You may have recently heard buzz words like “cheap e cig juice” or “e cigarette refill cartridges” prompting you to wonder what the meaning behind these terms is. Electronic cigarettes, also known as liquid e cigs, have gained popularity in recent years as an alternative to smoking traditional combustible cigarettes. These devices were introduced in the 1960s, but they have just taken off with consumers and the number of users is expected to quadruple in coming years as smokers look for new ways to kick the habit of smoking.

Like any new product that takes the market by storm, this small new gadget is embroiled in controversy and is at the center of a contentious debate among several activist groups. To further inflame the feud, the United States government has recently proposed stricter regulation of the e cigarette market. The price of cheap e cig juice could rise if health officials determine that these new products should be regulated in the same way as tobacco, meaning a tax would be imposed on sales of e cigarette related products.

Proponents of e cigs say that restricting the sale of these products would be inimical to public health, while critics reject this and cite the lack of scientific evidence of their safety. Here’s everything you need to know about the key players in this debate.

• Doctors and medical professionals are concerned about the long term effects of e cigs
  Some doctors are extremely worried about the lack of evidence for the health effects of e cigs. Specifically, professional scientists are worried about how cheap e cig juice could possibly affect people since there are no long term studies on what the impact could be to users’ lungs and other organs. However, some other people make a great point that there are significant negative health effects associated with smoking combustible cigarettes, and that any alternative to this is surely a better one. There needs to be more research, and with the recent surge in sales of e cigs and other e liquids, prominent investigators have focused their efforts on uncovering the truth about how e cigs will impact people in the long term.
• Advocates for e cigs say they are a healthier alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes
  This is the most widely heard position in the media, and people really want to get the word out that this is potentially a great alternative to the unhealthy habit of smoking. It can really be a positive way for people to kick their habit.
• The government is uncertain about how to deal with regulations on these devices
  Some people say e cigs should be regulated in the same way as other tobacco products, while others suggest they are in a completely separate category and require new legislation to create laws specifically targeted at this new product. For now there are too many opposing positions to move forward with action at the federal level, and this seemingly intractable problem continues to get worse.

Have you ever used an e cigarette with e cig liquid? What was your impression of the product and would you recommend it to others who are looking for something to replace their habit of smoking combustible cigarettes? We would love to hear your feedback, so please join the conversation by sharing your thoughts in a comment below.