Companies That Sell Vaping Products
E-cigarettes were first introduced to the U.S. market in 2006. By the end of the decade, the vaping industry was already taking off. Between 2018 and 2023, the vaping industry is projected to have a global market value of $45 Billion, according to Grand View Research.
Although vaping has exploded in popularity over the past decade, vaping companies have become the subject of controversy in recent years.
Vaping companies have come under scrutiny because:
- A growing body of research suggests that vaping may have several serious side effects.
- Some vaping companies created marketing campaigns allegedly designed to target young people.
- There have been a number of vape device battery explosions resulting in serious injuries and even death.
These controversies have caused a growing number of victims to take legal action against vaping companies. This, in turn, has increased the public’s concerns about the harm vaping companies may be causing.
Quick Facts
- From July to December 2018, JUUL’s value increased from $15 Billion to $38 Billion.
- Traditional tobacco companies, such as Altria (owners of Marlboro), have begun to buy or invest in vape companies.
- Some vape companies use chemicals that have been linked to long-term lung damage in other cases.
- The U.S. government and local authorities have launched investigations into JUUL’s marketing campaigns to see whether the company targeted children in their marketing.
A History of the Vaping Industry
The vaping industry began in the United States in 2006 under the premise of helping traditional smokers quit.
Here is a brief overview of the vaping industry’s history:
- 2006: Electronic cigarettes are introduced to the U.S.
- September 2008: The World Health Organization (WHO) proclaims that it does not consider the electronic cigarette to be a legitimate smoking cessation aid.
- June 2009: President Obama signed into law the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, giving the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the power to regulate the tobacco industry.
- October 2013: Several legislators call on e-cigarette makers to provide information on child-targeting marketing tactics.
- November 2014: The Oxford English Dictionary announces “vape” as the word of the year.
- January 2016: U.S. Department of Transportation bans the use of vape products on planes.
- May 2016: The FDA expands tobacco regulations to include vape products like e-cigarettes.
- July 2017: JUUL Labs, Inc. splits into a separate company from Pax Labs.
- November 2018: The FDA proposes new e-cigarette regulations after vape use among teenagers increases 78% in one year.
- June 2019: San Francisco becomes the first U.S. city to ban the sale of e-cigarettes.
- August 2019: The first death from a vaping-related lung illness is reported.
Notable Vape Companies
The U.S. vaping industry is dominated by a few companies — however, JUUL has had the most prominent growth. As of September 2018, JUUL controlled 72% of the vaping market.
Other leading vape brands, such as Vuse and MarkTen, are owned by larger tobacco companies such as Phillip Morris and RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company.
Other notable vape companies include:
- Blu
- Logic
- Apollo Electronic Cigarettes
- Eco-Cigs
- Njoy
- Ritchy
- SMOK
- Volcano Fine Electronic Cigarettes
JUUL
JUUL Labs, Inc. began as Pax Labs in 2015. By this time, the company had received $46.7 Million in funding from investors. The JUUL device quickly gained popularity, and in 2017, Pax Labs made JUUL into an independent company.
With its product’s sleek USB-like design and many-flavored pods, JUUL was especially appealing to young people. However, the company has come under scrutiny as researchers continue to look into the long-term effects of vaping.
In addition, JUUL’s early marketing practices were believed to target young people, who are at a higher risk of nicotine addiction.
One JUULpod contains about the same amount of nicotine as an entire pack of cigarettes.
In recent years, there have been reports of JUULpods blowing up during use, causing broken bones, third-degree burns, and even death.
Additionally, many researchers, such as those from the University of California Riverside, believe that chemicals inside of JUUL products could be linked to lung damage and other health issues.
As JUUL and other vaping companies respond to increasing FDA regulations and research on the dangers of vaping, their growth may decrease.
Vape Companies and Legal Action
The rapid growth of the vape industry has made it difficult for researchers and lawmakers to determine all of the adverse health effects of vaping.
In response, lawsuits surrounding vaping products are becoming more common, especially as more reports of vaping injuries and addiction in teenagers come to light. Some lawsuits have already been filed against major vape companies like JUUL.
If you have been harmed by a vape product, you may have legal options. Taking legal action by filing a lawsuit may help you and your family receive financial compensation to pay for medical treatments and more.
To learn more about filing a lawsuit against vape companies, get a free case review today.
