Vaping on the Bricks

By Matthew Lord

Students at the University of Montevallo are really warming to the trend of using electronic cigarettes. Most people use them to try and quit smoking tobacco cigarettes, because you can choose your level of nicotine and gradually lower it over time. Some are in it for the "modding," where they add different elements to their e-cig to make it unique and specialized for them. In addition, the "e-liquids" available for use in e-cigs come in many different flavors, so there is something for everyone in the world of e-cigs. I went around the Montevallo campus and to the local vape shop to speak to both users and nonusers alike, and all around the message was clear: "It's better than cigarettes." 

Benjamin Smith, a e-cig user, used them to stop smoking cigarettes. He has been vaping for almost a year. Although some have confused his e-cig vapor for cigarette smoke, he uses their misunderstanding to inform others about e-cigs. He is not alone in this love for e-cigs, either. Nathan, an employee at Victory Vapors, says that at least 30%-40% of his customers are students at the university.

Andreanna Hatcher enjoys the freedom e-cigs give her in comparison to smoking. The ability to use it inside and the fact that it does not make her clothes smell are just two reasons as to why she chooses vaping over smoking.

All around, I could not find anyone who would admit that e-cigs are worse than cigarettes on our campus, although I am sure there are some that have eluded me at this time. 

For more information about e-cigs, or if you want to look in to getting one for yourself to help you quit smoking, you can visit the local vape shop, Victory Vapors, located next to Sweet Ink Tattoo and across from the Marathon gas station in town. Or, you could take a trip over to CASAA and browse for some information there.