The Last Pack: My Journey from Cigarettes to Vaping

A recent subscriber sent us his testimony…

That sunny day outside the vape shop marked a turning point in my life. As Art, my old friend from grade school, followed me out, I clutched a crumpled green pack of L&M menthol 100s – the cheapest brand I could still tolerate smoking. “Art,” I called out, “This is the last pack.”

The Moment of Truth

Art had been helping me fine-tune my e-liquid for weeks, and we’d finally nailed the perfect blend. As realization dawned, the world seemed to fall silent. I squeezed that pack with its lone remaining cigarette until it became a crushed ball of cellophane, cardboard, and tobacco.

“We got it?!” Art exclaimed. “We got it,” I confirmed.

Breaking Free from Tobacco’s Grip

That crumpled pack symbolized the end of my smoking habit, which had peaked at $10 a day. Cigarettes had left me reeking of smoke, plagued by dizzy spells and shortness of breath, and struggling with lethargy and weight gain. My confidence had hit rock bottom.

I’d tried every smoking cessation method imaginable:

– Nicotine patches
– Nicotine gum
– Therapy sessions

Yet nothing seemed to work. I’d even resorted to wearing patches while still smoking and chewing nicotine gum between cigarettes.

Discovering Vaping as an Alternative

Enter vaping. While there’s ongoing debate about its safety and concerns about teen use, I’m not here to argue. What I know is that for me, a seemingly hopeless smoker, vaping became a lifeline. This is where the Mig Cig Clear Fusion changed everything for me.

Customizing the Perfect E-Liquid

Art introduced me to the world of vaping and helped me find the right setup:

– E-cigarette device: We chose a reliable, user-friendly model
– E-liquid strength: We gradually dialed in the nicotine level
– Flavor profile: Finding an enjoyable taste was crucial

The Benefits of Switching

Since making the switch to FDA-approved e-liquids a few years ago, I’ve experienced remarkable changes:

– Improved breathing: No more shortness of breath
– Weight loss: I’ve shed 80 pounds of excess weight
– Increased energy: I built a home gym and exercise regularly
– Better relationships: I left a toxic partnership and found a healthy one

One Step at a Time

Is vaping the final destination? Probably not. But it’s been a crucial steppingstone in my journey toward better health and well-being. Each day, I strive to make small improvements, knowing that positive changes compound over time.

Invitation to Join the Journey

If you’re struggling with smoking or looking to make positive changes in your life, remember that small steps can lead to significant transformations. And if you’re in the area, feel free to join me at the gym – let’s work on our health together!

More Information on FDA Approval for E-Liquids

The FDA has authorized certain e-cigarette products and e-liquids, but it’s important to understand the nuances of this process:

FDA Authorization Process

The FDA does not “approve” e-cigarettes or e-liquids in the same way it approves medications. Instead, it grants marketing authorization through the Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) pathway [1][3].

Recent FDA Authorizations

On June 21, 2024, the FDA authorized the marketing of four menthol-flavored e-cigarette products from NJOY LLC [3]. This marked the first non-tobacco flavored e-cigarette products to receive FDA authorization.

Key Points About FDA Authorization

1. Case-by-Case Basis: Each application is reviewed individually, and authorization for one product does not apply to others [3].

2. Public Health Standard: The FDA evaluates applications based on whether the product is appropriate for the protection of public health [3].

3. Not “FDA Approved”: Authorization allows legal marketing in the U.S. but does not mean the products are safe or “FDA approved”[3].

4. Stringent Marketing Restrictions: Authorized products face strict marketing rules to prevent youth access and exposure [3].

Ongoing Monitoring

The FDA continues to monitor authorized products and can suspend or withdraw authorization if it determines that continued marketing is no longer appropriate for public health protection [3].

Controversy and Legal Challenges

In January 2024, a federal appeals court ordered the FDA to reconsider its denial of marketing applications for some flavored e-cigarette products, citing concerns about the agency’s transparency and fairness in the review process [2].

Overall Conclusion

While the FDA has begun authorizing certain e-cigarette products and e-liquids, particularly since 2024, this is an ongoing and evolving process. The agency maintains a cautious approach, balancing potential benefits for adult smokers against risks, especially youth appeal [1][3].

Citations:
[1] https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/products-ingredients-components/e-cigarettes-vapes-and-other-electronic-nicotine-delivery-systems-ends
[2] https://www.reuters.com/legal/fda-ordered-reconsider-denial-approval-vape-products-2024-01-03/
[3] https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-authorizes-marketing-four-menthol-flavored-e-cigarette-products-after-extensive-scientific
[4] https://vaperanger.com/blogs/news/fda-compliant-brands/
[5] https://www.publichealthlawcenter.org/commentary/240305/3/5/24-closer-look-23-fda-authorized-e-cigarettes
[6] https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/ctp-newsroom/fda-denies-marketing-250-flavored-and-tobacco-flavored-e-liquids
[7] https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/premarket-tobacco-product-applications/premarket-tobacco-product-marketing-granted-orders
[8] https://www.fda.gov/media/159412/download