In the United States, the increasing popularity of the electronic cigarette shows no sign of abating, despite being surrounded by controversy and difficulty.

The word “Vape” has been used in the past in reference to other smoking devices. In America the term is now being adopted to describe the activity of smoking an e cigarette. The Urban dictionary defines it as such, “To inhale vapor from E-cigarettes. Used because "smoking" an E-cig doesn't apply as there is no smoke only vapor.”

What follows are excerpts from a conversation I had with some ex smokers or vapers on an e cigarette forum . I have written a series of articles (see the electronic cigarette story articles) on the subject and as some of my readers will know I hold a very personal interest in what may happen in the future of the e cig.

My goal during this conversation was to get some real hands on information from the people that this product is squarely aimed at, namely, addicted smokers who find it difficult to quit a habit that may have blighted them for years, yet long to be rid of the harmful toxins that have been invading their bodies.

I explained to the group why I was writing and what I wanted to achieve and that the only way to delve deep into the heart of the matter was to speak to the people on the frontline.

I have removed the names of the people but their comments are unedited. My title should actually read “Interview with a Few Vapers”!

Spidergoose: So these electronic cigarettes really work huh?

Ex Smoker 1:I can't speak for everyone, but almost 40 years of smoking 2 packs a day, the patch/gum/lozenge/hypnosis did not work for me. The day I picked up vaping was the last puff I had on a cigarette. Cold turkey and no withdrawal.

Spidergoose: that sounds incredible, what is it that makes it work then where all the other stuff fails? Is it the combo of nicotine being present plus the actual going through the motions of imitating the smoking process?

Ex Smoker 1:exactly! And satisfying the oral fixation, and the habit of having something in your hand.

Spidergoose:  I should explain that although I am a non smoker, I do have a very real interest in the subject as my dad who never smoked a cigarette in his life died as a result of passive smoking.

Ex Smoker 2:Ismoked 2pks day for 30 years and have not had a cig for ...hmmmmm 2 months TODAY!I AM SO excited!

Spidergoose:  2 months? Is that the date you started or did it take a while?

Ex Smoker 2:heck yea...as soon as I got it! Arrived April 4th....used next day it was a Sunday!

Spidergoose:  I have written articles wondering why there is so much opposition to these things when quite evidently even from this conversation; they have the potential to not just change lives but the world too!

Ex Smoker 1:You can vape indoors or in your car...No yucky residue. Your breath and clothes don't stink...And another positive side effect, I can keep my car stereo down on the volume, I don't have to have my windows open to let the smoke out.

Ex Smoker 3:and it’s safe around the kiddies!

Ex Smoker 1:One negative effect....I can taste flavours now that I haven't been able to taste in decades. Makes me want to eat more!Of course, I started out at 6'2", 160 pounds...a bit skinny, so I can afford to put on a few pounds! (Laughs out loud)

Ex Smoker 3:hoping to get to no nicotine carts( electronic cigarettes have removable nicotine cartridges that are available in varying strengths including one which is nicotine free)in a few months!

Spidergoose: fascinating!

Ex Smoker 3:oh and spidergoose there are no shakes or mood swings!!!!

Ex Smoker 2:I can smell the world now and SING!!!!!

Ex Smoker 3:so ya think FDA or Big Tobacco $$ will stop the vape?

Spidergoose: It does seem like there is a huge conspiracy going on behind closed doors. It’s like all the money men are jostling for a piece of the pie when they become more popular then traditional cigs.

Ex Smoker 2:me too spidergoose...big tobacco and big pharm are not getting a piece of the pie.

Spidergoose: would you guys mind if i used some of the stuff you have said as inspiration for my next article?

Ex Smoker 1:feel free to use anything I say, but please, keep it in context, okay?

I have honoured the wishes of ex smoker 1 and the other contributors to the interview and kept all quotes and comments in its correct context. I thank all of them for speaking so honestly with me.

It is clear to see that people feel very passionately about the electronic cigarette and it is already changing people’s lives for the better, you have seen the comments for yourself. These are real people who used to smoke real tobacco cigarettes and since they switched to the e cig they have noticed significant improvements in their general health and overall lifestyle.

Once again, a plea to the authorities in charge, if these things are safe or even much “safer” than tobacco cigarettes then please hurry up and declare them so and get the word around so that more people like these above can enjoy a brighter future.