 1

      Correct, it does have an LD50: source. It's just so damned high that it's incredibly unlikely any normal LSD user would ever die from an overdoes.

    38. Re:Nicotine by StikyPad · · Score: 1

      That's actually an incorrect, though common, use of the word narcotic. Nicotine is actually a stimulant, although it does, indirectly, relieve pain: "Nicotine appears to enhance concentration and memory due to the increase of acetylcholine. It also appears to enhance alertness due to the increases of acetylcholine and norepinephrine. Arousal is increased by the increase of norepinephrine. Pain is reduced by the increases of acetylcholine and beta-endorphin. Anxiety is reduced by the increase of beta-endorphin. Nicotine also extends the duration of positive effects of dopamine and increases sensitivity in brain reward systems." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicotine#Psychoactive_effects)

      To address some of the other posters, the fact that it has a lethal dosage is largely irrelevant -- all substances have a lethal dosage, even water, but also acetaminophen/paracetamol (Tylenol), aluminum (antiperspirants), Polyethylene glycol (laxatives), etc. You could argue that the above items treat problems, but alertness & mood stability are just as much of "problems" that are resolved by nicotine.

      In short, unless it's causing *more* harm than good AND/OR harming those around the user, then I don't see a problem with it. I could just be rationalizing my own use -- I smoked for ten years before switching to a gum five years ago -- but if I didn't care about my health, I'd still be smoking.

    39. Re:Nicotine by h4rr4r · · Score: 1

      Yes, it is not addictive and has a very high LD50 if one has ever been found.

    40. Re:Nicotine by h4rr4r · · Score: 1

      No you do not. LSD does not cause brain damage, any mental disorders "caused" by it are ones that would have been "caused" by some later event in that persons life.

    41. Re:Nicotine by Anarki2004 · · Score: 1

      It takes about one full 15ml bottle of 36mg concentration e-juice to kill a full sized adult. I don't know if you have ever played with the stuff, but try putting a drop on your tongue. If that wasn't enough, try putting the whole bottle in your mouth. This stuff BURNS. Only a suicidal moron would attempt devouring it. Should oven cleaner and other powerful solvents be outlawed because they too are highly toxic?

      --
      The teachers will crack any minute, purple monkey dishwasher.
    42. Re:Nicotine by mcgrew · · Score: 1, Redundant

      TFA says you're wrong; it says it's no more harmful than caffiene.

    43. Re:Nicotine by harl · · Score: 1

      Any evidence at all on that? Cigarette smoke is far from harmless but you need to back up your claim.

      --
      I find being offended by me offensive.
    44. Re:Nicotine by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      "Nicotine has very powerful effects on arteries throughout the body. Nicotine is a stimulant, it raises blood pressure, and is a vasoconstrictor, making it harder for the heart to pump through the constricted arteries."

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicotine#Link_to_circulatory_disease

      FFS, it's a google search away!

    45. Re:Nicotine by ClioCJS · · Score: 1

      LSD is out of the brain before its effects are even felt. It does 0 damage to the brain. Don't confuse post-traumatic stress disorder. You got MRIs of their brain before and after doing LSD? No, didn't think so.

      --
      -Clio
      Karma: Bad (mostly from not giving a fuck)
      Blog: http://clintjcl.wordpress.com
    46. Re:Nicotine by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      A moderate amount of alcohol causes no significant problems.

      A moderate amount of LSD can cause psychosis.

      That really depends on if you define "moderate amount" like a researcher who is trying to prove that drugs are bad by loading up their monkeys with 100x what the typical street user would take.

      Most folks generally take one or two hits, or about 100-200 micrograms. The hardcore folks take 5-10 hits...almost a milligram. I have chatted with folks who took 20-30, and they're still sane.

      Compare this to alcohol. One beer won't get most people as drunk as one hit would get them to trip, but we can use one beer = one hit. Find me someone who can down 20-30 beers and not pass out drunk and/or die of alcohol poisoning.

      And a "moderate" amount of LSD doesn't destroy organs like your liver, whereas "moderate" amounts of alcohol can.

    47. Re:Nicotine by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Read 'em, I have.

      Sanctafuckingmonious dickweed.

      Did you think that because you didn't link to the articles that no one could find them?
      I just read the first one and neither the word "addiction" nor any of its variants appears even once in the text.
      The word "dependence" is used ONCE in this dismissive sentence, "Combination of effects for over-use of cannabis with those for dependence makes it difficult to compare with our findings."

      Utter fucking failure on your part.

      http://www.bris.ac.uk/psychiatry/staff/zammit/documents/paper.pdf

    48. Re:Nicotine by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I think a lot of people need to look up what "narcotic" means.

    49. Re:Nicotine by Ellis+D.+Tripp · · Score: 1

      I have to question that chart somewhat. It shows heroin to me much more physically harmful than amphetamines, which flies in the face of reality.

      People can (and have) managed to remain addicted to opiates for many years at a stretch, with the only physical problem being chronic constipation. Witness all the doctors and nurses who use opiates for years with nobody suspecting a thing. Assuming pure drugs are available and clean injection practices are followed, a heroin habit doesn't necessarily lead to physical ruin. Addiction, yes, but physically this class of drugs isn't all that toxic.

      OTOH, just about everyone who develops an addiction to amphetamines ends up destroying themselves in pretty short order. permanent neurological changes and deterioration of many organs are widely seen in amphetamine abusers.

      --
      Remember "News for Nerds, Stuff that Matters"? Help make it a reality again! http://soylentnews.org
    50. Re:Nicotine by mea37 · · Score: 1

      What difference does it make how hard it would be to drink the stuff? The danger is from skin contact, which would most likely be the result of mishandling and accident.

    51. Re:Nicotine by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I heard of a lady who died from drinking too much water.

      "All things in moderation" - Apollo

    52. Re:Nicotine by bmk67 · · Score: 1

      A moderate amount of LSD can cause psychosis.

      Well, duh.

      Hallucinations are symptoms of psychosis. That's kind of the point of dropping acid.

    53. Re:Nicotine by Anarki2004 · · Score: 1

      Then my final statement still stands. Oven cleaner would likely kill you if you had some unfortunate mishap. So would drain cleaner. In fact, so would any one of these which are all perfectly legal.

      --
      The teachers will crack any minute, purple monkey dishwasher.
    54. Re:Nicotine by Smauler · · Score: 1

      I don't know how cocaine is rated so high there. As I said in a previous post, there are an estimated 1 million users in the UK. I'll go from personal experience here - everyone who I know who has used held down a decent job, and were good people in society. I used to use, but I got caught once, and moved on because I can't afford to get caught again. I used occasional weekends, and it was great. It did absolutely 0 harm to my work, did 0 harm to my social life. I quit it just because of the illegality..

      I know in lab tests on rats cocaine is a scary drug. Rats dependant on both heroin and cocaine will always hit the cocaine first when withdrawing. However, fuck rats.... also fuck other people who can't control themselves. I want regulated drugs, not this illegal underground where anyone who wants anything can get it anytime they want. If I want to kill myself slowly, tax me at least.

      Meh... like I said in a previous post, I moved on to mephedrone, and from tomorrow will probably try naphyrone.

    55. Re:Nicotine by Smauler · · Score: 1

      I think any reasonable person would agree that narcotic addition is rarely (if ever) less than fundamentally negative for people and society in general.

      Just about every single civilization on earth has had narcotic use central to regular social and/or spiritual gatherings. Addiction is a relative term.

    56. Re:Nicotine by Truth+is+life · · Score: 1

      And all he's saying is that e-cig refills should meet the same kind of safety standards in packaging, that is having impermeable non-dissolvable (in nicotine, in this case) packaging that is designed to make it difficult to spill, and banning the sale of liquid refills in favor of simple cartridges (this is unnecessary for most of those products since people generally throw away their excess and get a new bottle, rather than getting liquid ammonia and filling their old).

    57. Re:Nicotine by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I would say yes to that. It's nonaddictive and has long-term side effects that are on a risk level comparable to most OTC medicines. Basically, the only know side effects are HPPD and mental breaks in people with preexisting conditions. The only reason it's banned is because of its connection to the counter-culture movement of the 60's and some ridiculous urban myths.

    58. Re:Nicotine by mirix · · Score: 1

      avg dose of the strongest cigarettes is 1 - 1.5mg.

      100g of tylenol will kill you, but at the normal (500mg - 1g) dose it doesn't, and isn't recognized as harmful at that dose.

      So if you smoke a carton in one seating it might be an issue.

      --
      Sent from my PDP-11
    59. Re:Nicotine by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      As a long term stoner (I'm 30, make a guess how long I've been smoking), I'm guessing this is flamebait. I'm currently in a sober phase which I do once or twice a year for 1-4 months at a time. Weed is not addictive. I've "come off" of it countless times and never had any withdrawal symptoms. Sure, you need to get used to being sober if you haven't been in a while, but those are adjustment issues, not withdrawal. Try quitting a drug that is actually addictive and then you will know what withdrawal is. You will be wishing with all your soul you were just quitting weed. I have worse problems when I don't drink coffee for a couple of days.

    60. Re:Nicotine by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The volume of LSD actually doesn't matter for psychotic breaks. If you are well-balance and mentally healthy, you have better chances of winning the lottery. All known cases of actual mental psychosis have occurred in people with preexisting conditions.

    61. Re:Nicotine by ashkar · · Score: 1

      But it's rare for people to overdose to the point of death with amphetamines. Heroin has a much higher death rate than speed. Plus, if you think that opiates are relatively harmless, you haven't been around too many junkies. It all depends on where you grew up. A place will tend towards junkies or meth-heads but rarely has high concentrations of both which can obviously color your view.

    62. Re:Nicotine by ashkar · · Score: 1

      I don't think that the chart takes into account the life effects of the drug. It is based on the addictive qualities of the drug (obviously, cocaine is a drug with high potential for abuse, but most people can't afford it so they abuse cheaper drugs) and the physical damage the drug causes. Cocaine tends to do a lot of damage to the nasal cavities, sinuses, throat, etc. and also shortens life expectancy as do all other stimulants. I would have actually expected amphetamines to be a lot closer to coke, but I'm guessing they are talking about oral instead of ice or powder.

    63. Re:Nicotine by geminidomino · · Score: 1

      No you do not. LSD does not cause brain damage, any mental disorders "caused" by it are ones that would have been "caused" by some later event in that persons life.

      What about the "acid flashbacks" months/years later that they always talked about when I was a kid?

      Honest question.

    64. Re:Nicotine by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Very low harm incidence, impossible to overdose on, less debilitating than alcohol. Yes, it's a soft drug, along with MDMA and 2CB.

      For recreational use, I am much more comfortable with LSD or MDMA than alcohol.

    65. Re:Nicotine by geminidomino · · Score: 1

      That suggestion I could get behind.

      I decided to give the e-ciggies a shot the last time I tried to quit (Financial, not health, reasons, when Florida and DC both upped the excise taxes at about the same time resulting in a $20/carton increase, which was 100% for my cheapos)

      Not knowing how well they worked, I wasn't going to drop $150 on one, so I picked one up with a few boxes of cartridges for about $30 from dealextreme. They worked ok until one of the cartridge leaked "e-fluid" on my lips. Tingled, burned, and tasted like crap

    66. Re:Nicotine by ajlisows · · Score: 1

      For what it is worth, I was a Biochemist a lifetime ago. I remember seeing a bottle of Nicotine and being startled at the number of "Warning! Poison!" "May Cause Paralysis!" "If you dump this on your skin, seek medical attention!" labels. It is probably best to avoid putting it in your body. Of course, the same goes for Caffeine. And Alcohol. And THC. And Ibuprofen/Aspirin/Acetominophin (I can never spell that).

      I was a really heavy smoker but I started "Vaping" about 6 months ago and have cut down from about 40 cigarettes a day to about 6. I fill my own cartridges and stuff so I do have bottles of nicotine laying around. Almost all of them have the little Skull and Crossbones with a "Warning, contains Nicotine. Harmful or Dangerous if swallowed. Keep our of reach of pets and children" label. I had some early issues overfilling cartridges and ending up with some liquid in my mouth. I got waaay jittery and "Buzzed". That was only from a drop or two. I'd imagine if I took a good 2 ml directly in the mouth I'd get very sick.

      That said, E-Cigarettes are fantastic. I never had the desire to quit smoking but I thought it might be neat to try the E-Cigarette. It is a different experience, but it has been awesome for me. I don't wake up with my chest/back/lungs hurting and generally just feel better. I cough a whole lot less. In my experience, the E-Cigs are magnitudes less bad for you than real cigarettes. Maybe in the long run they will still give me lung cancer. Fine. My fault. In the mean time I will be able to climb a flight of stairs when I'm forty without being completely out of breath.. I'm fine with that.

    67. Re:Nicotine by Anarki2004 · · Score: 1

      The concentration used to vape at is generally not too dangerous. I get the stuff on my skin and in my mouth with more regularity than I would like to admit and I have never fallen ill as a result. The cartridges are overpriced IMHO. If you look online a pack of five cartridges costs around $10 ($20 if you go to the mall), whereas a refill bottle costs about $6 and allows you to refill somewhere in the neighborhood of 20+ cartridges. Granted, analog cigarettes are WAY more expensive so even the cartridges are a significant savings in that respect, but I digress.

      --
      The teachers will crack any minute, purple monkey dishwasher.
    68. Re:Nicotine by Falconhell · · Score: 1

      Quite so the key with ALL drugs is use, dont abuse!

    69. Re:Nicotine by goose-incarnated · · Score: 1

      At skin contact you aren't getting the full bottle. Not accidently, at any rate.

      --
      I'm a minority race. Save your vitriol for white people.
    70. Re:Nicotine by geminidomino · · Score: 1

      Maybe it's not dangerous, but it's decidedly unpleasant. Fortunately, the carts were cheapos too so a box of 10 only cost me around $3, I think.

    71. Re:Nicotine by drinkypoo · · Score: 1

      What about the "acid flashbacks" months/years later that they always talked about when I was a kid?

      Coming from Santa Cruz and having hung out with nerds, punks, and hippies, I know a lot of formerly heavy acid users. Some of them have said they've had flashbacks. Some have said they've never had one. This won't help you at all, really. But it's informative?

      --
      "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
    72. Re:Nicotine by chrisG23 · · Score: 1
      "If you have a scientific study from a neutral course that concluded that pot leads to physical dependence I'd love to see it."

      I would like to note that the 4 articles you link are to studies that show connections to mental disorders, and have nothing to do with physical dependence.

      Please, lets stay on the subject. The assertion is that Marijuana, Cannabis, THC, etc are not PHYSICALLY addictive, and that there is no scientific evidence to counter that assertion. In my own studies, it appears to be true, and peoples perceptions of marijuana are based less on fact and more on a subtle and not so subtle manipulation of the public opinion, by people that are basicly liars.

    73. Re:Nicotine by badkarmadayaccount · · Score: 1

      *facepalm*
      more like seizures

      --
      I know tobacco is bad for you, so I smoke weed with crack.
  6. Their real motive.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Interesting

        'HEY! THOSE PEOPLE ARE ENJOYING SOMETHING WE DONT APPROVE OF! STOP THEM!'

    They always came off that way anyways with the attitude of their messages.

    1. Re:Their real motive.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      And the counter argument is "Pssst, hey, Buddy! I've got something for you that's so cool! You'll enjoy it everyday for the rest of your [shortened] life. Just pay me a few bucks everyday for the rest of [shortened] your life for this wonderful privilege."

      Of the two messages, the one you described and the one I've described, neither of which you may like, you decide which is most acceptable.

  7. Misuse? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Perhaps it has something to do with their potential misuse for the delivery of other, less harmless, substances...

  8. One has to wonder... by Last_Available_Usern · · Score: 2, Insightful

    One has to wonder why they would even do this. Why push for a ban on something that is so obviously better for you than actual cigarettes? You have to think Big Tobacco is stuffing money in their pocket to strengthen the legitmacy of this ban request, but why make such an obvious move? It only weakens what credibility they might have had before this.

    1. Re:One has to wonder... by moteyalpha · · Score: 1

      It is probably because it is owned by a Chinese company, AFAIK.
      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_cigarette#History

    2. Re:One has to wonder... by Shakrai · · Score: 1

      It is probably because it is owned by a Chinese company, AFAIK.

      That's disappointing. How come the potheads can support American jobs but the tobacco heads have to support Chinese ones?

      --
      I want peace on earth and goodwill toward man.
      We are the United States Government! We don't do that sort of thing.
    3. Re:One has to wonder... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Big Tobacco are the biggest people in fighting cigarettes. Look at home much Philip Morris "stop smoking ADs" out there.

    4. Re:One has to wonder... by OrwellianLurker · · Score: 1

      It is probably because it is owned by a Chinese company, AFAIK. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_cigarette#History

      Er... my cousin (an American) owns a company that sells electronic cigarettes. I know their manufacturer is from China, but they are currently searching for an American manufacturer.

      --
      'Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun.' - Mao Tse-tung
    5. Re:One has to wonder... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I don't understand it either. Even if it would cause more harm to the user than an actual cigarette (which greatly depends on what you fill it with, you don't *need* to put in 2x nicotine carts) the simple fact that it causes far less harm (if any at all) to bystanders alone should make this a better product. Banning them, but not banning cigarettes, seems hypocritical.
      I don't normally like to assume that when government agencies do something inexplicable, someone's wallet got lined with green fabric, but I do know that the tobacco lobby is fairly influential, not to mention rich and unscrupulous, so it's possible.

    6. Re:One has to wonder... by jayme0227 · · Score: 1

      "Better for you than actual cigarettes" is setting the bar pretty low, isn't it? Unfortunately, some people assume that "safer than cigarettes" means SAFE, especially the young and the ignorant, and especially when you consider that there are ads out there right now that call e-cigs "healthy." This is bad, considering the WHO, FDA, & Health Canada have pointed out that there ARE health risks associated with electronic cigarettes. At the very least, one could argue that the jury is still out, but to attempt to convince people that they are safe is misleading, and potentially dangerous.

      That said, I am definitely cool with smokers using these instead of actual cigarettes, so long as they understand that they may still be harming themselves. With just a cursory knowledge, I'm almost positive that these will be safer than cigarettes, and know for sure that they are safer for me since I don't have to deal with second hand smoke.

      --
      But then I realized the cable was blue, so I only gave it one star. I hate blue.
    7. Re:One has to wonder... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      "It only weakens what credibility they might have had before this."

      Why would discrediting an anti-tobacco lobby group be a disincentive to the tobacco companies?

      You've just descibed the win-win nature of using anti-tobacco zealotry as a tool of discouraging potential tobacco competitors.

    8. Re:One has to wonder... by dangitman · · Score: 1

      You have to think Big Tobacco is stuffing money in their pocket to strengthen the legitmacy of this ban request

      Why do I have to think that?

      --
      ... and then they built the supercollider.
  9. I dislike second-hand smoke, and... by Delusion_ · · Score: 4, Insightful

    ...give me a seat next to an electric cigarette smoker over a cigarette smoker any day.

    There's a lot of FUD about nicotine, when it is not apparent that nicotine is dangerous, compared to all the other chemicals that get delivered with the traditional nicotine cigarette.

    I've never seen the need for treating nicotine like a controlled substance outside cigarettes. If I want Nicorette for uses other than smoking-cessation, how is that any more dangerous than my ability to buy aspirin, acetaminophen, or caffeine tablets, all of which can be used to a harmful degree?

    1. Re:I dislike second-hand smoke, and... by butterflysrage · · Score: 2, Interesting

      addiction... while nicotine is not that dangerous on its own, it is still hellishly addictive.

      --
      the preceding post was not spell checked... suck it.
    2. Re:I dislike second-hand smoke, and... by BobMcD · · Score: 4, Funny

      addiction... while nicotine is not that dangerous on its own, it is still hellishly addictive.

      And slashdot isn't?

    3. Re:I dislike second-hand smoke, and... by BKX · · Score: 1

      Exactly. In fact, I rather enjoy nicotine gum, and buy it occasionally just for the enjoyment. (I'm being serious.) Although nowadays I do tend to use snus instead, as it's cheaper and tastes better.

    4. Re:I dislike second-hand smoke, and... by farble1670 · · Score: 1

      so what? addiction is only a problem if it affects other parts of your life negatively.

    5. Re:I dislike second-hand smoke, and... by momerath2003 · · Score: 1

      Slashdot is merely hellish.

      --
      I had but a simple dream, to destroy all humans.
    6. Re:I dislike second-hand smoke, and... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      when it is not apparent that nicotine is dangerous

      Umm... nicotine is in the highest category of chemicals for toxicity, same as ricin. Less than 6 drops of pure nicotine is a fatal dose.

      The reason cigarettes don't kill through nicotine poisoning is that there is not that much nicotine in them, by weight, and of what there is little actually ends up in the smoke. Even that tiny amount is enough to cause physiological addiction.

      On the other hand, toddlers have ended up in hospital with nicotine poisoning after eating cigarette butts.

    7. Re:I dislike second-hand smoke, and... by Abcd1234 · · Score: 1

      addiction... while nicotine is not that dangerous on its own, it is still hellishly addictive.

      Uhuh.

      So?

    8. Re:I dislike second-hand smoke, and... by Archangel+Michael · · Score: 2, Interesting

      It is now. I used to avoid /. when Goatse links and GNAA posts would randomly appear. The pain factor has been removed and now I'm completely addicted with no harmful effects. Kind of like the fake cigarettes being discussed.

      Haven't we learned anything!?!?

      --
      Agent K: A *person* is smart. People are dumb, stupid, panicky animals, and you know it.
    9. Re:I dislike second-hand smoke, and... by LWATCDR · · Score: 1

      Actually Nicotine is toxic.
      "The LD50 of nicotine is 50 mg/kg for rats and 3 mg/kg for mice. 40–60 mg (0.5-1.0 mg/kg) can be a lethal dosage for adult humans.[41][42] Nicotine therefore has a high toxicity in comparison to many other alkaloids such as cocaine, which has an LD50 of 95.1 mg/kg when administered to mice. It is impossible however to overdose on nicotine through smoking alone (though a person can overdose on nicotine through a combination of nicotine patches, nicotine gum, and/or tobacco smoking at the same time).[43][44] Spilling an extremely high concentration of nicotine onto the skin can result in intoxication or even death since nicotine readily passes into the bloodstream from dermal contact."

      I do not know how these electric cigarettes work but is ti possible to over dose on them? What s safeguards do they have to prevent it. I just don't know but frankly right now they seem to be an unregulated untested medical device which doesn't seem to be all that good of an idea too me.
      Are they safer than real cigarettes? Again I don't know that let's face it that is a low bar to meet.
      I will give this a big. I don't know all the way around. Frankly I don't smoke and think of it as one God's little IQ tests. Sort of like riding a motorcycle with out a helmet, or nude base jumping in cactus country.

      --
      See my blog http://ilovecookes.blogspot.com/ for light hearted technical information.
    10. Re:I dislike second-hand smoke, and... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      nicotine is dangerous. We focus a lot on the other stuff in smoke, since smokers don't want that in their bodies, but nicotine itself is pretty bad. Particularly for smoking, though, it causes lungs to constrict. Compare that to THC- as breathing smoke goes, THC feels (and is) a lot easier on your lungs.

      Anyway, if they take the smoke out, there's no reason people should't inhale nicotine. I mean, nicotine isnt a very good drug, but it looks safe over time lol.

      better than meth rite? people should use mdma instead, but that's harder to make and the height of illegal because the government knows that it's perfectly safe.

    11. Re:I dislike second-hand smoke, and... by harl · · Score: 1

      Caffeine is physically addictive.

      Do you support labeling it as a controlled substance; since it meets the same criteria you list for doing so with nicotine?

      --
      I find being offended by me offensive.
    12. Re:I dislike second-hand smoke, and... by Anarki2004 · · Score: 1

      You can overdose on regular tobacco cigarettes. Go ahead and chain smoke two packs in under three hours and tell me how you feel. What safeguards do traditional cigarettes have in place to prevent overdose? If I want to breathe cyanide, shouldn't that be up to me?

      --
      The teachers will crack any minute, purple monkey dishwasher.
    13. Re:I dislike second-hand smoke, and... by Aphoxema · · Score: 1

      Yeah, this is just wonderful. My mother will never quit smoking, she's tried many times and she's literally been on every anti-depressant. Ever since she was 16 she's been smoking.

      Now she's interested in "electric cigarettes", and I'm happy about this because she'll be getting the substance that's making her want to smoke without the smoke. It's better for her, it's better for my 6 year old half-sister (I'm not so sure about second hand smoke but she's young and impressionable), it's better for wherever she lives.

      And now these fucking clowns say "ban this shit!"?! The worst part is they'll be successful in getting e-cigarettes banned long, long before actual cilia-destroying, house wreaking, eye watering, taste annihilating, social degrading devices.

      --
      "Most people, I think, don't even know what a rootkit is, so why should they care about it?"
    14. Re:I dislike second-hand smoke, and... by LWATCDR · · Score: 1

      We all know that if tobacco was a new product that it would never make it to market today.
      "If I want to breathe cyanide, shouldn't that be up to me?"
      The old libertarian argument but irrelevant to this discussion.
      Should you be allowed to sell cyanide and a cyanide delivery system as an aid to help people stop smoking? And should there not be any tests, warning labels or regulations on the sales of it?

      Right now these are unregulated devices so as I said I would like to see some safety testing on them before people can just sell them all over the place.
      This isn't a matter of what you are allowed to do. It is a matter of what you are allowed to sell to others.
      You want to make on of your own for your personal use in the privacy of your own home. Be my guest.

      --
      See my blog http://ilovecookes.blogspot.com/ for light hearted technical information.
  10. Same old. by Darth+Hamsy · · Score: 1, Insightful

    The moment drugs are being discussed, logic, sense and reason dissapear. And we're suprised every time.

    1. Re:Same old. by Aphoxema · · Score: 1

      Yeah, just imagine if they discovered an actual panacea. "Oh, this might cure every ailment but there's just something wrong about it!"

      --
      "Most people, I think, don't even know what a rootkit is, so why should they care about it?"
  11. It's the usual by Tokolosh · · Score: 3, Insightful

    People who derive gratification from telling others what to do and what is good for them. They always have a convoluted explanation, but it always comes down to others having to adapt to busybody's choices.

    "The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others. His own good, either physical or moral, is not sufficient warrant."
    John Stuart Mill

    I am not a smoker.

    --
    Prove anything by multiplying Huge Number times Tiny Number
    1. Re:It's the usual by Zorque · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Or maybe it's people who are fed up with an unhealthy society and having to pay for the mistakes of idiots who ruin their bodies with no regards to the larger picture.

    2. Re:It's the usual by Tokolosh · · Score: 1

      And there you go...

      You are making the choice to pay for the mistakes of idiots, now you want someone else to be compelled by your decision.

      --
      Prove anything by multiplying Huge Number times Tiny Number
    3. Re:It's the usual by Shakrai · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Or maybe it's people who are fed up with an unhealthy society and having to pay for the mistakes of idiots who ruin their bodies with no regards to the larger picture.

      So get rid of the nanny/welfare state that tries to take care of us from cradle to grave and force people to live with the consequences of their choices. Problem solved.

      --
      I want peace on earth and goodwill toward man.
      We are the United States Government! We don't do that sort of thing.
    4. Re:It's the usual by corbettw · · Score: 5, Insightful

      A rational response to not wanting to pay for other people's mistakes is to set up a system where you don't pay for other people's mistakes, not try to legislate those mistakes out of existence. If smokers were prevented from taking part in public health plans like Medicare I think you'd see a lot less smokers out there...in about a generation or so after the first batch died off.

      --
      God invented whiskey so the Irish would not rule the world.
    5. Re:It's the usual by tibman · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Maybe, but i think that's the wrong fix.

      In my mind, if you smoke.. you just ticked the "I don't want lung coverage" option on your health program. Just like if you drink heavy, you just signed a statement saying "I opt out of a replacement liver should mine prematurely fail."

      Is my view ok? If not, i will join you.. but that might be a bad thing. If i see an overweight person in line at McD's i'll feel compelled to smack the sack of burgers out of his hands and yell at them.

      --
      http://soylentnews.org/~tibman
    6. Re:It's the usual by kuzb · · Score: 0, Troll

      OK, I'll agree with you, but first, lets expand the scope a little.

      Please stop eating all those fat greasy burgers - obesity is a far larger problem which poses more risks than smoking.

      Please ban alcohol - it's just as bad as smoking.

      Please ban cars - people don't exercise because they drive everywhere.

      Please ban bottled water - about a zillion of these plastic bottles go in to a landfill somewhere every month

      Please ban using oil - it's not an infinite resource and to wrecks the atmosphere

      The fact is that you dipshits are so hypocritical you fail to recognize the more serious problems out there, while in comparison, smoking is relatively minor.

      --
      BeauHD. Worst editor since kdawson.
    7. Re:It's the usual by sjames · · Score: 4, Insightful

      That one went out the window years ago. The big tobacco settlements and the exorbitant taxes on cigarettes are supposedly to pay for the health costs associated with smoking. It's not the smoker's fault that 97% of that has been misappropriated for other uses.

      Then there's the lack of an explanation for why the ALA and company wouldn't be pushing for 100% of smokers to switch TO e-cigs given that they avoid exposure to practically everything in cigarettes that has been shown to be harmful if they do so.

    8. Re:It's the usual by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Why not? We pay for your triple bypass when your fat ass sucks back one of those disgusting greaseball hamburgers because you're too lazy to moderate your eating, exercise, and maybe have a salad once in a while.

    9. Re:It's the usual by IndustrialComplex · · Score: 1

      Or maybe it's people who are fed up with an unhealthy society and having to pay for the mistakes of idiots who ruin their bodies with no regards to the larger picture.

      Please tell me, when did I sell any shares of my body to you? What stake do you own in me? If you are upset that the actions of others have an impact on your wallet, why did you open up your wallet to them?

      By the way, do me a favor and do a few more situps. I don't want your gut slowing down my society. (not so nice having the government involved in your very body, is it?)

      --
      Out of modpoints but really liked a post? 1BDkF6TtmmeZ3yqXbz9yhdYVqRYnwFoXDj
    10. Re:It's the usual by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Or maybe it's people who are fed up with an unhealthy society and having to pay for the mistakes of idiots who ruin their bodies with no regards to the larger picture.

      So get rid of the nanny/welfare state that tries to take care of us from cradle to grave and force people to live with the consequences of their choices. Problem solved.

      That's even more expensive.

    11. Re:It's the usual by Shakrai · · Score: 1

      If that's your conclusion then we'll just have to deal with people poisoning themselves with various vices. The social-safety net should not come at the expense of my liberty and pursuit of happiness.

      --
      I want peace on earth and goodwill toward man.
      We are the United States Government! We don't do that sort of thing.
    12. Re:It's the usual by Zorque · · Score: 1

      Where did I say this was voluntary? My premiums are higher due to smokers, my taxes are higher due to smokers, and I get little no no say in the matter. But please, go ahead and feel like I'm the one trampling on your rights.

    13. Re:It's the usual by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The problem with that is that people are forcing me to live with the consequences of their choices. I have to breathe your secondhand smoke, do all the physical labour around here because you're out of shape, and then my tax dollars subsidize the treatment you get for the illness you gave yourself? Lovely.

      There are many ways in which individuals wield power over one another. The State ("nanny" or otherwise) not the only one. Eliminating it will not prevent me from paying for others' mistakes.

    14. Re:It's the usual by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      At least some of those other things have legitimate uses. Most people smoke purely to feel normal. A state that the rest us enjoy without using nicotine.

    15. Re:It's the usual by ClioCJS · · Score: 1

      Therefore, we should ban skiing, football, skateboarding, and all other dangerous activities. Idiots injure themselves, and I'm fed up with it, damnit! My article on getting started with e-cigarettes, including purchase links. I make $0 off of this.

      --
      -Clio
      Karma: Bad (mostly from not giving a fuck)
      Blog: http://clintjcl.wordpress.com
    16. Re:It's the usual by ClioCJS · · Score: 1

      My premiums are raised when you drink a beer or eat ice cream. Therefore they should be banned. You may only eat wheatgrass, because I want low bills damnit! Damn socialist! My article on getting started with e-cigarettes, including purchase links. I make $0 off of this.

      --
      -Clio
      Karma: Bad (mostly from not giving a fuck)
      Blog: http://clintjcl.wordpress.com
    17. Re:It's the usual by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Mod parent up.

      Also, there is a definite problem with the OP's line of thinking, in that we all do things that endanger our health to some degree or other. I mean, how's your diet? Ever driven a little faster than you were supposed to? Or, given that we are geeks here, have you ever connected non-approved electric equipment to the mains? Earthed a chassis in a radiator?
      Point is, doing the whole country/nation thing involves sharing the world with other people and compromises has to be made. Taking an absolutist attitude towards everything you happen to consider wrong will only turn you into a spiritual fascist.

    18. Re:It's the usual by NetNed · · Score: 1

      It's call living in the USA asshat. I can be equally put off by a sprout eating, pirus driving, thinking he is holier then all d-bag like yourself. But I still have to put up with you trying to ram down my throat what the local health food store told you was healthy. Now go "detoxify" and get your high colonic and bitch more about peoples health issues that you really don't pay for other then thinking that because the health care industry has you just as fooled as the "health" food store guy. Do you wear legging too so it is obvious to all the you're a sheep spoon fed what to think?


      Isn't democracy's great?

    19. Re:It's the usual by ClioCJS · · Score: 1

      Don't like government and taxes? Pack up and move to Somalia.

      --
      -Clio
      Karma: Bad (mostly from not giving a fuck)
      Blog: http://clintjcl.wordpress.com
    20. Re:It's the usual by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      No, because it always happen to others, but not me. I'm young and healthy, what could possibly go wrong if I smoke ?

    21. Re:It's the usual by dasunt · · Score: 1

      Most people are ruining their bodies one way or another. As long as they are ruining their bodies in a conventional way, society is more or less fine with it.

      It's those who are ruining their bodies in less conventional ways that society wants to single out.

      For example, society has very little trouble with those who drive to work, have a desk job, drive home, eat dinner and watch TV.

      The amount of exercise that person has is minimal, and that will have health costs, but since its "normal", we accept it, more or less.

    22. Re:It's the usual by mswhippingboy · · Score: 1

      My premiums are higher due to smokers

      To some degree, you are correct, just as they are higher due to environmental pollution, fast food, and stress (often induced by watching Faux News). However, they are higher to a much larger degree due to big-pharma and the insurance industry.

      I'm not so sure about

      my taxes are higher due to smokers

      since smokers pay enough taxes on their cigs to far outweigh their cost to the system.

      --
      Sometimes the light at the end of the tunnel is the headlight of an oncoming train.
    23. Re:It's the usual by sorak · · Score: 1

      Or maybe it's people who are fed up with an unhealthy society and having to pay for the mistakes of idiots who ruin their bodies with no regards to the larger picture.

      So get rid of the nanny/welfare state that tries to take care of us from cradle to grave and force people to live with the consequences of their choices. Problem solved.

      Yes. Run the US like a third world country and that will make everybody happy...Except for the people who base their happiness on something other than adherence to an Ayn Rand novel.

    24. Re:It's the usual by Tokolosh · · Score: 1

      Two wrongs don't make a right.

      Why don't you join an insurance pool that excludes smokers? Can't do that? Well then, seems someone else has made some decisions on your behalf. Slippery slope, bummer.

      There is a case to be made for smokers reducing overall healthcare costs. They tend to die earlier and quicker - yay, less social security and medicare to pay. Cigarette tax income is significant. If nobody smoked, you would certainly pay more taxes.

      --
      Prove anything by multiplying Huge Number times Tiny Number
    25. Re:It's the usual by Tokolosh · · Score: 1

      This is a better discussion of my position: http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/columnists/freeman/ncjf49.htm

      --
      Prove anything by multiplying Huge Number times Tiny Number
    26. Re:It's the usual by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      If i see an overweight person in line at McD's i'll feel compelled to smack the sack of burgers out of his hands and yell at them.

      Don't be surprised if they have you arrested for assault.

    27. Re:It's the usual by theantipop · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Right after fast food and pre-packaged food eaters are also prevented from taking part in public health care plans. Heart disease and complications from a life of eating crap food cost our society magnitudes more than smoking.

      Point is, do you really believe you can run around punishing everyone who does something unhealthy or undesirable?

    28. Re:It's the usual by Smauler · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Yep, that'd be fair. Well, that is unless smokers weren't already taxed on their habit. Wait, how many billions do smokers contribute again? Way more than they use on healthcare?

      Go look at the figures and one you realise how much smokers are actually subsidising plans like medicare you may have a different opinion.

    29. Re:It's the usual by PaulMeigh · · Score: 1

      Wait, how many billions do smokers contribute again? Way more than they use on healthcare?

      Seriously. As a smoker, all of you whiney non-smokers should be thanking me. If it weren't for us and the gamblers you all would be screwed.

    30. Re:It's the usual by Zorque · · Score: 1

      I don't really know what you're saying, calm down and try not typing in a blind rage next time. P.S. if you use the term "sheep" unironically, you're a huge tool.

    31. Re:It's the usual by Zorque · · Score: 1

      I'm not addicted to ice cream, nor has it been proven to cause cancer. If I was overweight I could easily do something about it, but lung cancer is hard to "walk off". Nice fallacy, though.

    32. Re:It's the usual by ClioCJS · · Score: 1
      1) Whether you are addicted has no bearing on its damage to you.

      2) You do realize only 10% of smokers gets lung cancer, right? The leading cause of death in this country is heart disease, which is caused by both smoking and ice cream. (In your defense, 90% of lung cancers are smokers.) (In e-cigarette's defenses, no studies have been done demonstrating they cause lung cancer. It would be hard to find a population of users to study. Also, tobacco puts radon in your lungs because it comes from the ground, which has radon. But there's no radon in pure nictoine extract.)

      Anyway, Nice attempt to cast the two as completely different, but it's not a fallacy. I could have also just as easily said trans fats, chocolate, skiing, bicycling without a helmet, or any number of other activities that have a measurable effect on people's medical bills.

      You seem to have committed some kind of strange reverse strawman, by acting like my example is the ONLY example that could have been used, when in fact that are many things that I could have filled in the blank with, besides ice cream.

      --
      -Clio
      Karma: Bad (mostly from not giving a fuck)
      Blog: http://clintjcl.wordpress.com
    33. Re:It's the usual by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I have already came to the conclusion that if I become sick and or die from smoking I or my wife is suing the hell out of the state for all medical costs. The states where the ones pitching the we need more taxes to pay the additional costs, well guess what they are going to pay the cost.

    34. Re:It's the usual by corbettw · · Score: 1

      I thought all those cigarette taxes were supposed to go to pay for stupid stop-smoking campaigns? If that's the case, then smokers contribute nothing to Medicare by their smoking, which renders your argument specious.

      --
      God invented whiskey so the Irish would not rule the world.
    35. Re:It's the usual by Pav · · Score: 1

      Taxes etc... don't pay for health costs - not by a very wide margin (at least in Australia). I dug up some online govt documents after a long search while sitting on the sidelines of an argument one day. I've replied to this discussion late, so I'm not going to do this search again, but the information is out there for anyone willing to do some digging.

    36. Re:It's the usual by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      So I take you are against health care reform and the public option? Because you are certainly paying for other people's unhealthy mistakes under those systems.

    37. Re:It's the usual by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You get the greatest savings in medical expenditures when patients exhibit something doctors call "compressed mortality".
      Your health is coasting along just fine and then *BAM* everything fails all at once, there's no effective treatment, so you
      get a short period of palliative care and then die.

      Smokers are the poster children for compressed mortality, and therefore do more than their fair share for keeping Medicare solvent.
      (The other group that does more than their fair share WRT Medicare is black males, but we won't go there...)

      Furthermore, the lion's share of state and federal tobacco taxes go towards something other than smoking cessation programs.
      The feds raised tobacco taxes to cover the more generous SCHIP program, and most states did the same with both the tobacco settlement money and recent increases in tobacco taxes.

    38. Re:It's the usual by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Not all morally correct things are lawfully correct. But you are right, he would be allowed to press assault charges. If i was calm i would explain the cause of my outburst and apologize.. if i wasn't, i would make a scene and hope it gets on youtube and eventually the big media.

      Headline: "Fit man smacks burgers from grossly unfit man's hands at McDonalds because Fit man doesn't want to pay for unfit man's triple bypass."

    39. Re:It's the usual by sjames · · Score: 1

      I don't know enough about the tobacco taxes or healthcare costs in Australia, so I can't really comment there, but in the U.S. our legislators swore to us that the taxes were just what was needed to cover the added health care costs and the many state Attorneys General swore to the judges that that's what the suits against "big tobacco" were all about.

      Combine that with the tendency to attribute any illness at all seen in a smoker (or to a lesser degree, an ex-smoker) to smoking (so the cost of smoking is exaggerated), however unlikely, and I can well believe that the taxes and settlements cover the real added costs of smoking, particularly in the U.S. where we bear most health care costs ourselves.

      Our own GAO indicates that the money is NOT being spent on health care for smokers or anyone else, so I must conclude that it's not just enough, but well in excess.

      Since you have socialized healthcare there, YMMV.

    40. Re:It's the usual by NetNed · · Score: 1

      My points are real easy, but you had to resort to the " you're typing in a blind rage!! calm down cause I scare easily" line.

      Point one being that WE ALL have to put up with people that are not quite our cup of tea and in a lot of cases they might do something that might effect us in all kinds of ways. It's called life Chippy, get used to it.

      My other point was that you seem to be one that falls for the "well because people do this and are sick from it, we have to charge more to insure you" line that the insurance companies spout to try and justify their constant raising of their rates, yet we are healthier now in this country then we have ever been. So if we are healthier now then why do premiums go up and up? It's a scam, that's why. They also use the one where they say "we need to charge more cause people are living longer" but it's not like they insure for free beyond a certain age. So if a person lives longer, then they also pay premiums longer.


      Like I said, I even have to put up with you who chooses to go on whatever the last news show you watched on TV told you how you should feel, and then post in a sarky little comment.

    41. Re:It's the usual by Zorque · · Score: 1

      First off, you wrote a terrible wall of text that made my eyes unfocus because it was incoherent and poorly-formatted. Secondly, where did you get the impression I think cigarettes should be banned because TV told me to? There's a big difference between dealing with nuisances and dealing with idiots putting cancer-causing chemicals into the air around us and then leeching our tax dollars to be cared for (and, better yet, acting like it's the end of the world when anyone calls them on it). Pulling the "life's not fair" card is stupid, because it's something that could be taken care of easily if smokers had any kind of self-control. Again, there's a big difference between something that's beyond our control that we have to accept, and something that is really and truly unfair that we shouldn't have to deal with. Society is based upon people having a baseline of civil conduct towards each other, and I don't know why we should have to shrug our shoulders and go "Oh well!" when we could be doing something about it instead.

    42. Re:It's the usual by Shakrai · · Score: 1

      I don't have a problem with either concept. I just have a problem when the former starts telling me what to do with my own body or the latter grows to excessive amounts.

      You really think it's a proper role for Government to tell you that you can't vaporize dried up pieces of tobacco and inhale the resulting vapors into your lungs? That is what this article is about after all, an organization that thinks the government should do exactly that.

      --
      I want peace on earth and goodwill toward man.
      We are the United States Government! We don't do that sort of thing.
    43. Re:It's the usual by Shakrai · · Score: 1

      I have to breathe your secondhand smoke

      Really? Somebody is forcing you to stay in my house while I smoke?

      --
      I want peace on earth and goodwill toward man.
      We are the United States Government! We don't do that sort of thing.
    44. Re:It's the usual by ClioCJS · · Score: 1

      No, I don't think that... I own an e-cigarette :)

      --
      -Clio
      Karma: Bad (mostly from not giving a fuck)
      Blog: http://clintjcl.wordpress.com
    45. Re:It's the usual by Shakrai · · Score: 1

      I've never tried one. I'm familiar with the concept -- had a vaporizer back in my pot smoking days -- but I don't use tobacco all that often. I'll smoke a cigar once or twice a month, that's about it.

      --
      I want peace on earth and goodwill toward man.
      We are the United States Government! We don't do that sort of thing.
    46. Re:It's the usual by ClioCJS · · Score: 1

      Anyway, the way you are looking at several comments above was: Other people's vices cost you money, and therefore take away your "liberty". Actually, no liberty is taken away. If anything, a system where people share each other's medical costs [which is true under both private and socialized medicine] gives you the liberty to know you can do bad things and still get care. I suppose it's a glass-half-full / glass-half-empty thing.

      --
      -Clio
      Karma: Bad (mostly from not giving a fuck)
      Blog: http://clintjcl.wordpress.com
    47. Re:It's the usual by Caetel · · Score: 1

      It's obvious, isn't it? If less people are dying of lung cancer, there is less of a need for the American Lung Association.

    48. Re:It's the usual by lwsimon · · Score: 1

      It has been my experience that most people are scared to death of being responsible for their own wellbeing, and would gladly exchange anything and everything of value to be relieved of that responsibility.

      --
      Learn about Photography Basics.
    49. Re:It's the usual by nibbles2004 · · Score: 1

      ironically Smokers are cost effective for a country , in the UK they approximately pay £10 billion in tax and cost £2billion a year in health related costs (NHS). The tax system benefits from smokers. Smokers tend to die earlier then non-smokers so the age time bomb is less of a result of smokers, less Pension's age related heath care, non tax paying citizens. also compare 1 smoker to 1 car, i do hate the hypocrisy when people driving there SUV's with toxic exhausts continually spewing gas's have the nerve to criticize smokers. A smoker in a lifetime will create a fraction of toxin's in the atmosphere compared to a driver. btw i do smoke.

    50. Re:It's the usual by jwhitener · · Score: 1

      I can only find articles saying the exact opposite of what you just said, like:
      http://www.mit.edu/people/jeffrey/House_Testimony_Nov_1993.html

      Do you have a link to a study/report backing up that smokers contribute more money than they use in health care related costs and secondary damage?

    51. Re:It's the usual by NetNed · · Score: 1

      Oh I'm sorry, did your little eyes "unfocus" (and you called me incoherent, that's not even a word)? Where did you get the sense that general tax dollars are spent on treating smokers illnesses? Are you saying that smokers never have insurance? That's a pretty bold statement to think that smokers that are sick never have their own insurance, isn't it? Never mind that most would have their own health care (about 16% of Americans are uninsured), it's tax dollars paying for it all according to you. Really? Is that the response you're going with?

      On top of it all are the millions the tobacco manufacturers pay to the feds to treat tobacco related illness or the taxes that keep getting bumped up and up and tobacco products. But you're paying that too right???

      There is a lot of things that are unfair and we could take care of, but you want to focus on one and think everyone should follow you. Is that really showing "civil conduct" towards others that might not feel the same about this issue? You sound like you would like every aspect of a persons life monitored so that they don't hurt themselves or others. You can get that REAL easy. Move to a different country. Problem solved!

      But really it has nothing to do with RTFA or what the topic was about, which was nicotine vaporizers that DON'T put cancer causing chemicals in to the air. But that's too much for you to right? Keep wanting it one way or no way and see where that gets you. Civil conduct you know?

  12. Helpful link by BadAnalogyGuy · · Score: 3, Informative
    1. Re:Helpful link by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      indeed. I have suddenly stopped smoking from day one. It's been 4 months now and I'm running good, but deep inside I still worry of that moment that I will want to smoke just one...

    2. Re:Helpful link by Ernst+Hot · · Score: 1

      [citation needed]

  13. Not to be a grammar Nazi by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

    Wouldn't that be "electrical cigarettes"? Those things don't have transistors in them, do they?

    1. Re:Not to be a grammar Nazi by DevilsThadvocate · · Score: 1

      Most do, actually. The batteries contain a smart chip or protection PCB.

  14. Answer by girlintraining · · Score: 1, Insightful

    Are lives and lung health the real issue here or is nicotine addiction?

    Who said it's rational and not just a "I don't like cigarette smoke, therefore anything related to that is bad" reaction?

    --
    #fuckbeta #iamslashdot #dicemustdie
  15. healthier??? by someone1234 · · Score: 4, Insightful

    No, it isn't. It is just less harmful.
    If you don't know the difference, probably you say a gunshot wound is healthier than stepping on a landmine.

    --
    Patents Drive Free Software as Hurricanes Drive Construction Industry
    1. Re:healthier??? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      A gunshot wound is healthier than stepping on a land mine. If you don't know the difference, perhaps you should try them out.

    2. Re:healthier??? by seebs · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Uh, yeah, yeah it is.

      Less harmful and healthier do in fact mean the same thing, in the context of harm to human bodies.

      You're more likely to survive a gunshot wound than a landmine, in general. That's pretty much what "healthier" means. It doesn't mean "overall makes you live longer than you would without it", it means "overall makes you live longer than you would with the specific alternative being compared".

      --
      My blog: http://www.seebs.net/log/ --- My iPhone/iPad app: http://www.seebs.net/seebsfrac/
    3. Re:healthier??? by farble1670 · · Score: 1

      ^^^^^^^^^^^^
      citation needed

    4. Re:healthier??? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Well yes, you could say, the guy with the cold is healthier (note the "ier" at the end and not "ly") then the guy with cancer. Is he healthy, no. But healthier is the correct use as it's a term used for comparison. If you are gonna be so against specific used of words, at least get it right.

      -- knows he probably contains grammer or spelling errors but don't care

    5. Re:healthier??? by noidentity · · Score: 1

      A gunshot wound is healthier than stepping on a landmine. I think what you meant to say is that even though a gunshot wound is healthier, it's still not healthy.

    6. Re:healthier??? by harl · · Score: 1

      How so? What are the harmful effects of nicotine?

      It's not listed as a carcinogen.

      --
      I find being offended by me offensive.
  16. The E-cigs aren't exactly GOOD for your lungs... by damn_registrars · · Score: 4, Insightful

    While they may be less bad than traditional smoked tobacco, they still aren't good for your lungs. Our lungs are, after all, living tissue that is tasked with gas exchange. That is a fairly complicated job to begin with, and if you start intoducting airborne solids into the mixture you are only making the job that much more difficult.

    So while the rest of the toxic crap that is added to cigarettes (much of it to keep them burning) might not be present, the inhaled mixture itself isn't good for your lungs regardless. So the ALA has a pretty valid point that E-cigs are still bad, even if they are less bad.

    --
    Damn_registrars has no butt-hole. Damn_registrars has no use for a butt-hole.
  17. Infernal devices by FranTaylor · · Score: 0, Troll

    If they were not the delivery devices for addictive drugs then they would be illegal.

    Many states have laws against carrying "infernal devices" in public that belch smoke, stink, and otherwise create unpleasantness.

    I gotta say those e-cigs smell pretty darned nasty. Have you ever smelled one?

    1. Re:Infernal devices by KlomDark · · Score: 1

      What? You can't even smell the vapor that comes out.

      Or do you mean you stuck your nose in the nicotine fluid chamber?

    2. Re:Infernal devices by FranTaylor · · Score: 0, Troll

      I saw a demonstration at the local shopping mall. You could smell the stink everywhere in the whole mall. It was borderline intolerable on the balcony right above the kiosk where the demonstration was going on.

    3. Re:Infernal devices by Skadet · · Score: 1

      Impossible. I'm stealth-vaping inside a cafe right now and nobody has said a word or even looked over.

    4. Re:Infernal devices by Arthur+Grumbine · · Score: 1

      I call bullshit. I've been a vaper (eCigarette user) for over a year now, since I switched over completely from smoking. I've tried over a dozen of the most popular devices, all with very similar physical characteristics of the vapor. I have vaped in my office, my home, coffee shops, restaurants, movie theaters, and a courtroom, mere feet from people who couldn't detect any smell at all. These are my co-workers, my family, friends, and complete strangers, dozens of which had no problem regularly informing me (and complaining), in past years, when I stank of smoke smell (usually right after a cigarette). Whatever anomalistic (read: psychosomatic) experience you had at the mall is not indicative of the normal experience.

      --
      Now that I think about it, I'm pretty sure everything I just said is completely wrong.
    5. Re:Infernal devices by Heed00 · · Score: 1

      Then there was something wrong with that demo. There's very little odour from a properly functioning e-cig. It also depends upon the flavour of liquid used. Some flavours will have an associated odour, but generally speaking most people find it pleasant as it's a reflection of the flavour -- i.e. you might smell a faint odour of strawberry if someone was using a strawberry flavoured liquid.

      Be careful of thinking of "those e-cigs" as some sort of single entity -- there are many different models -- some of which are straight rip offs and barely function. Also, there's a myriad of liquid flavours that can be used, so "those e-cigs" can be widely variant in terms of odour depending on what one uses in them.

      --
      Thought thinks itself.
  18. ALA is being a fool by slimjim8094 · · Score: 2, Insightful

    I occasionally smoke cigarettes (we're talking a few times a month). They're horrible for your lungs, full of tar, and your lungs work like a sponge. Ask a smoking friend to see their cigarette when they're done and look at the filter.

    The less people who smoke cigarettes, the better. It's terrible for them, but it's also bad for people around them inhaling the smoke. Good riddance.

    But these e-cigarettes are nicotine and some flavoring, with a battery vaporizer. Now, nicotine's not harmless in the slightest - it is, in fact, rat poison. But nicotine alone vs. nicotine, tar, formaldehyde, etc... all in one package - it doesn't take a genius to figure out which you should be encouraging people to use.

    Most smokers I know are acutely aware of how bad it is for them (actually, most are medical professionals of some sort). Some of them want to stop and can't, and some of them just don't care. But they know it's bad, they're not in denial about it. The people I hang out tend to be well educated about this sort of stuff, but many aren't. If the ALA were to come out and say "hey guys, smoke this instead! same great effects, no tar, woohoo... vastly vastly reduced risk of cancer" well they'd probably switch.

    In fact, straight nicotine basically doesn't affect the lungs - it'll mess up your arteries and brain, but largely ignore your lungs. <conspiracy_theory>Maybe they're worried about being put out of business</conspiracy_theory>

    --
    I have developed a truly marvelous proof of this comment, which this signature is too narrow to contain.
    1. Re:ALA is being a fool by FranTaylor · · Score: 1

      Ask a smoking friend to see their cigarette when they're done and look at the filter.

      It's fresh and new because my smoking friends tear off the filter and toss it in the ashtray. Well they used to anyway. Now they are either dead or they have quit smoking.

    2. Re:ALA is being a fool by Kreigaffe · · Score: 1

      The conspiracy theory is just this: The ALA hasn't been in the news recently, and felt the need to make a big stink about *something* for some reason. Most likely to get exposure and hopefully increased donations. I'm not positive, but do they get any money out of the tobacco industry's big settlement bullshit? I honestly have no clue. If they do, well, must be nice to get a paycheck from the industry you're trying to take down.. I'm sure that doesn't result in any pulled punches.

      Saw an article a bit ago where the author was railing against e-ciggs. One of the points was the presence of propylene glycol in the liquid that's vaporized. Drummed up the scare factor by pointing out that its most common use is ZOMG ANTIFREEZE!
      neglecting, of course, to mention that it's used and labeled as non-toxic antifreeze, is sprayed by the bucket onto aircraft and allowed to run off freely, and is pretty easily metabolized by any living thing. Basically it just slides right in to the normal glucose metabolism cycle. But hey, never pass up a chance to fearmonger.

      --
      ... still waiting for this free-as-in-beer free beer I keep hearing about. :|
    3. Re:ALA is being a fool by zzsmirkzz · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Now, nicotine's not harmless in the slightest - it is, in fact, rat poison.

      No, it is not. In large doses it could kill a rat, just as in large enough doses it could kill a human. But the same goes for salt, so not a good/valid argument.

      Rat poisons are typically anti-coagulants which reduce the rats ability to create blood clots and they eventually bleed out and die.

    4. Re:ALA is being a fool by sjames · · Score: 1

      Note that rice and molasses were at one time used to kill weasels, so are literally a pesticide. There's even a song about it. However, in general I agree with you.

    5. Re:ALA is being a fool by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I say bull.

      1. You must be stupid to smoke yet say "They're horrible for your lungs, full of tar, and your lungs work like a sponge".

      2. "But they know it's bad, they're not in denial about it" is bull^2. The entire concept of denial here is denial that they will be affected. They know the stats, but they think they can beat the odds being whoever they are. It is still denial.

      3. "straight nicotine basically doesn't affect the lungs - it'll mess up your arteries and brain, but largely ignore your lungs" - so, let's settle for more heart attacks instead of more heart attacks and cancers?

      4. "it doesn't take a genius to figure out which you should be encouraging people to use."

      The last one takes the cake. You are saying people should be encouraged to smoke this, not quit their addiction? I think you really need to be a spokesperson for the tobacco group!!

    6. Re:ALA is being a fool by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

      Now, nicotine's not harmless in the slightest - it is, in fact, rat poison.

      News flash: anything with a very low LD50 makes a great poison. That doesn't make it harmful in small amounts.

    7. Re:ALA is being a fool by Falconhell · · Score: 1

      It seems some are confusing propylene glycol and ethylene glycol, as used as an anti freeze coolant in engines.

  19. Re:The E-cigs aren't exactly GOOD for your lungs.. by Rantastic · · Score: 4, Insightful

    So the ALA has a pretty valid point that E-cigs are still bad, even if they are less bad.

    So we should ban E-Cigs, but not the "more" bad regular kind?

    --
    Ask Slashdot: Where bad ideas meet poor googling skills.
  20. They're decent... by seebs · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Beloved Spouse has been using these. They smell less bad, they're not as bad for you, and they make it a lot easier to taper down nicotine to get rid of it -- without taking away the fidget. Seems like a great idea, and I am pretty sure the only reason to ban them is that they could result in many people ceasing to use the pure-cancer form of nicotine delivery.

    One caveat, though, the cartridges don't seem to last NEARLY as long as advertised. Still cheaper that traditional cigs.

    --
    My blog: http://www.seebs.net/log/ --- My iPhone/iPad app: http://www.seebs.net/seebsfrac/
    1. Re:They're decent... by sjames · · Score: 1

      One caveat, though, the cartridges don't seem to last NEARLY as long as advertised. Still cheaper that traditional cigs.

      They certainly don't! Your spouse should buy the liquid and refill them, it's much cheaper that way and allows for an exact control of the nicotine level. I've been slowly tapering down for the last few months.

    2. Re:They're decent... by seebs · · Score: 1

      Actually, that is pretty much what we've been doing, but we haven't had great luck with refills. Still, they extend the life of the cartridges quite a bit.

      I figure this is pretty good compared to actual cigs. And eventually maybe it'll go away, but it's better than smoking.

      --
      My blog: http://www.seebs.net/log/ --- My iPhone/iPad app: http://www.seebs.net/seebsfrac/
  21. Philip Morris by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

    Why do I get the feeling Philip Morris USA has already bought and paid for the American Lung Association?

  22. Delivery method by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Patches, I assume, provide nicotine via dermal penetration. Gum provides it via absorption in the GI tract. Wouldn't vaporized nicotine basically hit the throat and be swallowed?

  23. You can buy them, doesn't matter. by pavon · · Score: 2, Interesting

    It isn't hard to find chemical free cigarettes. Most of the convenience stores around here stock at least one variety, like this brand. They aren't really any healthier though. The health problems with cigarettes have far less to do with the chemicals, and more to do with partially combusted hydrocarbons (tar) sticking to the most sensitive parts of your lungs.

    The chemicals are put into cigarettes for various reasons - some to make the smoke "smoother", some for flavor, some to make the cigarette burn faster, and others actually increase the combustion of the leaves, decreasing some of the more harmful naturally occurring components of tar.

    1. Re:You can buy them, doesn't matter. by stonewallred · · Score: 1

      NC native, from the home of RJR. Many chemicals are added to not only for flavor, but also to make combustion harder not easier. Today's cigarettes are almost impossible to keep lit unless you are actively smoking them. Set on down in the ashtray and it goes out, quickly. This was done to lower the number of deaths caused by people falling asleep or passing out with lit cigarettes.

    2. Re:You can buy them, doesn't matter. by Anarki2004 · · Score: 1

      yeah, the funny thing about that is now the cherry falls out more frequently. How is that better?

      --
      The teachers will crack any minute, purple monkey dishwasher.
  24. Re:The E-cigs aren't exactly GOOD for your lungs.. by seebs · · Score: 1

    So they shouldn't be banned unless cigarettes are banned too.

    It's ridiculous to say that a less-harmful thing can't be allowed while the more-harmful thing is allowed. These things exist only to let cigarette smokers stop inhaling smoke. They're a step forwards.

    --
    My blog: http://www.seebs.net/log/ --- My iPhone/iPad app: http://www.seebs.net/seebsfrac/
  25. Do Androids Dream of Electric Spliff? by PolygamousRanchKid+ · · Score: 3, Funny

    Rachel: "Do you mind if I smoke electronic cigarettes?"

    Decker: "It won't affect the test. Give me a hit."

    --
    Schroedinger's Brexit: The UK is both in and out of the EU at the same time!
    1. Re:Do Androids Dream of Electric Spliff? by noidentity · · Score: 1

      Rachel: "Do you like our cigarette?"

      Decker: "It's artifical?"

      Rachel: "Of course it is."

      Decker: "Must be hated by the ALA."

      Rachel: "Very. I'm Rachel."

      Hey, it could have happened that way.

  26. Hey retard by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    combustion doesn't occur if you vaporize somthing electronically

    RTFA

    1. Re:Hey retard by Microlith · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Hey retard,

      Read the post I was replying to, which was pretty obviously referring to cigarettes themselves.

  27. What's the author's agenda? by nweaver · · Score: 4, Interesting

    The author is attacking the American Lung Association for their agenda. But what's the author's agenda?

    Quoting from her bio on the site: Kristin Noll-Marsh is a charter member of the board of directors of The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association (CASAA), Vapers International and a member of the Vaper's Coalition, a cooperation of organizations working to encourage the use and understanding of smoke-free alternatives. She receives no funding (directly or indirectly) from tobacco, drug or e-cigarette companies or trade assocations.

    Do you honestly believe that those organizations listed do not receive substantial sponsorshipf from e-cigarette companies and affiliated interests?

    --
    Test your net with Netalyzr
    1. Re:What's the author's agenda? by Abcd1234 · · Score: 1

      The author is attacking the American Lung Association for their agenda. But what's the author's agenda?

      Does it matter? Do you or do you not believe that e-cigs are a better alternative to regular smokes? Yes or no? If the answer is 'yes', then you agree with the author. End of story.

      If the answer is 'no', I would ask, 'why'? Because it seems blatantly obvious that a device which provides a reduced-harm alternative to smoking for those unable to quit is still a hell of a lot better than them continuing to smoke regular cigarettes.

    2. Re:What's the author's agenda? by sjames · · Score: 4, Informative

      For the most part, 'e-cigarette companies' are monNpop operations importing the hardware from China. There ARE no big e-cig companies. The afilliated interests are primarily individuals who have switched from smoking to e-cigs and don't want bans to push them back to burning tobacco.

      The pharmaceutical and tobacco companies are against them because they cut into their profits.

    3. Re:What's the author's agenda? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      p>Do you honestly believe that those organizations listed do not receive substantial sponsorshipf from e-cigarette companies and affiliated interests?

      Yes I do.

      Kristin is a strong willed character and PV user who values her right of choice. The organizations listed are grass-roots groups drawn from the PV user community (predominantly from http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com) with no affiliation with the manufacturers or distributors of these products or their supplies. She's doing what she can, as gracefully as she can, to educate the rest of the world on the realities of this product; she's a clarion voice trying to set the record straight. This is in the face of Big Pharma and Big Tobacco, with all of their lobbies, elected officials, and 3-letter government agencies.

      She also doesn't get much thanks for pulling more than her fair share of the burden. (Thanks Kristin!)

      This "attack" comes on the heels of a hearing for an ammendment to Illinois tobacco law, effectively banning the sale and distribution of anything that can be consumed that delivers nicotine and isn't already approved by the FDA. The comments attributed to the ALA in that article were made *by the ALA lobbyist present at the hearing.* The ammendment is on hold pending further investigation (for one week.) It's not an absolute victory, but its a huge step towards one for Illinois.

      Kristin, thank you. I'm sure you don't need the praise, but you sure as hell earned it.

      -ECF Member and Anonymous By Choice

    4. Re:What's the author's agenda? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The author is attacking the American Lung Association for their agenda. But what's the author's agenda?

      Quoting from her bio on the site: Kristin Noll-Marsh is a charter member of the board of directors of The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association (CASAA), Vapers International and a member of the Vaper's Coalition, a cooperation of organizations working to encourage the use and understanding of smoke-free alternatives. She receives no funding (directly or indirectly) from tobacco, drug or e-cigarette companies or trade assocations.

      Do you honestly believe that those organizations listed do not receive substantial sponsorship from e-cigarette companies and affiliated interests?

      I am the author of this article and NO, unlike the ALA, etc., CASAA and the other organizations I belong to are non-profit organizations and staffed and funded solely by volunteers who use electronic cigarettes and other smokeless alternatives. We pay for everything out of pocket or with funds we raise ourselves and no one gets a salary. The board of directors is specifically limited to 25% retailers to avoid any majority of members with a vested interest. We have been very careful to avoid associations which would call into question our integrity.

      As a former smoker, who sees the craziness of banning a product that is 98% less hazardous (proven in peer-reviewed, published studies) than tobacco and used by people who otherwise would be smoking, while leaving tobacco cigarettes on the market; I became an activist and began researching and writing articles to counter the lies and half-truths that groups like ASH, the FDA and the ALA are perpetuating. These groups ALL get massive funding from Big Pharma, who stands to lose a huge market share if people switch to ecigs.

      Reduced harm is not a new concept. Anyone who eats low-fat foods or drinks sugarless or caffeine-free drinks is practicing reduced harm. Telling a smoker that ecigs aren't any better, because they contain "some hazards," is like telling a dangerously obese person that they may as well eat Ben & Jerry's Chunky Monkey, because frozen yogurt still conatins "some fat."

      It's as the article says - according to a survey of 1,000 ecigs users, 80% have no intention of quitting smoking. So, they have 2 options right now - tobacco smoking or electronic cigarettes. Quitting is not even a consideration for these people. That may be risky, but at least with ecigs, it's LESS risky. And that doesn't even take into account the people who use 0 nicotine ecigs. They will lose their right to buy ecigs and they aren't even using nicotine anymore.

      What people need to understand is that ecig users will overwhelmingly go right back to smoking cigarettes if ecigs are banned. How can they possibly justify taking away a less hazardous product, while the deadly alternative is still on the market?

      My agenda? To save the lives of smokers. Period.

      I have several other eye-opening ecig articles listed under my profile at Associated Content and you can read the reports I cite at CASAA.org

    5. Re:What's the author's agenda? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      This anonymous coward does absolutely know they are not receiving any sponsorship from such interests. Those organizations have been formed by ecig users themselves who are committed to availability of the products that have enabled them to quit smoking. Those products are under active attack by big tobacco, big pharma, tobacco and nicotine prohibitionists, and a system now reliant on tobacco taxes for balancing state budgets, funding (some) state health care programs, and now SCHIP.

      All of those hostile interest groups are (unfortunately IMO) finding the Obama administration and Dem majority much more friendly to their interests when it comes to stacking the deck against the competition, maintaining market share, and maintaining the flow of tobacco tax revenue.

      If there was activity and funds already available for research and lobbying from ecig companies and "affiliated interests", product users themselves would not have had to form their own organizations, and do this openly online. Most of the brainstorming conversations throughout the process have been public, the history is transparent for all the organizations. Kristin is especially easy to track in that effort.

  28. a question to ask slashdot smokers by splatter · · Score: 2, Insightful

    I'm an ex-smoker (yeah yeah I know reformed whore), & have switched to using a vaporizer for my fine herbals. I rarely smoke anymore, but now have realized I have no means of partaking outside my home without going back to old ways.

    What electronic cigs have you used for a mid priced unit & what if any manufacturer would you recommend or stay away from?

    Thanks

    --
    "(I) have this unfortunate condition that causes me not to believe a single thing any politician says when a mic's on.
    1. Re:a question to ask slashdot smokers by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I've been using these for quite awhile now:

      http://www.cignot.com/product_p/kit-510-nbx.htm

      Was a pack-a-day smoker for 25 years and I quit smoking cigs right away as soon as I started "vaping". Amazing.

    2. Re:a question to ask slashdot smokers by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      DSE-601.

    3. Re:a question to ask slashdot smokers by mswhippingboy · · Score: 1

      GreenSmoke. About as close to a real cig as you can get. Other than they are heavier than a real cig (due to the rechargeable battery) they look and taste like the real thing.
      http://greensmoke.com/

      --
      Sometimes the light at the end of the tunnel is the headlight of an oncoming train.
    4. Re:a question to ask slashdot smokers by lethalp1mpslapper · · Score: 1

      What electronic cigs have you used for a mid priced unit & what if any manufacturer would you recommend or stay away from?

      A Joye 510 PV (also goes by Titan or Dura) is about the best bang for the buck. Cheap and easy to find parts, accessories, and batteries for.

    5. Re:a question to ask slashdot smokers by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/

    6. Re:a question to ask slashdot smokers by NPerez · · Score: 1

      using my 510 right now. love it. I want to try a DSE901 eventually, because I hear it has more flavor (but is less powerful).

    7. Re:a question to ask slashdot smokers by h4rr4r · · Score: 1

      100% true. A 510 is the way to go. Lots of "smoke" so nice throat hit.

    8. Re:a question to ask slashdot smokers by nanotech · · Score: 1

      Thanks, just ordered a starter kit!

      I love the law of unintended consequences.

    9. Re:a question to ask slashdot smokers by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Equipment: Tornado from Totally Wicked (best battery life and two atomizers)
      Juice: Halo brand
      Method: Tailpipe

      Google up.

    10. Re:a question to ask slashdot smokers by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Google "pocket vaporizer", lots of different models exists. Great for concerts etc.

      ...oo000

      :)

    11. Re:a question to ask slashdot smokers by Anarki2004 · · Score: 1

      I use the KR-808D with a 901 Atomizer. The cartomizers are also a good option if you don't like the hassle of refilling cartridges frequently. There are many many options out there, so I would recommend visiting one of the many forums on the subject and make your decision based off that.

      --
      The teachers will crack any minute, purple monkey dishwasher.
  29. 'Anti-nicotine' is simple 'competition' by BobMcD · · Score: 3, Interesting

    We're witnessing, in our own time, a version of the 'Edison DC'/'Tesla AC' debate. Except there's more law and fewer dead elephants.

    In the one corner, tobacco. Long-known, home-grown, proven mood-adjuster. People can self-medicate throughout their normal day by taking what's known as a 'smoke break', as little or as often as necessary. There are no debilitating effects, like with alcohol or marijuana, that otherwise interfere with your daily life. It is messy, yes, but quite effective and relatively cheap (before taxes).

    In the other corner, prescription drugs. Little pills exist for every problem. Your doctor tells you how many to take, and your pharmacy tells you how much it costs. When they don't work quite well enough, go back to the doc and get some more. Eventually you'll need a box with seven compartments to keep it all straight, but you might just wind up feeling exactly the way you want, all the time. Look at Chantix, for example. One-for-one transition with that one: nicotine to prescriptions.

    Now ask yourself, who staffs the ALA? Who makes their policy decisions? Lay persons, or medical industry types?

    Occam's Razor applies here. Unless you really think that it makes MORE sense that the ALA has collectively taken leave of its senses.

    1. Re:'Anti-nicotine' is simple 'competition' by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      We're witnessing, in our own time, a version of the 'Edison DC'/'Tesla AC' debate. Except there's more law and fewer dead elephants.

      In the one corner, tobacco. Long-known, home-grown, proven mood-adjuster. People can self-medicate throughout their normal day by taking what's known as a 'smoke break', as little or as often as necessary. There are no debilitating effects, like with alcohol or marijuana, that otherwise interfere with your daily life. It is messy, yes, but quite effective and relatively cheap (before taxes).

      In the other corner, prescription drugs. Little pills exist for every problem. Your doctor tells you how many to take, and your pharmacy tells you how much it costs. When they don't work quite well enough, go back to the doc and get some more. Eventually you'll need a box with seven compartments to keep it all straight, but you might just wind up feeling exactly the way you want, all the time. Look at Chantix, for example. One-for-one transition with that one: nicotine to prescriptions.

      Now ask yourself, who staffs the ALA? Who makes their policy decisions? Lay persons, or medical industry types?

      Occam's Razor applies here. Unless you really think that it makes MORE sense that the ALA has collectively taken leave of its senses.

      No shit, tobacco is a known antidepressant and mood altering substance. It's been used that way for centuries. It's no wonder that this "everybody must quit smoking now!!!" public opnion has risen pretty much since the invention of Prozac.

      Say what you will about tobacco, but when I try to quit doing it I only want to kill people. Quit taking your antidepressants and as countless news stories show....you do end up killing someone

      I'll enjoy my lung related diseases, as long as I know I'm not going to snap someday and start skinning my neighbors to make a suit. I'm unsure if they can make the same promise to me, though.

    2. Re:'Anti-nicotine' is simple 'competition' by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Nnno, I'd still have to day they've lost their senses.

      Known fact: Nicotine is NOT going away. Nothing will change this.
      Hand 1: All associated problems with cigarette smoke. User gets their nicotine.
      Hand 2: User gets their nicotine. Eliminated problems with cigarette smoke.

      Nnnnot seeing why hand 1 is being grasped so strongly here.

    3. Re:'Anti-nicotine' is simple 'competition' by BobMcD · · Score: 1

      Known fact: Nicotine is NOT going away. Nothing will change this.

      I see the opposite. I'm picturing a world where it is easier to score heroin than tobacco in roughly ten years.

  30. Re:The E-cigs aren't exactly GOOD for your lungs.. by L3370 · · Score: 2, Interesting

    What is in the inhaled mixture of an e-cig other than the nicotine? Anyone know by chance?

  31. Re:GNAA Confirms Link Between Wal-Mart and The Bil by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    It's over. Accept it. The GNAA trolls' heyday is past, most of the teenagers responsible got girlfriends, grew up and moved on, and attempts to reinvigorate it will never recapture its former "glory".

    It's like a pop group that was once really famous and sold shitloads, then went not entirely out of fashion but were no longer the premier flavor du jour. They continue to sell records, and once in a while a single of theirs may graze the top 10, but they'll never ever be as big as they once were.

    As intentionally offensive and semi-creative trolls go, this one's actually not too bad. (Though the boilerplate at the end really needs updating. 130MB bittorrent? That's the sort of size/quality we were downloading in 2004. Was this laziness or an acknowledgement of your roots?)

    And even if your later material knocked spots off the smash hits of your peak, it'll still only reach #14 for a couple of weeks.

    Fair or not, that's life... just accept it.

  32. Re:The E-cigs aren't exactly GOOD for your lungs.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    The regular kind has powerful lobbies behind it...

    Think of this as an invasion of evil robot cigarettes, and it should be obvious that you must fight.

  33. Nicotine is NOT safe by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Nicotine causes significant circulatory problems.

    And nicotine addiction is far, far stronger than caffeine addiction--comparable cocaine addiction.

  34. Re:The E-cigs aren't exactly GOOD for your lungs.. by j00r0m4nc3r · · Score: 1

    While they may be less bad than traditional smoked tobacco, they still aren't good for your lungs

    Citation please.

  35. Ban this! by mswhippingboy · · Score: 2, Funny

    How about we ban organizations that propose bans!

    --
    Sometimes the light at the end of the tunnel is the headlight of an oncoming train.
    1. Re:Ban this! by Dog-Cow · · Score: 1

      Unfortunately, that organization was the first victim. It was a kind of suicide, really.

  36. nicotine safe? this is a odd usage of "safe" by Mr.+Slippery · · Score: 1

    nicotine is relatively harmless and comparable to caffeine

    Nicotine is one of the most addictive drugs known, and is twice as toxic (in terms of LD50) as cocaine. And the use of nicotine gum and patches during pregnancy causes an increase in the risk of birth defects.

    I call bullshit on TFA. I smell either a shill or an addict trying to justify their behavior.

    That said: it's your body, and so long as you keep the fumes to yourself, I support your right to make your own decisions. But regularly and habitually using nicotine, in burning plant matter or in any other form, is a dammed dumb decision.

    --
    Tom Swiss | the infamous tms | my blog
    You cannot wash away blood with blood
    1. Re:nicotine safe? this is a odd usage of "safe" by codepunk · · Score: 1

      Spoken like a true self rightous twit, in fact it is likely you yourself are addicted to caffine. I am addicted to nicotine, so what I don't see why it should really bother you. I may think that consuming caffine is a damned dumb
      decision but I am happy to let you make up your own mind.

      --


      Got Code?
    2. Re:nicotine safe? this is a odd usage of "safe" by harl · · Score: 1

      Wow twice as dangerous as cocaine! Way to be sensational.

      Also some great out of context quoting there.

      Please post the rest of that paragraph. The one that says it's impossible to OD from smoking.

      How about this:
      Nicotine has a lower LD50 than cocaine.
      Nicotine can't kill through normal usage. Cocaine can.

      Which is more dangerous?

      --
      I find being offended by me offensive.
    3. Re:nicotine safe? this is a odd usage of "safe" by Mr.+Slippery · · Score: 1

      Spoken like a true self rightous twit, in fact it is likely you yourself are addicted to caffine.

      Knowing that caffeine is addictive, I take steps to control my caffeine use, so that it does not become addictive or habitual. (Or, I should say, does not again become addictive or habitual.) I drink about three cups of coffee a week.

      And caffeine is about 100 times less toxic that nicotine.

      I misspoke above when I said nicotine was twice as toxic as cocaine -- it's about 100 times, by LD50. Here's the LD50s, in mg/kg: nicotine, 0.5-1.0 (human, estimated); caffeine, 150 to 200 (human, estimated); cocaine, 95 (in mice).

      I am addicted to nicotine, so what I don't see why it should really bother you

      "Any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind," as ol' Johny Donne put it. I prefer to promote health; and I'm saddened that your addiction is corrosive enough to your mental health that you feel the need to insult someone who points out that the chemical to which you are addicted is highly addictive and significantly toxic.

      Those are simply the facts. If you choose to use nicotine, you should be aware of them so that you can control your use appropriately; if you cannot control your use, perhaps having them brought to your attention will help motivate you to seek treatment.

      In neither case, however, is it useful or reasonable for the government to use force to control your use. (Assuming no externalities, and that you're not on parole or probation or otherwise "within the system".)

      --
      Tom Swiss | the infamous tms | my blog
      You cannot wash away blood with blood
    4. Re:nicotine safe? this is a odd usage of "safe" by Mr.+Slippery · · Score: 1

      Wow twice as dangerous as cocaine! Way to be sensational.

      I didn't say twice as dangerous. I said twice as toxic. And I was wrong: the correct figure is that nicotine is about 30 to 100 times as toxic as cocaine.

      Nicotine has a lower LD50 than cocaine.

      Incorrect. The LD50 for nicotine is 3 mg/kg for mice, and estimated at 0.5-1.0 mg/kg for humans; the LD50 for cocaine is 95 mg/kg for mice.

      Nicotine can't kill through normal usage. Cocaine can.

      The "normal" use of cocaine, the pattern of use for most of human history, would be chewing coca leaves. That can't kill.

      If you extracted nicotine from tobacco the way cocaine is extracted from coca, it sure as hell could kill.

      Which is more dangerous?

      Chewing coca is certainly less dangerous than smoking cigarettes, and probably less dangerous than chewing tobacco.

      Pure cocaine is certainly less dangerous than pure nicotine.

      Prohibition, of course, makes either more dangerous than it is based on the inherent biochemistry, and is a massive failure.

      --
      Tom Swiss | the infamous tms | my blog
      You cannot wash away blood with blood
    5. Re:nicotine safe? this is a odd usage of "safe" by harl · · Score: 1

      Ok so now you're being even more sensational with your hypothetical pure situations. That's nice but I'd like to discuss something realistic.

      Do you honestly believe cocaine is safer than nicotine?

      --
      I find being offended by me offensive.
    6. Re:nicotine safe? this is a odd usage of "safe" by Mr.+Slippery · · Score: 1

      Ok so now you're being even more sensational with your hypothetical pure situations.

      An "e-cigarette" is a device for the delivery of small amounts of pure nicotine. There is nothing "hypothetical" under discussion here.

      Do you honestly believe cocaine is safer than nicotine?

      Cocaine is less toxic than nicotine. That is not a matter of belief, it is a matter of well-established fact.

      Whether one thing is "safer" than another, depends largely on circumstance. Reading a book is safer than bungee jumping -- but reading a book while you're driving is more dangerous than bungee jumping. So if you're going to ask "is cocaine safer than nicotine", I need to ask, in what circumstance?

      If you mean cocaine administered by chewing coca versus nicotine administered by smoking or chewing tobacco, or if you mean an device that administers very small controlled amounts of pure nicotine -- an nicotine gum, perhaps, or an e-cigarette -- versus a similar device that might administer very small controlled amounts of pure cocaine (like, say, cocaine chewing gum), yes, based on the available evidence, cocaine is safer than nicotine in either of these scenarios.

      --
      Tom Swiss | the infamous tms | my blog
      You cannot wash away blood with blood
  37. banality of evil all over again by lupis42 · · Score: 1

    From another forum, but very true:

    I'm seriously starting to feel that it's time to drag some of these petty enforcers and ticket-writers, spies and interlopers, social-servicy puritanical do-gooder liberty-infringing family-befouling irritating holier-than-thou socially controlling progressive pecker-checker hypocrites into the swamps and hack them to death with machetes.

    It's the banality of evil all over again. -theGringo

  38. Re:The E-cigs aren't exactly GOOD for your lungs.. by Jonboy+X · · Score: 1

    Like traditional "analog" cigarettes, the vast majority of the "smoke" is water vapor.

    --

    "In a 32-bit world, you're a 2-bit user. You've got your own newsgroup, alt.total.loser." -Weird Al
  39. Anything not good for you is bad, hence, illegal. by IndustrialComplex · · Score: 1, Interesting

    Anything not good for you is bad, hence, illegal.

    Aren't you glad that you don't have to worry about that nasty hard process of making your own decisions and bothering with informing yourself? Just know that as long as you follow the law, you will be safe.

    --
    Out of modpoints but really liked a post? 1BDkF6TtmmeZ3yqXbz9yhdYVqRYnwFoXDj
  40. Shouldn't they ban REAL cigarettes first? by karcirate · · Score: 1

    Can someone please justify banning e-cigarettes without first banning traditional cigarettes?

    Absent a logical reason for this, the ALA is putting its stinky foot in its mouth.

    1. Re:Shouldn't they ban REAL cigarettes first? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The Reason is simple, cigarettes are about burning tobacco. The e-cigarettes are about funneling a specific drug into your body. It may seem a small difference but it when it comes to regulation they more simulate the way medicine works then food. There is a great episode of NOVA about this called "the search for the safe cigarette. RJ Rynolds tried to make a product similar to these in the late 80's and failed.

  41. Any good info? by pavon · · Score: 1

    Do you know about any good studies on nicotine vaporizers? I have had a couple people ask me about them, but haven't been able to find any reliable info on them. The folks selling them of course claim that they are 100% harmless. The only info out of the FDA basically amounts to "we haven't studied these, and no one should be allowed to use anything we haven't approved". In addition to health affects I also haven't been able to find any credible information about the nicotine content of any second hand vapor.

    I think the ALA is retarded for demanding that these be banned while cigarettes remain legal. But it would be nice to know how they compare to patches for people trying to quit, or to cigarettes for smokers that want to decrease their chances of lung cancer, or just get around indoor smoking bans.

  42. Re:The E-cigs aren't exactly GOOD for your lungs.. by codepunk · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Nicotine suspended in Polyproplene Glycol, or Vegetable Glycerine. Checking these two out you will find that not only are they safe but where considered in the past for vaporizing into the air within hospitals to make the environment safer.

    --


    Got Code?
  43. anecdote on my part by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I know this is anecdote and all, but I would argue that caffeine is pretty addictive as well.

    Speaking of which, time for my pot of coffee.

  44. Re:The E-cigs aren't exactly GOOD for your lungs.. by zzsmirkzz · · Score: 1

    So the ALA has a pretty valid point that E-cigs are still bad, even if they are less bad.

    Perhaps, if that was their point, but it wasn't. Their point is that E-Cigs should be banned while regular cigarettes should not. This does not compute and smells of money changing hands, lots of it.

  45. Call them! by spikesahead · · Score: 5, Informative

    I just called my local branch of the ALA and it turns out this article is mostly scaremongering.

    As it was described to me they are pushing for two things currently;

    Prohibit the sale to those under the age of 18.
    and
    Investigate the safety of the ingredients.

    They're not trying to blindly take away your e-cigs, they're pressing for things that are actually rather reasonable. The person I spoke to stated that they are NOT pushing for a blanket ban, only a request for testing with decisions to be made after official, legitimate research has taken place.

    Seeing as how I want an ingredients list and some sort of quality control on the stuff I'm puffing on right now, this is directly in line with my own interests as an e-cigarette user.

    1. Re:Call them! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      That is BS and they know it. Go ask the NJ legislature which thanks to the ALA has already banned e-cigs in that state. Didn't see the ALA objecting to that move.

      What they really mean is "ban it till unnecessary FDA approval is done." Note that all the ingredients have been tested and approved individually I might add. And of course testing takes years and a lot of money.

      I suppose, all the people telling them to fuck off are starting to create a PR nightmare so they're trying to backpedal.

    2. Re:Call them! by h4rr4r · · Score: 1

      Some of the better brands of e-liquid are made in the USA and have the ingredients listed. I just need to find one that tastes like camels.

    3. Re:Call them! by Tom09 · · Score: 2, Informative

      What you have been told on the telephone is simply not true. ALA is one of the driving forces behind pending legislation about to ban e-cigarettes in Illinois ( http://www.iafp.com/legislative/SB3174e-cigarettes.pdf ) and New York ( http://www.lungusa.org/associations/states/new-york/publicpolicy/assets/memo9529.pdf ). 'The Lung Association has called for the removal of all e-cigarettes from the marketplace until they have been determined to be safe.' ALA is pushing for a blanket ban. And by the way, there‘s no need to vape anything unknown. It’s up to you to buy from companies which do provide an ingredients list and quality control.

    4. Re:Call them! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Your local ALA branch is either misinformed or they're lying. I was at the hearing before the Illinois Human Services Committee (House of Representatives) on 4/14/2010, and when the chairman of the Committee asked the sponsor of the bill, Representative Colvin, whether he would consider amending the bill to prohibit sales to minors, he deferred to Kathy Drea, the paid lobbyist of the ALA. She said that they drafted the bill (the complete ban on sales of e-cigs) and that was their position.

      If the ALA was serious about wanting to protect the children, then why not agree to amend the bill?

      Make no mistake--the ALA wants a complete ban. Don't believe it? Here's a link to their position paper on the issue: http://www.iafp.com/legislative/SB3174e-cigarettes.pdf

    5. Re:Call them! by pennyloafer · · Score: 1

      Most of the stuff I've seen is from bulk buy auction sites that I wouldn't trust to my health. Could you provide a link to made in the USA ingredients? Thanks.

    6. Re:Call them! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I just called my local branch of the ALA and it turns out this article is mostly scaremongering.

      As it was described to me they are pushing for two things currently;

      Prohibit the sale to those under the age of 18.
      and
      Investigate the safety of the ingredients.

      They're not trying to blindly take away your e-cigs, they're pressing for things that are actually rather reasonable. The person I spoke to stated that they are NOT pushing for a blanket ban, only a request for testing with decisions to be made after official, legitimate research has taken place.

      Seeing as how I want an ingredients list and some sort of quality control on the stuff I'm puffing on right now, this is directly in line with my own interests as an e-cigarette user.

      Really?? Then ask them to explain the letter they are sending out to state legislators, pushing for a bill which places a ban on any nicotine products that are not FDA-approved or legally tobacco products. Here is the copy sent to Illinois: http://www.iafp.com/legislative/SB3174e-cigarettes.pdf That would effectively BAN ecigarettes, because they don;t meet those criteria. We also just had a contingent have to go to Illinois, to meet with the committee reviewing proposed bill SB3174, which bans the sale of ecigs to minors (which we support) and attempt to also ban nioctine products that are not FDA-approved or recognized tobacco products. ALA lobbyist Kathy Drea was sitting in the room, pushing this bill and fighting against revising the part that would ban ecigs for sale to legal adults! Here is a link to an article about it (not written by me): http://interact.stltoday.com/blogzone/political-fix/political-fix/2010/04/vote-on-electronic-cigarettes-ban-postponed-in-ill-house-committee/

      The same bill, with almost identical language to the ALA letter, has also been pushed in Utah, New York, Maryland, California and Minnesota. All but New york revised their bills to only ban sales to minors. New York goes before committee in the next week or two.

      Sorry, but either that branch is ignorant as to what the main ALA is doing or they lied to you.

      CASAA and other groups have been calling on more studies, but it's amazing that the government and anti-smoking groups are completely ignoring the published studies that have already been done. We already KNOW how safe ecigs are. Check out the Health New Zealand study. Even the FDA's study showed that ecigs only contained TRACES of nitrosamines. And they didn't find ANY of the toxins found in tobacco cigarettes. The Health New Zealand study showed that nitrosamine levels were at the same levels as the FDA-approved nicotine patch. If they are going to ban ecigs because they contain those trace levels, they'd have to ban patches, too. Yet they keep claiming, "We don't know." Bull.

      Kristin Noll-Marsh

    7. Re:Call them! by narcc · · Score: 1

      Johnson Creek Original Smoke Juice -- Made in the U.S.A.
      http://www.johnsoncreeksmokejuice.com/

      It's good stuff; top quality.

    8. Re:Call them! by crashinbrn · · Score: 1

      I just called my local branch of the ALA and it turns out this article is mostly scaremongering.

      As it was described to me they are pushing for two things currently;

      Prohibit the sale to those under the age of 18. and Investigate the safety of the ingredients.

      They're not trying to blindly take away your e-cigs, they're pressing for things that are actually rather reasonable. The person I spoke to stated that they are NOT pushing for a blanket ban, only a request for testing with decisions to be made after official, legitimate research has taken place.

      Seeing as how I want an ingredients list and some sort of quality control on the stuff I'm puffing on right now, this is directly in line with my own interests as an e-cigarette user.

      they are afraid of going out of business. and NOW they are lying to you too.

    9. Re:Call them! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      In Illinois, the ALA has rejected a request to modify SB3174 to only ban sale to minors rather than all consumers in the state.

      While your local branch might have no knowledge of it, it is part of the record of the Illinois House of Representatives Human Services Committee meeting yesterday. That's not scaremongering; it's fact.

    10. Re:Call them! by VocalEK · · Score: 1

      I don't know where your local branch of the ALA is located, but in Illinois it appears that the ALA definitely does want to ban them. Quote from the Illinois proposed bill: SB3174: "Nicotine delivery products. No product containing or delivering nicotine intended or expected for human consumption, or any part of such a product, that is not a tobacco product as defined by 21 U.S.C. 321(rr) shall be distributed or sold in this State or to consumers in this State unless it has been approved or otherwise certified for legal sale by the United States Food and Drug Administration for tobacco use cessation, harm reduction, or for other medical purposes, and is being marketed and sold solely for that approved purpose." About a dozen people who successfully used the products to replace all their tobacco cigarettes testified at the Illinois House Health Committee hearing. After listening to the testimony, the Health Committee chairperson asked point blank if the legislature could be revised to ONLY prohibit the sale of PV's to minors. The bill's author deferred to the lobbyist for the American Lung Association. She said point blank "this is the way WE wrote the bill."

    11. Re:Call them! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The article accurately reflects the legislation the ALA lobbyists have written and for which they are collecting legislative sponsors, and their hearing testimony, and their public statements to journalists.

    12. Re:Call them! by pennyloafer · · Score: 1

      Thanks for the find narcc! You're not a cop, are you?

  46. Re:The E-cigs aren't exactly GOOD for your lungs.. by KlomDark · · Score: 2, Interesting

    eCigs have about 1/1000th the health risk of a normal cigarette. Somehow moving society forward to a far less harmful way to maintain a nicotine addiction is a bad thing? Sure, addiction is bad, but dying of cancer is a lot worse. This is a way to significantly avoid cancer. It's completely antithetical to the ALA's stated purpose to be against these.

    I think the ALA is just pissed cause they aren't going to be able to continue their free ride where they are funded by a cut of cigarette taxes. Of course they are against that, as they are becoming irrelevant.

    It's like the RIAA/MPAA witch hunt, only instead of trying to mess with people rights and freedom, they are trying to take away people's lives. Even worse.

    Lets face it, eCigs are very disruptive technology - the old way is breathing in burning smoke with all kinds of carcinogens (and lots of taxes on it since it's truly dangerous), the new way is inhaling vaporized nicotine (Not much of an excuse for a sin tax on a nearly safe product.) and all the tax-funded entities aren't going to get their cut, so of course they are against it.

    It's safer, by far, so let's ban it. That makes sense.

    eCigs have the potential to save millions from the agonizing death of lung cancer, this should be the key point and the reason society should back eCigs wholeheartedly. My grandparents might still be alive if this product existed back in the day.

    I thought the ALA and other anti-smoking outfits had a purpose - trying to keep people from using a highly dangerous product. This just makes me completely disrespect them.

    Fully dumb - for every day they fight these things, that's another thousand people who will get cancer.

    Are eCigs completely safe? No, they are not, but they are around three orders of magnitude safer than real cigarettes, so that should be the deciding factor.

    Ban tobacco smoking, no problem now, there's a better alternative.

    Banning something with a dangerosity level on the level of coffee is just asinine and futile.

    Just more money-grubbing pigs, ignore them and help millions avoid cancer.

  47. Re:The E-cigs aren't exactly GOOD for your lungs.. by Abcd1234 · · Score: 1

    While they may be less bad than traditional smoked tobacco, they still aren't good for your lungs. Our lungs are, after all, living tissue that is tasked with gas exchange. That is a fairly complicated job to begin with, and if you start intoducting airborne solids into the mixture you are only making the job that much more difficult.

    So I suppose you're saying the inhaled corticosteroid I use for asthma, not to mention the short-acting bronchodilator, is bad for my lungs because they're both delivered as an "airborne solid"?

    Quite frankly, you sound like you're just making shit up. Unless you can identify a specific compound in these devices that damages the lungs, I see no reason to assume they're any worse than any other inhaled drug preparation (of which there are many).

  48. Nicotine vs Caffeine by wjousts · · Score: 1

    Nicotine LD50: 50 mg/kg for rats and 3 mg/kg for mice. 40 - 60 mg (0.5-1.0 mg/kg) can be fatal for humans.

    Caffeine LD50: 192 milligrams per kilogram in rats. Estimated to be about 150 to 200 milligrams per kilogram of body mass, roughly 80 to 100 cups of coffee for an average adult.

    Nicotine is much more toxic to humans than caffeine.

    Sources: Nicotine, caffeine.

    1. Re:Nicotine vs Caffeine by adwarf · · Score: 1

      It would be really really hard to OD on caffeine and it is only really hard to OD on nicotine. Yes it is much more toxic, but I would say it is also true that it is just as harmless as caffeine because your ability to get to a lethal dose is difficult and not going to happen without purposefully attempting it.

    2. Re:Nicotine vs Caffeine by pclminion · · Score: 1

      Comparing LD-50s is nonsensical. The LD-50 is not a measure of relative toxicity. It is a metric of the substance whose purpose is to give you an idea how much of a given substance will be lethal to half the test subjects.

      For one thing, a molecule of caffeine doesn't have the same mass as a molecule of nicotine. Suppose I took nicotine and substituted a few of its less important hydrogen atoms with bromine. Now the molecule is much more massive than before, which causes the LD-50 to go up dramatically (because each molecule has about the same toxicity as before, but the molecules weigh more). So would you then claim that I have made nicotine less toxic?

      Quit spouting bullshit.

    3. Re:Nicotine vs Caffeine by harl · · Score: 1

      But only in theory.

      The nicotine article you quote says "It is impossible however to overdose on nicotine through smoking alone"

      It's impossible to consume enough coffee to kill you. You can't fit 100 cups of coffee into a human. That's about 23.5 liters or something over 6 gallons.

      Hey look at that. Completely safe through normal usage.

      That makes safer than many over the counter medicine, alcohol, stairs, driving, and bathtubs.

      --
      I find being offended by me offensive.
    4. Re:Nicotine vs Caffeine by BlueStrat · · Score: 1

      That makes safer than many over the counter medicine, alcohol, stairs, driving, and bathtubs

      Unfortunately, safety/health has almost nothing at all to do with it except to be used in e-cig opposition demagoguery.

      The two major factors behind e-cig opposition are;

      1) Anti-smoking related organizations like the ALA fear losing power/influence/money and the government fears losing tobacco tax revenues.

      2) Busybodies hate it whenever someone might be enjoying themselves and will always oppose anything that might even give a remote impression that it may be possible to enjoy...as long as it's not *their* chosen form of enjoyment. Unfortunately, again, the lower intelligence required to hold such views pretty well guarantees they will fail to see the danger of removing free choice until it *IS* their chosen form of enjoyment/lifestyle/etc that's targeted for persecution, and then it's too late.

      These types of busybodies have existed forever, and have even been granted a popular-culture term that accurately describes how they are viewed by their leaders.

      Useful idiots.

      Strat

      --
      Progressivism (aka US 'Liberalism'): Ideas so good they need a police/surveillance-state to enforce.
    5. Re:Nicotine vs Caffeine by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I'd claim that if you modified the molecule you would not have nicotine anymore. If you added bromine then you'd be making a poison. Help me with your hypothesis when it comes to cyanide, its tiny.

    6. Re:Nicotine vs Caffeine by wjousts · · Score: 1

      Quit spouting bullshit.

      I posted the LD50s for informational purposes. I made no comment on what it meant for the safety of e-cigs but I was merely responding to the comment in the summary that was stated as fact that nicotine was no more toxic than caffeine. That is clearly not true. So quit pretending to know what my motivation is and quit with your bullshit and irrelevant argument about molecule weight. Clearly you have no understanding of chemistry since substituted nicotine gives you a different fucking molecule.

      Asshole.

    7. Re:Nicotine vs Caffeine by wjousts · · Score: 1

      Two more things

      LD50 figures are frequently used as a general indicator of a substance's acute toxicity.

      From Median lethal dose

      So of course LD50s measure toxicity. Your own retarded definition of "how much of a given substance will be lethal to half the test subjects" is toxicity. Perhaps you don't know what the word toxicity means?

      Secondly, your nonsense about molecule weights, the difference between the molecular weight of caffeine and nicotine is small, 194 vs 162 g/mol. The difference in LD50 lethal dose is about 3 times.

    8. Re:Nicotine vs Caffeine by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      That's nice but not related to my post or the post I replied to.

      Do you have something on topic?

    9. Re:Nicotine vs Caffeine by BlueStrat · · Score: 1

      That's nice but not related to my post or the post I replied to.

      Do you have something on topic?

      You plainly discussed the comparative safety concerns of e-cigs vs tobacco cigs. I replied by pointing out that the safety issue as far as the ALA & government are concerned is a non-starter for them. It's simply a distraction from the real reason they want e-cigs banned; money & power they obtain through continued sale/use of conventional tobacco cigs could be threatened.

      Don't know how much more on-topic I could be.

      [Spanish accent]This word, I do not think it means what you think it means.[/Spanish accent]

      Strat

      --
      Progressivism (aka US 'Liberalism'): Ideas so good they need a police/surveillance-state to enforce.
    10. Re:Nicotine vs Caffeine by DevilsThadvocate · · Score: 1

      Nicotine: Generally consumed in dosages under 1mg at a time. Caffeine: Generally consumed in dosages over 100mg at a time. In other words, your 10 pots (80-100 cups as you state) of coffee are as "toxic" as 20 cartons of cigarettes. If LD50 is your measure, a cup of coffee is 30 times more toxic than a cigarette.

  49. Two considerations: by fuzzyfuzzyfungus · · Score: 1

    Consideration One: A fair few of the "electronic cigarettes" floating around these days are dodgy Chinese imports that have been subjected to absolutely fuck-all inspection, quality control, or standards of any kind. Unless you think that any and all imports standards and restrictions are a fascist conspiracy, you will probably agree that this is a bad thing. If people are going to be inhaling this shit in quantity, basic testing to the effect that it is, in fact, what it says on the label(and that it says on the label what it is) is pretty much essential.

    Consideration Two: If, rather than supporting the reasonable standards of Consideration One, above, the ALA does some "Oh NOES! It looks like a Cigarette and will destroy the youth!!!" thing, they can go shove it up their bronchial tubes. Nicotine is crazy addictive; but, in itself, not particularly dangerous. A cigarette-like nicotine delivery mechanism; but without all the other exciting combustion products, has Massive harm reduction potential. Anybody who actually cares about human health, rather than some more-or-less-covert anti-intoxicant-bodily-purity crap, should overwhelmingly welcome such a tool.

    Trying to turn nicotine addicts into non-nicotine addicts is quite difficult, and doesn't actually have significant health payoffs(in specific cases, like schizophrenia, it might even have negative ones). Turning Cigarette smokers into people who get their nicotine in virtually any other way, though, could well be much easier, and have much greater health payoffs, both for the smokers themselves, and for those who have to breath their crap.

    So, would anybody like to speculate about the ALA's motives? Are they simply full of crusading zeal, and wish to wipe out all "sin", preferring "willpower" to harm reduction approaches? Or is there some sort of sick co-dependent relationship, where the cigarette companies are a reliable villain(and quite profitable, enough to skim off in taxes and PSA ad campaigns) for the ALA to crusade against, while the e-cigarette guys are a bunch of shallow-pocketed non villains?

  50. What? by Jaysyn · · Score: 1

    "The ALA must know that numerous studies show that, absent the tobacco smoke, nicotine is relatively harmless and comparable to caffeine."

    WTF?

    Caffeine's LD50 is 150-200mg / kg.

    Nicotine's LD50 is 40–60 mg / kg.

    Sounds like nicotine is almost 3 times more toxic than caffeine to me.

    --
    There is a war going on for your mind.
    1. Re:What? by khallow · · Score: 1

      A factor of three difference isn't significant especially when you consider that caffeine is traditionally consumed in greater quantity.

    2. Re:What? by selven · · Score: 1

      LD50 of Tetrahydrocannabinol (active ingredient in marijuana): 700 mg/kg
      LD50 of water: 9000 mg/kg
      LD50 of cyanide: 1.1 mg/kg
      LD50 of botulinum toxin: 0.000005 mg/kg

      The scale is very wide, 150-200 and 40-60 are actually quite close.

  51. mod parent observant by elrous0 · · Score: 2, Insightful

    That's not flamebait, it's human natue. Like all other self-righteous do-gooders and cause-sellers who want to tell you how to live your life, the ALA wants you to do it THEIR WAY and their way ONLY.

    Also, an environmentalist doesn't want you to just pick any old way to reduce carbon (i.e. clean coal, hyrdro-electric, nuclear), they want you to pick THEIR chosen ways of doing it (wind and solar) and those ONLY.

    Also, a bible-thumper doesn't want you to come to Jesus just any old way, they want you to do it through THEIR particular sect or denomination and theirs ONLY.

    etc.

    --
    SJW: Someone who has run out of real oppression, and has to fake it.
    1. Re:mod parent observant by Red+Flayer · · Score: 1

      Some [enviro|religion|health] evangelists are like that. Not all of them. You paint too broad a stroke in your knee-jerk reactionism.

      --
      "Trolls they were, but filled with the evil will of their master: a fell race..." -- J.R.R. Tolkien on Olog-hai
    2. Re:mod parent observant by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You might want to pick up a narrower brush there. There is no such thing as clean coal.

      captcha: precise

    3. Re:mod parent observant by olrik666 · · Score: 1

      Mod this guy up to eleven.

  52. Re:The E-cigs aren't exactly GOOD for your lungs.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Propylene glycol.

  53. Great for Cannabis by future+assassin · · Score: 3, Informative

    and it produces NO weed smell when you smoke weed with the electronic cigarette but the filament burns out quickly and the device doesn't last long. Haven't tried it with oil yet.

    --
    by TheSpoom (715771) Uncaring Linux user here. I have nothing to add to this but please continue. *munches popcorn*
    1. Re:Great for Cannabis by Ellis+D.+Tripp · · Score: 1

      Interesting. Do you need to extract the THC from the weed and put the extract into a filter cartridge (essentially making hash oil), or do you just stuff a bit of bud into the e-cig near the heating element? Does it taste like weed when you smoke it?

      --
      Remember "News for Nerds, Stuff that Matters"? Help make it a reality again! http://soylentnews.org
    2. Re:Great for Cannabis by future+assassin · · Score: 1

      Just cut it up but it kills the heat filament really fast. It doesn't taste or smell like anything when you smoke it. I think oil would be better but I don't like oil so haven't tried it yet.

      --
      by TheSpoom (715771) Uncaring Linux user here. I have nothing to add to this but please continue. *munches popcorn*
  54. Less trash by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Sheesh! If nothing else, e-cigs should cut down on all the trash that many smokers seem to think is okay to just throw on the ground.

  55. Demonstrably FALSE by Heed00 · · Score: 2, Insightful

    I used an e-cig to quit tobacco completely -- day one. Eight months later I was still using an e-cig but had cut out nicotine completely. Twelve months later I had stopped using an e-cig at all. It's now been four months since I put down the e-cig for the last time.

    There are lots of ways to quit -- the cold turkey argument holds no water. It's just the kind of thing that gets bandied about when cigarette smoking and quitting gets mentioned -- it's a meme.

    Furthermore, harm reduction is a perfectly rational and useful goal to pursue -- if people don't want to or can't quit, then providing them with options which reduce the harm they do to themselves should be promoted and not decried. There's really very little harm is using nicotine responsibly and if people choose to do so it's really nobody else's business. In the same way it's nobody else's business if someone chooses to use caffeine, for example.

    --
    Thought thinks itself.
  56. ALA stop nanny-state-ing us by log0n · · Score: 2, Insightful

    I'm onboard with the bans on public smoking/second hand smoke. SH smoke can't be controlled, it can't be avoided and is largely forced on to other people. While I doubt smokers intend it, forcing SH smoke is really a selfish act that is detrimental to society at large. It's forcing others to accept your choice.

    But if you want to smoke, full speed ahead! You do want you want with my blessing.

    This thinking on banning electronic cigarrettes seems to be similar to a lot of the logic that goes on in pushing for more outlawing of thought crime. Nothing's taking place that is harming anyone whatsoever (even the smoker) but someone somewhere deems it wrong or immoral or whatever. We should have the right to kill ourselves in anyway we desire so long as there is no direct or indirect (to a couple of levels) harm to other people.

    Going on a rant.. but I really hate our backwards false-puritanical society. Religion, god, faith, allah, $other_diety$.. it's all a crock of mind-control horseshit.

  57. What actual scientists have to say instead. by Pareto+Efficient · · Score: 4, Informative

    FDA smoke screen on e-cigarettes
    by Dr. Elizabeth Whelan

    Dr. Elizabeth Whelan is president of the American Council on Science and Health.

    http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/aug/06/fda-smoke-screen-on-e-cigarettes/

    "The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) held a press conference late last month to scare Americans about the so-called "e-cigarette" -- claiming it was loaded with harmful "toxins" and "carcinogens." The agency was implicitly saying: Stay away from these newfangled, untested cigarette substitutes -- better to stick with the real ones, the ones that we are more familiar with, the ones that cause over 450,000 deaths annually in the U.S.

    In making its distorted, incomplete and misleading statement, FDA was violating its long-cherished tradition of sticking to sound science as the basis for its policies. And in doing so, it is putting the lives and health of millions of Americans at risk."

    The FDA has shown E-Cigarettes to be less likely to cause cancer than even nicotine gum based on nitrosamine content.

    FDA report on nitrosamine content of cigarettes, Nicotine replacements and E-Cigs
    http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/ScienceResearch/UCM173250.pdf

    Canadian report on nitrosamine levels in commercial cigarettes
    http://smoke-vs-vapor.webs.com/Canadian%20Cigarette%20Data%202004.ods

    Website that has compiled data and presented a table of the data for quick viewing
    http://smoke-vs-vapor.webs.com/nitrosaminelevels.htm

  58. Re:The E-cigs aren't exactly GOOD for your lungs.. by sjames · · Score: 1

    There are no airborne solids in e-cig vapor. It's all liquid droplets. Most of it is propylene glycol. Note that hospitals have been considering aerosolized PG as an infection control measure. That is, they are considering dispensing non-nicotine e-cig vapor into the air to protect their patients.

  59. This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by spun · · Score: 5, Insightful

    This is a philosophical battle. Some people believe abstinence is the only answer to addiction, while others think addiction isn't the problem, it is the harm addiction causes that is the problem. To the first group, devices like this are insidious evils which corrupt the innocent with the promise of harm free drug use. To which the second group usually responds with something along the lines of, "LOLwhat? Without harm, what's the fucking problem, you tightass sonsabitches?" It is basically a battle between the Puritan ideal that all pleasures of the flesh are bad, wrong, and evil, and the not so crazy idea that harm is bad while pleasure is good.

    --
    - None can love freedom heartily, but good men; the rest love not freedom, but license. -- John Milton
    1. Re:This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by bluefoxlucid · · Score: 2, Interesting

      Well the second group also has a tendency to only pay attention to tangible things, which causes a problem.

      This is essentially the argument over legalized drugs (the intelligent one, not the one where "we can tax a $100 trillion industry!" that's going to be a $50 million industry when the shit's legal). One side says these are evil, harmful, addictive things that destroy lives; the other says (get this-- it's great) people will manage themselves fine while addicted to crack, and will get professional help and have doctors write prescriptions, and use their drugs responsibly.

      The reality comes in two stages. First, people will get prescribed 40mg twice a day of something like Ecstacy (or probably something more recreational, life-taylored, like "okay, take ONE of these on Saturday Night at the club"). They will then proceed to abuse their prescriptions (people do this already with prescription meds) to get high... well, higher. Then they'll get locked out because of abuse as their doctor refuses to write more prescription. Then they'll hit the street for illegal drugs... again....

      Second, now that we're back where we started, we have to change the assumptions: prescription/doctors were for SALE, but you're legally allowed to ACQUIRE AND USE whatever you want. So stage 2 starts. Society drifts. Everyone is always impaired. Moral and ethical bases shift. This has a real impact on the effectiveness of the work force, on education, on everything.

      But this is all very fuzzy; importantly, it's just as fuzzy as "everything will be fine." Read this again: the hypothesis that legalizing drugs will result in a Utopian Paradise or even in a complete null operation (i.e. no change) is JUST AS CRAZY as assuming the whole world will slowly fall apart, if not more so (because we know drugs are addictive and make your behavior less rational, so this is more likely a bad thing in the long run). Those arguing for legalized drugs universally like to ignore ALL of this, since it's all (by definition) conjecture (yes, even if it's 100% accurate; you have to PROVE it first, scientifically, for it to be a valid known-factual argument).

      The argument over sex is actually more interesting. If you don't have dogmatic sexual restrictions (sex before marriage is a crime and/or draws severe social stigma that totally fucks up your life), society's morals drift. Society will then eventually stabilize at a point where you can just walk up to anyone and suggest fucking, and get it right there; sex flows freely, about as easy as hugs and handshakes. It's a slow, multi-generational process; but you can only stabilize on one side or the other, as there is no way to acknowledge casual sex as NOT horrendously evil without giving the logical conclusion that it's perfectly fine to be a lecher or a slut (note: I've known some really slutty girls that were both responsible and good people, very respectful and intelligent... I've known bitches and idiot dickwhores too; I don't judge people on their sexual promiscuity).

      These are the fun, not-quite-philosophical considerations that loom over these ugly philosophical battles. Yes, we mostly care for some weird concept of "morals" and "ethics" and some sort of "idealism" we follow; but the impacts are real, in both directions.

    2. Re:This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by rmushkatblat · · Score: 1

      Or your whole argument is nonsense, because legalized drugs doesn't mean having doctors write prescriptions for them.

    3. Re:This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by spun · · Score: 3, Informative

      I think you are giving people far too little credit. Most people who use drugs do not become addicted to them, while conversely, some people have addictive personalities and will find something, anything, to become addicted to. Your doomsday scenario is not backed up by modern science. Addictions don't work the way you suppose they do. In fact, even most people who do become addicted to something will eventually gain control over their addiction without outside help. I'm not even sure what you are basing your hypothesis on, certainly not any science done in the last fifty years.

      --
      - None can love freedom heartily, but good men; the rest love not freedom, but license. -- John Milton
    4. Re:This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by idontgno · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Puritanism. The haunting fear that someone, somewhere, may be happy.

      -- H. L. Mencken

      --
      Welcome to the Panopticon. Used to be a prison, now it's your home.
    5. Re:This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by a+whoabot · · Score: 1

      "It is basically a battle between the Puritan ideal that all pleasures of the flesh are bad, wrong, and evil, and the not so crazy idea that harm is bad while pleasure is good."

      Where did this belief come from that the Puritans thought that all pleasures of the flesh are "bad, wrong and evil"? I would think that that is much more a Catholic doctrine, a religious group whom Puritans thought were more or less satanic.

      As a side note -- did you know that the poet you quote in your signature was a fervent Puritan?

    6. Re:This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by spun · · Score: 1

      "It is basically a battle between the Puritan ideal that all pleasures of the flesh are bad, wrong, and evil, and the not so crazy idea that harm is bad while pleasure is good."

      Where did this belief come from that the Puritans thought that all pleasures of the flesh are "bad, wrong and evil"? I would think that that is much more a Catholic doctrine, a religious group whom Puritans thought were more or less satanic.

      As a side note -- did you know that the poet you quote in your signature was a fervent Puritan?

      I did know that. And I'm not trying to badmouth Puritans as a group, but please: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puritan_recreation

      --
      - None can love freedom heartily, but good men; the rest love not freedom, but license. -- John Milton
    7. Re:This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by Scrameustache · · Score: 3, Interesting

      One side says these are evil, harmful, addictive things that destroy lives; the other says (get this-- it's great) people will manage themselves fine while addicted to crack, and will get professional help and have doctors write prescriptions, and use their drugs responsibly.

      No: One side says addicts should be dealt with by the police, the other says addicts should be dealt with by doctors.

      Oh, ok, I'll meet you half way: One side says addicts are evil and their lives should be destroyed by the police, the other says addicts should be dealt with by doctors.
      There, that's closer to how you said it.

      --

      You can't take the sky from me...

    8. Re:This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by Just+Some+Guy · · Score: 1

      The argument over sex is actually more interesting. If you don't have dogmatic sexual restrictions (sex before marriage is a crime and/or draws severe social stigma that totally fucks up your life), society's morals drift. Society will then eventually stabilize at a point where you can just walk up to anyone and suggest fucking, and get it right there; sex flows freely, about as easy as hugs and handshakes.

      Without dogmatic sexual restrictions, would that be a bad thing, assuming the health repercussions could be addressed?

      --
      Dewey, what part of this looks like authorities should be involved?
    9. Re:This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      ^^

      I couldn't call any part of this 'philosophical in' good conscience. It suits another 'P' phrase though. It rhymes with Haramoid Flitzomenic

    10. Re:This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by EllisDees · · Score: 4, Informative

      >But this is all very fuzzy; importantly, it's just as fuzzy as "everything will be fine." Read this again: the hypothesis that legalizing drugs will result in a Utopian Paradise or even in a complete null operation (i.e. no change) is JUST AS CRAZY as assuming the whole world will slowly fall apart

      Actually, you are completely wrong. Portugal decriminalized all drug possession in 2001, and since then:

      "The Cato paper reports that between 2001 and 2006 in Portugal, rates of lifetime use of any illegal drug among seventh through ninth graders fell from 14.1% to 10.6%; drug use in older teens also declined. Lifetime heroin use among 16-to-18-year-olds fell from 2.5% to 1.8% (although there was a slight increase in marijuana use in that age group). New HIV infections in drug users fell by 17% between 1999 and 2003, and deaths related to heroin and similar drugs were cut by more than half. In addition, the number of people on methadone and buprenorphine treatment for drug addiction rose to 14,877 from 6,040, after decriminalization, and money saved on enforcement allowed for increased funding of drug-free treatment as well."

      So, there is not no change when you decriminalize, there is actually a decrease in use. Still no utopia, but a better outcome than the current system by far.

      --
      -- Give me ambiguity or give me something else!
    11. Re:This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by HiThere · · Score: 1

      That actually *is* one model of legalized drugs.

      I happen to think it's a poor one, but it *is* one model.

      Personally, I'm all in favor of most drugs being illegal...with a $.50 fine for possession or use, and a $50,000 fine per instance of advertising. (I'd be in favor of legal, but if it's not illegal, the fine on advertising would be thrown out by the courts.)

      --

      I think we've pushed this "anyone can grow up to be president" thing too far.
    12. Re:This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by HiThere · · Score: 1

      A) It's never going to happen that way. Some people aren't going to have a girl, other will have several.

      B) It has/is happening close enough to that way to cause massive social impacts, which we haven't yet adjusted to. How we *should* adjust to it isn't totally clear. (E.g., what about child support? What's reasonable, and how should compliance be enforced? And what about visitation? etc.)

      --

      I think we've pushed this "anyone can grow up to be president" thing too far.
    13. Re:This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by Mjec · · Score: 1

      So stage 2 starts. Society drifts. Everyone is always impaired. Moral and ethical bases shift. This has a real impact on the effectiveness of the work force, on education, on everything.

      You're right, everyone will spend their whole lives on ex, just like how everyone who drinks spends their whole life drunk.

      --
      "But everyone should know everything." -markab
    14. Re:This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by spmkk · · Score: 1

      If you don't have dogmatic sexual restrictions (sex before marriage is a crime and/or draws severe social stigma that totally fucks up your life), society's morals drift. Society will then eventually stabilize at a point where you can just walk up to anyone and suggest fucking, and get it right there; sex flows freely, about as easy as hugs and handshakes.

      Huh. You say this like it's a bad thing...

      Also, it's bullshit. That's about as valid as the argument that legalizing gay marriage will lead to people marrying multiple partners, goats, and furniture.

    15. Re:This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by cynyr · · Score: 1

      looks like from TFA hat all they want the FDA to do is regulate these as drug delivery devices, like they do for inhalers, needles, insulin pumps, etc.

      --
      All of the above was encrypted with a Quad ROT-13 method. Unauthorized decryption is in violation of the DMCA.
    16. Re:This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by sjames · · Score: 1

      The reality comes in two stages. First, people will get prescribed 40mg twice a day of something like Ecstacy (or probably something more recreational, life-taylored, like "okay, take ONE of these on Saturday Night at the club"). They will then proceed to abuse their prescriptions (people do this already with prescription meds) to get high... well, higher. Then they'll get locked out because of abuse as their doctor refuses to write more prescription. Then they'll hit the street for illegal drugs... again....

      Absolutely, a Valium habit is a real bitch to kick! Oops, that one is already legal and many have gotten doctors to prescribe it... Quitting Valium suddenly can even lead to psychosis, homicidal rage, or fatal seizures.

      Well, at least people aren't getting wigged out on those SSRIs that screw with serotonin (oops again). I suppose as long as we keep the drugs that mess with dopamine like cocaine or Requip (oops) controlled it'll be OK.

    17. Re:This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by sjames · · Score: 1

      Further, since most drugs of addiction are illegal people try to hide their addiction. Dysfunctional people invariably fail while better functioning people successfully keep it secret. So naturally, without digging deeper we conclude that addiction causes dysfunction.

      Round up 100 people and give them a very good reason to hide their alcohol consumption. The > 50 who drink socially will manage just fine, the alcoholic will fail.

    18. Re:This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by quarterbuck · · Score: 1

      You assume that the purpose of the society is to be rational and as you say it "ethical".
      Define the purpose of the society as maximizing individual happiness or "pursuit of happiness" and your drift problem goes away. You'll get a society where a lot of people take drugs all the time, and it need not necessarily be a bad thing.
      You have to remember that all of Rome drank water from lead pipes (lead poisoning) and that most Indians use "Bhang" (a variant of marijuana) for religious celebrations. Neither have ended up killing all the people.

      --
      http://slashdot.org/submission/1062723/Cheap-mobile-data-plan?art_pos=2
    19. Re:This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by sjames · · Score: 1

      ...whom Puritans thought were more or less satanic.

      Naturally, the Catholics considered alcohol in moderation to be acceptable. That just HAD to be the work of Satan.

    20. Re:This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by sjames · · Score: 1

      Of course, the ALA is supposed to be all about pulmonary health. But of course if everyone switches to nicotine routes that don't harm the lungs they won't have anyone to scold. Then the people who got involved because they like to scold and this made them look less obnoxious will be upset.

    21. Re:This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by Alcoholist · · Score: 2, Insightful

      You only need to look at my nic to know what side of the fence I'm going to come down on. Still:

      "They will then proceed to abuse their prescriptions (people do this already with prescription meds) to get high... well, higher." As you said, this is happening now. Good luck in trying to reverse it. I remember reading somewhere that 15% of the adult Western World is talking some form of anti-depressant. So that means that 15% of the adult Western World are legal drug addicts. But doctors prescribe those drugs, don't they?

      "In wine there is truth," the old Roman proverb says. For some, it might actually be a healthy activity. People like getting out of their heads sometimes. It has been happening for thousands of years and the world hasn't been destroyed yet.

      --
      Bibo Ergo Sum.
    22. Re:This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      >Second, now that we're back where we started, we have to change the assumptions: prescription/doctors were for SALE, but you're legally allowed to ACQUIRE >AND USE whatever you want. So stage 2 starts. Society drifts. Everyone is always impaired. Moral and ethical bases shift. This has a real impact on the >effectiveness of the work force, on education, on everything.
      Do you really believe this? If this argument were valid then society would be crumbling because alcohol is legal and people everywhere would be showing up to work drunk. This is not happening. People who do show up to work drunk are typically fired. The same is true for people who are impaired by illicit narcotics. People are capable of self restraint. There is a word for people who are incapable of this sort of long-term cost-benefit analysis: children. And because of this prohibition it is easier for kids to get a hold of illegal drugs than it is to obtain the legal drug alcohol. Why? Because drug dealers do not care about breaking the law. I do not know about you but should crack and heroin become legal right now I would not be running out to buy it. Furthermore, I believe it is a safe bet that almost everyone who is not using already would not be buying it either. I am aware of the negative repercussions that would follow. Drug abuse is a serious social issue but making drugs illegal causes more problems and costs more money than addressing the social ills through other means. Turning users of drugs into criminals does not help them. Making drugs illegal does not not eradicate them; it only serves to funds large and violent criminal syndicates. These
      syndicates are necessarily violent because they deal in an illicit trade and as a consequence there are no legal remedies available to them.

      > there is no way to acknowledge casual sex as NOT horrendously evil without giving the logical conclusion that it's perfectly fine to be a lecher or a slut.
      That is such a loaded sentence. "Lecher or slut" presupposes a negative judgment on the actions of the concerned parties. Sex is great and there is nothing
      wrong with enjoying it. Sex can have enormous repercussions. STDs and unexpected/unwanted pregnancies are not jokes. A cavalier attitude towards those
      repercussions expressed by fornicating in the street with a perfect stranger can reflect poorly upon those engaged in the act without thinking of casual sex
      as evil. But then again I don't have a negative attitude towards sex.

    23. Re:This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by acromosh · · Score: 1

      dang.. I though you were going to talk about mutant doctor/police hydrids.

    24. Re:This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It's a valid argument. It is also irrelevant. 1,000 years from now, humanity will have evolved into something we cannot begin to comprehend, regardless of our actions today.

    25. Re:This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by LongearedBat · · Score: 1

      In Switzerland there's an interesting program:
      http://www.parl.gc.ca/37/1/parlbus/commbus/senate/Com-e/ille-e/library-e/collin1-e.htm#3.%20%20Third%20Pillar:%20Harm%20Reduction

      I wonder if...
      - drugs in the street were still illegal, but...
      - legal drug centres were available that provided professionally made drugs, medical help, meals, consultation, social help
      ... that the consequences would be to...
      - undermine the profitability of illegal drug trade (and as a consequence the "advertising" of drugs by dealers, in schools etc.)
      - make crime resulting from addiction redundant, to a degree (as free drugs in a safe environment would be available in the drug centres)

      Sure, organised criminals might move on, but I think it would reduce "the drug scene" and many of its consequences.

    26. Re:This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by Lunzo · · Score: 1

      Decriminalization was only half of what Portugal did. They also improved education about drugs and improved the services for dealing with addicts e.g. safe injecting rooms.

      N.B. It's still illegal to traffic or sell drugs in Portugal.

    27. Re:This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by fractoid · · Score: 1

      This is a philosophical battle. [...] It is basically a battle between the Puritan ideal that all pleasures of the flesh are bad, wrong, and evil, and the not so crazy idea that harm is bad while pleasure is good.

      You, sir, are once again absolutely correct. Sadly, those on the Puritan side seldom seem to muster the necessary honesty to admit it.

      A lot of these 'sins' stem from what were once very useful rules to prevent harm. Limiting fornication, for instance, was vital in pre-birth-control cultures to prevent unwanted pregnancies and to limit the spread of venereal disease. Consumption of pork was hazardous due to risk of parasites if the meat is not sufficiently well cooked.

      The problem came when organised religions conflated the avoidance of certain enjoyable actions for practical reasons with their ascetic restraint as a form of subverting natural drives into religious fervour. Now it's all mixed together under the heading "if you enjoy it, God probably disapproves", which is great for keeping peasants in line but is not the most practical and useful approach to recreational activities.

      --
      Rampant carbon sequestration destroyed the Dinosaurs' tropical paradise. I'm here to help repair the damage.
    28. Re:This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by fractoid · · Score: 1

      If you don't have dogmatic sexual restrictions (sex before marriage is a crime and/or draws severe social stigma that totally fucks up your life), society's morals drift. Society will then eventually stabilize at a point where you can just walk up to anyone and suggest fucking, and get it right there; sex flows freely, about as easy as hugs and handshakes.

      How so? How do you go from "sex before marriage is not a crime" to "people fucking strangers on street corners"? Hugs don't flow freely to strangers (notice how much attention that 'free hugs' guy got!) and people seldom engage in more intimate behaviour such as kissing. It's not an issue of morals, it's also determined by the individual's need for privacy, personal space, and pre-existing relationships as a precursor to intimacy.

      [...] as there is no way to acknowledge casual sex as NOT horrendously evil without giving the logical conclusion that it's perfectly fine to be a lecher or a slut.

      I'm afraid I must disagree. I don't feel that being a slut is horrendously evil, yet I still wouldn't want to take a different partner home every night, in the same way that I don't feel that cannabis is horrendously evil, even though I have no interest in smoking it myself.

      --
      Rampant carbon sequestration destroyed the Dinosaurs' tropical paradise. I'm here to help repair the damage.
    29. Re:This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      If you don't have dogmatic sexual restrictions (sex before marriage is a crime and/or draws severe social stigma that totally fucks up your life), society's morals drift. Society will then eventually stabilize at a point where you can just walk up to anyone and suggest fucking, and get it right there; sex flows freely, about as easy as hugs and handshakes. It's a slow, multi-generational process; but you can only stabilize on one side or the other...

      Does the fact that no society in history has ever stabilized at either extreme, but has always been somewhere along this spectrum, undermine your conclusion at all?

    30. Re:This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by bluefoxlucid · · Score: 1

      See China, and the Opium Wars. We got to the "Drugs are Bad" point somehow.

    31. Re:This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by bluefoxlucid · · Score: 1

      ... the fall of the roman empire was a lack of soldier crop because everyone was ill from lead poisoning from their lead plumbing...

    32. Re:This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by bluefoxlucid · · Score: 1

      How can you have a negative connotation in something that's logically concluded to be perfectly fine? Wouldn't those conceptions also go away? Actually in this model it's more likely you'd be looked down on for being sexually conservative, since everyone else puts out and you never wanna have any fun.....

    33. Re:This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by bluefoxlucid · · Score: 1

      How so? How do you go from "sex before marriage is not a crime" to "people fucking strangers on street corners"?

      With a lot of passage of time. Also there are several open role-play servers (Wired ran a report listing 10 of them) that are focused around sex; I've been on a few, they basically model a society that's... pretty much what I described.

      These are the quiet overtones flowing around in peoples' minds, and they're quite comfortable interacting in that environment. Back ... go 500 years back, sliding your arm around one girl's hip, and the other arm around another girl's hip... that's something people "just didn't do." Do you really think it's a stretch for a fantasy world that revolves around sexual expression in a way that seems outlandish to us today to accurately model what society will look like eventually?

      A lot of girls I know aspire to have a 3-way with other girls/guys, and many couples actively engage in such activities. It's a very normal and common part of a romantic relationship these days. Open relationships are uncommon but... every girl that's approached me for a relationship has actually suggested an open relationship. That's all three of them.

      Also, the bar scene basically exists to take random people home these days. Just saying.

    34. Re:This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by bluefoxlucid · · Score: 1

      Does the fact that no society in history has ever stabilized at either extreme, but has always been somewhere along this spectrum, undermine your conclusion at all?

      No, because no society has ever left that shit alone. Well, okay, there are some extremists that punish any sexual deviance (sex before marriage, self-exposure, etc) by death; they're not stable, but they last as long as someone has the force to exert. Beyond that, there is a lot of talk about "morals" going on and a lot of that serves to deter people from such behavior or make it easier to function socially if you keep that shit in the background and act like it's not so common.

    35. Re:This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by dyingtolive · · Score: 1

      C'mon, you've seen Requiem for a Dream. Current system = total happy ending.

      --
      Support the EFF and Creative Commons. The war is coming, and they're supporting you...
    36. Re:This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by OMEGA+Power · · Score: 1

      What about the third side that says addicts who aren't harming anyone but themselves should be offered help if they (for whatever reason) want to quit but should otherwise be left alone?

    37. Re:This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by EllisDees · · Score: 1

      It still sounds like it would be a giant overall savings and would achieve more of the desired effect (lower drug use) than the current system we're stuck in.

      --
      -- Give me ambiguity or give me something else!
    38. Re:This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by spun · · Score: 1

      Well put.

      --
      - None can love freedom heartily, but good men; the rest love not freedom, but license. -- John Milton
    39. Re:This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by spun · · Score: 1

      Another very good point.

      --
      - None can love freedom heartily, but good men; the rest love not freedom, but license. -- John Milton
    40. Re:This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by mcgrew · · Score: 1

      This is essentially the argument over legalized drugs (the intelligent one, not the one where "we can tax a $100 trillion industry!" that's going to be a $50 million industry when the shit's legal).

      That's because the price of an illegal commodity is far higher than a legal one. Marijuana is far easier to grow than tobacco, yet even with taxes a pack of cigs (~ one ounce) costs $3-7, while an ounce of pot costs... well, I don't know any more, the price went up so much I don't buy ounces any more, just eights (actually I seldom buy it, one of my girlfriends gives it to me).

      If heroin were legal, burglaries would drop, as the junkies wouldn't have to steal as much to support their habit. Come to think of it, I've never heard of an alcoholic stealing to support their habits, but whisky is a lot cheaper than heroin.

      The reality comes in two stages. First, people will get prescribed 40mg twice a day of something like Ecstacy (or probably something more recreational, life-taylored, like "okay, take ONE of these on Saturday Night at the club").

      There's one problem with your paradigm -- that you need a prescription for beer. It's well known that alcohol is addictive, that not only can you can overdose on it but there are more deaths annually from alcohol overdose than all other drugs combined, that a badly addicted alcoholic can die from withdrawal, and its intoxication can cause you to do stupid enough things to get killed.

      But you don't need a prescription. If you are going to legalize a substance, sell it like alcohol in the same places you sell alcohol with the same restrictions as selling alcohol; when that once-illegal product was legalized, most of the harm (adulterants, gang wars) attributed to it vanished.

      Society drifts. Everyone is always impaired. Moral and ethical bases shift. This has a real impact on the effectiveness of the work force, on education, on everything.

      Christ, do you get all your propaganda from PFDFA or are you just parroting them for the sake of argument? Alcohol is one of the hardest drugs there is, it's legal, I drink it (my daughter says I drink too much of it), yet I don't drink at work or go to work drunk. I smoke pot, so its illegality is not keeping me from smoking it, but no way in hell would I smoke crack or shoot any drug. If heroin were legal tomorrow would YOU start using it? Neither would anybody else. Anybody who would shoot heroin is going to do it regardless of legality. There is no shortage of any illegal drug, what is the point of its criminalization? Hell, I drink in a bar in the ghetto, people are trying to sell me crack (and crackheads are trying to sell me stolen merchandize and pussy) all the time; it's available and easy to get. Outlawing beer never stopped anyone from drinking that wanted a drink, and outlawing crack doesn't keep anybody from smoking it, either.

      Your story is pure fantasy with no basis in fact whatever. Fairy tales are not going to advance your cause, friend.

      But this is all very fuzzy; importantly, it's just as fuzzy as "everything will be fine."

      It's not fuzzy, and all is not fine now. The fact is, most of the problems with any illegal drug stem from its illegality. Legalizing them won't result in utopia, but will result in great easing of some of society's problems. You don't lock an alcoholic up, you send him to rehab. Yes, rehab fails more often than it succeeds (My friend Amy is an alcoholic who checks into rehab at least twice a year, and the first thing she does when she gets out is call me to take her to the bar) but neither does prison.

      The argument over sex is actually more interesting. If you don't have dogmatic sexual restrictions (sex before marriage is a crime and/or draws severe social stigma that totally fucks up your life), society's morals drift. Society will then eventually stabilize at a point where you can just walk up to anyone and suggest fucking, and get it right there; sex flows freely, about as easy as hugs and handshakes.

    41. Re:This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by Captain+Splendid · · Score: 1

      Wow, I thought people like you had pretty much died off by now. Modern medicine has its drawbacks, I guess.

      Get off my intertubes, grandpa!

      --
      Linux, you magnificent bastard, I read the fucking manual!
    42. Re:This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by Taevin · · Score: 1

      Do you have a point to make or will you continue to talk abstractly about the subject with a vague notion of "sex is bad?"

    43. Re:This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by bluefoxlucid · · Score: 1

      I'm 24, I grew up staying in my room and not paying attention to my parents (they're nuts), and I rely on myself for everything. I've sort of developed a clean-room sense of rational ethics, an asset I use a lot to critically assess things I don't agree with-- sometimes even weighing on things I'd rather not acknowledge-- while others break down into mindless rants and completely ignore facts.

      Then again, to me a smoldering earth full of free-flowing but properly contracepted incest and a broken healthcare system that causes more poverty (thus illness and death) than it could have ever helped is just an interesting artifact; I happen to find serious progress more interesting, as I like efficient systems and I like to see things advance at "impossible" rates.

    44. Re:This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by xethair · · Score: 1

      I would think that that is much more a Catholic doctrine, a religious group whom Puritans thought were more or less satanic.

      You've forgotten the actual background: Puritans came from the Church. They thought the Catholics were bad because they were too loose and immoral. So, yes, that can be Catholic and Puritan doctrine, with the Puritans being the absurdly hyperbolic version. They are called Puritans because they wanted to "purify" the church. They were profoundly annoying.

    45. Re:This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by Philip_the_physicist · · Score: 1

      This took me a while to answer, because of the service outages, but here geos:

      Well the second group also has a tendency to only pay attention to tangible things, which causes a problem.

      This is essentially the argument over legalized drugs (the intelligent one, not the one where "we can tax a $100 trillion industry!" that's going to be a $50 million industry when the shit's legal). One side says these are evil, harmful, addictive things that destroy lives; the other says (get this-- it's great) people will manage themselves fine while addicted to crack, and will get professional help and have doctors write prescriptions, and use their drugs responsibly.

      Except the sane ones on that side generally say "ecstasy, pot, NO2 and so on should be legal and sold like alcohol, heroin, crack and so on can stay illegal," with or without medical care for those on hard drugs.

      The reality comes in two stages. First, people will get prescribed 40mg twice a day of something like Ecstacy (or probably something more recreational, life-taylored, like "okay, take ONE of these on Saturday Night at the club"). They will then proceed to abuse their prescriptions (people do this already with prescription meds) to get high... well, higher. Then they'll get locked out because of abuse as their doctor refuses to write more prescription. Then they'll hit the street for illegal drugs... again....

      Except they won't under the alcohol-model system, because they'll be able to get as much as they like once they're 18 (or whatever the age is where you are, I'm guessing the USA, so 21), legitimately, and it will probably become slightly harder for children to get drugs illegally, assuming the tax rules are sane (I'll talk about that later), because they would have to buy it at a questionable bar or lazy bottle shop, rather than some guy who risks nothing more by selling to them.

      Second, now that we're back where we started, we have to change the assumptions: prescription/doctors were for SALE, but you're legally allowed to ACQUIRE AND USE whatever you want. So stage 2 starts. Society drifts. Everyone is always impaired. Moral and ethical bases shift. This has a real impact on the effectiveness of the work force, on education, on everything.

      People can drink any time they like, but there are laws against drink driving, any sane labour laws would allow sacking for repeated drunkenness. You don't see that everyone is slightly tipsy, do you?

      But this is all very fuzzy; importantly, it's just as fuzzy as "everything will be fine." Read this again: the hypothesis that legalizing drugs will result in a Utopian Paradise or even in a complete null operation (i.e. no change) is JUST AS CRAZY as assuming the whole world will slowly fall apart, if not more so (because we know drugs are addictive and make your behavior less rational, so this is more likely a bad thing in the long run). Those arguing for legalized drugs universally like to ignore ALL of this, since it's all (by definition) conjecture (yes, even if it's 100% accurate; you have to PROVE it first, scientifically, for it to be a valid known-factual argument).

      No, a restriction of people's freedoms, no matter how trivial, needs to be justified. A relaxation of those restrictions should take place as soon as there is no overwhelming balance of evidence to justify the restrictions. Yes, the argument that legalising *everything* will be fine is somewhat ridiculous, but there is a middle way.

      Alcohol is addictive and harmful when misused, but people have been drinking it for so long, and so many people enjoy it, that our society considers anyone in favour of banning it at least slightly odd. Yet these same people consider any one in favour of easing restrictions on drugs which are approximately equally harmful to be even odder.

      The argument over sex is actually more interesting. If you don't have d

    46. Re:This is abstincence vs. harm reduction by bluefoxlucid · · Score: 1

      Sex is an awesome example of moral drift, no matter how you want to take that. On a technical level, cocaine is a "sex drug" (yeah, that's a term) because it stimulates the same parts of the brain (read: bullshit; it causes the same chemicals to be released globally) as sex, making it desirable like a strong orgasm. Apparently this means sex behaves like a drug, though I don't really seem to feel a strong need for sex so I don't know (I also don't feel a strong need for caffeine after several years of drinking 15-20 sodas a day and chugging Jolt Cola a lot; I just stopped one day).

  60. Toxic! by Genius+In+Remission · · Score: 1

    Has anyone thought of how much more toxic all the e-butts on the ground will be than regular butts?

  61. Bullshit by Rakishi · · Score: 2, Interesting

    The ALA can go fuck itself. E-cigs are from what I've noticed the single best way to quit smoking and apparently the ALA doesn't want people to actually quit smoking. Patches and all that jazz don't work so I wonder how much ALA funding is coming from the makers of those.

    It's quite clear there's more to a cigarette addiction than just a nicotine addiction. Patches and all that crap barely work for that very reason.

    I know a lot of people who have tried to quit for years or decades without much success. Then they tried e-cigs and after a while they don't smoke at all anymore or at most once a week. Quite a few have even stopped smoking e-cigs as well. If I remember studies show the success rate to be absurdly better than any other approach.

    1. Re:Bullshit by MobyDisk · · Score: 2, Informative

      The problem is that the e-cig manufacturers are distributing a drug without having gone through the FDA process. They can sell them if they want, but they have to go through the proper channels just like everyone else.

      The manufacturers are taking advantage of the fact that nobody really knows what is inside these things. I can only assume that they figured no one would stop them from selling a nicotine product if they made it look like a novelty and sold it in mall kiosks. But the FDA did notice. If these are a good way to quit smoking, then the FDA will approve them the same way it did with nicotine gum, and nicotine patches. But you can't just bring something to market, smuggle it into the US, and sell them at kiosks in malls. What happens if a 12-year-old kid decides to buy a box of these and dare his friends to smoke them all one night?

    2. Re:Bullshit by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      A)This isn't a new drug. It is nicotine, everybody knows what it is and what it does, you can buy it without FDA approval already. Nothing new here.

      The FDA only regulates products to stop smoking because they need to prove that a product actually reduces smoking. If you don't market them to stop smoking, the FDA can't really complain.

      B)Where on earth is a 12 year old going to buy them? Oh sorry, did you say they'll just borrow an older sibling/friend's cigarettes/booze/weed? Not an argument.

    3. Re:Bullshit by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Actually the FDA already tried to regulate the product as well as halt shipments into the US...the judge told the FDA to pack sand.

    4. Re:Bullshit by h4rr4r · · Score: 1

      The world is down one idiot?

      When were cigarettes approved by the FDA?

    5. Re:Bullshit by Anarki2004 · · Score: 1

      Thank you, I was going to say just that.

      --
      The teachers will crack any minute, purple monkey dishwasher.
    6. Re:Bullshit by MobyDisk · · Score: 1

      A) Currently, the FDA has the power to regulate cigarettes.

      It doesn't matter if it is not a new drug. The FDA controls things like: how much nicotine are you getting? How quickly? Is the delivery mechanism safe? Is the mechanism for delivery safe, repeatable, and reliable? Can they be tampered with? How consistent is the manufacturing - Ex: does the dosage vary from lot to lot?

      B) FYI: e-cigarettes are sold at mall kiosks.

    7. Re:Bullshit by MobyDisk · · Score: 1

      When were cigarettes approved by the FDA?

      2009.

      I'm surprised they didn't regulate them sooner than that. I thought nicotine was a drug.

    8. Re:Bullshit by Chrionic · · Score: 1

      I find the assertions that children are going to purchase e-cigarettes mind boggling. E-cigarette kits at mall kiosks typically sell for over $100.00 US. The cheapest kit to be had online is around $35.00. If some 12 year old wants to experiment with smoking, which is he actually going to do, pay all of his XBox game money for an electronic cigarette, or swipe a few tobacco cigarettes from a relative, the relative of a friend, or the 18 year old down the block? Seriously, the e-cigarette can frustrate adults in the beginning. Some have even returned to smoking because lighting a regular cigarette is easy and there is a definite learning curve to using an e-cigarette. No child is going to have the patience for that, they're too busy looking for the quickest possible means to an end.

  62. bullshit by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Completely isolate yourself from the rest of humanity, and see how that works out for you. You and your tea bagger idiot friends are social animals, so stop pretending you are not. Your actions have consequences to others around you, law or no law. Speeders kill other people. Drunk drivers kill other people. Smokers harm other people's health, and are a drag on the economy. Fat unhealthy people overtax our health care system. You don't live in a vacuum, other than the intellectual vacuum of Fox News and Glen Beck. Even your idiocy is a drag on the rest of us. Change the channel, fucking nitwit.

  63. A couple of percent a year by Colin+Smith · · Score: 1

    Lung function reduction.

    By the time you get to your fifties, you're down below 50% function and your oxygen saturation levels go off a cliff if you even stand up and take a few steps. Walking, isn't possible.

    It might be worth thinking about what your lungs are for a moment. They are a very high surface area membrane which allows oxygen and CO2 to pass across between the environment and blood stream. Anything which damages it is likely to cause scarring, probably permanent and the scarred membrane no longer functions.

    Just a percent or two a year, you probably won't even notice it happening. But go ahead, the world is overpopulated anyway.
     

    --
    Deleted
    1. Re:A couple of percent a year by Man+On+Pink+Corner · · Score: 1

      How exactly do e-cigs reduce lung function, again...?

    2. Re:A couple of percent a year by Falconhell · · Score: 1

      Oh really Colin?

      I am 50 have smoked for 36 years and just recently spent 3 hours above 12,000ft in an unpressurised sailplane with no sign of trouble, as indicated by a pulse oximeter.

      According to your figures I should have 50% or less
      of lung function, and as for my uncle who gave up at 87 recently......

      97.5% of statistics are made up on the spot!

    3. Re:A couple of percent a year by mcgrew · · Score: 1

      Bullshit.

      I started smoking when I was 16 in 1968, and stopped in 1999. I run rings around guys young enough to be my son; my friend Amy (her late dad was a year younger than me) says I'm younger than her boyfriend, who's her age (she says I'm better in bed than him, too).

      The bar I drink in is a "working man's bar", most of the guys there are construction workers, and quite a few are in their fifties and even older, and most of them smoke. You're hardly going to be able to do construction if "your oxygen saturation levels go off a cliff if you even stand up and take a few steps. Walking, isn't possible."

      Cigarettes are bad for you, but gross inaccuracies like yours aren't going to make anybody quit smoking, or to not start.

  64. Re:The E-cigs aren't exactly GOOD for your lungs.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    While they may be less bad than traditional smoked tobacco, they still aren't good for your lungs.

    Some Doctors have the opposite opinion:
    "propylene glycol vapor is odorless, tasteless, nontoxic, non-irritating, cheap, highly bactericidal"

    Plus, the nicotine delivered by electronic cigarettes is minuscule:
    "They are as effective at nicotine delivery as puffing on an unlit cigarette,"

    So, If the propylene glycol helps prevent one from getting the flu, and it's really just the hand-to-mouth and fake smoke and not the nicotine that is satisfying the ecig user... what's the problem?

  65. Citation by Burning1 · · Score: 1

    I was going to post a citation... ...But then I got high.

  66. Vipers! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    This is how things go: If you do something legally or morally wrong, unpopular and/or politically wrong, you better control 9or at least keep in check) the opposition. That's how things get played by the big guys. So, this message goes to the American Lung Association: STOP lobbying for the big tobacco, and start pushing bans on nicotine/tar products and cigarettes itself.

    Bunch of vipers....

  67. E-cigs...marketing and magic? by msimm · · Score: 1

    I've used e-cigarettes, albeit not in the way most users do (hint: think green[ish]) but I'm pretty intimately familiar with them after developing my own ..um.. formula.

    The basic e-cigarette devices is roughly the same size and shape as a regular cigarette and are composed of a battery (lithium-ion in most cases) which screws into the atomizer and cartridge with a led at the tip (of the battery) which lights up as you draw air through the atomizers (usually referred to simply as the atty).

    E-cigs deliver nicotine in a solution based on either Propylene Glycol or Vegetable Glycerin. This liquid is what they put into the cartridges, which use a simple wick to get bring the nicotine solution (commonly referred to as e-juice) into contact with the atomizer (which produces relatively low heat to vaporize the solution).

    Most commercial e-juice has a lot of additional crap in it, including flavoring, stabilizers and other chemicals. While it's been pretty well established that the combustion by-products produced by burning tobacco are pretty bad for you I suspect very little is known about the possible effects of vaporizing the various chemicals delivered by the e-cigarettes, particularly the possible build-up of either Propylene Glycol or Vegetable Glycerin in the lungs.

    That said, if the ALA is serious about it's primary mission I'd prefer they sponsor research into possible health effects and/or benefits of using one of these devices over smoking traditional cigarettes because for many people these are useful devices that provide a reasonable means of nicotine delivery. And if we consider the relatively small doses of nicotine safe I think these devices are perfectly acceptable chemical delivery systems, however they are health/medical devices and probably *should* be seeing some critical scrutiny.

    Most e-cigarettes are manufactured in China and use a fairly similar/common design across brands. Calling them a healthy alternative without any real hard data to back that claim up (in regard to either the vaporized e-juice or the device itself as it's been designed) seems pretty questionable.

    --
    Quack, quack.
  68. GRAS chemicals by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

    The airborn chemicals you speak of is generally Proplyene Glycol. This "chemical" has been given the status of "GRAS" by the FDA which means "generally regarded as safe" for human consumption.

    Propylene Glycol is in many makeup products and some food additives.

    1. Re:GRAS chemicals by DeadChobi · · Score: 1

      Judging by your "use" of "quotations" to "denote" a "chemical," I can only "assume" that you don't "believe" that "chemicals" "exist."

      --
      SRSLY.
    2. Re:GRAS chemicals by shiftless · · Score: 1

      I think his intention was more along the lines of directing well-earned ridicule at those who freak out at the idea of there being "chemicals" (that is, "OMG@chemicals THOSE R DANGERUS!%!!") in the air.

  69. Anti-addiction crusaders by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    That's typical of the anti-addiction crusader control freaks. I sure wish these analites would get a clue and realize addiction is a natural consequence of a complex nervous system - i.e. a symptom of being human.

  70. Uh, what? by Benfea · · Score: 1

    If someone becomes addicted to these new e-cigs instead of the real thing, then good. The negative health effects of getting your nicotine jones from one of these "crutches" is substantially lower than the negative health effects of getting nicotine in one of the more normal ways.

    Yes, at the end of the day the person is still addicted to nicotine and could still find themselves going back to cigarettes at some point, but that is always a danger with addiction, with or without the crutches. Either you never got addicted to nicotine, or you had an easier time quitting than most, because you don't seem to appreciate how difficult it is for most people to quit. It takes most people several tries to get it right, and Ozzy Osbourne once said it was harder for him to quit cigarettes than to quit heroin, yet you make it sound like it should be no more difficult than giving up a particular brand of coffee or a particular TV show.

  71. Citation please. by ClioCJS · · Score: 1
    --
    -Clio
    Karma: Bad (mostly from not giving a fuck)
    Blog: http://clintjcl.wordpress.com
  72. Apple launches iCig by bugs2squash · · Score: 2, Funny

    but you can't replace the battery and the EULA stipulates you have to wear black while smoking it.

    --
    Nullius in verba
  73. Agenda? by DesScorp · · Score: 4, Insightful

    What is their agenda? (other than to promote lung health, which no reasonable person could criticize)

    When their agenda includes banning a legal product because they think it sends the wrong message, then they've crossed the line. They've done noble work over the years, but they're becoming as bad as those fools from the Center For Science In The Public Interest. If you want to convince someone to change habits, more power to them. If you're trying to ban a legal product because, well, you just know what's good for them, then ALA can go pound sand.

    Note: I don't even smoke. Never have. But ALA is just being a nannying busybody here.

    --
    Life is hard, and the world is cruel
    1. Re:Agenda? by glwtta · · Score: 1

      When their agenda includes banning a legal product because they think it sends the wrong message, then they've crossed the line.

      Kind of an interesting qualifier: how much use is it trying to ban an illegal product? Come to think of it, if advocating banning legal products is always wrong, how do products become illegal in the first place?

      --
      sic transit gloria mundi
    2. Re:Agenda? by ArsonSmith · · Score: 1

      "...if advocating banning legal products is always wrong, how do products become illegal in the first place?"

      And now you are starting so see the point.

      --
      Paying taxes to buy civilization is like paying a hooker to buy love.
    3. Re:Agenda? by Seraphim_72 · · Score: 1

      Cigarettes are a legal product .. and they seek to ban those as well.

      --
      Slashdot, where armchair scientists get shouted down and armchair theologians get modded up.
    4. Re:Agenda? by ls+-la · · Score: 1

      What is their agenda? (other than to promote lung health, which no reasonable person could criticize)

      When their agenda includes banning a legal product because they think it sends the wrong message, then they've crossed the line. They've done noble work over the years, but they're becoming as bad as those fools from the Center For Science In The Public Interest. If you want to convince someone to change habits, more power to them. If you're trying to ban a legal product because, well, you just know what's good for them, then ALA can go pound sand.

      Note: I don't even smoke. Never have. But ALA is just being a nannying busybody here.

      It wouldn't make much sense pushing to ban an illegal product, now would it?

    5. Re:Agenda? by houghi · · Score: 1

      I am sure they want banning of normal cigarettes as well as the electronic ones. I am sure they are all for banning smoking in public places, which was allowed not so long ago and is still allowed in some places.

      --
      Don't fight for your country, if your country does not fight for you.
  74. Not necessarily true... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Its funny, unfortunately i can't find it now, but somewhere on the net is a study of the long term effects of propylene glycol (major component in e-cigs) that stated they saw a higher resistance to airborne diseases and no ill effects (except for those who were allergic). Propylene glycol is a liquid which happens to get metabolized by the body (even in the lungs).

    So theres a chance you could be wrong.

    The moral is there isn't enough scientific data on this subject over a long enough time period to say anything either way.

    1. Re:Not necessarily true... by KlomDark · · Score: 1

      There's not enough scientific data on this subject????

      1. Nicotine - All kinds of separate medical studies on the effects of it to get FDA approval for the nicotine gums, nicotine patches, even an FDA approved electronic cigarette. It's very lethal in pure doses, but in eCigs it is extremely diluted so that you get about the same amount of nicotine per drag as you would from a lit cigarette. It can still cause vein and heart issues but at pretty much the same risk as coffee (caffeine). But the IMPORTANT thing here is that nicotine by itself does not cause cancer!

      2. Propylene Glycol - Over a century of data on spraying large amounts of it on crowds of people in an enclosed area. You probably know it better by it's more common description: The stuff that comes out of fog machines at concerts! Plus lots of medical studies that show it's even got some beneficial properties when breathed. Nothing showing any cancer effect. This is around 99% of what you're breathing in when vaping. The rest is the nicotine extract and a tiny amount of FDA approved flavoring agents.

      If you're going to try to trash on the things, at least get your basic facts straight first.

      Want some actual scientific ammo to argue with? Here's the two things as a daily vaper for several months (and a 25 year smoker before that) that I'd like to see more research on:

      1. I'm curious about the effect of the wicking material in the eCig nicotine cartridge as it gets heated while the atomizer heats up to boil the liquid. I'm not sure what it's made of, but looks like nylon. At high enough temperatures, nylon will let off some nasty toxins. I don't know if that means burning temperature or just boiling temperature? It's not getting melted or shrinking, so it probably isn't breaking down, but it's something I'd like to know for sure.

      2. Propylene Glycol applied to skin makes it much more permeable to other chemicals and is used for dermal medicine delivery (Probably even in nicotine patches, but I don't know what they use.) because of that. Does that have some effect on the lungs, or are lungs already permeable enough and it won't have much effect? (Or even better, does breathing PG also make your lungs more permeable to oxygen? Which could also have a beneficial effect.

      Just don't spout nonsense next time. :)

  75. bullshit by ClioCJS · · Score: 1

    Vapor has no smell unless you add additives. I've vaped in restaurants and museums and had people right next to me not notice. Your evidence is anecdotal. My article on getting started with e-cigarettes, including purchase links. I make $0 off of this.

    --
    -Clio
    Karma: Bad (mostly from not giving a fuck)
    Blog: http://clintjcl.wordpress.com
  76. nonsense by JackSpratts · · Score: 1

    the idea that nicotine isn't harmful is laughable and flies in the face of fifty years of rigorous medical studies. the effects on the circulatory system are long documented and begin within seconds of nicotine entering the bloodstream. the only question is of permanence. does the damage to the body diminish after quitting? in many cases yes, if nicotine users actually stop, but that's small comfort to someone dying of heart attack or facing amputations from buerger's disease.

    if e-cigs are primarily used by older smokers looking for less harmful alternatives that may be an argument in favor, even if they should get off the nic habit entirely. prescriptions for e-cigs or other alternatives could mitigate this issue.

    the real damage is to the next generation of kids who listen to bullshit rants from e-cig apologists and corporate shills. kids who would never consider smoking cigarettes but who now find themselves stuck in an electronic addiction out of some misguided idea there's no harm being done to their bodies.

    but there's plenty of harm.

    these aren't safe cigarettes.

    they're merely proposed to be less deadly to some degree.

    and that's a major effing difference you aren't copping to kristin.

    - js.

  77. Places to obtain info on e-cigs by smf.ack · · Score: 1

    There are some great communities dedicated to personal vaporizers (e-cigs): http://www.vapersforum.com/ http://www.nu-vapor.com/forum/forum.php http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/ Folks at any of these forums will happily recommend a model, offer advise, and give information to all that ask. Most are very reasonable. Anecdotally I smoked for 10 years and tried to quit unsuccessfully several times. I would always cheat within days. I purchased my first e-cig Nov. 22nd and have not smoked a real cig since Nov. 23rd. I am all for preventing minors from purchasing e-cigs, I do not mind not being able to use it indoors, and I don't flash mine around children. Most vapers are all for research and some of the communities above even raise money for research purposes.

  78. Really? "and echo his call" by way2trivial · · Score: 2, Informative

    They themselves have in a press release asked for an absolute BAN

    http://www.lungusa.org/press-room/press-releases/e-cigarettes-action.html

    "Our organizations thank Senator Lautenberg for his leadership in urging the FDA to remove these products from the market and echo his call that the FDA move quickly to remove these products from the marketplace. "

    --
    every day http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random
  79. Perhaps it is just me, getting old. by VinylPusher · · Score: 1

    I have to mention this, because my 'must argue with the internets' nerve is tingling...

    Does nobody else here think that folks smoking e-cigs look slightly foolish? I don't mean to detract from e-cigs health benefits or effectiveness in any way, but I just had to put that out there.

    Admittedly, my only exposure was watching a video of a gentlman enjoying his e-cig whilst travelling by train.

    He gave an unmistakable air of "look, I'm smoking. On a train. You can't say anything to me because it's an e-cigaratte. I *dare* you to say anything. Look. LOOK. I'm SMOKING here. Anyone?". The amount of smugness he was emitting really was magnitudes higher than any noxious chemicals.

  80. 60 minutes - SNUS by frog_strat · · Score: 2, Informative

    Anyone see the 60 minutes special on the SNUS ? After around 30 years, the European studies are rolling in and this type of tobacco looks pretty harmless. No lung or mouth cancer. A questionable uptick in pancreatic cancer, and slightly higher blood pressure. Tobacco without spitting.

    1. Re:60 minutes - SNUS by beakerMeep · · Score: 1

      I saw this too, it was fascinating. Though there really is that worry of becoming like the guy who did both.

      --
      meep
    2. Re:60 minutes - SNUS by Kattspya · · Score: 1

      It's fairly easy to make too. All you need is, tobacco, NaCl, CaCO3 and an oven that can keep the temperature at 95C. If you want you can go fancy with additives and flavouring.

      Here's my recipe
      500g of finely ground tobacco (I think Kentucky is the usual strain).
      60g NaCl
      500g water
      Mix ingredients and shove it in the oven for 24 hours.
      Remove the container, go outside and add 50-60g of CaCo3 (this decides the strength both feel and actual nicotine).
      Put it back in the oven for 12 more hours and add water to taste (1-2.5dl).

      If possible, add 5ml of liquid smoke in the first step.
      If you want to go fancy add, gum arabic (20-30g), maltodextrin (20g), glycerol (20-30g) and propylene glycol (20-30g) as a last step.

  81. Re:The E-cigs aren't exactly GOOD for your lungs.. by MobyDisk · · Score: 1

    So we should ban E-Cigs

    No, but like other nicotine products, they should not be sold at mall kiosks.

  82. Re:The E-cigs aren't exactly GOOD for your lungs.. by damn_registrars · · Score: 2, Interesting

    So the ALA has a pretty valid point that E-cigs are still bad, even if they are less bad.

    So we should ban E-Cigs, but not the "more" bad regular kind?

    I suspect it is, at least in part, a case of them picking their battles. It is easier to stop a new product than kill an existing one; and if their interest is in lung health they should take action against things that are bad for lung health. They likely realize that there is no chance in hell of pulling off a full bad on regular cigarettes - at least not with a pro-business government - so they might as well put energy into something they might be able to get some traction on.

    --
    Damn_registrars has no butt-hole. Damn_registrars has no use for a butt-hole.
  83. Nicotine != Safe by MikeV · · Score: 1

    What kind of arm-chair reporting is that??? Just a few milligrams is enough to kill a human. It's a poison - one that works well as an organic OMRI approved pesticide too. What ya'll claim next? That strictnine is "safe?" Perhaps we should all start eating rat poison then? Rubbish.

    1. Re:Nicotine != Safe by Aphoxema · · Score: 1

      What kind of arm-chair reporting is that??? Just a few milligrams is enough to kill a human. It's a poison - one that works well as an organic OMRI approved pesticide too. What ya'll claim next? That strictnine is "safe?" Perhaps we should all start eating rat poison then? Rubbish.

      It doesn't take much pure caffeine to kill someone either.

      --
      "Most people, I think, don't even know what a rootkit is, so why should they care about it?"
    2. Re:Nicotine != Safe by Fantastic+Lad · · Score: 1

      I've heard this nonsense argument before, and explained why it was silly then. I wonder if you're the same guy? If so, then it means you are practicing what is known as "Mechanical Thinking" where regardless of having your argument dismantled without adequate rebuttal, you simply reboot and repeat the same broken argument as though you were deaf and blind.

      If you're not the same guy, then please do a little research. Essentially, what you will discover is that most drugs in sufficient quantity will cause harm. Even water will kill you if you drink enough of it too quickly. The point of medicines is that in small quantities, a beneficial narcotic effect is present.

      If you can't grasp that, then by all means, just reboot, but don't be surprised if nobody takes you seriously.

      -FL

  84. Let me tell you as someone who uses them... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Electronic Cigarettes are saving me from a horrible addiction. I went from smoking around 16 regular cigarettes a day to only 4, on my first day. Have you ever been at an event with fog machines? It's the same base as fog juice which is propylene glycol. You can also use vegetable glycerine in the e-cigs as well. The "juice" is 3 things: PG or VG, food-safe flavoring, and nicotine(diluted). The "atomizer" lightly warms the fluid mixture as to vaporize is into a cool stream of fog. I like menthols, and the e-cigs really do it right!

    I talked to a friend who I had not seen in a while, and he said that he stopped regular smoking after the first try. He was not intending on quitting, he just wanted to see what they were like. I am very happy and much healthier because of them. My girlfriend is thrilled, and so is my family. Google ecig express if you wanna find out more. If you don't smoke, and there is ever an opportunity to vote on these devices, please consider supporting them. I hate second-hand smoke, too.

    1. Re:Let me tell you as someone who uses them... by Teknikal69 · · Score: 2, Interesting

      I also bought one solely to legally get round a smoking ban in the UK and pretty amazingly I haven't smoked a real cigarette since that day it was never my intention to give them up. I just want my opinion noted that I feel a lot healthier than when I was smoking I have more energy my smell and taste atre back and I can walk quite considerable distances now without any problems. To put it bluntly these e-cigs were invented by a chinese fellow who lost someone to cancer and they work like a dream obviously well enough to scare the tobbaco/ medicine lobby. To ban these might even send me back to real cigarettes and end up killing me and who knows how many more, banning these without a doubt will end up killing a lot more people. So really what is the agenda here why do they want people to die?

  85. nicotine more addictive then heroin? by Sebastopol · · Score: 1

    back me up here, but i could have sworn there were a boatload of studies in the 90's claiming nicotine was more addictive than heroin. was that true or am i just high on desk cleaner?

    --
    https://www.accountkiller.com/removal-requested
    1. Re:nicotine more addictive then heroin? by vigmeister · · Score: 1

      This might very well be true. Of course, the withdrawal symptoms of nicotine addiction are very mild in comparison which might make heroin seem more 'addictive'?

      Cheers!

      --
      Atheist: Buddhist in a Prius
  86. This is ridiculous by dynamo · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Vaporizers are a whole lot healthier when comparing with smoking for medical marijuana, there's no reason they shouldn't be much healthier with tobacco also. The ALA looks pretty stupid here, a couple more moves like this and they'll seem as intelligent as those 'birthers' who refuse to believe Hawaii officials about who was born there.

  87. I'll be calling the ALA in my state by OrwellianLurker · · Score: 1

    I'll be calling the ALA in my state and speaking to them about this. I guess I'll have to dig up some information about what they've been saying so they can't lie to me without me knowing. It'll be nice to inform them that I am friends with several drug addiction counselors who would love to hear the shit they're pulling.

    --
    'Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun.' - Mao Tse-tung
    1. Re:I'll be calling the ALA in my state by Anarki2004 · · Score: 1

      check out The Consumer Advocates For Smoke-Free Alternatives if you want good info on what you can do

      --
      The teachers will crack any minute, purple monkey dishwasher.
  88. Healthier my ass by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    It's 'less unhealthy', because there is nothing healthy in the first place about e-cigs or cigs.

    This is an astroturf article.

  89. Re:The E-cigs aren't exactly GOOD for your lungs.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    As someone who switched, and someone who knows their body(like we all should), I feel as if I have quit completely.
    I can smell, I can taste, I can BREATH like a normal person, and I never realized how bad it had gotten.
    The only thing in this wonderful device that is harmful is nicotine. 60MG(pretty much a single drop) of pure nicotine can kill a human, so theres no question about whether I am ingesting a poison.

    There is a distinct difference in my health and lung function, and I no longer ever get dizzy from standing.
    I can tell you first hand this electronic cigarette saved my life from being taken by lung cancer.

  90. Nicotine by gyrogeerloose · · Score: 1

    From the summary:

    numerous studies show that, absent the tobacco smoke, nicotine is relatively harmless and comparable to caffeine.

    Disregarding the highly addictive nature of nicotine (hey, whatever floats your boat and caffeine is addictive too), that statement isn't entirely true. From the Wikipedia article on nicotine:

    nicotine and the increased cholinergic activity it causes have been shown to impede apoptosis, which is one of the methods by which the body destroys unwanted cells (programmed cell death). Since apoptosis helps to remove mutated or damaged cells that may eventually become cancerous, the inhibitory actions of nicotine may create a more favourable environment for cancer to develop

    I'm not saying nicotine should be illegal or anything of the sort, just that its use shouldn't exactly be encouraged either and users should be made aware of its potential dangers.

    --
    This ain't rocket surgery.
  91. the solution to nicotine addiction by gamecrusader · · Score: 1

    Ban all nicotine containing items make nicotine = illegal substances like heroin meth and cocaine

    1. Re:the solution to nicotine addiction by Anarki2004 · · Score: 2, Insightful

      because that works so well for pot, crack, cocaine, ecstacy, etc, ad infinitum

      --
      The teachers will crack any minute, purple monkey dishwasher.
    2. Re:the solution to nicotine addiction by SeNtM · · Score: 1

      Alright! I'm onboard. Lets eliminate Tomatoes, Potatoes, Eggplant, Chilies, Bell Peppers and basically every other plant which belongs to the nightshade genus.

      I am very much in favor of e-cigs and alternative nicotine delivery methods. There are many health benefits that nicotine provides in the absence of carcinogenic chemicals and MAOIs.

      Wikipedia - Nicotine - Psychoactive Effects

      --
      "There ought to be limits to freedom." -George W. Bush
  92. You are a plant. Be quiet. by Fantastic+Lad · · Score: 1

    I typically ignore "people" who don't capitalize.

    Such people all seem to have the same brain-workings and general issues with reality. -They all tend to write with the outward fire of social rebellion, and yet despite this public display, never fail to subtly align themselves with one manner of corporate/government propaganda or another.

    Seriously; Read this guy's post and then compare with the posting patterns of similar people. They're like a species of weed or fungus or something. Usually it's best to avoid such sorts because they are incapable of learning or advancing, (though they can adapt in the same manner that a weed will adapt to environmental conditions, but they will never be able to separate themselves from their essential 'weedness'. -Or at least, I've never seen it happen yet). Thus, as far as I can tell, parlay with such types is largely a pointless exercise. But in this case, I'll make an exception because his (its) post is destructively false. (Which is always the case with noxious organisms, I suppose.)

    Basically, there have been many accusations leveled at nicotine, but a perusal of the Wikipedia article on nicotine toxicology will highlight the phrase, "remains to be proven".

    Nicotine is an exceptional drug with numerous very useful qualities, one of which is that it has the singular effect of quieting and sharpening the mind without affecting judgment. It is no wonder to me at all that governments are loath to encourage its use, particularly as it counters the effect of FUD; one of the primary tools used to control populations.

    -FL

  93. Big WTF? by jedwidz · · Score: 1

    Forget e-cigs, I want whatever the ALA is smoking ;-}

  94. They hate how cool we look... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    blowing water vapor.

  95. Former smoker here by reboot246 · · Score: 1

    Screw cigarettes and those fake e-cigs. I get my nicotine from snus. Real Swedish snus, not the candy-like snus made here in the U.S.. Much safer than American dip, too.

    Ettan, General, Grov, Nick & Johnny, Skruf, Thunder and Roda Lacket!!!

  96. Nicotine is dangerous to more than just the lungs. by jonadab · · Score: 1

    > absent the tobacco smoke, nicotine is relatively harmless and comparable to caffeine.

    In a word, no.

    Well, in terms of *addictiveness* it's comparable to caffeine (which is to say, the withdrawal symptoms make you so cranky, after a few hours your friends and family will either drive you out of the house or physically compel you to go back on the drug).

    However, in terms of the medical risks of nicotine, lung issues are about the third or fourth thing down the list. The heart, the brain, the blood vessels, and a number of other minor systems are all damaged and/or at risk.

    Caffeine (when taken in excess, as is extremely common in American society) is also not particularly good for you, granted; but it's not nearly as damaging as nicotine.

    The other thing is, comparison to caffeine is kind of disingenuous anyway. I know it's socially accepted, for historical reasons, but that's a grandfather-clause effect. If caffeine were a new product, the company that came up with it wouldn't even have the nerve to *apply* for FDA approval. (Well, maybe for oncology, if it killed cancer cells. You can pretty much get FDA approval for chemotherapy use of a mixture of arsenic and heroine if you can show that it kills cancer cells.)

    --
    Cut that out, or I will ship you to Norilsk in a box.
  97. Re:The E-cigs aren't exactly GOOD for your lungs.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    MY lungs. Mine. not yours.

    e-cigs - well well, how about we deal with really big problems, like oh i don't know, people that snore on the bus. THEY ARE POLLUTING MY AIR WITH THEIR NOISE!

    this is bullshit.

  98. Similar debate to Snus vs. Snuff? by Guppy · · Score: 1

    In regards to harm reduction, there's a similar debate going on about Snus (steam-cured chewing tobacco). The carcinogenic potential of snus is believed to be lower than snuff, and a simple substitution would be expected to save lives.

    However, a simple one-to-one swapping of snuff users may not necessarily be what happens in reality as snus marketshare expands -- it is being marketed heavily towards demographics outside the traditional snuff market. There are also ethnical issues in allowing promotion of a still-not-really-safe product as being "more healthy". So for now, it is not allowed to advertise its lower carcinogen content.

  99. Natural Selection at work? by ClosedSource · · Score: 1

    Sure, the genetically superior like yourself are compelled to inhale toxins even though they know it could kill them.

    1. Re:Natural Selection at work? by DeadChobi · · Score: 1

      Wait, are you arguing that we should pass laws against stupidity? As if that ever stopped anyone.

      --
      SRSLY.
  100. Can't have your cake and eat it by Bruce+Perens · · Score: 1

    As someone who has been rather well screwed over by the current medical insurance regime - my family and have been denied insurance because we have had some tests, not that they indicated anything - I'm very interested in health care reform. But if we are ever to get real health care reform working, I'd rather not pay for the medical issues of people who voluntarily maintain their addictions. It strikes me that if you have good socialized medicine and business-operated addictions, the purveyors of addictives are pretty big drains on the system. They'd have to be taxed pretty heavily to balance it out.

    1. Re:Can't have your cake and eat it by drinkypoo · · Score: 1

      Drunk driving kills how many people every year? But we still sell alcohol and maintain highways. Addiction is an illness and refusing health care to someone who is addicted is ridiculous.

      It strikes me that if you have good socialized medicine and business-operated addictions, the purveyors of addictives are pretty big drains on the system. They'd have to be taxed pretty heavily to balance it out.

      Nothing wrong with that. It's a lot fairer than denying care.

      --
      "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
  101. Nicotine is NOT harmless by jandersen · · Score: 1

    The ALA must know that numerous studies show that, absent the tobacco smoke, nicotine is relatively harmless and comparable to caffeine.

    A couple of quotes from Wikipedia:

    "The pharmacological and behavioral characteristics that determine tobacco addiction are similar to those that determine addiction to drugs such as heroin and cocaine"

    "40-60 mg (0.5-1.0 mg/kg) can be a lethal dosage for adult humans"

    "Nicotine has very powerful effects on arteries throughout the body. Nicotine is a stimulant, it raises blood pressure, and is a vasoconstrictor, making it harder for the heart to pump through the constricted arteries. It causes the body to release its stores of fat and cholesterol into the blood"

    I couldn't find anything about the toxicity of caffeine, but it is definitely not as dangerous as nicotine by many miles. It is more realistically compared to heroin; in fact, there seems to far fewer health effects from long-term use of heroin as such - the detrimental effects come from dirty needles and impure heroin, and when heroin was first marketed in the 19th century, it was hailed as a safe alternative to morphine and opium for that very reason.

    1. Re:Nicotine is NOT harmless by VocalEK · · Score: 1

      http://tobaccoharmreduction.org/faq/nicotine.htm "There is no evidence that nicotine causes any substantial risk for cancer, and the research shows that the risk for cardiovascular disease is minimal. The confusion about nicotine comes from anti-smoking activists talking about nicotine and smoking as if they were the same. While it is true that people smoke mostly because of nicotine; nicotine users die mostly because of the smoke."

  102. Re:The E-cigs aren't exactly GOOD for your lungs.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    While they may be less bad than traditional smoked tobacco, they still aren't good for your lungs. Our lungs are, after all, living tissue that is tasked with gas exchange. That is a fairly complicated job to begin with, and if you start intoducting airborne solids into the mixture you are only making the job that much more difficult.

    So while the rest of the toxic crap that is added to cigarettes (much of it to keep them burning) might not be present, the inhaled mixture itself isn't good for your lungs regardless. So the ALA has a pretty valid point that E-cigs are still bad, even if they are less bad.

    There are no airborne solids in e-cigarette vapor. It is an aerosol consisting primarily of propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerin and condensed water vapor with a small amount of nicotine and food grade flavoring. The solid matter you refer to is the result of combustion which does not occur in an electronic cigarette. The lack of combustion means there is also no Carbon Monoxide and the lack of MAO inhibitors found in traditional cigarettes severely diminishes their potential for addiction. Recent study results from Health New Zealand have been published showing the e-cigarette to have a safety profile on par with FDA approved NRTs.

    Research dating as far back as 1942 shows that vaporized propylene glycol actually has germicidal properties. Rather than being "as dangerous as cigarettes" as the FDA falsely asserted, lab rats subjected to a constant high concentration of propylene glycol vapor were reported as being "healthier and happier than ever".

  103. Re:The E-cigs aren't exactly GOOD for your lungs.. by drinkypoo · · Score: 1

    Nicotine suspended in Polyproplene Glycol, or Vegetable Glycerine. Checking these two out you will find that not only are they safe but where considered in the past for vaporizing into the air within hospitals to make the environment safer.

    PPG is NOT HARMLESS. Breakdown of vegetable compounds at high temperatures tends to result in some harmful byproducts. I used those clear rolling papers for a little while until I read up on 'em, and while the temperatures at the center of a cherry are hot enough to break them down into harmless products, the temperatures downstream from the cherry will vary between that temperature and just over room temp. Therefore some harmful combustion byproducts must be produced. The same will necessarily be true of the e-Cigs as well, because you cannot immediately convert 100% of the material into vapor.

    In addition, the body produces free radicals when it breaks down Nicotine, so Nicotine itself is carcinogenic. There's nothing good about smoking it that isn't outweighed by the harm it can do. The REAL reason people smoke is that it's one of only two drugs it's legal to do in public, and people want public drugs.

    --
    "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
  104. -1, Troll by drinkypoo · · Score: 1

    In the one corner, tobacco. Long-known, home-grown, proven mood-adjuster. People can self-medicate throughout their normal day by taking what's known as a 'smoke break', as little or as often as necessary. There are no debilitating effects, like with alcohol or marijuana, that otherwise interfere with your daily life.

    Smoking tobacco is hazardous to your health, but smoking marijuana is not. Or at least, no studies have ever shown harm, while every serious study of tobacco smoking has done so. You are a troll. Smoking marijuana has even been shown not to raise your cancer risk at a study carried out at a U.S. university, in spite of the general difficulty in executing marijuana-related studies in this country today what with it being one of our most-prohibited drugs and all, in spite of being non-addictive and generally harmless.

    In the other corner, prescription drugs.

    False dichotomy. There are also other corners. How about simply not consuming recreational drugs? I mean, if you think they're all harmful except for tobacco, which is clearly, provably harmful. Are we so weak we must all have an addictive habit? The ALA is also not promoting use of prescription drugs for recreation, so not only have you committed the sin of False Dichotomy, and based your entire comment on false statements about tobacco ("no debilitating effects?" you're obviously a liar, a shill, or just hopelessly ignorant) but you've also attacked a Straw Man.

    --
    "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
  105. Re:The E-cigs aren't exactly GOOD for your lungs.. by crashinbrn · · Score: 1

    While they may be less bad than traditional smoked tobacco, they still aren't good for your lungs.~ ~So the ALA has a pretty valid point that E-cigs are still bad

    so you have PROOF that this is correct? yes? what an idiot, do some research BEFORE you speak. the ALA has no 'good research' either that isn't totally biased.

  106. -1, Ad hominem by BobMcD · · Score: 1

    There are no debilitating effects, like with alcohol or marijuana, that otherwise interfere with your daily life.

    Smoking tobacco is hazardous to your health, but smoking marijuana is not. Or at least, no studies have ever shown harm, while every serious study of tobacco smoking has done so. You are a troll.

    Perhaps you toked up a while before you read what I wrote?

    Look, I never said anything about health risks of marijuana. I did, however, say that it has a debilitating effect. You would not want to get high and try to land an airplane, for example.

    Read all the words before labeling me as a troll, please. And don't be so defensive. Marijuana is a tangent here, no one is attacking nor addressing it at all.

    In the other corner, prescription drugs.

    False dichotomy. There are also other corners.

    It isn't a dichotomy, it is an analogy. By labeling this as a dichotomy, you're basically arguing that there are only two boxers on the planet. I am specifically looking at this one angle of competing interests. OF COURSE THERE ARE OTHERS. Don't be dense.

    How about simply not consuming recreational drugs?

    Prozac is not recreational. In many ways neither is nicotine.

    I mean, if you think they're all harmful except for tobacco, which is clearly, provably harmful.

    I specifically said nicotine, sir. This would be the very topic - nicotine without tobacco - as mentioned in the damn summary. You're twisting my words so you can attack them.

    Are we so weak we must all have an addictive habit?

    Wherein 'we' includes the entire population, yes. People use chemicals to alter moods. Deal with it.

    The ALA is also not promoting use of prescription drugs for recreation, so not only have you committed the sin of False Dichotomy

    I make my case on this that they are medical professionals. Unless you're saying that none of them have ever written a script for Prozac, for example, I'm not sure you've refuted my point.

    and based your entire comment on false statements about tobacco ("no debilitating effects?"

    As I said above, I clearly meant that nicotine doesn't interfere with you having an otherwise normal life. Alcohol and marijuana clearly do. Again, you can't use those drugs and operate heavy machinery safely. You CANNOT say the same thing about nicotine, and you damn well know it.

    you're obviously a liar, a shill, or just hopelessly ignorant)

    You're obviously an asshole with poor reading comprehension. What does my opinion of you, or your opinion of me, have to do with the topic at hand?

    but you've also attacked a Straw Man.

    I realize this is Slashdot, and we all have our repertoire, but the words 'straw man' and 'false dichotomy' have meanings. They don't simply mean 'arguments I do not like'. You've demonstrated neither a dichotomy nor a straw man. You're attacking me ad hominem. Maybe your dad died of lung cancer. Maybe you're a staunch marijuana supporter. I don't particularly care. There are points in the post I made above. Please try and see if you can either participate in that line of discussion or please create your own thread. I'm not particularly discussing either tobacco nor marijuana in what I wrote, only in what you read into it.

  107. Investigate the safety of nicotine? by Ellis+D.+Tripp · · Score: 1

    Sure, and when the investigation shows that nicotine is a toxic, addictive drug, the ALA will then claim that a total ban is justified.

    This crusade against e-cigarettes reminds me of what happened to MADD. They started out with a laudable goal (reduce drunk driving fatalities), but once they largely ACHIEVED that goal, they shape-shifted into a neo-prohibitionist organization which seems to be working toward the criminalization of DRINKING, not drunk driving. Witness the calls for ever lower BAC limits, which could have some people "legally drunk" after a single beer.

    --
    Remember "News for Nerds, Stuff that Matters"? Help make it a reality again! http://soylentnews.org
  108. GRAS for some by butterflysrage · · Score: 1

    as I said, my husband's throat will swell shut if he is around too many smokers, even outside.

    I think the key word there is "generally".

    --
    the preceding post was not spell checked... suck it.
  109. Re:The E-cigs aren't exactly GOOD for your lungs.. by schaedj · · Score: 1

    Interesting idea, however, it contradicts reality. While, in general, inhaling other stuff is not good for your lungs, you should know that the primary inhaled vapor in e-cigarettes is also the primary inhaled vapor in ATHSMA INHALERS. research has been done (back in the 40s) proving not only that large doses of inhaled propylene glycol are not harmful, but that vaporized propylene glycol is an anti-bacterial agent, which is why it was proposed as a fogging solution for hospitals, to reduce the bacterial growth associated with hospital environments. The solution was not practical, in part because the vapor is not invisible (who wants to walk through foggy clouds all day long) , which is also the primary reason it is attractive as a smoking alternative. No argument on nicotine inhalation being less healthy than non-nicotine inhalation, but nicotine does not affect lung tissue, preferring to target the blood system. This is not a lung issue, other than the health benefits of not smoking cigarettes.

  110. Anonymous Coward by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    what brand of ecigs would people recommend

    currently a smoker looking for a healthier choice

    waiting on the just quit crowd ?!?!?!?!?

  111. Dear E-Cig Haters... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    STFU! Seriously! If you cared enough to do even the slightest amount of research before blasting off your mouths you would have never posted this inane crap. There have been a fair number of studies done on e-cigs, just not in the US. So here are a few corrections/facts to mull over:

    @ The Antifreeze comments: Ecigs and the nicotine solution DO NOT contain Antifreeze. Some solutions have a base of Propylene Glycol which is used in some Antifreeze, but is also used in the majority of makeup, air fresheners, ASTHMA INHALERS, and even in a lot of food. It has been declared safe for human consumption and inhalation. Dyethylene Glycol was found during the FDA analysis in an amount too small to be measured in 1 of the samples, but was deemed to be due to a cross contamination.

    @ The comments about exhaled Vapor: There are trace amounts of nicotine in the exhaled vapor. TRACE amounts this means not enough to be measured. It cannot hurt anyone who comes into contact with the exhaled vapor. There are some lingering parts of the flavoring used in the exhaled vapor as well, but again these are deemed generally safe for consumption and cannot harm you. 2nd hand vapor is not going to hurt anyone.

    @ the comments about carcinogens in the solution/vapor: In SOME, not all, there are extremely small amounts of Tobacco specific carcinogens. These are only present in solutions made from tobacco. Other solutions use either a synthetic (lab created) nicotine or nicotine derived from other plants that contain it (such as tomatoes). This being said, the amounts of those carcinogens are roughly equal to the ecig user smoking 1 cigarette a year, if the ecig user used the ecig on an hourly basis and took an average of 10 puffs per session. So not enough to significantly increase your chance of getting cancer from that of a non-smoker.

    @ the comments about Nicotine being bad for people: Well, yes, it is, but not any worse than Caffeine. If you ever drink Caffeinated Soda, Coffee, Tea, or an Energy drink than you don't have a leg to stand on here.

    If you want REAL information about ecigs from the people who have used them, and want to hear about their health improvements that have been measured by their physicians than go to:

    http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com

  112. Re:The E-cigs aren't exactly GOOD for your lungs.. by SnarfQuest · · Score: 1

    Did you ever wonder why a lot of those old remedies are no longer available? Could it be that many of them were found to be a useless waste of time and money, and many were actually quite harmful? Should we have the hospitals return to slapping a poultice on major woulds instead of using antibiotics and bandages, because "that's how granma handled it"?

    --
    Who would win this election: Andrew Weiner vs Andrew Weiner's weiner.
  113. Re:The E-cigs aren't exactly GOOD for your lungs.. by Skadet · · Score: 1

    PPG is NOT HARMLESS

    Did you even read what you linked? From the linked article:

    The estimated acceptable daily intake is 25 mg/kg (17th Report of the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives, 1974)

    I go through a 3ml (note ml, not mg) bottle in a week, and I vape a lot. Safe enough?

    7.3 Carcinogenicity
    No data available.

    7.4 Teratogenicity
    No teratogenic effects were seen in the rabbit (Schumacher et al, 1968).

    7.5 Mutagenicity
    No data available.

    7.6 Interactions
    No data available.

    Again... safe enough?

  114. Re:The E-cigs aren't exactly GOOD for your lungs.. by codepunk · · Score: 1

    Do you eat ice cream? Yea, thought so.

    --


    Got Code?
  115. Re:The E-cigs aren't exactly GOOD for your lungs.. by Chrionic · · Score: 1

    Then maybe the ALA should get to work banning all vehicles and factory production, since they are the biggest contributors to those airborne solids. We can go back to riding horses and making all of our own clothing and household goods.

    The ingredients in e-liquid are propylene glycol, nicotine and flavoring, less ingredients than the patch, gum, lozenge or inhaler and approximately the same amount of carcinogenics. Propylene Glycol in itself is even being looked at for use in the air systems of large public places, such as schools, to inhibit the transfer of airborne infections.

    Why will some people not understand that it's 3 ingredients or 599, because most e-cigarette users will simply go back to smoking after a ban. If you have to share space with a smoker for any reason, which would you rather breathe?

  116. Re:The E-cigs aren't exactly GOOD for your lungs.. by Chrionic · · Score: 1

    What is in the inhaled mixture of an e-cig other than the nicotine? Anyone know by chance?

    Propylene Glycol and flavorings. 3 ingredients total. Propylene Glycol is commonly used in fog machines, including the ones you can buy at discount stores during Halloween.