Worth reading this weekend (March 18th 2016)

Easter is coming up, which means most my Norwegian readers will go on a desperate hunt for the last patches of snow, with their cars fully loaded with chocolate, oranges and kids whining. We're a weird bunch I tell you, and I might take some days of to join this madness myself. But before that, some good reading for this weekend:

• I did get quite some good feedback on my post from Monday, The Gateway theory vs. the Firewall theory. Increased smoking among youth in states where they've ban sales of e-cigarettes to minors is an unintended consequence of regulation (at least I hope that was not the intention). Clive Bates published an absolutely excellent article on that subject yesterday: Harmful and negligent to ignore unintended consequences of e-cigarette policies. Totally agree with his last words in this article:

I hope it won’t be too long before the courts start to hold people accountable for unintended consequences arising from their negligence.

• We got some great news from Wales this week: Plans to ban e-cigarettes in public places defeated. 

• What is it that makes vaping an effective way to quit smoking? I think there are several reason, one of them is that vaping is, or at least can be for quite a lot of us, fun. I liked this article on the subject: Vapers just wanna have fun

A better approach to vaping would recognise that its success as a popular alternative to smoking is not simply down to whether particular devices deliver sufficient nicotine to relieve cravings (although that is an important factor). Rather, vaping is an activity of many parts, and the neglect of any one of them is to the detriment of the whole. It is a recreational activity in its own right and brings pleasures of its own. It is a hobby, an opportunity for socialising, a way to relax, or even just a chance to share opinions about the latest gear. Switching to vaping is empowering for many smokers. It allows smokers to find their own solution with the help of those who have trodden the same path.

• Another success factor is all the great flavours available. Last but not least today, I'd like to mention the Ashtray blogs guide to steeping e-liquid... so you can get even better flavour.

Have a nice weekend!