Staying honest on industry.

Not too long ago we appeared in several different news outlets offering our opinions on different aspects of the vaping industry. We've addressed the positive side of our industry, mainly saving and prolonging lives through reduced tobacco consumption, and we've addressed the less favorable side of our industry, including its newness in relation to government regulation.

Now, down here in Southern Illinois, we're just as fond of our liberty and freedoms as anyone else, so when government wants to step in and begin regulating an industry it doesn't understand for "Fear of the children", we've got cause for concern.

Much like the video game industry self-regulates to ensure those too young to partake of certain parts of their industry do not, the vape industry acts the same. Vape-specific shops do everything they can to weed out underage consumers and ensure that vapor, whether with nicotine or without, does not find its way into the hands, lungs, and mouths of those younger than 18 years of age.

While many media outlets have focused on vape-specific shops, who derive 90% of their revenue or greater from selling vaping-related retail items, the bigger concern for those in the industry who care about its integrity is non-specific retailers. Think gas stations, tobacco shops, and other entities that sell other merchandise not related to vaping.

Without regulation, and with an eye on the bottom line, products that should not find their way into youngsters hands just might. With that concept in mind, we support regulation of our industry within reason.

But what's reasonable? Well, let's take some cues from both the tobacco and the alcohol industry.

Taking a cue from the tobacco industry as far as age restrictions are concerned, let's make e-juices, e-cigs, and other vapor accessories legally inaccessible to those under the age of 18. And taking a cue from the alcohol industry, let us determine how our marketing message reaches adult consumers 18 years of age or older. Because, as it turns out, we're not selling a harmful product, just one that is misunderstood.

We'll address that in the next blog, though.