Was Vaping Allowed Before It Was Fully Tested for Dangers?

Vaping was allowed, much like Vanilla Coca Cola, but with a different perspective. In the early days, all ingredients used in vaping had undergone thorough testing and were presumed safe. This parallels the history of Vanilla Coca Cola, whose ingredients, even back in the day, were well-studied and deemed safe. However, just as we don’t react violently to the potential unknowns of Vanilla Coke, a quick ban on vaping seems unnecessary. Instead, regulatory measures would be more appropriate compared to a blanket ban.

Regulatory vs. Ban

There is no significant evidence to support a complete ban of vaping.

Back then, Vaping was not a priority for the regulatory institutions, as it had been around for only about a decade and the concept of “testing for danger” was still in its infancy. This approach, whether justifiable or not, had its merits then. Most people have been vaping for years without experiencing significant health issues. The recent outbreak of vaping-related illnesses and deaths is largely attributed to black market or substandard products, particularly those containing THC and contaminated with vitamin E acetate.

The Evolving Perspective on Vaping

The testing and approval process for consumer products and pharmaceuticals has only been in place for about 50 years. Conversely, vaping became popular just over a decade ago, and concern about potential risks is a relatively recent phenomenon. Previously, all ingredients except nicotine in commercial vaping products were already in wide use in food and pharmaceuticals. Long-term testing would require a subject population using the product over 20 years - a challenge that is yet to be fully addressed.

The Current Controversy and Long-Term Testing

The recent tracking data and regulatory studies have shown that THC products and contamination from black market sources are the primary reasons for the current health concerns. Vitamin E acetate, added to THC products in the black market, is currently under scrutiny for its link to lung damage. This oil is not included in any commercial vaping products. Therefore, more attention should be given to regulatory measures and inspections rather than a sweeping ban.

It's important to understand that while we may need more long-term data, the continued use of clean, regulated products seems to be a prudent approach. By focusing on regulation and ensuring the safety of the products, we can better protect public health while allowing those who vapes to continue their habit if they choose to do so.