The world of vaping has undergone a remarkable transformation since its inception. From a niche hobby to a mainstream phenomenon, millions of people of varying backgrounds, ethnicities, nationalities and interests have been captivated by vaping. So how did this activity that has transitioned from a simple hobby to a medically-advised alternative become globally popular? This article delves into the history of vaping, its evolution, and its role as an alternative to traditional smoking methods. Let’s begin.
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The History of Vaping
As the world advances culturally and technologically, so do our inventions. Although dissimilar in their mechanisms, vapes and e-cigarettes were created to alleviate the pitfalls of traditional tobacco smoking, which include physical ailments like cancer, lung disease, and COPD, to name a few. These physical, emotional and psychological effects of tobacco smoking made it an unsustainable hobby and created a demand for a healthier alternative: vapes.
The Invention of Vapes
Scientists and inventors are known to build upon the works of their predecessors. So, it’s no surprise that although the modern e-cigarette was first commercially invented in 2003 by Hon Lik, a Chinese pharmacist and former deputy director of the Institute of Chinese Medicine in Liaoning Province, its earliest designs can be found in a 1963 U.S. patent application by Herbert A. Gilbert.
Gilbert’s application was for a “smokeless non-tobacco cigarette,” aiming to provide “a safe and harmless means for and method of smoking” by substituting burning tobacco and paper with heated, moist, flavored air via a battery-powered heating element. Inventor Lik created e-cigarettes to be electronically atomized. To achieve this, he needed a liquid to simulate the feeling of tobacco smoke inhalation without its associated risks. This liquid was Propylene Glycol or PG, and it’s one of the base liquids of all vapes and e-juices today.
Lik’s invention was fueled by a personal desire to find a smoking alternative, which arose after his father’s demise from lung cancer, and with the help of some investors, the product launched in the Chinese market in 2004. By the mid-2000s, e-cigarettes were seen in the U.S. market. However, while the world aligned with this new product, China retained a monopoly in the industry. As of 2014, 90% of the world’s production of e-cigarette materials and technology originates from mainland China.
The Evolution of Vapes
E-cigarettes, vapes and e-liquids have greatly evolved since its official inception in 2003. First-generation e-cigarettes were similar to conventional cigarettes in size, shape and appearance. Their design also featured colors akin to traditional cigarettes (tan mouthpiece and white body. Some were also longer or narrower than their tobacco counterparts.
From then on, several adaptations were made to e-cigarettes, e-liquids, vapes, and their juices. Presently, it’s common to see vapes in fun, innovative designs, shapes, sizes and flavors, especially if you’re shopping on Vape Juice. However, as much as these products have evolved, one quality of vapes that has stayed consistent throughout the years is its portability.
Rise to Mainstream
E-cigarettes, vapes and e-liquids turned the world on its head. By the late 2000s, the products were seen in the Canadian, European, and American markets, and by 2011, the estimated number of global vapers was 7 million – a figure that sextupled in 2018.
So, what was the turning point for vapes, and how was it globally accepted?
Well, its ‘optional tobacco’ feature made vapes easily appealing to conventional smokers on the cusp of quitting. Vapes were also readily accepted because they were a product the market desperately needed. Plus, with features like ‘customizable vaping experiences,’ vapes were easy to market.
When vapes launched, its reach was extensive, giving rise to the birth of competing brands and dedicated vape shops a few years later. This created a community of vapers who proudly showcased their vape interests across the internet with stylish appeal. Today’s vaping community is close-knit with the aim of educating, supporting and uplifting vape enthusiasts. This community impacts the vape industry, especially since the dawn of social media vape influencers who leverage their visibility on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Threads, YouTube and Twitter to become key players in defining trends and styles within and beyond the vaping community.
Finally, vaping has become so mainstream that some sub-communities consider it a sport and have competitions held, which we might add are highly exhilarating. These competitions showcase the art of vaping, and participants are judged on their cloud-chasing skills, which essentially involve producing impressive vapor clouds using specialized devices like vapes and e-juices. Vaping competitions contribute significantly to the vaping community. They push the boundaries of vape technology, further advancing its evolution.
Conclusion
Vaping’s transformation from a niche hobby to a global trend signifies a cultural and technological evolution. Originating as a safer smoking alternative, it has blossomed into a diverse market with varied designs and flavors, appealing to a broad audience. This rise to mainstream status is influenced by the vaping community, vaping enthusiasts, vaping competitions and social media influencers who highlight the health consciousness role of vapes. Essentially, the creation and evolution of vaping are marked by innovation and community engagement, illustrating a dynamic interplay between technology, health, and social trends.
