Anyone notice all the smoke shops?

It seems that in the past few years, smoke shops have popped up on every corner. Smoking isn’t allowed in most public places, but I know vaping and hookah has its niche. But is it really that big of a niche that it’s growing? I guess I am surprised of the high demand for these shops all over the pace. Is it just me noticing this?

I googled how many smoke shops were in my area and the first one that popped up was Family Dollar.

I haven't noticed it myself, but I live in a pretty small town. Big enough for a Family Dollar though!

I've definitely noticed them popping up. Is it just me, or does the idea of hookahs just seem unsanitary?

I guess bongs in college do too, now that I think about it.

I don't know about now but I know much of the early growth in smoke shops was due to roll your fags. You could (back before I quit) roll a carton for around $10, much cheaper than buying them pre packaged.

I think there are a lot of them in this area in particular because it's very popular with the Chaldean/Arab/Albanian yoots.

Fronts for laundering drug money.

Rocinante wrote:Fronts for laundering drug money.

I could see it. The Chaldeans make sense too. It just seems like a huge number of them recently, when I don’t see the demand for it.

But then again I don’t smoke anything, so I am out of the loop.

I don't really pay much attention to that sort of thing but there might be a few in East Lansing.

Floyd Robertson wrote:I've definitely noticed them popping up. Is it just me, or does the idea of hookahs just seem unsanitary?

I guess bongs in college do too, now that I think about it.

I can’t believe I used to take a hit off a joint that was passed around a bunch of strangers. Pretty disgusting.

steveschneider wrote:

Floyd Robertson wrote:I've definitely noticed them popping up. Is it just me, or does the idea of hookahs just seem unsanitary?

I guess bongs in college do too, now that I think about it.

I can’t believe I used to take a hit off a joint that was passed around a bunch of strangers. Pretty disgusting.

I'm too much of a germaphobe - just another reason why I don't do illegal drugs.

I haven’t noticed ..

Floyd Robertson wrote:I've definitely noticed them popping up. Is it just me, or does the idea of hookahs just seem unsanitary?

I guess bongs in college do too, now that I think about it.

I was never a smoker beyond a good cigar, but I have many Indians (from India) visit my Northern pad, and they have gotten me into the Hookah. I've considered buying one.

You are right about that it could be unsanitary, but there's usually good vibe going on while we are engaging. I've enjoyed it.

Dendro, are you talking about Hookah lounges or places like The Butt Hut I guess it doesn’t matter because theyre both growing in popularity so never mind.

Here endeth my impersonation of Travis.

tGreenWay wrote:Dendro, are you talking about Hookah lounges or places like The Butt Hut I guess it doesn’t matter because theyre both growing in popularity so never mind.

Here endeth my impersonation of Travis.

More along the lines of Tabacco shops. It seems around Macomb and Oakland county at least, that they’re everywhere.

Dendrobates wrote:

tGreenWay wrote:Dendro, are you talking about Hookah lounges or places like The Butt Hut I guess it doesn’t matter because theyre both growing in popularity so never mind.

Here endeth my impersonation of Travis.

More along the lines of Tabacco shops. It seems around Macomb and Oakland county at least, that they’re everywhere.

I have no idea, but I'll take a guess. Has tax gone up? If so, I could see a "roll-your-own" movement taking hold.