Don’t Know What Vladdin, VooPoo Drag Nano or Smok Nord Means? You’re Not Alone.

Chances are however, your 15 year old might. Those are the names of some of the new vaping devices to hit the market in 2019. While the most popular brand of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) is JUUL, other products are now flooding the market to capitalize on a percentage of those earnings.

Big Tobacco Firm Altria (that makes Marlboro) recently purchased a 35% stake in JUUL for $12.8 billion, giving JUUL a current market valuation of $38 billion. How much does JUUL cost? The JUUL device itself costs approximately $35 to $50 and a package of four JUUL pods costs $15.99. Alternative products are coming to market at more competitive prices, and are readily available in local vape and quick shops, along with online. Many devices are described as “covert” or “discreet” since they are small, easily hidden and used.

Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems may resemble flash drives, charging devices, key fobs, pens, lighters etc. If you are not a user, you may not recognize what the device is or its purpose. Products such as Nic Sticks are innocent looking tooth picks infused with nicotine and flavoring. Each tooth pick has the nicotine equivalent of one cigarette. Many times levels of nicotine are not stated on packaging or are inaccurate.

If not you, who is using these vaping devices?

While smoking rates have plummeted, Gallup reported in July 2018 that 9% of all adult Americans say they regularly or occasionally vape. But the rate is 20% among those 18 to 29 years of age compared with 8% among those 30 to 64 years of age, and less than 0.5% among those 65 and older.

Of greater concern is the astronomical rise in vape use in youth. According to the Surgeon Generals website, in 2018, more than 3.6 million U.S. youth, including 1 in 5 high school students and 1 in 20 middle school students, currently use e-cigarettes. JUUL is being used in classrooms across the United States. Restrooms in middle schools and high schools at any time are filled with vape users, so much so that non vape users hesitate to use the facilities, sometimes for an entire school day. It can be hidden in the strings of a sweatshirt hoodie and accessed at any time. These devices are attractive to youth both in design and nature of delivery. Match your device to your outfit, put a designer “skin” on it, or choose your “juice” flavor like you choose your favorite cereal or candy. The next generation of tobacco product user is here and purchasing.

Learn more about electronic cigarettes and other nicotine delivery products.