Head in the Clouds

In 2017, the vaping industry faced its biggest challenge; The Tobacco Products Directive.

Restrictions to trade, packaging and products on the market proved to be a point of contention between vapers and the government, but UK vapers were quick to adjust to the new rules.

However, despite widespread compliance and the promise that no further changes would come into effect, it seems that TPD isn't done with us just yet.

Smoking is a burden in more ways than you may think. Despite the obvious health risks, many of us can underestimate the cost of smoking, and how much it eats into our cash reserves over the course of a year.

The average UK smoker uses around 10-20 cigarettes a day, with each pack of 20 costing up to £11. In a year this adds up, hitting an estimated spend of around £3500 per annum. That's one hell of a lot of money!

It's been over a year since Public Health England posted their landmark research into E-cigarettes. The study, which was supported by a number of prominent bodies, including the NHS, concluded that vaping is approximately 95% less harmful than smoking, and gave vaping a prominent boost in public perception.

But, should you check the headlines about vaping you might be dissuaded, as contradictory and confusing reports are appearing left, right and center.

The smoking culture is one of those dirty little terms that follows around users of tobacco products. Socialised smoking, smoking areas and other day to day realities of being a smoker often walk hand in hand with accusations of antisocial behaviour and less than favourable representations.

But then came vaping, a healthier alternative to smoking, which manages to trade off the negative aspects of smoking without reducing the satisfaction. But does the negative stigma attributed to smokers carry over to vapers?

Well, that is the definition of a yes/no question.