A couple of weeks ago, I happened to be in the terminal at Orlando International Airport.  As I was walking to my gate, I noticed the man walking next to me had this cigarette-like thing between his lips, and appeared to be enjoying it like a true cigarette.  I smoked three packs a day for about 30 years before quitting, so I asked him what type of stick he was enjoying.  He said it was “Green Nicotine”, and gave me an explanation of how he was smoking without really smoking.

His explanation intrigued me, so when I got home I began to do a little research on this device...and that’s what it is; a device. Green Nicotine is an electronic cigarette that runs on a battery that lasts for a little more than the equivalent cigarette pack .  It comes with two batteries so you can always keep one charged and ready to “smoke”.   To begin using, just inhale...no kidding!  There’s a computer chip that senses the moving air and activates it...the wonders of technology.

All it appears to do is deliver nicotine to the user, and is not intended for people wanting to quit cigarette smoking.  Green Nicotine delivers nicotine without the harmful tars, carcinogens or other cancer causing chemicals found in the traditional cigarette.  I found it interesting that the nicotine refill cartridges come in three different flavors ( Western, Oriental and Mint) as well as “High” and “Medium” nicotine levels to meet the user’s need.  Since it produces a harmless vapor that immediately evaporates and not smoke, it’s legal for use in the public domain.  No fire, ash or second hand smoke.

The only downside I can see (other than the nicotine addiction) is that the FDA  has not approved e-cigarettes.  The primary reason for this is because some of the other e-cigarettes on the market use diethylene glycol to suspend the exhaled vapor.  Diethylene glycol is a known carcinogen also found in antifreeze, and some believe it's presence in e-cigarettes may be dangerous. " target="_self" Green Nicotine founder Sean Schoepflin says the new e-cigarette he has developed is free of this harmful chemical and scientific evidence will back it up.   Schoepflin says test results from the Pony Testing International Group proves his product is diethylene glycol free. He believes the Pony testing methods mimic how the FDA will one day test his e-cigarette.  "We believe the FDA will eventually be on our side", he avows.

It appears to me that if you’re unable to break the nicotine habit by using the nicotine patches or gum, this may be an alternative for you.  You don’t have to break the “hand to mouth” habit so thoroughly ingrained in cigarette smokers, plus your nicotine need is satisfied.  You can ”smoke” without getting the carcinogens...should be a smoker’s dream come true!