E-cigs an option for some
By Cole Boehler
Montana Tavern Times
They weren't even a blip on anyone's radar screen two years ago, let alone five years ago when an indoor smoking ban was being considered by the Montana Legislature.
Electronic nicotine delivery devices, also known as "e-cigarettes," have been around for years but are just now starting to be sold and used in Montana somewhat, and in some cases as a direct response to a total smoking ban.
Tanya Harper is the owner of the Pioneer Bar and TNT Casino in Cut Bank. In mid-October she ordered a dozen kits at wholesale from an Internet supplier, sold them, then reordered and was down to just two of those when she was interviewed by the Montana Tavern Times Jan. 8. She has retailed them to customers, and to staff at a discount.
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Connie Bolick of Twin Bridges says 'e-cigs' have cut her smoking substantially.
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An e-cigarette is a plastic tube which contains a tiny battery-operated electronic vaporizer device and a cartridge that contains a liquid nicotine. When the nicotine is vaporized it can be inhaled and what is exhaled is largely water vapor. There is no tobacco involved nor is anything combusted so there is no smoke.
At present, they are legal and can be used in tavern and casino environments and have been gaining some popularity among both smoker patrons who would rather not brave the elements, and by workers who smoke who find it difficult to take cigarette breaks during busy shifts.
The devices are said to deliver none of the tars associated with smoking, but some health entities claim since the devices haven't been thoroughly tested or approved by the Federal Drug Administration, they may be dangerous.
Either way, Montana health officials have stated that at this point the devices are not within their regulatory purview.
They are being sold in some traditional tobacco outlets in Montana, but most purchasers the Tavern Times has talked to said they ordered the e-cigs from Internet suppliers.
While not cheap, refill kits are said to be only a fraction of the cost of actual cigarettes.
Kits range in price from $49 to almost $90 and typically include one or two vaporizer tubes, replacement rechargeable batteries, a charger and nicotine cartridges selected by the purchaser. A package of 50 nicotine cartridges may retail for around $32.
Most users of the e-cigarettes who talked to the Tavern Times say the devices are not really much like smoking an actual cigarette in terms of pleasure, satisfaction and taste, but that they are effective in reducing the craving to be puffing on tobacco. Thus, they are deemed useful, handy and add to productivity as the need for breaks is reduced. Some are even using them as a method to reduce and actually quit smoking cigarettes.
As such Harper said she thinks the devices should be viewed positively. "They've got advantages," she said.
Connie Bolick, co-owner with her husband Jim of Twin Bridges' Lost Cabin Bar, said she started using e-cigarettes Oct. 1 when the smoking ban went into effect, and is still using them today. On a quiet Saturday afternoon Jan. 16, at least three customers were also using them and Bolick indicated several more regulars also use the devices.
"I still crave a real cigarette, but these have helped me cut down," Bolick said. "I've gone from two packs per day to a single pack lasting me two or three days. I know of one gal who has uses them who quit smoking real cigarettes altogether."
Bob Brust, who owns and operates Fishtail Creek Vending in south-central Montana, said he also ordered kits on-line and is a wholesaler in Montana. He said he was primarily interested in having an e-cigarette product available for on-premise retailers he services on his small route, and for their customers.
Brust ordered some kits with e-cigs that were designed as throwaways. They aren't rechargeable but are less expensive to purchase, he said. He also has available the conventional rechargeable devices.
He said the product's popularity has seen some tailing off and said he's not seen many re-orders. However, he said he intends to continue to distribute the product as long as there are those requesting it.
Some tobacco shops, such as the Smokers Friendly stores in most of Montana's major cities, are reportedly doing a reasonable sales volume, according to Bozeman store manager Robin DeMasi.
She said a significant number of customers have said they were purchasing and using the product in response to the Clean Indoor Air Act "so they can enjoy their beer indoors."
She also said some customers have expressed mild frustration at being challenged over the e-smokes and find themselves explaining the difference between e-smokes and conventional cigarettes, "that they only contain only nicotine and emit water vapor."