Profits in the vaping industry have exploded. It is one of the fastest growing startups around. Vape store owners are reporting staggering profits and the industry appears to continue to grow. Vaping industry sales estimates are expected to be $3.5 billion for 2015, up from just $1.7 billion in 2013. Of that $3.5 billion, $2 billion comes from sales generated by vaping stores and e-liquid sales. The remaining $1.5 billion comes from e-cigarettes. The growth of the industry is hardly surprising. The social stigma of smoking, coupled with health risks, has led smokers to seek a healthier and cheaper alternative to cigarettes. Enter the e-cigarette and vaping industry that comes with it. Sky-high cigarette prices, which can reach $10 a pack, and a statement from the American Heart Association that vaping appears less unhealthy than smoking have added to the industry's popularity. The vaping industry revolves around liquid nicotine. It is created by extracting nicotine from tobacco leaves via a heated liquid. Flavorings can also be added to the essence and left to sit for several days. Vape stores sell refillable and customizable personal vaporizers. The units use batteries to heat liquid nicotine and the huge, ugly 800-pound gorilla in the room is the FDA. The agency sets rules and regulations for the vaping industry. Since its inception, vaping has enjoyed an unrestricted environment where they can operate as they please. Due to its low entry requirements, a cottage industry has sprung up around liquid nicotine production with many Mom and Pop operations. Since these companies specialize in unique flavors, they can compete with big tobacco companies that have launched their own lines of e-cigarettes and vaping products. Unfortunately, a wave of reports of nicotine poisoning from vaping and children using e-cigarettes and personal vaporizers has forced the agency to take action.