Spilling The Beans

Bean Insider: Keeping It Clean

2011-11-05T10:50:00.000-07:00

KEEPING IT CLEAN

Keeping it Clean: A few tips on getting the best smoke from your piece

Everyone’s been there, you want to pack a fresh pipe of your favorite smoke, and bam- denied, clogged. Now there’s a few ways to go about this depending on whether or not you want to salvage the carbon tar from a pipe. Many people do like to do this, which is doubly-dangerous with glass since the tools used for this are usually metal. By salvaging I mean scraping out the thick tar resin on the inner wall of the pipe and saving it to be re-smoked again. Also called ‘smoking roz,’ this is very common, however not very potent, nor healthy at all. In fact the whole reason your pipe is nasty is because it has been smoked so much, and filled with so many carbons that it begins to sap and strengthen when heated again, forming a thick layer of resin sludge on the inner walls of your piece, instead of in your lungs .

The alternative, and by far much safer way – is to use a solvent of some kind. Even a simple combination of Isopropyl alcohol and sea salt can create a cleaning solvent that will eat away at the thick resin inside, and is very in-expensive. The chunky sea salt gives it an abrasive quality that will help break apart the tar resin faster than alcohol by itself. This is the basic formula for many pipe cleaning brands such as Grunge Off, Green Lightning and Formula 420, although these have fast-acting enzymes and other ingredients to speed up the breaking down of the resin. You may need to ‘shake’ the solution when it’s in the pipe as well to help with friction, and break the resin apart faster. If you’re not a fan of using alcohol, there are all natural or ‘green’ solvents on the market as well, although we do not currently have any here at the Bean… an I’ve never used them myself, so I cannot comment although I’m sure they are just as effective.

Another good trick, I often use: is the ‘shake and bake’ method, which works best with smaller glass pipes, but really isn’t effective for big pipes and waterpipes.

To do this, set your pipe in a sealable Ziploc bag, large enough for your pipe and some cleaning solution. Pour the cleaning solution, whether store bought or home-made into the Ziploc, and then force the air out and seal it. You can then ‘shake’ the bag without having to worry about damaging your piece, or getting the tar-filled after-product all over your hands, much like you prepare chicken with Shake and Bake. Usually thirty to sixty seconds of shaking will break apart most resin buildup, although it may be necessary to dump the tar-filled waste water away and re-fill and repeat. This will leave you with a bit of a film on the exterior of your pipe, but a lil more alcohol on a washcloth or better yet, and alcohol wipe – will clean it up quick and your piece will be back to new with less fuss and mess. As always, no matter what way you clean it, insure you give it a quick bath in warm water, or at least run a bit through the pipe body to flush out any bits still clinging to the inside.

It is highly recommended never to ‘scrape’ your glass pipe with anything metal, even soft metals like a paper clip can break apart weak spots in glass! If necessary to just clean the bowl hole or carb up a bit – use a wooden or plastic toothpick instead, let the poker break instead of the glass you’re cleaning! For larger waterpipes it’s basically the same rule and method, but you may need a long bristle, or ‘bottle brush’ to get down to the base of the pipe, where the majority of the raw waste and ash collects. I’ve also heard of people using grain alcohol such as vodka and gin to clean their pipes, but I wouldn’t recommend drinking it afterwards!

Keeping your pipe clean is critical to getting the most out of your smoke-able material, and is vital to keeping the bad out of your good. J

Bean Insider: Glass is King

2011-10-28T11:04:00.000-07:00

Glass – The preferred material of the ‘Modern Smoker’

What’s so great about glass?

The primary reason glass pipes remain King in the modern smoker world, is it’s cleanliness. Glass leaves no after-taste nor does it create bi-product fumes when it is heated excessively. Therefore it is the healthiest medium for a pipe’s construction, preserving the quality of the material inside. Also, another important attribute to a glass pipe’s superiority over metal is that you can see inside the chamber- so you can see how much smoke you are getting, or if there is smoke left in the chamber, (known as ‘stale’ smoke.) Glass also does not heat up nearly as fast, nor does it stay hot as long, as a metal pipe, and unlike wood, there is no after taste or charring of the interior bowl.

Besides function, glass also has the ability to be shaped into beautiful sculptures and designs, each can have bright colors; swirling, multicolored spirals; sparkling glitter-like metal flakes inside the glass, glass that actually changes color when you smoke out of it, or even little pictures inside the glass. This allows the vessel to not be contained to a classic ‘pipe’ shape with just bowl and stem. With the addition of extra glass utensils, such as ‘perculators’ and ‘ashcatchers,’ you can further improve the versatility and cleanliness of glass use. All of these reasons make glass the most superior pipe material, whether a short ‘hitter’ bat or a massive water-pipe, or ‘bong.’

Personally, I prefer glass over any other material, because it better preserves the taste and quality of what you’re smoking, whether it is tobacco, marijuana or another smoke-able herb. Nothing else compares to glass for this reason, plus it’s easy to clean and keep clean.

Glass pipes greatly help reduce ‘stale’ smoke as well.

Knowing how much smoke your lungs can take is important to prevent stale smoke. If you leave the smoke in the chamber of any pipe for longer than about 7 seconds it will begin to go ‘stale.’ After that point it will get gradually worse until it goes completely stale after about 20 seconds. The smoke itself will turn brown in color, indicating its horrible state. Keep in mind you should try to clear a pipe as fast as possible in order to get the freshest hit possible. You may vomit off of smoke that has gone stale (and you will definitely cough really hard the second you hit it) so it’s a thing to watch out for, which glass allows much easier since you can see into it. One of the most important things about hand-pipes in general is getting one that will not produce stale smoke regularly. Hitting stale smoke is one of the hang-ups about pipes and waterpipes, but it can be avoided. Make sure the carburetor on the bowl of a handpipe is a little bit larger than the bowl hole itself (the bottom of the filling area,) to aid in this dilemma. A good-sized carb allows a greater force of air all at once to push into your lungs, as opposed to a small carb, or worse – no carb. For waterpipes – it’s always important to glance down at the draw stem to see just how much smoke is in the tube, so you don’t choke on too rich of a hit, or fail to ‘clear’ the hit and leave stale smoke inside. If you can’t see into your waterpipe, take smaller hits at first until you get used to how long it takes to fill the waterpipe, and how much your lungs can take all at once!

Any disadvantages to glass?

The only common complaint for glass is…well… that it’s glass, meaning it’s fairly easy to break. Unlike metal and wood pipes, glass is usually much more fragile; however it is still superior to ceramics and stone, which are also fairly fragile. Other than the ability to break easily I’ve also heard some customers say they don’t like the use of a ‘carb’ or carburetor, which allows air to pass through and clear the smoke, and is common on all glass pipes. This makes for too harsh of a ‘hit’ for some, although it is the most efficient way to clear a pipe, and is less harsh than ‘stale’ smoke. Logically, if you are careful with your glass pieces, they are the very best – as a user you just can’t get too ‘clouded’ and drop them, or forget them in your lap and stand-up, because we all know how that ends… SMASHED.

What is Color Changing Glass?

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	Color Changing Glass (or CCG as it's known) is made by small pieces of metal (usually silver and/or gold) that are held in the flame of the torch until vaporized (often called 'fuming'). The glass is rotated in this vapor stream until a fine layer of the vaporized metal is visible on the surface of the glass. After this, clear glass is applied (often in 'dots' and 'lines') to 'encase' the vaporized metal in between layers of glass. There are many techniques and methods of applying the fumes and clear glass making a myriad of different colors, and endless types of patterns that one can come up with. The colors produced with fumed metals are best when they are translucent, vibrant, and reflective. As the pipe darkens with use, the colors (many barely visible) become darker and much more conspicuous, thus causing the appearance of much richer 'color change' (the glass itself doesn't actually change colors though).Sometimes the blower’s own breath can affect the overall color change ability of a pipe, since trace vapors exhaled by the body are trapped within the fumed glass as well. Color changing glass is used in a variety of products such as glass vases, oil lamp bases, perfume bottles, containers, smoking accessories, and so forth. A popular brand name for this type of glass would be Chameleon Glass, although it’s important to note that not all Chameleon Glass pipes change color. When purchasing a color changing pipe, you’re looking for the light hue of blue or often yellow that comes from the mineral in the glass. At the Dilly Bean we generally refer to any pipes like this as ‘fumed’ glass, and most brands we carry have a few, if not a lot, of color changing pipes.

Whether its cleanliness, design or versatility - Glass is the supreme King of the pipe world, with more and more companies growing every year. There are also plenty of hand-crafters out there that can craft exquisite custom pieces, but at a custom price! Here's a few good pipe links:

http://www.glasspipes.org/

http://gogopipes.com/

and of course our Homesite: http://www.thedillybean.com/

Bean Insider: The Tsunami

2011-10-26T12:21:00.000-07:00

Bean Insider: THE TSUNAMI

Tsunami – The difference between smoking and enjoying!
The Tsunami is a beautiful and extremely functional design of waterpipe, that's making a big wave here at the Bean!

The body of the Tsunami is specifically designed to make the smoke swirl and rise, similar to a tsunami wave swirling at the bottom of the ocean and rising above the surface. Fine punctures are made along its body, creating air-jets which filter out tar particles. Because the smoke rises in cyclone-like fashion, the centrifugal force pushes the tar particles against the inner wall, where they are collected through the air-jets. It is advertised as a double-filtered pipe because of this extra form of tar extraction. Add diffusion stones or carbon capture fluid to maximize your filtration with this product!

Tsunamis vary in size but they all have 6 air jets. This increases the velocity flow of the smoke when inhaling, which results in a quicker, faster "hit," with substantially less harshness.
In addition, the Tsunami uses a special down-stem, which connects to an ash-catcher (a small glass bubble filled with water). A bowl is then connected to the top of the ash-catcher. When smoking, the ash falls into the ash-catcher and is kept there, preventing any solid materials from entering the main chamber of the Tsunami. This feature keeps the main water clean, and many users report a smoother taste because of this. The smoke however, does not filter through the water in the ash-catcher.

The Tsunami is very unique in that it has a special design for medicinal users. The body can be turned on its side without spilling any water so that someone who is bed ridden can use the Tsunami lying down. The hole at the top of the down-stem must be positioned facing the person using the Tsunami for this to be effective.

Every Tsunami has a small hole on the lower front wall of its body, known as a carburetor or "carb". This feature forces the smoke to rise quickly during a "clear", as the external air which is being pulled in does not have to pass the main water tank, which slows down the hit. Instead the air is rushed in to the lungs without any sort of resistance. The down-stem also detaches so that the ash-catcher can be cleared by removing the down-stem, and the body can be further cleared by removing the finger from the carb.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE TSUNAMI IN ACTION! > http://www.tsunamiwaterpipe.com/vidpop.html

The glass that makes up the Tsunami is Schott Glass from Germany and is advertised as being virtually unbreakable but remember: that it is still glass. Every Tsunami is hand-manufactured, and the three legs are forged in fire before being attached to the main body. Every Tsunami can look different based on the height and thickness of its legs, which vary slightly amongst every Tsunami. Under the leg you will find a serial number that is specific to every individual Tsunami water-pipe.
Every connection on the Tsunami is "glass on glass", meaning there are no rubber pieces used in any of the connections. The female connection on the pipe itself and the bubble measure 14.5mm, which is the standard for small to medium sized water-pipes.

The Tsunami is a force to be reckoned with in the waterpipe world! Similar filtration, or ‘perculated waterpipes,’ cost around the same price, but the Tsunami’s versatility and manufacturing type allows it to be experienced many ways, and still remain easy to maintain. As with all waterpipes it’s recommended to change the water and clean the apparatus after every use, however changing the water should be done at the least, for a clear ‘hit’ every time. The Tsunami is also a marvel of aesthetics, with a distinct three leg design, that is also angled slightly, so the user doesn’t have to ‘tip’ the apparatus towards the mouth to draw. All in all, the combination of an ash-catching system as well as a cyclonic filtration system makes this waterpipe a must have for any and all aficionados. Don’t be surprised to see it on the cover of a Medical Marijuana, or ‘High Times’ magazine soon, for this product is a worthy one indeed!

For Tsunami’s Homepage and more info visit: http://www.tsunamiwaterpipe.com/

For ordering info and prices, please email the Bean Master at johnny@thedillybean.com

"How it Works..." Vaporizers

2011-09-09T10:15:00.000-07:00

What is a vaporizer?

A Vaporizer is exactly what its called, a device that ‘vaporizes’ material rather than combusting or burning it. The primary difference is that there is no smoke when operating a Vaporizer, and you are only extracting what you want from it. Essentially, a power supply heats a glass or ceramic heating element to a desired temperature. Then a ‘whip’ or ‘bag’ is attached, where the ‘vapor’ will collect for ingestion. Very much an electronic smoking device, vaporizers also have a classic use as a room based oil or herb diffuser, that fills an entire room with vapor rather than a smoking device. (i.e: the old Vicks Vaporizers which use water and medicinal solution to diffuse in the air.) Vaporizers also will heat oils and liquid incense, and certain models come with a special tube for using liquids in. The primary thing to remember in this discussion is that vaporizers, do not burn material, which means you do not get the added carcinogens from combusting your material.

How does the Vaporizer work?

The vaporizer works by heating your normally combusted (lit) substances to the exact temperature that the *active* chemicals in your product, turn into vapor. For example: in tobacco, nicotine will actually vaporize into a thin ‘mist’ which is inhaled in place of combusted smoke. This ‘mist’ is the vapor, comprising of active chemicals which are then captured in a small internal glass bulb on the whip, and you draw via the tube whenever you want to, (or a bag if the vaporizer is a bag-operated model.)

Essentially – when you light traditional pipes you’re pouring butane and other trace gases onto the material to ignite it, and THEN you’re inhaling carbons, toxins and everything you don’t want along with what you do. Vaporizing eliminates the need for flame, using a high-intensity heating element to ‘leech’ out only what you desire, NO SMOKE, NO ADDED TOXINS AND NO CARBONS.

Is it easy to use/assemble?

Vaporizers are extremely easy to use, think of it as a mini oven. The vaporizer only needs to preheat to be used. Set the temp- and once it’s ready, (usually about ten to fifteen minutes,) fill your whip and attach it to the heating element and inhale. Once you can see the "mist" swirling around in the glass whip you’ll be ingesting the raw active chemical, which is all you want! If your product ignites, then it’s too hot, you should never see flame within your bulb or fill unit.

Vaporizers come in many styles and designs ranging from a ‘Dome’ style to a tabletop ‘Whip’ style, and the kings of vaporizing- the ‘Bag’ vaporizers. Each assembles slightly different but is made up of a containment box, (or cylinder,) a power supply and an ingestion unit, (usually a whip or bag.) We carry many tabletop versions at our store which are essentially a box with a heating element and temperature control, and attached are a power supply and a whip. You just take it out of the box, set it up on an open, non-flammable surface and turn it on. (Note: You’ll want to let it run at a high temp when you first use your vaporizer, let any residual oil or trace materials from manufacturing burn off the element before using!)

Usually the only confusing part about using a vaporizer is the temperature setting – which is different for every different type of dry material and oil, so it will vary depending on what you’re using. Most vaporizers come with a ‘quick-sheet’ which lists a variety of organic oils and herbs and what temps they vaporize at. Many resources are online for the ‘best’ temperature to vaporize a certain substance at, usually ranges from 325 degrees Fahrenheit and up, although keep in mind that most dry material WILL INGNITE if it reaches 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Do a Google search for “vaporizer temperatures” if your vaporizer did not come with a quick-sheet.

So what am I gaining from this over a traditional pipe?

No Smoke With your vaporizer you get NO SMOKE because nothing actually burns. Plus you will actually use far less material for the same effect.
Temperature controlled: Materials heat to optimum temperature in a matter of minutes, allowing you to tweak the setting depending on your material.
95% Pure active ingredients from the vapors. Get pure effects without burning your material and ingesting only what comes through the pipe.
The whip gives you room, the glass whip and plastic tube with a quality mouthpiece for inhaling vapor. Long enough to be shared around or some come with balloon kits, to capture and store the vapor. Plus it keeps flame away from your face and hair, in-fact there isn’t flame at all!
Simple to use. Much easier than searching for a ‘carb’ or filling a waterpipe with water and assembly a dozen pieces for the same level of filtration.
Odorless - With no smoke, the pure material vapors have a very thin scent, and you will be inhaling them anyway. Makes it great for discreet use in small or shared rooms or unventilated areas you share with non-smokers.
Electric powered – Some may see this as a downside since you need a DC/AC outlet to use, however if you’ve spent hundreds of dollars on BICs, you’ll notice a difference in the lighting price!
Approximately 30% More Efficiency - Save money with the vaporizers inherent design efficiencies compared to smoking alone. Much of the active chemical is wasted due to it being combusted when smoked in other ways, and it just floats all over the room or clogs up your pipe.
Enduring – All vaporizers are manufactured and designed to last a lifetime, and most come with a limited warranty which can be upgraded easily to a lifetime warranty for cheap. The weight and wide base is designed to be a stable platform, useable on any flat surface. Excellent for use with tobacco, herbal aromatherapy and medicinal herbs of all kinds, including medical Marijuana.
Versatile - Works great with herbs, oils, shisha (hookah tobacco), tobacco, solid resins and anything you would normally combust.
95% Smoke and Carcinogen FREE. This is the supreme benefit and number-one reason vaporizers are so popular. Even people with asthma can safely ingest the active chemicals they want without the life-threatening smoke as well. I’ve personally seen a large increase in older adult users of tobacco and herbs, looking for a safer alternative to a pipe, but still wanting to attain what they enjoy.

Other advantages:

As mentioned, the main benefit of using vaporizers is to protect your lungs from harmful carcinogenic smoke, but it also makes your material last longer. Essentially you will use less material for the same effect, and on occasion you can re-use the material at a slightly higher temperature. This is a great advantage over traditional smoking, considering that when you ignite material you’re wasting everything that doesn’t go into your lungs, which includes what enters the air around you and what remains as sludge in the pipe. When you use a vaporizer you only get the active ingredients/chemicals in their purist form, and it’s all contained so there is no ‘second-hand’ hazards to yourself or bystanders.

In conclusion:

Vaporizers are an excellent alternative for those seeking something healthier from a smoking device. Vaporizers are also useful for conserving material, or ‘getting more for your buck,’ since the vaporizing process allows for little-to-no waste. Also, as aforementioned, your material isn’t being burned and wasted – which means you’re getting more of what you want and less of the cough and lung distress in the process.

Vapes come in many different variations and styles, as well as prices. We feature Vaporite brand vaporizers which are tabletop designed with whip attachments and range from $109.00 to $159.00 on most models. Vaporite also has warranty cards with all of their products and can be upgraded to a lifetime warranty via registration. Check out the designs we sell most at:

http://store.thedillybean.com/vaporizers.html

An excellent investment for the connoisseur, or for those with health problems, really an economical and safe buy all-around. Vaporizers are a great tool, whether a smoker or not!

"How it Works..." Himilayan Salt Lamps

2011-09-06T09:51:00.000-07:00

HIMILAYAN SALT LAMPS – what’s so great about a rock?

Himalayan Salt Lamps are all natural Salt rocks, carefully crafted into lamps with a small bulb inside. The lighting effect is very ambient and mellow and great for an office, bedroom or den. Salt rocks naturally generate Negative ions, which purify electrical anomalies in the air, making it easier to breathe. We’ve carried Slat Lamps in our store for well over 8 years now and we love ‘em! Our display area for them is right behind our front counter, and that’s the cleanest and most ambient spot in our entire store! Essentially, salt rock is a natural stone that’s been used in medicines and therapy for millennia – the lamp integrates a functional and aesthetically pleasing element to the therapy process.

A Salty History…
The healing properties of salt have been recognized since the beginning of recorded history. Every civilization has valued salt, using it as trade currency, a preservative for food and a valuable health tonic. In many cultures, people seek the refuge of salt crystal mines for their health and rejuvenation.
It has been reported that deep within a salt mine, the symptoms of asthma, allergies and other respiratory illnesses are relieved, even joint pain is reduced when a person is surrounded by salt crystal rocks.
For thousands of years, people suffering from chronic congestive problems have gone to clinics located in salt mines for treatment. This treatment is known as Speleotherapy. The very dry, negative ion environment of a salt mine helps to clear out the patient's bronchial tubes and sinuses, killing bacteria and other microbes.

A Salty Science…
Negative Ions are displaced electrons in the air, formed when an energy source acts on a molecule of oxygen, carbon dioxide, water or nitrogen. They are short-lived and highly reactive particles that attach and neutralize microscopic particles floating in the air, like mold, pollen, dust allergens, pet dander, odors, cigarette smoke and chemicals.
Researchers have discovered that when a salt crystal is heated slightly, it will generate Negative Ions. In order to facilitate this, a small light bulb, usually 7 to 40 watts, is placed inside a salt crystal – creating our unique Himalayan Salt Crystal Lamps™. Therefore, it is important to remember that any Salt Crystal Lamp, under normal conditions, will only generate Negative Ions when it is warmed by the internal light bulb. We recommend that you leave the light on 24 hours a day for maximum benefits.
The more Negative Ions that are generated, the better the ambient air will become. The size of the salt crystal lamp and the conditions of the surrounding area, will ultimately determine the radiant effect of a Negative Ion discharge. Researchers have discovered that if there is little or no moisture in the air, small salt crystals are largely ineffective at producing Negative Ions. However, areas such as the outdoors, bathrooms and spas have too much humidity and the salt crystals dissolve rapidly when exposed to high humidity levels above 60 percent. Salt Crystal Lamps will last indefinitely as long as they are not exposed to excessive moisture.
Salt Crystals Lamps are also natural Negative Ion generators. Salt is naturally Hygroscopic, which means, it naturally attracts moisture. The interaction of humid air with the surface of a salt crystal releases Negative Ions. Many medical studies in Europe have shown such health benefits and provide relief from hay fever, asthma and allergy relief, improvement with sinus related illnesses, migraines and reduce susceptibility to colds and flu.

Negative ions can enhance the immune system, increase mental alertness and concentration; purify indoor air and control odors.

A Salty Suggestion:
Don’t use this in a bathroom or enclosed, moisture-rich area. You want the effect to take place in a room you use often, without too much humidity. Also: Salt rock naturally sheds a bit, so if you see a thin layer of dust appearing around your salt lamp – that’s totally expected and natural. Whereas, if water begins to pool around the base, then you are likely in an area very high in moisture content, and you’ll want to use it in conjunction with a humidifying system of some kind, or just keep a towel under it.

In conclusion:
We can see after reading all the fun facts about these little aesthetic wonders, there is indeed something special about these rocks! I personally have one in my bedroom, and since I’m a smoker its cut down on the lingering smoke presence and it creates a mellow lighting atmosphere at the same time! They come in many different shapes and assemblies, but the most common are small cut rock, large cut and specialty (such as a sphere or cube shape.) So if you have a room with stale air, or if you have asthma problems and ALL air is stale, you’ll not be disappointed investing in one of these babies! Usually range in price from $24.99 for a small-cut rock, to upwards of 49.99 for a specialty cut or large Salt Rock Lamp.

For other FAQ and facts visit: http://www.himalayansaltlamps.com/

'How it Works..." Electronic Cigarettes

2011-08-18T16:31:00.000-07:00

In our first installment of "How it Works...," we'll examine and discuss key questions and answers involving this new tobacco trend: Electronic Cigarettes.

What are electronic cigarettes exactly?
Electronic Cigarettes, or "e-cigs," are battery powered devices that heat a nicotine gel, creating a vapor (not smoke) that the user inhales. They are designed with two key ideas in mind: addressing nicotine cravings in a healthy manner and also adapting it so it 'feels' the same as a real cigarette. They allow a tobacco user to acquire nicotine without harmful carbon monoxide and additives that domestic cigarettes contain, and are an effective 'go-anywhere' device that is accepted for use in most public areas and modes of transportation.

What kinds are there?
Essentially there are hundreds of different distributors and name brands: such as Blu-Cig, Smoke NE Where, and our favorite Cig2O, but they all work off the same mechanical principles. They come in both disposable and re-chargeable models. Depending on the company, the device itself will consist of one to three parts, depending on quality and construction. The reason for so many different types and companies is the allowance of better prices on lesser quality materials, or vice-versa more price for a reliable one. They come in mainly Tobacco (Regular) and Menthol flavors, but many companies have expanded to a variety of tastes including fruit flavors and exotic flavors such as Vanilla and Pina Colada.
We carry Cig2O which are available as a disposable or rechargeable kit with these flavors: Tobacco, Menthol and Reds (a take on the Marlboro infused-spice flavor.)

So how does this thing work?
All e-cigs, as aforementioned, come in a few different styles, but all with the same basic components: a battery, an atomizer and a nicotine cartridge. These three components work in conjunction with each other to deliver a 'puff' of safe nicotine. The battery powers the atomizer, which vaporizes the nicotine solution contained in the nicotine cartridge. Some companies have these as three separate pieces, and some with only two - having the atomizer built into each cartridge. Disposables are most commonly a single, non-rechargeable unit that can be used and then disposed of like a regular battery when the nicotine is used up.
As a user draws in air through the battery, it becomes super-heated inside and warms the nicotine glycol gel in the cartridge, giving you a water-vapor 'puff' just like a drag from a cigarette.

So what is in the Nicotine Cartridge?
Nicotine 'juice' is a thin, nearly gelled, solution of water and propylene glycol. Propylene glycol is a common additive used in medicines, cosmetics, food and even toothpaste. The only substantial ingredients are A: nicotine, and B: flavoring. Flavoring is usually very close to a genuine cigarette, adding to the 'taste' appeal of electronic cigarettes, and is most commonly just Tobacco and Menthol flavors.

Are they legal and safe?
Absolutely, we don't sell anything illegal! As of 12/07/2010, D.C. has ruled that electronic cigarettes are to be treated as a tobacco product, and are subject to similar regulation under the Family Smoking Prevention Tobacco Act. This means the FDA cannot ban or restrict importation and distribution of e-cigs into the United States. Safety features are being refined daily, and each new batch of e-cigs is manufactured to the highest standards. Despite the high-heating taking place inside the battery and atomizer, the heat dissipates quickly and is only effective when used in conjunction with the nicotine/water vapor cartridge.

As far as personal health is concerned, there is simply nothing better for a tobacco user. You ingest nicotine, just like a cigarette, but without ingesting a combusted material, tar, arsenic, preservatives and the list of other toxic trace materials domestic cigarettes contain. Also there is no flammable ash, no second-hand smoke, and you'll never need to find a lighter to use it!

So other than for health reasons, why would I want an e-cig?
This is a highly debatable question. I'll pull from a customer’s anecdote, when asked why they like it more than a regular cigarette, they said: "I don't stink! My clothes, my car, my house, my breath! It's like a breath of fresh-air rather than a lung full of cancer, and it 'feels' like the real thing."
Let's examine that statement, particularly the part about it 'feeling' like a real cigarette. The act of smoking, like eating, is often referred to as an "oral-fixation" comfort, the want or need to have something in the mouth. With 'the patch' and 'anti-smoking medications,' you lose that feeling of actually ingesting the nicotine, something that can prove fatal when the need to light up becomes strongest, something that a patch or pill cannot aid. These nifty e-cig units look and feel like a real cigarette in the hand, and the draw is similar but with less harshness, no coughing and no smoke! This makes it much easier for people seeking to quit altogether, since most companies offer varying levels of nicotine milligram content in each cartridge pack. (Example: we carry 24mg, 18mg, 8mg and even 0mg cartridges so you can slowly lessen your intake, and if you wish- eventually kick the habit!)
Another fine reason is its dependability and usability almost anywhere. With tobacco prices rising steadily every year, and tobacco legislation passing even more laws controlling tobacco products and sale thereof, an e-cig is an economical way to keep smoking without breaking your bank open. Also, with most public buildings banning smoking on their property, this allows you to still use tobacco products without harming or influencing bystanders or jeopardizing public health safety.
(Example: Here in Wisconsin, there is a no-smoking ban in effect for most taverns and restaurants. With an e-cig you can still have a smoke with your beer, or after dinner, but it's always a good idea to ask the manager or owner of the establishment to insure they don't have a problem with it.)

In conclusion, e-cigs are certainly not a fad. Since their introduction to the market in 2010, thousands of tobacco smokers have switched, and many hundreds have even quit completely, finally able to find something that curbs their cravings without sacrificing the 'act of smoking.' Sales of e-cigs have steadily increased in the past few years, as has the tax of raw tobacco, which has empowered even more people to invest in an economically and health-friendly alternative to traditional cigarettes and cigars. The future is here, and it's healthier and cheaper than traditional domestic cigarettes.
Electronic cigarettes are affordable, healthy and a sure-fire way to keep smoking without harming yourself or jeopordizing public safety.