The electronic cigarette is an alternative to the traditional tobacco cigarette which some smokers use to gradually cut down on their nicotine intake without inhaling some of the toxins associated with burning tobacco such as carbon monoxide. The companies who sell these devices sell them purely as a smoking replacement rather than a stop smoking device due to the fact that they have not been evaluated to test whether they are effective in this way. Having said that, there is no denying that many people, including myself have successfully used e cigarettes as an aid to quit, but whether the e cigarette was essential in the process is hard to say with absolute certainty until the proper, scientific studies have been carried out.

The e cigarette takes the form of a small metal tube with an appearance very similar to a regular tobacco cigarette though usually slightly longer, and heavier. The mouthpiece of the e cigarette contains a replaceable nicotine filled cartridge which releases a dose of nicotine when inhaled by the user. Because the nicotine is combined with propylene glycol and "vaporized" it takes the form of a vapor which gives the user the sensation that they are actually smoking, when in reality no smoke is being emitted.

This fact that there is no burning of tobacco or smoke involved in the process allows individuals to use the e cigarette in many countries where an indoor smoking ban has come into effect. Unfortunately some states in the States have decided to treat the device the same as tobacco cigarettes, in the UK however, you are perfectly entitled to use it an any indoor place, as long as the proprietor of the premises doesn’t mind. In fact, some pubs and clubs are actually selling the e cig in an effort to win back custom that has deserted them since the smoking ban was introduced.

Although they are growing in popularity you will still be hard pushed to find electronic cigarette starter kits for sale on the high street. Your best bet is to find a quality online retailer and get your supplies delivered directly to your door.