Could the Vaping Market See A Boom Post COVID-19 Pandemic?
The coronavirus disease, popularly known as COVID-19, is probably the greatest mass pandemic over the last 100 years. And unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’re likely familiar with the global implications of COVID-19.
Like most acute viral respiratory illnesses, COVID-19 spreads through contact with droplets from the coughs, sneezes, or exhales of an infected person. But what distinguishes COVID-19 from other viral respiratory infections is its considerably high mortality rate.
As of September 14, 2020, some 29 million people had contracted the virus worldwide. Out of that number, 19.6 million had recovered, 924,000 succumbed to the disease, with the rest still active cases.
Besides claiming close to one million lives, COVID-19 has also left a trail of economic destruction in its wake. Yet amidst all the gloom, a few industries continue to thrive. One such sector is the vaping industry.
Tracking the Growth of the Vaping Industry over the Years
The history of vaping goes way back to 1927 when Joseph Robinson conceptualized the first vaporizer. Robinson believed that he could develop a device that allowed people to consume tobacco without burning themselves. Unfortunately, he didn’t get very far with his invention.
Several years passed by, and in the early 60s, another inventor named Herbert Gilbert came up with the second vape device. Just like Robinson, Gilbert conceptualized a device through which people could inhale medical compounds without burning themselves. He even went as far as patenting the e-cig, which he simply called ‘smokeless non-tobacco.’ Sadly, he couldn’t pitch it to investors, and that’s how his noble idea died.
In 2003, a Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik invented the first modern e-cig. Lik’s invention was generally well-received as it sought to help people quit other harmful habits.
Fast forward and today, vaping has transitioned from being a smoking-cessation aid into a lifestyle. In fact, a significant percentage of vapers prefer to use the device to consume medically-beneficial extracts like cannabis, instead of addictive tobacco. Various celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, Britney Spears, and Samuel L. Jackson have also done a decent job at popularizing vaping by routinely posting photos with their e-cigs.
Now, the gradual integration of vaping into our lifestyle is why the vaping market has been on a consistent growth trajectory. Industry leaders opine that not even the ravaging economic effects of COVID-19 will slow down the vaping market. Today’s vaping market deals in an amazing range of vaping products, which offers next day delivery e liquid, e-cigs, e-juices, accessories, mesh coil, batteries, etc. The choice is overwhelming.
What Could Become Of The Vaping Market Post COVID-19 Pandemic?
The vaping industry may come out unscathed by the coronavirus pandemic, and the following are some of the reasons why;
- The COVID-19 curve might flatten around summertime
COVID-19 may have hit us hard, but recent statistics show that the virus may have just reached its peak. Joint efforts by various government institutions worldwide appear to have succeeded in raising awareness of the deadly virus.
People have appreciated the significance of wearing face masks in public places, sanitizing their hands, and keeping social distance. Coupled with other factors, such as a possible mutation of the virus into a less-deadly strain, the curve appears to be flattening in some countries.
Assuming the trend continues for the next few months, the flattening of the COVID-19 curve of infections will coincide with summer. Summer is best known as a season of vacation. And as more tourists seek to spend time outdoors, they’ll readily want to indulge in recreational activities like vaping, thereby increasing the demand for vape products.
- The cannabis element in vaping
Today, a significant portion of vapers prefer to consume various other herbal extracts.
Compared to other sectors, the cannabis industry hasn’t been badly hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, there has been intensified lobbying to declare the cannabis trade an essential service amidst the pandemic. There have also been heightened campaigns to legalize it in jurisdictions where medical marijuana is still outlawed. And several states have already issued executive orders to enhance accessibility to cannabis amidst the pandemic.
So, when the pandemic is finally over, we’re likely to see an increase in cannabis users. That surge in demand will trigger a proportionate growth in the vaping industry, considering that vaping is one of the most popular ways cannabis users prefer to consume the herb.
- It was easier to vape during the pandemic.
The past few months have seen concerted efforts by various governments to contain the spread of COVID-19. Restrictions like quarantine and lockdown were imposed globally, banning social gatherings of all kinds. That means no alcohol consumption in bars.
With few other means to unwind, many people might have taken to vaping to release stress and while their days away. Indeed, we’ve seen video footage of people enjoying their vapors blissfully in quarantine centers.
As these videos go viral on the internet, they stir interest among non-vapers who would want to experiment with the practice out of sheer curiosity. Therefore, it’s safe to assume that even those previously averse to vaping might have been introduced to the habit. And it’s only logical to expect them to continue vaping when the COVID-19 pandemic ends.
The vaping industry may have experienced challenges related to the illicit trade in 2019. However, recent projections indicate that the industry will see great days post-COVID-19. So, if you’re an investor, now is the time to take your chances in this industry. And if you’re a consumer of vape products, vape responsibly and remember that vaping still carries some inherent risks.
Martin B.
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