Happy New Year!
2015 is now here, and with a New Year comes some New Year resolutions. Some folks are going to want to lose weight, others are going to want to save money, and for many, there’s the pledge to quit using tobacco.
As with all of our communications, we can’t market our products as a smoking cessation device because at this time they’re considered only recreational, much like the tobacco many folks currently consume. Regardless of the nicotine e-liquids can provide to tobacco users who crave the chemical, or that there is a very similar fulfillment of oral fixation provided by the physical motions of vaping, we have not read conclusive scientific evidence to say that e-cigarettes help people quit smoking. We can only hope that there is some on the way.
What can help you quit smoking in 2015, though, is becoming part of a larger anti-tobacco community. This we know for a fact, that an important part of ridding your life of tobacco is having people there to help you in that fight. Having folks to talk to and share your stresses with is something we see help users of all kinds reduce their dependencies on drugs (and make no mistake, nicotine and other chemicals are drugs). Much like people who are addicted to and abuse other substances, tobacco users need support systems in place to ensure that, when they decide to quit, they can stay on the right track.
In 2015, stay on the right track with us. Whether or not you’d like to involve vaping in your resolution to quit using tobacco isn’t as much a concern to us as you quitting tobacco. If all that takes is having some honest, caring, and concerned individuals to talk to, then our doors are always open to you.
-The Vape Shop
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Keepin' It Clean
We’ve spent plenty of time campaigning against the evils of unregulated e-liquids produced in China. There is no guarantee that these liquids are being produced in clean environments, let alone that they’re meeting manufacturing standards established here in The States that e-liquid manufacturers use to ensure the safety of their products. As the knowledge base of e-liquid creation grows here in the United States, we’re finding that we may have another evil to campaign against; homemade e-liquid.
We’re not talking about the liquid that you, the consumer, order online and play with as a hobby. Albeit we don’t suggest it for everyone, we can’t stop you from making your own decisions. We do encourage that you use industry leaders who offer American E-Liquid Manufacturing Safety Association (Or AEMSA) certified products if you plan on making your own e-liquids for personal consumption.
The folks we're talking about believe it is acceptable to take their home-brew product to market without meeting any industry standards.
You may be wondering, “How does the vaping industry, an industry that is still in its infancy, already have so many regulatory standards in place?” That is a great question, and we hope that this blog helps to give you a quick-and-simple explanation of how our industry already has strong regulatory standards as it relates to the chemical compounds that create the e-liquid you consume.
First, because of the common use of propylene-glycol and vegetable glycerin in pharmaceuticals, the FDA has set forth regulatory guidelines for the use of these chemicals for oral consumption. In fact, many of the medicines you consume involve these chemicals as base. As such, the FDA has standards of what these products can and cannot be derived from, and also what level of purity these chemicals must be at to be considered safe for human consumption.
Second, similar to propylene-glycol and vegetable glycerin, food flavorings are also regulated by the FDA. Orally consumed items, such as foods and medicines, are supplemented with food flavoring for many different reasons. Due to their abundance on the market, the FDA seeks to establish standards for consumption of food flavorings as an interest of public health. Not every commonly consumed flavoring on the market is approved or regulated by the FDA, and it is important that our industry use flavorings that are. Using flavorings approved by the FDA ensures the safety of the consumer, and continues to be a cornerstone of self-regulation as related to e-liquid production.
*As a side-note, click here to view the FDA’s information on a commonly used food flavoring, and why they have not approved it. http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/Transparency/Basics/ucm214864.htm
The fourth key component to e-liquid, the one that is not regulated by the FDA in the form that we consume it, is liquid nicotine. As the FDA explains on its website “only e-cigarettes that are marketed for therapeutic purposes are currently regulated by the FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER).” (Source Here: http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/PublicHealthFocus/ucm172906.htm) Knowing that government entities are yet to regulate this key component in our consumer e-liquids, the AEMSA has set forth self-regulation related to nicotine liquids, offering multiple facets through which an e-liquid manufacturer may qualify their nicotine liquids as safe. The basics of this self-regulation involve e-liquid manufacturers providing third-party lab verification that their nicotine liquids meet AEMSA purity standards. Another e-liquid standard set forth by the AEMSA is the concentration of nicotine in e-liquids, which the AEMSA caps at 36 mg/ml.
We’re not talking about the liquid that you, the consumer, order online and play with as a hobby. Albeit we don’t suggest it for everyone, we can’t stop you from making your own decisions. We do encourage that you use industry leaders who offer American E-Liquid Manufacturing Safety Association (Or AEMSA) certified products if you plan on making your own e-liquids for personal consumption.
The folks we're talking about believe it is acceptable to take their home-brew product to market without meeting any industry standards.
You may be wondering, “How does the vaping industry, an industry that is still in its infancy, already have so many regulatory standards in place?” That is a great question, and we hope that this blog helps to give you a quick-and-simple explanation of how our industry already has strong regulatory standards as it relates to the chemical compounds that create the e-liquid you consume.
First, because of the common use of propylene-glycol and vegetable glycerin in pharmaceuticals, the FDA has set forth regulatory guidelines for the use of these chemicals for oral consumption. In fact, many of the medicines you consume involve these chemicals as base. As such, the FDA has standards of what these products can and cannot be derived from, and also what level of purity these chemicals must be at to be considered safe for human consumption.
Second, similar to propylene-glycol and vegetable glycerin, food flavorings are also regulated by the FDA. Orally consumed items, such as foods and medicines, are supplemented with food flavoring for many different reasons. Due to their abundance on the market, the FDA seeks to establish standards for consumption of food flavorings as an interest of public health. Not every commonly consumed flavoring on the market is approved or regulated by the FDA, and it is important that our industry use flavorings that are. Using flavorings approved by the FDA ensures the safety of the consumer, and continues to be a cornerstone of self-regulation as related to e-liquid production.
*As a side-note, click here to view the FDA’s information on a commonly used food flavoring, and why they have not approved it. http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/Transparency/Basics/ucm214864.htm
The fourth key component to e-liquid, the one that is not regulated by the FDA in the form that we consume it, is liquid nicotine. As the FDA explains on its website “only e-cigarettes that are marketed for therapeutic purposes are currently regulated by the FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER).” (Source Here: http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/PublicHealthFocus/ucm172906.htm) Knowing that government entities are yet to regulate this key component in our consumer e-liquids, the AEMSA has set forth self-regulation related to nicotine liquids, offering multiple facets through which an e-liquid manufacturer may qualify their nicotine liquids as safe. The basics of this self-regulation involve e-liquid manufacturers providing third-party lab verification that their nicotine liquids meet AEMSA purity standards. Another e-liquid standard set forth by the AEMSA is the concentration of nicotine in e-liquids, which the AEMSA caps at 36 mg/ml.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
We set out to scratch the surface of e-liquid manufacturing self-regulation in this blog, and hope that this has helped you develop a basic understanding of what’s going on with the chemical compounds that are e-liquid.
In future blogs we’ll aim to discuss other aspects of e-liquid manufacturing, such as equipment used in manufacturing, clean facility designations, and material handling standards. For a comprehensive understanding of the regulations our industry is setting forth, check out AEMSA regulations here. If you’re too lazy, don’t worry, we’ll have another blog up soon.
In future blogs we’ll aim to discuss other aspects of e-liquid manufacturing, such as equipment used in manufacturing, clean facility designations, and material handling standards. For a comprehensive understanding of the regulations our industry is setting forth, check out AEMSA regulations here. If you’re too lazy, don’t worry, we’ll have another blog up soon.
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
2014: A Pretty Good Year
2014 has been a pretty good year for the vape industry. We’ve grown from a niche industry to a mainstream industry with business and consumer bases growing at exponential rates. Attention has been given to both sides of the conversation regarding the health impact of our products in comparison to tobacco and we’re seeing the results are in our industry’s favor. Adding more validation to our industry, The Oxford Dictionary titled vape as Word of the Year. Any one of these happenings alone is good for our industry, but combining all of these happenings makes 2014 the year of the vape!
Of course, there’s a long way to go for the vape industry to replace the tobacco industry. We understand that we are not as big as the Phillip-Morris and Winston-Salem’s of the world. As individual companies, if this industry stays true to its roots, we’ll likely never be that big. Regardless of size, we have been our own driving force behind the vape industry’s substantial growth in 2014. The devotion of time, energy, and money by small businesspersons and entrepreneurs to our burgeoning industry has lead to a development of a consumer base that is well-educated regarding the products they consume and who are much more comfortable spending money with their local retailers. The internet still offers a good resource for many consumers who’ve been involved in the vape industry for an extended period of time, but the establishment of small shops across the world has put vape products in the hands of consumers who would have otherwise continued to consume tobacco.
Thanks to these small shops popping up all over the world and the rise in education of vaping products the industry has also received much more attention from the scientific community. Even though the ingredients most commonly scrutinized, such as propylene-glycol, have been proven perfectly safe for oral consumption, a new wave of research is being produced in regards to the vape industry. Some of the latest research we’ve combed through came out of Belgium, with reporting that shows an increased likelihood of quitting or reducing tobacco consumption when subjects used vaping products.
It’s cool that we can all use the word vaping and feel like people will know what we’re talking about, too! We, as folks participating in the vape industry, have known and used the term for some years now. In 2014, thanks to the mainstream growth of the vape industry, and the multiple uses for the word vape, The Oxford Dictionary titled vape as their Word of the Year! The substantial increase in the use of the word, and the diverse ways in which word is used, both as a noun and as a verb, lead to that title by being appropriated by The Oxford Dictionary. No doubt, the word vape will have continued increases in usage as the vape industry continues to grow its participation.
Any one of these happenings by itself would have made for a good year in our industry, but thanks to a combination of these happenings, 2014 has been a banner year for the ol’ vape industry!
Of course, there’s a long way to go for the vape industry to replace the tobacco industry. We understand that we are not as big as the Phillip-Morris and Winston-Salem’s of the world. As individual companies, if this industry stays true to its roots, we’ll likely never be that big. Regardless of size, we have been our own driving force behind the vape industry’s substantial growth in 2014. The devotion of time, energy, and money by small businesspersons and entrepreneurs to our burgeoning industry has lead to a development of a consumer base that is well-educated regarding the products they consume and who are much more comfortable spending money with their local retailers. The internet still offers a good resource for many consumers who’ve been involved in the vape industry for an extended period of time, but the establishment of small shops across the world has put vape products in the hands of consumers who would have otherwise continued to consume tobacco.
Thanks to these small shops popping up all over the world and the rise in education of vaping products the industry has also received much more attention from the scientific community. Even though the ingredients most commonly scrutinized, such as propylene-glycol, have been proven perfectly safe for oral consumption, a new wave of research is being produced in regards to the vape industry. Some of the latest research we’ve combed through came out of Belgium, with reporting that shows an increased likelihood of quitting or reducing tobacco consumption when subjects used vaping products.
It’s cool that we can all use the word vaping and feel like people will know what we’re talking about, too! We, as folks participating in the vape industry, have known and used the term for some years now. In 2014, thanks to the mainstream growth of the vape industry, and the multiple uses for the word vape, The Oxford Dictionary titled vape as their Word of the Year! The substantial increase in the use of the word, and the diverse ways in which word is used, both as a noun and as a verb, lead to that title by being appropriated by The Oxford Dictionary. No doubt, the word vape will have continued increases in usage as the vape industry continues to grow its participation.
Any one of these happenings by itself would have made for a good year in our industry, but thanks to a combination of these happenings, 2014 has been a banner year for the ol’ vape industry!
Friday, October 24, 2014
Why we don't sell "Weed Stuff"
Oh, the fun of front-paging a subreddit.
That’s what we managed to do a couple of days ago in r/electronic_cigarette, and it was really cool! We got a lot of quality feedback on our sign and how we should/should not promote our products. Some of the feedback was curious, asking “Why don’t you sell weed paraphernalia? You’re just alienating customers by not broadening your market.” We felt compelled to offer a response.
We operate our shop in a town that has, since 1999, employed vague ordinances and threat of legal action to prevent the sale of paraphernalia. If we attempted to sell items related to the consumption of marijuana or other illegal drugs we could get shut down, fined, or whatever else happens when a business goes up against the city. Whatever it is, we’re not interested in finding out.
Also, it’s not a part of the business we’re interested in involving ourselves in. We’re interested in offering alternatives to tobacco users and developing a community support system grounded in helping folks quit tobacco. Establishing any directives other than this would muddy the way people view our motive. Honestly, like anyone in business, we’re in business to make money. We’re not in business to only make money though, and that’s why it’s important for us to keep our focus on vaping as a tobacco alternative or recreation for recreation sake, not the use of recreational drugs.
We’re not saying that we approve or disapprove of other shops offering different types of products. It’s their choice to sell what they can legally sell. It just doesn’t fit us.
The reason we put the sign together is because people continue to come to our shop, receive personal attention from our staff, and end up leaving dissatisfied when they realize that we don’t offer marijuana-related products. We’re hoping that this sign helps to educate our customers about what we don’t offer, and saves us some time in fumbling around the subject.
We’re cool with you if you smoke weed, we just don’t have anything for you. Sorry!
That’s what we managed to do a couple of days ago in r/electronic_cigarette, and it was really cool! We got a lot of quality feedback on our sign and how we should/should not promote our products. Some of the feedback was curious, asking “Why don’t you sell weed paraphernalia? You’re just alienating customers by not broadening your market.” We felt compelled to offer a response.
We operate our shop in a town that has, since 1999, employed vague ordinances and threat of legal action to prevent the sale of paraphernalia. If we attempted to sell items related to the consumption of marijuana or other illegal drugs we could get shut down, fined, or whatever else happens when a business goes up against the city. Whatever it is, we’re not interested in finding out.
Also, it’s not a part of the business we’re interested in involving ourselves in. We’re interested in offering alternatives to tobacco users and developing a community support system grounded in helping folks quit tobacco. Establishing any directives other than this would muddy the way people view our motive. Honestly, like anyone in business, we’re in business to make money. We’re not in business to only make money though, and that’s why it’s important for us to keep our focus on vaping as a tobacco alternative or recreation for recreation sake, not the use of recreational drugs.
We’re not saying that we approve or disapprove of other shops offering different types of products. It’s their choice to sell what they can legally sell. It just doesn’t fit us.
The reason we put the sign together is because people continue to come to our shop, receive personal attention from our staff, and end up leaving dissatisfied when they realize that we don’t offer marijuana-related products. We’re hoping that this sign helps to educate our customers about what we don’t offer, and saves us some time in fumbling around the subject.
We’re cool with you if you smoke weed, we just don’t have anything for you. Sorry!
Monday, October 20, 2014
What are you willing to endure to quit tobacco?
The FDA recently reviewed whether or not to remove a warning on a popular, doctor-prescribed anti-smoking drug called Chantix.
From the Associated Press: “Eleven advisers to the Food and Drug Administration voted to retain the so-called black box warning about reports of suicide, hostility and depression among Chantix patients. Six advisers said the label should be slightly changed and one panel member voted to remove the warning completely.”
These aren’t the only side effects of using this particular anti-smoking drug though. In fact, the suicidal and violent thoughts that occur in individuals who experience those particular side effects are not listed as side effects on Chantix’s website.
The listed side effects are nausea, sleep problems, constipation, gas, and vomiting. Interestingly enough, beneath the above side effects that are listed on Chantix’s website, Chantix also states “These are not all the side effects of Chantix.”
Those are the facts. This is our rant:
A reason people quit smoking is improved quality of life. Regaining senses, including smell and taste, by eliminating tobacco consumption increases one’s quality of life. Quitting tobacco also keeps a person from smelling like tobacco smoke and bettering their social encounters with other individuals. This is without mention of the considerable improvements to one’s quality of life when they no longer require constant smoke breaks and vast amounts of money spent on tobacco products.
If a person uses Chantix to quit smoking, there’s the possibility that they’re trading one negative aspect of consumption for the negative side effects Chantix. Instead of reduced senses of smell and taste, someone may enjoy the taste of their own vomit more frequently. As opposed to smelling like tobacco, individuals may produce less-than-favorable smells on a more regular basis. The “sleep problems” associated with Chantix may also be something that impacts an individual’s ability to function normally, which could lead to far worse issues than having to take a five minute break once an hour just to fulfill an addiction.
The other reason people quit smoking is to prolong their life. This, to us, is a most simple idea. We’ve read that upwards of 30 percent of individuals who use Chantix experience suicidal or violent thoughts when using the anti-smoking drug. If people are killing themselves because of this drug, then it’s a wash. Chantix may be helping to add a few more years to some folks lives, but is it worth possibly drastically reducing the years of life other folks trying to quit smoking?
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again, our product isn’t perfect. Vaping, for a lot of folks, still involves consumption of the addictive chemical nicotine…
…But you know what it doesn’t do? It doesn’t make someone want to kill themselves.
From the Associated Press: “Eleven advisers to the Food and Drug Administration voted to retain the so-called black box warning about reports of suicide, hostility and depression among Chantix patients. Six advisers said the label should be slightly changed and one panel member voted to remove the warning completely.”
These aren’t the only side effects of using this particular anti-smoking drug though. In fact, the suicidal and violent thoughts that occur in individuals who experience those particular side effects are not listed as side effects on Chantix’s website.
The listed side effects are nausea, sleep problems, constipation, gas, and vomiting. Interestingly enough, beneath the above side effects that are listed on Chantix’s website, Chantix also states “These are not all the side effects of Chantix.”
Those are the facts. This is our rant:
A reason people quit smoking is improved quality of life. Regaining senses, including smell and taste, by eliminating tobacco consumption increases one’s quality of life. Quitting tobacco also keeps a person from smelling like tobacco smoke and bettering their social encounters with other individuals. This is without mention of the considerable improvements to one’s quality of life when they no longer require constant smoke breaks and vast amounts of money spent on tobacco products.
If a person uses Chantix to quit smoking, there’s the possibility that they’re trading one negative aspect of consumption for the negative side effects Chantix. Instead of reduced senses of smell and taste, someone may enjoy the taste of their own vomit more frequently. As opposed to smelling like tobacco, individuals may produce less-than-favorable smells on a more regular basis. The “sleep problems” associated with Chantix may also be something that impacts an individual’s ability to function normally, which could lead to far worse issues than having to take a five minute break once an hour just to fulfill an addiction.
The other reason people quit smoking is to prolong their life. This, to us, is a most simple idea. We’ve read that upwards of 30 percent of individuals who use Chantix experience suicidal or violent thoughts when using the anti-smoking drug. If people are killing themselves because of this drug, then it’s a wash. Chantix may be helping to add a few more years to some folks lives, but is it worth possibly drastically reducing the years of life other folks trying to quit smoking?
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again, our product isn’t perfect. Vaping, for a lot of folks, still involves consumption of the addictive chemical nicotine…
…But you know what it doesn’t do? It doesn’t make someone want to kill themselves.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Nine Terribly Disturbing Things About Electronic Cigarettes, and Why They're False
We’ve been talking a little about a less-than-educated article that we read on the Huffington Post dating back to 2013. Our plan was to write a blog refuting the points made by this blog, but instead, one of our customers took the points to test for us. We thought we’d share what he had to say, and offer a couple of other points ourselves.
The original article we’re ranting about can be found here.
1.
Them - E-cigarettes contain toxic chemicals.
Our Customer - Like formaldehyde, arsenic and cyanide? Nope, that's cigarettes.
Us – You know what else contains toxic chemicals, of which you inhale plenty of daily? For starters, household chemicals and emissions from motor vehicles. As the article here shows, the chemicals in e-liquid is negligible.
2.
Them - Kids and teens can buy them.
Our Customer - I was sold cigarettes from the age of 13 on...and every e-cig shop I've visited has observed the law(s), without exception.
Us – No one under the age of 18 is allowed in our store unless they’re with their parents.
3.
Them - While cigarette companies say they don't market to kids, e-cigarettes come in flavors like cherry, strawberry, vanilla and cookies and cream milkshake.
Our Customer - Winston used the Flintstones cartoon to advertise cigarettes, Kool had a cartoon penguin logo for years, and Camel sells Exotic Blends with flavors like Mandarin Mint (orange/mint), Dark Mint (chocolate mint) and Crema (vanilla). Did I mention Joe Camel?
Us – We’re tired of this flavor argument. No adult just magically loses interest in flavor because they’re older.
4.
Them - Laws regulating cigarette ads don't yet apply to e-cigarettes.
Our Customer-Yet the only television ads I've ever seen for e-cigs is for Blu, which is owned by the company that owns Pall Mall, Camel and Newport cigarettes.
Us – They shouldn’t. Our product is not tobacco. Our product is anti-tobacco.
5.
Them - And e-cigarette companies are spending a TON on advertising.
Our Customer - They are NOT getting their money's worth...I've seen the Blu ad maybe 10 times ever.
Us – Most manufacturers of e-cigarette hardware have no need to advertise, and the manufacturers of most e-liquids are mom and pop type businesses who sank all of their funds into creating sanitary spaces for liquid creation that meet tough industry standards. The people spending “tons of money” on advertising are the individual stores, and as you’d guess, the budget of your mom and pop vape shop is not billions of dollars.
6.
Them - E-cigarettes can be used in many places where smoking is banned.
Our Customer - Not so much. Unfortunately the average person cannot or will not distinguish water vapor from smoke. There is a difference.
Us – In the places vaping is allowed indoors it’s helping to promote a reduction in tobacco consumption.
7.
Them - People think e-cigarettes can help them quit smoking.
Our Customer - I smoked a pack a day from 1985 through 2013, and have smoked two packs total since starting e-cigs. The patch didn't work, nicotine gum didn't work...E-CIGS WORK.
Us – Quitters Wall. ‘Nuff said.
8.
Them - E-cigarettes aren't taxed like traditional tobacco products.
Our Customer - They aren't tobacco products, they're nicotine products. Minor detail, but there is a difference.
Us – Our customer said it best.
9.
Them - Despite unknown health consequences, e-cigarettes are poised to make inroads with a new generation of young people.
Our Customer - I have noticed a significant improvement in the quality of my life since the e-cig...I can breathe much deeper, run a lot further and I sweat far less, not to mention that my clothes/car/home no longer smell like an ashtray. Oh, it costs less than a dollar a day to vape, cigarettes are around $7 a pack.
Us – We hope that this changes the way an entire generation looks at tobacco and nicotine consumption. In an ideal world, no one would use nicotine, but until then, we’re going to shoot for the next best thing – No tobacco.
The original article we’re ranting about can be found here.
1.
Them - E-cigarettes contain toxic chemicals.
Our Customer - Like formaldehyde, arsenic and cyanide? Nope, that's cigarettes.
Us – You know what else contains toxic chemicals, of which you inhale plenty of daily? For starters, household chemicals and emissions from motor vehicles. As the article here shows, the chemicals in e-liquid is negligible.
2.
Them - Kids and teens can buy them.
Our Customer - I was sold cigarettes from the age of 13 on...and every e-cig shop I've visited has observed the law(s), without exception.
Us – No one under the age of 18 is allowed in our store unless they’re with their parents.
3.
Them - While cigarette companies say they don't market to kids, e-cigarettes come in flavors like cherry, strawberry, vanilla and cookies and cream milkshake.
Our Customer - Winston used the Flintstones cartoon to advertise cigarettes, Kool had a cartoon penguin logo for years, and Camel sells Exotic Blends with flavors like Mandarin Mint (orange/mint), Dark Mint (chocolate mint) and Crema (vanilla). Did I mention Joe Camel?
Us – We’re tired of this flavor argument. No adult just magically loses interest in flavor because they’re older.
4.
Them - Laws regulating cigarette ads don't yet apply to e-cigarettes.
Our Customer-Yet the only television ads I've ever seen for e-cigs is for Blu, which is owned by the company that owns Pall Mall, Camel and Newport cigarettes.
Us – They shouldn’t. Our product is not tobacco. Our product is anti-tobacco.
5.
Them - And e-cigarette companies are spending a TON on advertising.
Our Customer - They are NOT getting their money's worth...I've seen the Blu ad maybe 10 times ever.
Us – Most manufacturers of e-cigarette hardware have no need to advertise, and the manufacturers of most e-liquids are mom and pop type businesses who sank all of their funds into creating sanitary spaces for liquid creation that meet tough industry standards. The people spending “tons of money” on advertising are the individual stores, and as you’d guess, the budget of your mom and pop vape shop is not billions of dollars.
6.
Them - E-cigarettes can be used in many places where smoking is banned.
Our Customer - Not so much. Unfortunately the average person cannot or will not distinguish water vapor from smoke. There is a difference.
Us – In the places vaping is allowed indoors it’s helping to promote a reduction in tobacco consumption.
7.
Them - People think e-cigarettes can help them quit smoking.
Our Customer - I smoked a pack a day from 1985 through 2013, and have smoked two packs total since starting e-cigs. The patch didn't work, nicotine gum didn't work...E-CIGS WORK.
Us – Quitters Wall. ‘Nuff said.
8.
Them - E-cigarettes aren't taxed like traditional tobacco products.
Our Customer - They aren't tobacco products, they're nicotine products. Minor detail, but there is a difference.
Us – Our customer said it best.
9.
Them - Despite unknown health consequences, e-cigarettes are poised to make inroads with a new generation of young people.
Our Customer - I have noticed a significant improvement in the quality of my life since the e-cig...I can breathe much deeper, run a lot further and I sweat far less, not to mention that my clothes/car/home no longer smell like an ashtray. Oh, it costs less than a dollar a day to vape, cigarettes are around $7 a pack.
Us – We hope that this changes the way an entire generation looks at tobacco and nicotine consumption. In an ideal world, no one would use nicotine, but until then, we’re going to shoot for the next best thing – No tobacco.
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Big Tobacco gets it, and that’s why they want to stop it!
A week ago we read an article discussing a 119-page document, created by RJ Reynolds, that was submitted to the FDA in the US calling for a ban on all open vapor products.
What is an “open vapor product” you might ask? Good question! An open vapor product is any vaping product that requires a refill or application of e-liquid to function. This includes all mods, tanks, refillable cartridges, and ultimately, bottles of e-liquid.
The article, which you can read here, gives a perspective that we can all understand. They say that RJ Reynolds does not want these open vapor products on the market because they make replacing tobacco far easier.
We can agree with that because we've been there. We've tried the closed vapor products, better known as disposable e-cigarettes, and these systems are in no way shape or form a replacement for tobacco. The frustration a consumer experiences from using cheaply manufactured devices, low-quality liquid, and a rather hefty price tag can make vaping incredibly unappealing.
That’s what RJ Reynolds is really after. If they’re able to get open vapor products banned from the market they not only corner the offerings, they drive consumerism back to their literal cash crop.
We can’t imagine the FDA will take a tobacco company’s opinion seriously in the anti-tobacco fight, but money buys a lot of things. Support of the government is one piece of the puzzle for purchase, but so is industry to some extent.
This presentation of a 119-page document to the FDA should signal to everyone in our industry that, while Big Tobacco may be supporting vaping efforts to some extent, they’re hedging their bets on both sides of the fence.
Drop Big Tobacco, folks, and when you find some of your favorite products support RJ Reynolds and/or other Big Tobacco lobbyist groups, drop them too. That’s what we did. Ask Johnson Creek.
What is an “open vapor product” you might ask? Good question! An open vapor product is any vaping product that requires a refill or application of e-liquid to function. This includes all mods, tanks, refillable cartridges, and ultimately, bottles of e-liquid.
The article, which you can read here, gives a perspective that we can all understand. They say that RJ Reynolds does not want these open vapor products on the market because they make replacing tobacco far easier.
We can agree with that because we've been there. We've tried the closed vapor products, better known as disposable e-cigarettes, and these systems are in no way shape or form a replacement for tobacco. The frustration a consumer experiences from using cheaply manufactured devices, low-quality liquid, and a rather hefty price tag can make vaping incredibly unappealing.
That’s what RJ Reynolds is really after. If they’re able to get open vapor products banned from the market they not only corner the offerings, they drive consumerism back to their literal cash crop.
We can’t imagine the FDA will take a tobacco company’s opinion seriously in the anti-tobacco fight, but money buys a lot of things. Support of the government is one piece of the puzzle for purchase, but so is industry to some extent.
This presentation of a 119-page document to the FDA should signal to everyone in our industry that, while Big Tobacco may be supporting vaping efforts to some extent, they’re hedging their bets on both sides of the fence.
Drop Big Tobacco, folks, and when you find some of your favorite products support RJ Reynolds and/or other Big Tobacco lobbyist groups, drop them too. That’s what we did. Ask Johnson Creek.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)