The rules you already live with in Lawrence
If you smoke or vape in Lawrence, you have probably noticed how few places allow it. Kansas law, K.S.A. 21-6110, prohibits smoking in enclosed areas of public places, at public meetings, in taxicabs and limousines, at building access points and in any place of employment, with some listed exceptions. That covers most offices, shops, restaurants and the doorways leading into them.
The city goes further outdoors. The Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department's Tobacco Free Parks Policy, adopted by the City Commission on January 12, 2016, does not allow tobacco products or smoking delivery devices on department lands. The policy names parks, trails, athletic fields, pools, playgrounds and shelters, among other places, and its definition of smoking delivery devices includes electronic cigarettes and vape pens.
The University of Kansas has its own policy as well. According to the university's page cited below, it sets restrictions on tobacco products and electronic cigarette devices and applies to faculty, staff, students and visitors of the Lawrence and Edwards campuses. If you study or work on the hill, that shapes your whole day.
Why those rules come up in planning
None of these rules is a reason by itself to stop, but they often change the shape of a day. People mention stepping off campus between classes, leaving a ball game to walk to the street, or finishing a walk on a city trail before lighting up. When you talk to a provider, it can help to describe where and when you usually smoke or vape now. Those patterns are a practical starting point for a plan.
Kinds of help you'll find listed here
This directory lists three broad kinds of independent providers:
- Stop-smoking coaches who meet one-on-one, in person or by video, and help you set a date, plan for hard moments and check in along the way.
- Consulting hypnotists who offer hypnosis sessions as one approach some people choose. Ask what a typical series looks like and how sessions are structured.
- Group programs that meet over several weeks so participants can compare notes and keep each other on track.
Each format suits different people. Some like the privacy of one-on-one sessions; others prefer a group's routine. Some want to stop smoking cigarettes, others want to stop vaping, and some want to cut down first. Say plainly what you want so the provider can tell you whether their format fits.
Questions to ask a Lawrence provider
- Do you meet in person, online or both? Where is your office, and is there parking or a nearby bus stop?
- How many sessions do you usually plan, and how far apart?
- Do you work with people who vape as well as smoke?
- What does a session cost, and are there package or cancellation terms?
- What happens if I slip? Can we pick back up without starting over?
- Can I bring a partner or friend to a session if I want support at home?
A provider who answers clearly and doesn't pressure you to sign up on the spot is easier to plan with.
Practical logistics around town
Lawrence is easy to cross, and many offices sit near downtown or along the main roads. Students should look at evening or weekend times that won't collide with classes and exams. If you commute toward Topeka or Kansas City, a video session at lunch may be easier than an evening drive. Ask whether a provider can send reminders or short check-ins between sessions.
If you live with someone who also smokes or vapes, mention it. Some providers are happy to see two people from the same household, together or separately, and planning side by side can make the home routine easier to change. Others prefer one person at a time. Either way, it's worth knowing before you book.
Talking to your own doctor or pharmacist is also a reasonable step, separate from anything listed on this site. They can talk with you about health questions that a coach or hypnotist can't address.
About this directory
This site introduces you to independent stop-smoking coaches, consulting hypnotists and group programs. We don't run sessions or programs and don't check providers' credentials. Compare a few, ask your questions, and choose the one that fits how you live in Lawrence.