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When Did Vaping Start?

author-icon Suorin Team date-icon Apr 7, 2023

Vaping has become a worldwide phenomenon, with millions of people around the globe enjoying the trend. However, have you ever wondered where and when it all started? In this post, we will give you a brief history of vaping and how it has evolved over the years.

Vape use has been around for a long time. As soon as we discovered the benefits of steaming grasses and herbs, we found a way to enjoy vapors.

There is evidence that the ancient Egyptians used hot stones to vape concoctions of healing, aromatic herbs. The Middle Eastern practice of using hookahs goes back centuries. Inhaling steam from hot water infused with herbs is a classic beauty ritual. If you have ever used a mentholated rub combined with steam to heal your cold symptoms, you vaped.

A Brief History of Vape

There have been two major trends in the development of vape devices. One trend was in the creation of devices for smoking cannabis. The one we're looking at is the trend of devices designed to replicate smoking. The history of vape use starts with the earliest e-cigarettes.

Who Invented Vape?

The first patent for an electronic cigarette was filed in 1965. The inventor, Herbert Gilbert, wanted to create a cigarette that wouldn't produce smoke or ashes. He created several prototypes, but the cigarette companies weren't interested in making his smokeless cigarette.

Other prototypes followed, but the first true e-cigarette was the invention of He later said he was inspired by a dream in which he fell into the ocean, but the ocean turned into vapor, and he was able to breathe. He said he woke with the idea that "vapor" could replace "smoke" in a cigarette.

In 2003, Lik patented and produced his invention. It was introduced to the U.S. in 2006 and was a huge seller. The design was copied by several popular brands, especially MyBlu and Vuse.

Hon Lik's invention was primarily intended to help smokers quit smoking traditional cigarettes as it could provide users with nicotine without the harmful carcinogens that are found in tobacco. However, it quickly became popular among non-smokers as well, who found the flavors and the sensation of the vapor to be appealing.

How Vaping Grew Its Popularity?

Its popularity grew as more people realized it was a safe alternative to smoking cigarettes. Their anecdotal evidence soon grew, and it was joined by a growing chorus of scientists who said public health groups should urge people to make the switch.

  • In 2009, retailers and consumers joined to form the Consumer Alternatives for Smoke-Free Alternatives Association (CASAA) to promote the safe use of vapes.
  • In 2011, the U.K. Cabinet Office's Behavioral Insights Team endorsed the idea of vaping use as a harm reduction strategy. That same year, the first clinical trial was published showing that vape use was much more effective than traditional nicotine replacement (NRT) products.
  • In 2013, the organization Vape a Vet began training active and former military members in vape use.
  • In 2015, CASAA established a new website dedicated to the testimonials of people who have successfully quit smoking by switching to vapes.

The Arrival of Pod Mods

In 2010, a company named Pax Labs introduced the first pod mod. It was called the Ploom, and it was a small, slender device that had an internal battery and a refillable cartridge. The company then produced Pax, which was a top seller among people looking for an easy way to vape cannabis. In 2015, Pax introduced the Juul, which would become the first pod mod to sell in huge numbers.

When the first pod mods or pod vapes hit the vape industry, they did so like a thunderbolt. Former smokers flocked to these as an easy entry into vape use. The Juul was followed by the Suorin Air, Suorin Drop 2, Smoant S8, Vaporesso Renova Zero, Lost Vape Orion, Smoking Vapor Mi-Pod, Rabbeats Vape, and many other well-known names.

Early pod mods were often dismissed by hobbyists or "serious" vapers as inferior products, and many of them did fit the description. You could vape with them, but you didn't expect much flavor or performance. That did nothing to lessen their popularity, and today, they are the top-selling style of vape device by far.

Their reputation has also improved vastly. Today, many serious vapers and hobbyists use at least one pod mod, and you can find reviews of pod mods on all the majors vape sites and YouTube channels. Modern pod mods often have variable wattage, safety protections, replaceable coils, adjustable airflow, and other high-end features. Many of them produce amazing flavor. At the same time, they are still stylish, affordable, and easy to use.

Vape Use Today

Every year, the number of people who make the switch goes up. Here are some statistics that paint a picture of the state of vape use today:

  • In China, 17% of the population vapes. In the U.K., it's 14%, and in the U.S., around 11% of the population vapes.
  • The global vape market is valued at more than $12 billion, and the U.S. accounts for more than $6 billion of that.
  • More than 90% of all vape devices are manufactured in China.

Why Do People Start Using Vape?

Studies have found that more than 50% of adults start to quit cigarettes. Many former smokers recall buying that first vape starter kit and finding the key to quitting.

These are the majority of vapers. The rest are hobbyist vapers who enjoy building devices, creating clouds, and learning vapor tricks.

When it comes to teens, the reasons differ. According to a recent survey:

  • 60% said they did it out of curiosity.
  • 40% said they enjoyed the different flavors.
  • 6% said they did it to quit smoking cigarettes.

Vape Use Has a Solid Future

We expect the number of vapers to increase as more people discover an enjoyable, affordable way to quit analog cigarettes. As one of the leading manufacturers of electronic cigarettes and vaping products, our products are known for being sleek, compact, and convenient for vapers on the go. And Suorin is keen to showcase our latest innovations and premium vape devices. We will be unveiling our latest innovations aimed at satisfying vapers' needs while offering an alternative to traditional smoking methods. If you want to quit smoking with a vape, you can choose Suorin vapes, we will never let you down!