I have always been a fan of smoking, but over the years, I have come to realize the negative effects it can have on my health. That’s why I was excited to discover IQOS heatsticks. This innovative technology has been gaining popularity in the United States, and I couldn’t wait to try it out for myself. In this article, I will be sharing my experience with IQOS heatsticks in the USA. So, if you are curious about this smoking alternative, read on to learn more.
What are IQOS Heatsticks?
For those who are unfamiliar, IQOS stands for “I Quit Ordinary Smoking” and is a brand owned by Philip Morris International (PMI). IQOS heatsticks are the refills used with the IQOS device, which is an electronic heated tobacco system. Unlike traditional cigarettes, IQOS heatsticks do not burn tobacco and produce significantly lower levels of harmful chemicals compared to regular cigarettes. This makes them a potentially less harmful alternative for smokers who are looking to reduce their health risks.
The IQOS device itself is small and sleek, resembling a pen. It is powered by a rechargeable battery and heats the tobacco inside the heatstick to a temperature that is high enough to release the flavor and nicotine without causing combustion. This process, called “heat-not-burn,” has been gaining traction in the smoking industry, and IQOS has been at the forefront of this new trend.
Availability of IQOS Heatsticks in the USA
IQOS heatsticks were first launched in the USA in October 2019, and currently, they are only available in Atlanta, Georgia and Richmond, Virginia. However, according to recent reports, PMI has plans to expand their availability to other cities in the near future. This is great news for smokers in the USA who are interested in trying this revolutionary new way of smoking.
One can purchase IQOS heatsticks at designated IQOS stores, as well as through their website. Additionally, there are also pop-up shops at certain events and festivals, making it easier for people to get their hands on IQOS heatsticks.
My Experience with IQOS Heatsticks in the USA
As soon as IQOS heatsticks became available in my city, I rushed to the nearest store to try them out. I was quite impressed with the sleek and modern design of the IQOS device. The salesperson was also very helpful and patiently explained to me how to use the device correctly.
I decided to try the classic Marlboro flavor, which is also the most popular flavor among IQOS users. As someone who is used to smoking traditional cigarettes, I was curious to see how the flavor and sensation of smoking an IQOS heatstick would differ. As the device heated up, it took about a minute, I took my first puff, and I was pleasantly surprised. The flavor was smooth and robust, similar to smoking a regular cigarette.
I also appreciated how there was no ash or cigarette butt to deal with after finishing the heatstick. This made the overall experience cleaner and more convenient. Also, as the heatstick does not produce smoke, there was no smell of cigarettes lingering on my clothes or in the room. This is definitely a plus for those who are conscious about the smell of smoke.
One thing to note is that the experience of using IQOS heatsticks is different from traditional smoking. As there is no combustion, it may take some time to get used to the sensation of inhaling the flavored vapor. I found that it required less force to inhale compared to cigarettes, which took some getting used to. However, after a few tries, I was able to adjust my smoking style accordingly.
Final Thoughts
After trying out IQOS heatsticks, I can confidently say that it is a high-quality and satisfying alternative to traditional smoking. It provided me with the same flavor and nicotine fix I was looking for, without the harmful chemicals and smell of smoke. Additionally, the sleek design and lack of ash made it a more attractive option for me personally.
I am happy to see that IQOS heatsticks are now available in the USA, and I believe they have the potential to help smokers transition to a potentially less harmful way of smoking. However, it’s important for smokers to remember that IQOS heatsticks still contain nicotine and are not completely risk-free. It’s important to make an informed decision and use IQOS responsibly.
In conclusion, IQOS heatsticks have been a game-changer for me, and I believe they will continue to transform the smoking industry in the USA. If you are a smoker, I highly recommend giving IQOS heatsticks a try and experiencing the difference for yourself.