HISTORY OF VAPING

Vaping history provides a beautiful excerpt of technological innovation, shifts in culture, and a plethora of regulatory debates. Beginning as an alternative to smoking cigarettes, it has evolved into a global subculture influencing social trends, health policies, and anything in between.

Vaping may seem like a new concept to most, despite the earliest attempt at bringing a smokeless, non-tobacco cigarette dating back to the 1920’s from an aspiring American inventor named Joseph Robinson (Patent #US1775947A). However, this early vaping invention never saw commercial production, and the idea sat for decades. It wasn’t until 1960 when another attempt was made to create an electronic, non-tobacco cigarette.

Herbert. A. Gilbert, another American inventor, patented a device in 1963 that retains a strong resemblance to the e-cigarettes of today (Patent #US3200819A). The intent behind the device was to produce a flavoured vapour to replace tobacco smoke, but yet again, the inventor was ahead of his time and the idea never gained traction. The world was simply not ready for such technology.

Vaping hit it’s first true stride in the market in the early 2000’s, thanks to a Chinese pharmacist, Hon Lik. Lik, motivated by his own struggle to quit smoking after his father tragically passed away from lung cancer, developed the first e-cigarette to see market success. Using a small battery to heat a liquid containing nicotine, his device produced a vapor that could be inhaled to relieve cravings as efficiently as a standard cigarette. Not only was it just as efficient, it removed the harmful tar and carcinogens often found in cigarette cartons.

Lik’s new vaping device was first introduced in China in 2004, and gained popularity very quickly. By 2007, the device had made its way onto European and North American shelves, officially beginning the global vaping phenomenon. In the early 2010’s, the global vaping market had become mainstream, particularly in the US and Europe.

With growth came diversification, and just as quickly as vaping had seen its rise, companies innovated various products, from single-use disposable e-cigarettes to fully customizable kits. The rise of vape stores, online communities, and vape trick competitions further embedded vaping as a reliant nicotine delivery system.

As more consumers made the switch, concerns about the safety of vaping led to calls for regulation. Laws began to be implemented worldwide controlling the sale, marketing and use of vaping devices, though not without controversy and pushback from consumers and businesses alike.

For some, vaping is a tool in the fight against smoking-related illnesses worldwide. Public Health England has even promoted vaping as the safer alternative to smoking, claiming that vaping is 95% less harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes.

The ongoing debate over vaping’s safety and its role in society continue to evolve and change with the world around us. Currently, vaping still faces increasing regulations, yet it remains a significant part of the global landscape. Newer technologies, such as pod systems and nicotine salts, continue to push boundaries and outline what is possible in the vaping realm.

The history of vaping is one of innovation, adaptation, controversy and debate. From obscure origins in the early 20th-century, through explosive growth in the 21st century, vaping has defined a new era for smoking and nicotine consumption.

The story of vaping is far from over, though. Vaping has redefined the perception of smoking and nicotine consumption worldwide, and will continue to reshape society through debate about health, regulations, and personal freedoms.