How Did Vaping Become Widespread Around the World?

It is undeniable that vaping has taken over the world. What began as a niche device or a new method of doing things is now widely used around the world.

But how did it come to this? The growth of vaping as a global phenomena did not happen overnight. The device has been in use for about a century.

Dive in for a quick history lesson on the reasons that contributed to vaping's rapid growth.

A Century of Progress

It may seem hard to imagine, but the initial ideas for what we now term a 'vape' were conceived in 1927. The vaping device rose to international prominence after a century of innovation.

Joseph Robinson filed a patent in 1927 for a system that would heat tobacco by using electricity rather than burning it. His idea was never commercially successful, but his patent made this technological possibility possible.

Herbert Gilbert submitted yet another patent for a similar invention in the 1960s. In reality, it is very similar to modern technologies, though not nearly as advanced. Gilbert developed prototypes as well, but the concept was not financially viable.

Phil Ray, a computer engineer, and Norman Jacobson, a physician, developed the first commercialised ‘e-cigarette' in the late 1970s. Its name was a bit of a misnomer, because it wasn't really an electrical device. It functioned by allowing nicotine to evaporate rather than being burned. Unfortunately, the concept was never implemented. Ray, on the other hand, is credited for coining the term "vape."

While Robinson, Gilbert, Ray, and Norman's courageous attempts were never economically successful, they created the basis for the new millennium and the modern vaporizer to emerge.

Bad Dreams and Tragedy of One Inventor

The early 2000s saw a flurry of anticipation for what the future might bring, particularly in terms of technical breakthroughs. Hon Lik, a Chinese pharmacist, was no different, but his motivation wasn't simply based on optimism.

Hon learned in 2002 that the nicotine patches he was taking to quit smoking 2-3 packs per day were giving him nightmares. He started working on a device that would alter the world of nicotine consumption shortly after that.

Tragically, tragedy struck in 2004. Hon's father passed away due to lung cancer. The tragedy pushed him even more. He set out to create a device that would make nicotine usage safer and more enjoyable, and he succeeded.

The first designs were clumsy and difficult to use. They didn't have the sleek aesthetic that vape consumers are used to, and they required a lot of maintenance to keep them going. It was far from perfect. Nonetheless, Lik had succeeded where others had failed, unleashing a whole new wave of follow-up ideas.

The Consumer Has the Upper Hand

Many people were enthralled by the idea of a little, electrical gadget that heated tobacco rather than burning it. Carrying a single gadget rather than an entire pack was undoubtedly appealing, if only for ease. However, before the concept could take off, it needed to be refined.

Surprisingly, many of these breakthroughs began in the hands of consumers at home. People began customising their devices with power tool batteries, which offered a stronger nicotine dose. The term'mods' comes from these types of consumer advances. Customers were customising the devices they bought because they were dissatisfied with what was currently on the market.

A Lasting Impression

Unfortunately, these altered devices did not persist, but they left a lasting legacy that would influence the new vaping era.

Most devices in the early days of vaping were simply a battery and a heating coil. You don't need a master's degree in electronics to see why combining any old battery with a heating coil isn't a good idea. The reputation of vapes 'unexpectedly bursting' is mostly due to inefficient designs and incorrect battery usage.

DIY modding didn't die off until manufacturers began to put more advanced electronics in their products. Early efforts were led by Chinese producers, who mass-produced regulated mods that did not require excessive changes to create the intended effect.

Then came the true turning point in popularity: the advent of the vape device.

Late to the party

The era of vape appeared to be coming to an end about a decade after Lik first put his creation into the public. However, in the early 2010s, the vape device arrived on the scene and completely transformed the game. The introduction of the vape device is partly responsible for the global popularity of vaping. Many people were drawn to it because of its size and design, and the numbers speak for themselves.

The expected number of vapers increased by almost 34 million between 2011 and 2018. This considerable increase in international reputation cemented the vaporizer as a viable nicotine delivery method. It was quick, simple to use, compact, and attractive.

Since then, enormous advancements have occurred. New additions to the vaping family have blossomed on the market, gaining new followers all around the world. Whether you're a casual beginner or a seasoned veteran, there's a vape for you, and this market shows no signs of slowing off.

Why is it that vaping is still so popular?

The level of personalization available is a big component to the vaping industry's sustained growth.

First, there are the various types of vapes that are available (devices, mods, pods, and beyond). Furthermore, there is a great deal of variation within those groups. There are flavours to fit everyone's preferences, from fruity to minty and everything in between. Vape, on the whole, has its customer base covered.

This personalization goes well beyond just flavour and appearance. Many vaporizers give the user complete control over how much they inhale at any particular time.

This amount of consumer control is unprecedented in any other method of nicotine inhalation, allowing users to only ingest as much as they're comfortable with. For many people, this is a significant benefit, as it allows you greater control over what you put into your body.

What Is the Future of Vaping?

Even more advancements are possible in the future of vaping, and the business shows no indications of slowing down. Whatever the future holds for vaping, from humble beginnings to the global monster it is now, you can bet we'll be thrilled to see how it unfolds.