Examine.com has a a whole article on nicotine and it's benefits.
Nicotine: The latest and most important research. Expert analysis and supporting evidence for practical effects, potential risks, and more.
examine.com
Having said that, I
DO NOT RECOMMEND ANYONE TAKING UP VAPING OR SMOKING UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. If you're trying to quit smokng, vaping can be a great aid.
I agree it is a hipster thing, but it's just the next phase in nicotine - the world's most addictive drug. Add PG/VG with nicotine base or salt (I use salt because it gives me a major buzz when I take a hit) and inhale it as an aerosol. It should be less dangerous than smoking, but there have been no long term studies on vaping.
Having said that, yes they could absolutely ban supplements or certain supplements the same way. The way they are regulating this is by the ATF and if you break the rules and send vapes by mail you could go to prison for up to
3 years. So, vaping companies are trying to get together to come up with their own shipping company, to be able to ship the products around the country without government regulations.
It's obviously one of those "think of the children." type scenarios because kids can order vapes online. They could have easily setup a system whereby you just send them a copy of your drivers license, but nope, that wasn't good enough for the gubberment. They just threw the baby out with the bathwater and this is going to impact thousands of jobs and businesses.