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Vaper Empire Liquids Review

Vaper Empire Liquids offer a wide range of rich and delicious flavors not often found at most e-liquid companies.

When it comes to e-liquid, you can find many brands with many of the same flavors. While this seems like they would be generally consistent, not all e-liquids are the same. Vaper Empire has been a brand we have been focused on as rapidly becoming one of our favorites. They recently sent us 3 new flavors for review, and we’re going to share our thoughts on them in this liquid review. The flavors are Caramel Tobacco, Orange Crush, and Creamy Custard. The names alone sound delicious, and as a brand, we are fam

iliar with them and have high expectations going into it.

The first one we wanted to try was the Orange Crush. As a kid, I always loved the crush lines of soda, so it’s the first one for that reason alone. While they aren’t going for a soda replica, if you’re a fan of orange flavor, they target you. I went with the 6mg/ml version. The first impression was that it hit a home run with the orange flavor, and then it took it up a notch from there. It actually has a cooling effect by adding a hint of mint to it. It was surprisingly refreshing, and felt like I was vaping summer. The vapor profile was thick and consistent. I can tell it was blended very well as I refilled my pod a few times while reviewing this flavor.

The next flavor to try was Caramel Tobacco. I’ve struggled to find good tobacco flavors I like. Many companies have missed the mark because they’re trying to emulate cigarettes in taste and flavor. Starting after switching, that might be for the best to attempt to have. However, I quickly opened my mind and taste buds to new flavors. I was looking for something similar to tobacco taste, but without the aftertaste you would get with cigarettes. This was a great flavor because the caramel adds a sweet touch that really is mouth-watering to it. You’ll find it is a great flavor that can be an all-day vape because it isn’t too sweet and isn’t too harsh. They found the perfect blend to satisfy me.

The final new flavor I left for last on purpose. I am a huge fan of custard thanks to Culvers, and that’s why I had a high bar set for Creamy Custard. I have been known to have a pretty serious sweet tooth. When I stopped smoking, I gained some weight, replacing that with snacks. To try and help me with snacking, I’ve looked for flavors that will satisfy my sweet tooth a bit. Creamy Custard was a home run as well. It was a vibrant blend of vanilla custard that was also very smooth. Each pull felt like I was fulfilling a guilty pleasure. The only downside was that I wanted custard more often now that it was on my mind!

I have to say I was greatly impressed by the three new flavor additions to Vaper Empire in summation. I had high expectations going in, which can be hard to live up to. Vaper Empire Classic Liquids lived up to the hype, though. I highly recommend all three, but if you only try one, make it Orange Crush. That is, hands down, my favorite of the new e-liquid flavors I tried. They all come in a range of nicotine levels of 6, 12, 18, and 24mg, so they are sure to be a good fit for anyone.

The post Vaper Empire Liquids Review appeared first on ChurnMag.

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Vaping Tips For Leaking Vape Pods

There are vape pods that leak and there are vape pods that do not leak. For those that do leak, there are sometimes solutions. In this guide, you will find a number of remedies for leaky pods that you may find useful. Before we get into the solutions, let us first examine the known reasons for leaking vape pods.

The Reasons Why Vape Pods Leak

With various reasons for leaky pods, pinpointing the reason why your pods are leaking can be tricky. Let’s run through some of the known reasons for leaky pods starting with manufacturing defects.

Defective Pods

One of the numerous reasons why you might have a leaky pod is because it was poorly constructed. While most manufacturers have some form of quality control in place to help prevent bad components from reaching their customers, defective pods do manage to slip through the cracks on occasion and reach customers. When a pod is defective, there is not much that one can do outside of replacing it and potentially reaching out to the store that sold it or the manufacturer behind it to request a replacement.

If your pod arrives filled with e-liquid and you happen to see e-liquid inside of the packaging before opening it, there’s a chance that the pod is defective.

Defective Pod Vapes

If it seems like every single pod you insert into your vape is defective, then there’s a chance that it’s your pod vape itself that is to blame and not the pods. A defective pod vape can squeeze pods, causing them to leak. This is not necessarily a common occurrence, but it has been known to happen. If you believe it’s your vape battery that’s causing the problem, you may want to reach out to the device’s manufacturer or the store from which it was purchased to see if they can offer you a replacement device.

User Error

It’s not uncommon for vapers, especially new vapers, to not understand the limitations of their vaping devices. Some might not realize that squeezing a pod from the sides with too much force can cause it to leak vape juice. Others may not realize that vaping too aggressively can overload the coils inside of pods and cause the pods to leak e-juice directly into the vaper’s mouth. Yet another reason why pods sometimes leak is due to vapers biting them or squeezing them with too much force while they’re using them.

For vapers who like to switch back and forth between different pods, there’s a chance that removing and reinserting the pods can damage them, causing them to leak.

Pressure Change

Sudden changes in pressure can cause pods to leak. This can be caused by rapid changes in altitude, such as quickly ascending in a plane. Even moving to a new location, such as a home high up in the mountains, can cause not only your pods to leak but also your e-liquid bottles.

Extreme Humidity

Extremely humid conditions can cause pods to leak. If you live in a humid environment, you may want to consider storing your pods somewhere where you can control the level of humidity.

Solutions For Leaky Pods

Now that we’ve covered a number of reasons why pods can potentially leak, it’s time to explore the solutions available for leaky pods.

If you have a defective pod, it’s time to replace it.

If it turns out your pod is fine but your pod vape, the battery that powers the pod, is defective, then it’s time to replace the battery.

For defective vaping products, you may want to contact the company that sold you the device and request a replacement. In some cases, retailers may decline to provide a replacement and instead point you in the direction of the manufacturer. If the retailer that sold you the defective product is unwilling to replace it, then you should try reaching out to the manufacturer in order to request a replacement.

If your pod is leaking due to user error then it’s time to adjust your vaping habits. If you’re biting down on the mouthpiece, you should try to be more gentle while using your vape. If you’re accidentally squeezing your pods from the sides on causing them to leak, it’s time to start holding them correctly.

If you find yourself switching pods in and out while they still have e-juice in them so that you can vape a different pod, you may want to buy a second pod vape battery to use. The same can be said for vapers who vape their pod vapes in a manner that’s too aggressive. By adding a second pod vape into the mix, vapers can vape at the same rate but reduce the amount of time spent vaping with a single device by switching back and forth between devices.

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O2 Vape Flip Ultra Review

The super cool Flip Ultra by O2 Vape grabs your attention thanks to its innovative design and quality features.

The first time I tried something from O2 Vape was way back in 2015, and I became a fast fan. They always come up with something innovative, and their latest offering, the Flip Ultra Vape, is no exception.

I really love everything about this device from the design and inspiration to the materials and build quality. Covered in only the highest quality matte black rubber, the Flip Ultra is built to take with you on the go. Meanwhile, the patented flip technology gives this vape some serious style and charm.

The Veteran owned O2 Vape brand is no stranger to crafting high-quality THC vape pens, but the Flip Ultra is one of their smartest and most powerful devices ever. But is the combination of portable vaping with a key-fob design a game-changer, or just a new gimmick? Let’s take a look and see what all the fuss is about.

Specs and Features

The O2 Vape Flip Ultra is powered by a 650 mAh battery, providing output between 2.7V and 4.8V while still offering exceptional battery life. The battery is charged via either the micro USB or iPhone lightning charging port located on the bottom of the device. As the name suggests, the cartridge flips out at the press of a button, which also activates the digital screen.

The Flip Ultra’s screen is very easy to see and displays vital information such as the battery life and current temperature. Not only that, but it also shows your puff counter at the bottom of the screen. You can adjust the voltage using the smaller button on the front of the Flip Ultra, while the larger one is your firing button. Finally, the mechanical button on the side of the device is used to flip the cartridge out. It’s a nice touch how the screen automatically turns on/off when the cartridge releases.

The Flip Ultra has a locking mechanism to prevent any unwanted fliping or firing in your pocket. Not only that, but it’ll also save you some battery life as well! Not that you’ll need to worry about battery life all that much since the battery is easily twice as big as most stick batteries out there. So most people won’t find themselves having to recharge all that often.

Your purchase of the Flip Ultra comes with the vape itself, an empty 0.5ml cartridge, USB charging cable, and user manual. The empty cartridge can be filled with your own high-quality oils or distillates, so you’re ready to go right out of the box. You can also feel secure in your purchase as O2 Vape backs their devices with a lifetime warranty.

My Experience With The O2 Vape Flip Ultra

The Flip Ultra is one of the finest vapes I’ve ever used. I much prefer solid mouthfeel and functionality from a vaporizer over its looks, but let me tell you what, the Flip Ultra has both in spades!

It has a really nice and sleek design, built for maximum portability. But one of the major things it does better than some of the competitors out there is a simple little feature. For some reason, other fob-style flip vapes out there tend not to have a lock on them, which can make the battery open in your pocket. Even worse, it can cause the cartridge to break and create a huge mess. The Flip Ultra solves this problem with a mechanical locking mechanism that won’t ever unlock on accident.

I was able to get consistently fantastic vaping from this device, even using different types of carts and distillates and at different levels of charge. While the battery was massive, O2 vape still chose to include pass-through charging so you can keep vaping even when it’s powering up. This has actually become my go-to battery for carts, primarily because of how discrete and portable it is.

While I loved almost everything about the Flip Ultra, that doesn’t mean it was totally perfect. For instance, the design doesn’t allow for use with wider cartridges, so you’ll need to ensure anything you buy fits beforehand. I didn’t run into this issue myself, but as someone who often tries new and exotic carts, I felt like this should be mentioned.

Another downside of the device is the keychain slot. While it’s a really nice idea, the bottom line is it’s just too big to fit comfortably on most people’s keychain. That said, if you have a dedicated lanyard or something like that, I think it would actually work perfectly.

Conclusion

Simply put, the Flip Ultra is the most advanced 510 key FOB vape pen available from O2 Vape. It’s gaining significant popularity among the community, and become my everyday on-the-go option. The look and feel are hard to match and likely to spawn many more imitators in the future.

If you’re someone who’s looking for a high-quality THC vape, you should seriously consider the Flip Ultra by O2 Vape. Even if you only use carts at home, the variable voltage, consistent output, and long-lasting battery are more than enough of a reason to upgrade your setup.

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Vaping Company Accused Of Leveraging Coronavirus To Market To Teens

Lawmakers Demand FDA Ban Product, Punish Company

The current coronavirus crisis has unfortunately brought out a variety of bad actors seeking to capitalize on the chaos. From companies shamelessly profiting off of relief efforts to questionable marketing practices exploiting the circumstances, there are many seeking to leverage our uncertain situation for their own benefit.

Puff Bar, an e-cigarette that exploded in popularity after exploiting a loophole in the federal flavor ban to continue to sell flavored offerings, has been accused of directly targeting teens quarantined at home amid the pandemic. Lawmakers are now calling for the FDA to ban the e-cigarette, as well as fine the company for their allegedly illegal marketing practices.

There are additional companies accused of leveraging the current coronavirus crisis for their own financial gain as well, such as Bidi Vapor. The company recently drew fire from a variety of critics following a post on Instagram featuring the caption “A Bidi Stick a day keeps the pulmonologist away.”

A variety of anti-vaping and public health organizations have decried the marketing efforts, labeling the practices as outrageous and an exploitation of a pandemic that has taken the lives of hundreds of thousands the world over. Many are calling for bans of these companies’ products, and for heavy fines to be levied against the companies themselves.

Terribly Targeting Teens

Puff Bar, the popular new e-cigarette that launched last year, has been the largest beneficiary of a loophole in the federal flavor ban allowing exemptions for disposable devices. In addition to their popular flagship product, the company followed it with the launch of Puff Krush, disposable flavored pods compatible with the Juul vaporizer.

“Puff Bar is quickly becoming the new Juul,” Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., stated in a letter written to the FDA. The chairman of the House Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy accused the vaporizer manufacturer of exploiting the pandemic to market to children.

To back his claim, he included a copy of a Puff Bar advertisement featuring the backdrop of a bedroom, which stated, “We know that the inside-vibes have been … quite a challenge. Stay sane with Puff Bar this solo-break. We know you’ll love it. It’s the perfect escape from the back-to-back zoom calls, parental texts, and WFH stress”. He believes “this advertisement is designed to convince children home from school to vape in their rooms without their parents noticing,” according to the letter. An additional advertisement included in the claim features a woman blowing clouds of vapor, which suggested that the Puff Bar was a great way to relax over spring break.

“It is an outrage that during a pandemic that attacks the lungs, Puff Bar is freely targeting our nation’s youth, putting their lives at even greater risk,” said Robin Koval, chief executive and president of the Truth Initiative. “These egregious ads from Puff Bar are the latest example.”

The outrage over these marketing practices has led to lawmakers and anti-vaping activists calling for a complete ban of the product, as well as massive fines, levied against the company. Puff Bar sells approximately 300,000 disposable e-cigarettes a week, generating at least $3 million in weekly retail sales.

Truth About Vaping

While there has been a great deal of misinformation going around surrounding vaping, there is a wealth of peer-reviewed scientific evidence surrounding the efficacy of vaping as a smoking cessation device and reduced-harm alternative to tobacco. One such study published in the Journal of Aerosol Sciences found that vapers have a 57,000 times lower risk of developing cancer compared to smokers.

Of course, many studies are noting the reduced risk of e-cigarettes, such as a landmark study conducted by Public Health England. Researchers for the country’s top public health agency found vaping to be 95% safer than smoking, a figure the agency routinely stands behind.

Not only is vaping a proven reduced-harm alternative to tobacco, but current data shows it may be the greatest tool available to aid in smoking cessation. Researchers from the University of Louisville found vaping to be the most effective smoking cessation device available, even more than going cold-turkey.

Furthermore, there is no evidence of long-term harm or risk to users of vapor products. A report from the National Academy of Sciences that not only found that vaping poses a reduced risk of harm compared to smoking, but that there were no long-term health effects associated with prolonged usage.

Conclusions

It is unfortunate that a small handful of opportunistic bad actors are responsible for the tarnishing of an industry. Just as the vaping industry is starting to recover following misattributed lung injuries, false coronavirus complication claims, and the general retail hit following worldwide lockdown procedures, another scandal rocks it to its very foundation.

Members of the industry and community must hold these bad actors accountable for their actions. Complacency is complicity regardless of intent, silence by the industry only gives the appearance of endorsement and support.

What are your thoughts regarding certain companies’ marketing practices leveraging the coronavirus pandemic? Do you believe this is appropriate? Do you feel these companies were explicitly targeting teens, or do you feel their message was misconstrued? We here at ChurnMag would love to know what you think down in the comments below. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to receive all the latest and greatest vaping news and reviews!

(Image Credit – Pixabay – https://pixabay.com/images/id-4937553/)

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You Won’t Believe Alberta’s New Vaping Ban

Proposed Prohibition Purportedly Prevents Youth Usage

The current chaos caused by the coronavirus crisis has captivated the world and fundamentally upended our once firm sense of normalcy, whatever that may have been. While many officials are focused on mitigating the potential lives lost and impact caused by the crisis, others are focused on advancing personal agendas instead.

Alberta has announced new anti-vaping legislation that would include a ban on anyone under the age of 18 from using, purchasing, or possessing vapor products. The proposed prohibition would align Alberta with Canada’s other provinces in ensuring regulatory parity between vapor and tobacco products.

Albertan teens are currently prohibited from vaping under the federal Tobacco and Vaping Products Act. Amendments to the provinces own Tobacco and Smoking Reduction act would align Alberta with other Candian regions as well as the federal government.

While anti-vaping activists admit that they are happy with the steps the government has taken, they ultimately need to do more to truly cut down on teenage vaping. They believe that anything short of complete prohibition is an ineffective policy and a risk to children.

Notably, a provision to prohibit the sale of flavored vapor products was ultimately shelved after feedback from the public, health officials, and business leaders. Concerns that a lack of access may increase smoking rates and possibly create a black market for flavored products were key elements in its omission.

Prohibitive Proposal

In Alberta, officials announced Bill 19, a partial prohibition on vaping that would ban those under 18 from the purchase, possession, or usage of vapor products. The prohibitive policy aligns Alberta with Canada’s other provinces, as well as the federal government.

In addition to the ban against youth use, Bill 19 would restrict the display, advertisement, and promotion of vapor products, as well as expand what constitutes smoke and vape-free areas. Additional public spaces where vaping would be prohibited include hospitals, playgrounds, school properties, sports fields, skate parks, zoos, outdoor theaters, as well as outdoor pools.

Les Hagen, executive director of Action on Smoking and Health, stated his anti-vaping activist group was pleased with the progress the bill provides but is ultimately disappointed in the omission of a provision that would have prohibited flavor vapor products as well. The requirment was ultimately struck down following an outpouring of feedback from business leaders and the Albertan vaping community.

The government has called this a mutually beneficial compromise, balancing the benefits vaping provides to adult smokers with the need to restrict youth access to vapor products. Some have questioned the timing of the legislative proposal, noting the same officials tasked with the drafting, review, and implementation of the legislation are the same officials tasked with managing the provinces pandemic response.

Facts About Vaping

Public health scholars and harm reduction experts have repeatedly warned against the potential risks and ramifications of flavor bans, especially those enacted following hysteria. In an article published in the journal Science, a group of respected public health experts banded together to speak out against blanket bans on vaping, noting no evidence that vaping is harmful, as well as the risk of forcing people back toward tobacco or the black market.

Despite repeated claims of a so-called teen vaping epidemic by lawmakers and anti-vaping activists, research from the NYU School of Global Public Health found that most teens don’t actually vape. In fact, the study, published in the journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research, discovered that over 85% of teens do not vape at all, and the few that do are not daily users.

As these public health scholars also noted, there is a wealth of research highlighting the effectiveness of vaping in helping to aid smoking cessation. A study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that vaping was more effective than other nicotine-replacement therapies in helping adults quit smoking and remain tobacco-free.

Vaping has not only been repeatedly demonstrated to be an effective smoking cessation aid, but multiple studies have shown vaping to be significantly less harmful than smoking as well. In fact, research from Public Health England and the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center found that vaping is 95% and 93% safer than smoking, respectively.

Conclusions

Alberta’s proposed prohibition represents a prime example of the flawed reasoning behind these bans. Determined teens have never been deterred by restrictions against them, as evidenced by the rates of tobacco and alcohol usage by youth. Creating restrictions against vaping only risks restricting access for adults, rather than genuinely protecting teens.

While the current incarnation of Bill 19 still allows access for responsible adults, its passage represents the slippery slope prohibition provides. How long until an additional amendment is proposed that either partially or completely prohibits vaping within the province?

What are your thoughts regarding Alberta’s proposed vaping ban? How do you think this will impact vapers and the industry within the province moving forward? We would love to know what you think in the comments below. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to receive all the latest and greatest vaping news and reviews.

(Image Credit – Pixabay – https://pixabay.com/images/id-866032/)

The post You Won’t Believe Alberta’s New Vaping Ban appeared first on ChurnMag.

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Taiwan Considers Ban On Vaping And Tobacco Products

Proposed Amendments Target Vaping, Heated Tobacco Products

The chaos caused by the coronavirus crisis has uplifted our normal way of life, decimated the global economy, and pushed healthcare systems to their brink. While some have their attention and efforts focused on the situation at hand, there are some officials who choose to advance their own agendas instead.

The Health Promotion Administration of Taiwan announced drafts of anti-vaping amendments to the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act. The amendment would ban the sale and manufacture of both vaping and novel tobacco products, such as newer heat-not-burn devices.

The agency stated it drafted the amendments to lay the legal foundation to regulate vapor and heated tobacco products, which are currently not included in the act. An additional amendment would raise both the legal age to smoke and minimum age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 20 as well.

Critics of the measure are worried about the public health and economic impacts that such a ban would have, particularly during these trying times. As many seek to quit smoking over concerns of coronavirus complications, restricting access to reduced-harm alternatives may prevent successful cessation. Additionally, removing revenue from small-businesses and, in turn, the tax base, as we face the cusp of a global depression, may have serious economic ramifications going forward.

Vaping Restrictions

The Health Promotion Administration, an agency within the Ministry of Health and Welfare of Taiwan, announced it had drafted amendments to the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act of 2009 targeting both vapor and novel tobacco products such as heat-not-burn devices. The agency stated the reason for the drafts was to establish a legal basis and framework for the regulation of vapor and novel tobacco products, which are currently not covered in the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act.

The anti-vaping amendments would fundamentally alter the Taiwanese vaping industry, possibly to an irreparable degree. The proposals would ban both the local manufacture and sale of vaping and novel tobacco devices, as well as raise the minimum age for purchase and usage of tobacco products from 18 to 20. Additional provisions would ban smoking in venues previously excluded, such as tobacco stores and semi-open restaurants, as well as ban the import, manufacture, and sale of semi-cigarettes.

The agency states the measures come over concerns of rising smoking rates, particularly among the country’s youth. A recent survey released by the agency found that vaping and smoking rates had actually increased over the last year for the first time since the act had been implemented.

Those opposed to the ban believe it may have serious economic and public health impacts for the country, which are only amplified amid the pandemic. While they believe that youth access to vapor products is a legitimate concern, restricting adult access to vapor products without doing the same for tobacco will only lead to increased smoking rates and associated complications.

Vaping Truth

While lawmakers continue to propose and pass legislation against vaping with overblown claims of teenage vaping, research indicates most teens don’t actually vape. The study, conducted by the NYU School of Global Public Health and published in the journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research, found that over 85% of teens do not vape at all, and even the few that vape are not habitual users.

Public health scholars and harm reductions experts repeatedly caution against restrictive regulations and prohibitive policies targeting vaping. In an article, published in the journal Science, a group of these respected experts came together to speak out against prohibitive policies and restrictive regulations targeting vaping. Not only do they point out that there is no evidence that vaping is harmful, but they note that prohibitive policies will simply turn smokers back toward tobacco or black market alternatives.

In addition to noting the lack of risk associated with vaping, they also note the remarkable efficacy of vaping as a form of smoking cessation as well. A study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that not only is vaping more effective than other nicotine-replacement therapies in helping adults quit smoking and remain tobacco-free.

In addition to a lack of risk and the benefits it may provide, current research indicates vaping is a reduced harm alternative to tobacco too. Independent studies from Public Health England and the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center each found that vaping is 95% and 93% safer than smoking, respectively. Public Health England has routinely defended and stood behind this figure in their embrace of vaping to help the country quit smoking.

Vaping’s Future

Taipei’s proposed amendments cast a cloud of doubt over the Taiwanese vaping industry and community as a whole. The industry is in fear for the future, while the vaping community is in fear for their lives. Many of those struggling with nicotine addiction may end up turning back toward tobacco amid a lack of options and stress created by our current circumstances.

Additionally, the country may be at serious risk of exacerbating economic hardships brought on by the pandemic. The ban will lead to reduced sales, which will lead to increased unemployment while decreasing tax revenues. The country should focus on fighting the global smoking epidemic amid our worldwide pandemic, not attacking the tool that can help to end it.

What are your thoughts regarding Taiwan’s proposed anti-vaping amendments? Do you believe the ban may have economic and public health ramifications? As always, we would love to know what you think in the comments below. Also, don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to receive all the latest and greatest vaping news and reviews!

(Image Credit – Pixabay – https://pixabay.com/images/id-1714683/)

The post Taiwan Considers Ban On Vaping And Tobacco Products appeared first on ChurnMag.

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Vaping Ordinance Passes Arkansas City Council

Bryant City Council Claims They’re Preventing Teenage Vaping By Imposing Strict Fines On Children

As Americans, we rely on our public officials to serve and act in our best interests for the stability and advancement of society. Unfortunately, more often than not, these same officials often end up marginalizing the very groups they claim to be serving.

The Bryant City Council recently voted to approve a vaping-related ordinance during a regular council meeting streamed live on Youtube. The law directly targets teenagers, imposing strict fines for those caught using or possessing vapor products.

The ordinance grants law enforcement the right to confiscate and destroy vaping products possessed by a minor. Additionally, violation of the ordinance is subject to a fine of up to $300 for the first offense alone, scaling with each subsequent offense.

The new regulation was introduced under claims that the juvenile courts are overwhelmed by cases related to vaping, so it would allow the school district to handle violations instead. At no point during the meeting did any council member justify or explain why children are being criminalized for possessing vapor products, which notably does not happen with tobacco.

Targeting Teens

The Bryant City Council voted to pass an ordinance targeting teens for the usage and possession of vapor products. The ordinance grants law enforcement the ability to confiscate and destroy vapor products found in possession of a minor and introduces new fines that scale with subsequent violations, ranging from $150 to $300 for the first violation alone.

The Council has stated the measure was necessary, noting that the juvenile justice system is currently overwhelmed by cases related to vaping. Additionally, school district officials have been lobbying claims that keeping up with vaping violations is proving overwhelming to keep up with. “Our school resource officer confiscated 60 vape pens from one student at one time because he was selling them,” said the Mayor of Bryant, Allen Scott.

The ordinance was rushed to passage after Bryant Superintendent Dr. Karen Walters expressed that she wanted to have it in place before the district prints handbooks for the new school year so that guidelines could be included. It had previously been put off during a previous city council meeting so that officials could speak with school administrators first.

Included in the ordinance is a provision for a vaping education class to be administered by the district. Violators can take the class together with their parents, and receive a reduced fine for doing so. “We are going to work on education, make sure students understand the dangers of vaping,” said Bryant High School principal Dr. Todd Edwards.

Vaping Truth

While anti-vaping activists and misguided lawmakers often parrot claims of a so-called teenage vaping “epidemic,” a study from the NYU School of Global Public Health found that most teens don’t actually vape. The study, published in the journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research, found that over 85% of teens do not vape at all, and even the few that do vape do not do so regularly.

Despite the sustained political and media campaign against vaping, study after study continue to emerge, highlighting the promise and potential it can provide. Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that vaping is more effective than other nicotine-replacement therapies in not only helping adults quit smoking, but remain tobacco-free as well.

Not only is vaping a remarkably effective cessation aid, but there are a number of studies affirming the reduced harm it poses compared to smoking. A study, published in the Journal of Aerosol Sciences, found that vapers face a staggering 57,000 times lower lifetime risk of developing cancer compared to smokers.

Not only are there a number of studies highlighting the prospective benefits vaping may provide, but evidence indicates that there is no risk of harm from prolonged usage as well. A study, published by the National Academy of Sciences, found that not only is vaping significantly less harmful than smoking, but there are currently no known long-term health effects associated with long-term use.

Vaping’s Future

The Bryant City ordinance represents the ongoing misguided efforts of lawmakers acting upon fear-mongering misinformation perpetuated by anti-vaping activists. Imposing fines on the very teenagers, they’re claiming to protect is not an effective way to reduce use.

Education is one of the most effective ways to help teenagers understand the potential consequences ingestion of certain chemicals may have on their developing bodies, such as nicotine and caffeine. It is a direct punishment for vaping that represents how truly misguided this effort actually is in practice.

Constituents must press their lawmakers about these regulations that may potentially criminalize their own teenagers. While violations don’t appear on a criminal record, your child may have an unnecessarily negative interaction with law enforcement for something that should be handled by parents in the first place.

What are your thoughts regarding this new ordinance in Bryant? Do you believe targeting teens is an effective way to reduce youth vaping? Will this have larger implications on vaping regulations? As always, we would love to know what you think in the comments below. Also, don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to receive all the latest and greatest vaping news and reviews!

(Image Credit – Pixabay – https://pixabay.com/images/id-1587300/)

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Vape Company Beats Fashion House Over Ridiculous Infringement Allegations

UK Vaping Company Victorious In Baseless Lawsuit Brought By German Fashion House

The legal world of copyright enforcement can be quite litigious, with baseless lawsuits and accusations of infringement running rampant. While there are instances of companies rightfully infringing upon another’s trademark, there are also many examples of companies far overstepping their legal right or authority.

German luxury fashion house Hugo Boss has been aggressively litigious in its attempted trademark enforcement over the use of the word “boss,” being involved in a number of notable lawsuits against multiple businesses over the years. Most recently, the German fashion house focused their ire on UK vaping company Flavour Boss, leading to a prolonged legal battle that resulted in tens of thousands in legal fees.

The lawsuit came about following a cease and desist letter issued to the small vaping company in North-West England by the multi-billion dollar German fashion giant, demanding the company change its name and the name of their best selling product, “Boss Shots.” Ultimately, after a four-year-long legal battle, the case was awarded in favor of Flavour Boss, with the court finding Hugo Boss’ claims to be baseless.

This is not the first time Hugo Boss has sued, and lost, with their attempted aggressive trademark tactics. The company has previously also attempted to sue a brewery, eyeglass company, soap maker, and even a charity.

Baseless Allegations

After a four-year legal battle resulting in tens of thousands in legal fees, small UK vaping company Flavour Boss has emerged victorious in defending itself from allegations of trademark infringement by German fashion giant Hugo Boss. The lawsuit came after Flavour Boss was issued a cease-and-desist letter demanding the company not only change the name of their best-selling product “Boss Shots,” but the name of the company itself.

“It’s been a long and treacherous battle, but we are delighted to announce that we have received confirmation that EUIPO’s Second Board of Appeal has rejected both of Hugo Boss’ appeals in EU opposition proceedings,” said Rob Hackin, CEO of Flavour Boss. “We were only in our infancy back then, but we had put our heart and soul into building the company and knew we had to fight it. It was a case of bully-boy tactics from a multi-billion pound company attacking small independent businesses”, he added.

Hugo Boss has been involved in a number of similar enforcement attempts over the years, including a famous incident where they attempted to sue Swansea-based brewery Boss Brewery. This led to British comedian Joe Lycett legally changing his name to Hugo Boss in defiance of the lawsuit, support of the brewery, and to help draw attention to the case.

Analysts have noted that companies of Hugo Boss’s size should have synergistic relationships between their legal and public relations teams. “Lawyers should write cease and desist letters on the assumption they will be made public, particularly given the accessibility and speed of social media channels. Accordingly, brands must choose their battles carefully and always ensure the business has the full backing of colleagues in their communications team”, said Paul Jordan, a partner at Bristows.

Vaping Facts

Research has continually demonstrated vaping to be remarkably effective in aiding smoking cessation. Research published by Action on Smoking and Health found that nearly half of the country’s over 3 million vapers successfully managed to quit smoking thanks to vaping.

While some can manage to quit cold turkey, research indicates that as little as 3% of smokers are able to successfully quit without the use of a cessation aid or device. Research published in the British Medical Journal found that vaping was more than twice as effective in successfully aiding cessation than any other method tested.

According to current research, vaping is already responsible for helping thousands of adult smokers successfully quit each year, potentially saving millions over the long-term. Research from University College London found that vaping helped up to 70,000 British smokers quit in a single year.

Not only is vaping one of the most effective smoking cessation aids available, research has demonstrated it to be a reduced harm alternative to smoking as well. Research conducted by the UK Royal College of Physicians found that vaping is statistically staggeringly 95% safer than smoking. Public Health England has routinely stood behind and defended this figure amid unwarranted and unsubstantiated scrutiny brought on by anti-vaping activists.

Conclusions

Flavour Boss’ victory is an important one in the world of aggressive trademark tactics and copyright enforcement. Billion-dollar companies bullying smaller companies by harnessing the might of their massive legal teams represents a critical inherent inequality that exists within our current legal structures.

Additionally, infringement allegations over generic usage of the word “Boss” for products and companies in unrelated industries is a fundamental abuse of intellectual property rights laws.

“For anyone who has found themselves in the same situation as Flavour Boss, my advice is to fight your case and show these companies that they do not hold all the power. It’ll be a long fight, but it’s your livelihood at stake”, stated Mr. Hackin over the dispute and lawsuit. Companies facing similar lawsuits should stand strong against them, drawing support from their respective industry and customers while doing so.

What are your thoughts regarding Hugo Boss vs. Flavour Boss? Do you believe the accusations of infringement are with or without merit? As always, we would love to know what you think in the comments below. Also, don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to receive all the latest and greatest vaping news and reviews!

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New York Town Considers Licensing System For Vape And Tobacco Retailers

Town Of Bethlehem Considering Extension Of Moratorium On Vape Shops As Well

Throughout much of the United States, and much of the world for that matter, our shared circumstances have created the concept of a “new normal” that represents a fundamental upheaval to the established ways of life. While there are a number of public health and other priorities that are more pressing to attend to during these trying times, lawmakers in one Upstate New York town are choosing to use this time to advance their agendas instead.

The Town Board of Bethlehem is set to take comments and input from the community on a series of vaping-related measures during two separate upcoming public hearings. These measures pertain to a proposed licensing system for stores selling non-therapeutic nicotine products, as well as an extension to the current moratorium on vape shops in the town.

The licensing system was proposed as a way to help better regulate vape shops and tobacco retailers, potentially reducing youth access to vapor products. The licensing system would go into effect in late 2020, and all state-registered tobacco and vapor retailers would need to apply for a license from the town itself as well.

Additionally, the town is considering an additional extension of a moratorium on new vape shops as well. Implemented back in June 2019, the original six-month moratorium was extended for an additional six-months in September and is set to expire in late June.

Supporters of the measures believe that additional regulations are the only effective way to prevent teenage vaping. Critics state that vape shops are being systematically targeted by officials and that amid a pandemic and prospective economic depression, imposing additional regulatory and financial burdens on already-struggling small businesses is not the best move.

Vape Shop Regulations

In Upstate New York, the Town Board of Bethlehem voted unanimously to hold a series of public hearings before a final vote on a pair of vaping-related measures. The board is considering an additional extension of a moratorium on vape shops, as well as the implementation of a licensing system for nicotine-product retailers within the town.

In June 2019, a halt on the “submission and processing of applications for building permits, certificates of occupancy, and land use approvals for vape shops, smoke shops and the sale of marijuana or marijuana products, or the dispensing or distribution of medical marijuana” was implemented in the town. Initially set to last six months, it was given a six-month extension in December and is currently set to expire on June 26th.

The proposed licensing system would require retailers to visibly display the license on their premises. The proposal would also include a restriction on sales of vapor products within 1000 feet of schools, but notably contains no such provision for the sales of tobacco products. The ultimate goal of the licensing system is to reduce the number of issued licenses over time by only granting one new license for every two licenses that do not get renewed from the previous year.

Town Board member Jim Foster expressed his own reservations about the proposals. “We’re proposing ongoing fees that is a burden on our local businesses, regardless of where they’re located, no matter how far from a school,” he stated, “I’m kind of concerned as I don’t want to put an additional burden on our already strained businesses. … I would argue that we should effectively eat the administrative costs in administering the program of our own creation.”

Supporters of the measures have stated both the moratorium and planned licensing system will help the town better regulate nicotine-product retailers. As a result, they believe, they will successfully be able to reduce youth access to vapor products.

Truth About Vaping

Despite often repeated and overblown claims of youth vaping, a study from the NYU School of Global Public Health discovered that most teens aren’t actually vapers. The study, published in the journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research, found that over 85% of teens do not vape at all, and the few that vape do not do so regularly.

Current data indicates as little as 3% of smokers can successfully quit without the use of a cessation aid. Research published in the British Medical Journal found that vaping was more than twice as effective in successfully aiding cessation than any other method tested.

In addition to being a remarkably effective cessation aid, there is a wealth of data noting the reduced harm vaping poses compared to smoking as well. Research published in the Journal of Aerosol Sciences found that vapers face a staggering 57,000 times lower risk of developing cancer in their lifetime compared to smokers.

Not only does vaping continue to be demonstrated as an effective smoking cessation aid and reduced harm alternative to smoking, but evidence indicates that there is no risk of harm from long-term usage as well. A study published by the National Academy of Sciences found that not only is vaping significantly less harmful than smoking, but there are currently no known long-term health effects associated with prolonged usage, meaning lifetime vapers can breathe a sigh of relief.

Future Of Vaping

Bethlehem’s vaping proposals represent the epitome of misguided morality and government overreach. While small businesses are floundering following the fallout caused by the coronavirus crisis, lawmakers continue to impose regulatory burdens rather than offer assistance during such trying times.

The area’s current vapers and vape shops must stand in solidarity against the proposals at the upcoming public hearings. A strong outpouring of public support from the community represents the best effort and standing against a vocal minority who have no understanding of what vaping even is from restricting it further.

What are your thoughts regarding Bethlehem’s moratorium and proposed licensing system? Do you believe both measures create an undue burden on small businesses during an economic depression? Let us know what you think in the comments below, be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to receive all the latest vaping news!

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Menthol Ban Expected To Boost EU Vape Sales

Anti-Smoking Efforts Expected To Lead To Increase In Vaping

Menthol cigarettes have long been charged with targeting minors, women, and minorities with its minty flavor creating perceptions of reduced harm. As a result, officials around the world have been outlawing the tobacco staple in an attempt to lower smoking rates and improve public health.

New anti-smoking laws went into effect throughout European Union member states and territories on May 20th. The laws are a part of EU Tobacco Product Directive laws, which were initially introduced back in 2014, but delayed by an extension before being placed into a 4-year market transition period in 2016.

The ban explicitly bans the sale and production of menthol cigarettes and cigarettes with characterizing flavors. The ban also addresses alternative menthol cigarettes such as those that use crushable capsules in the filter, and slim cigarettes as well.

The flavor ban notably does not apply to vapor products despite the often sustained push by lawmakers to target vaping. As a result, vape sales are expected to spike throughout the Union as menthol smokers look for alternatives and to quit.

Notably, despite their infamous “Brexit” from the European Union, the law has still been implemented in the UK. European Union laws are still applicable to the United Kingdom during the transition process, which is still ongoing.

No More Menthol

The European Union Revised Tobacco Products Directive is an anti-smoking public health measure that was first introduced in 2014, followed by a four-year market transition that began in May 2016. The directive explicitly prohibits the production and sale of menthol cigarettes and those with any characterizing flavor. While the flavor ban does not extend to vapor products, the new regulations do contain a provision prohibiting promoting them.

As a result, vape sales are expected to see a notable increase throughout member states, and particularly the UK, where public health officials have embraced vaping as a proven form of smoking cessation. The surge in sales is welcomed by the industry, which has faced a number of challenges created by the coronavirus crisis.

Smokers’ Rights groups have spoken out against the ban, stating the ban is a restriction of their freedoms and autonomy as adults capable of making their own decisions. They point to Canada’s menthol ban, noting the ban did not lead to reduced teenage smoking rates but did reduce freedom of choice and access for adults.

“Research shows that menthol in cigarettes makes it easier for children to try smoking and to go on to become addicted smokers,” said Deborah Arnott of Action on Smoking and Health. “Getting rid of menthol cigarettes will reduce the likelihood of young people taking up smoking and make it easier for smokers to quit,” she added. Action on Smoking and Health and other anti-smoking groups note that menthol cigarettes create a perception of reduced harm among younger smokers due to its minty flavor, leading to increased instances of habitual smoking and nicotine dependence.

Facts About Vaping

Every year, the global smoking epidemic is responsible for millions of complications, diseases, and deaths across the planet. According to data from the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, there are currently an estimated 38 million smokers in the United States alone, of which 16 million suffer from some form of smoking-related illness.

A series of studies have demonstrated the efficacy of vaping as a smoking cessation aid, offering the greatest promise and potential in combating this deadly epidemic. According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers found that vaping was more effective than traditional nicotine-replacement therapies in helping people both quit smoking and remain tobacco-free.

The United Kingdom has long embraced vaping as an effective form of smoking cessation, noting the value that it has on public health as a whole. Landmark research conducted by the UK Royal College of Physicians found vaping to be 95% safer than smoking, a figure Public Health England routinely stands behind. Additionally, according to research published in the journal Addiction, vaping helped up to 70,000 British smokers quit in a single year alone.

Alongside the aforementioned public health benefits, there is currently no evidence of long-term risk to users of vapor products. According to research published by the National Academy of Sciences, not only has vaping been demonstrated to be less harmful than smoking, but there are no known long-term health effects associated with prolonged use as well.

Conclusions

The European Union menthol ban is expected to be a welcome boon to the region’s vaping industry, which has been hit particularly hard following lockdowns caused by the pandemic. While some member states, such as Italy, have recognized the value of vaping and allow vape shops to continue operating as essential services, others have left them shuttered in the wake of the resulting crisis.

Given the risk of increased complications and worsened outcomes for smokers who contract the coronavirus, there may not have been a better time for the public health measure to take effect. While concerns over freedom of choice and access are valid, EU smokers’ rights groups had nearly a decade of time to organize an effective call to action and lobbying effort and failed to do so.

What are your thoughts about the EU Tobacco Products Directive finally going into effect? Do you think this will have a positive effect on the European vaping industry? We would love to know what you think in the comments below. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to receive all the latest vaping news!

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Missouri Vaping Bill Advances To Governor

Bill Addresses Concerns Over Youth Vaping

As the chaos caused by the coronavirus continues to unfold, public health officials and regulators throughout the world are working tirelessly to do their best to contain the contagion. Despite the pressing public health priorities at hand, there are some lawmakers who choose to pursue political posturing instead.

A bill in Missouri that restricts where citizens can vape passed the Missouri House of Representatives on Friday. The bill is set to advance before the desk of Governor Mike Parson’s, who is expected to sign it into law.

The bill would ban using vapor products inside public schools and school buses within the state. It comes about over recent mounting concerns regarding the use of vapor products on school property by teens and adults alike.

Critic of the bill, State Representative Michael Moon, stated that the bloated bill is an egregious violation of the constitution due to its excessive riders and inflated scope. Sponsor of the bill, State Representative David Woods, admitted himself that even he doesn’t know the scope of the amendments that the Missouri Senate added.

Another Vaping Ban

The Missouri House of Representatives passed a bill that would ban the usage of vapor products inside public schools and school buses throughout the state. The bill, passed by a margin of 125-19, is set to advance to the desk of Governor Mike Parson’s, who is expected to sign it into state law.

Sponsor of the bill, State Representative David Woods, stated that it came about as a regulatory necessity following a visit to Versailles High School. “When you have a basketball game or a football game, and you have parents sitting in the stands vaping, that’s setting an example for the students that it’s okay because the school allows it,” Woods told reporters.

In addition to the vaping-focused regulation, the bill also includes a number of amendments added by the Senate. For example, an added amendment prohibits any medical marijuana-infused edible product, packaging, or logo from using designs that feature fruit or cartoon characters.

Representative Mike Moon, a Republican representing Ash Grove, staunchly opposed the bill stating that its new inflated scope created by the Senate was unconstitutional across multiple fronts. Representative Moon pleaded with his colleagues on the Senate floor that they took an oath to uphold the constitution, and that passage of this bill would be an “egregious” violation of that oath. The bill was passed by an overwhelming bipartisan majority with a margin of 125-19.

Truth About Vaping

Public health scholars and harm reduction experts have continued to caution against various risks and ramifications of restricting vaping. In an article published in the journal Science, a group of renowned public health experts came together to speak out against blanket bans on vaping, noting there is no evidence that vaping is harmful, and that prohibitive policies may force people back toward tobacco or even the black market.

Despite claims of a so-called teen vaping “epidemic” by both lawmakers and anti-vaping activists alike, research from the NYU School of Global Public Health discovered that most teens don’t vape. The study, published in the journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research, found that over 85% of teens do not vape at all and that even the few that do are not habitual users.

Time and time again, study after study has validated the value of vaping as an effective smoking cessation aid and tool. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that vaping was more effective than other nicotine-replacement therapies in helping adults not only quit smoking but continue to remain tobacco-free.

In addition to being a proven and effective smoking cessation aid, vaping has been repeatedly demonstrated to be a reduced harm alternative to tobacco as well. For example, research from Public Health England and the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center found that vaping is 95% and 93% safer than smoking, respectively.

Future Of Vaping

The Missouri vaping bill is the prime example of legislative riders inflating the scope of a bill far beyond its stated intention. Many countries have deemed such measures unconstitutional, and have implemented single-subject rules as a way to combat this.

You need to look no further than the sponsor of the bill himself, not understanding the full scope of the legislation he had proposed and promoted. The American public, not just vapers, must band together to push for state and federal single-subject rules to prevent bloated bills from passing with unknown riders and earmarks attached.

What are your thoughts regarding Missouri’s new anti-vaping legislation? Do you believe the public health priorities of officials in the state may be a bit misguided, particularly considering the circumstances at hand? As always, we would love to know what you think in the comments below. Also, don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to receive all the latest and greatest vaping news and reviews!

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Michigan Court Sides With Vape Shops, Blocks Ban

Michigan Appellate Court Upholds Injunction Against The State In Favor Of Industry

Lawmakers throughout the world have been lobbied by anti-vaping activists to engage in a sustained campaign to completely outright prohibit their production, sale, usage, and possession. Despite these unrelenting efforts, there are still rational actors who make decisions based on science over emotion that still believe in upholding the basic rule of law.

A Michigan state appellate court upheld an injunction against an emergency ban on vapor products ordered by Governor Gretchen Whitmer last year. The three-judge panel ruled that the state did not demonstrate an underlying public health emergency that justified the ban.

As a result, the ban remains technically imposed but is not actually enforceable while litigation proceeds. For the time being, it remains uncertain whether the state plans to press ahead in the courts to contest the injunction and uphold the alleged validity of the ban.

The Governor and supporters of the ban claimed that vaping was a public health emergency, despite a multitude of evidence reaffirming its lack of harm. Despite this, they claimed vaping lures young people into unhealthy and addictive habits. Critics of the measure believe it is based on emotion rather than science, that adults have the right to safe access to tools that help them abstain from smoking.

Blocked Ban

A three-judge panel of the Michigan Court of Appeals upheld a preliminary injunction issued by the Court of Claims against Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s public emergency order that effectively banned flavored vapor products last September. The appellate court’s unanimous decision means that the emergency order is unenforceable as it remains in litigation.

For now, the state appears to not be moving ahead to challenge the ruling and seek the ban’s enforcement. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services deferred questions to the Michigan Attorney General’s office, and the Attorney General’s office has yet to respond for comment.

The harshly-worded 13-page opinion that came with the ruling, Judge Mark Boonstra called the order a prime example of government overreach and criticized the Governor’s scientifically unsound and politically motivated attempts to connect the coronavirus to the order issued well before it’s existence. “You might ask, what does COVID have to do with vaping? Well, maybe nothing. Our Governor has herself linked the two, however.” Boonstra wrote, claiming that he was writing his opinion separately because sometimes Americans need a “wake-up call.”

The upholding of the injunction has been a welcomed sigh of relief for the vaping industry, who were already in fear for their futures following a series of regulatory crackdowns and the new challenges posed by the coronavirus crisis and related lockdown orders. While their prospects still remain uncertain, the stability offered by the ruling at least gives these small local businesses the proper foundation to begin to adapt to this new normal.

Vaping Facts

Public health scholars and harm reduction experts have long cautioned against the dangers of prohibition and its unintended consequences. In an article published in the journal Science, a group of respected public health researchers came together to speak out against prohibitive policies and restrictive regulations targeting vaping. They note that there is no evidence that vaping is harmful, and that prohibitive policies will simply force smokers back toward tobacco or even black market alternatives.

Additionally, these respected experts also note vaping’s remarkable efficacy as a smoking cessation aid and tool. A study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that vaping was more effective than other nicotine-replacement therapies in helping adults both quit smoking and remain tobacco-free.

Not only is vaping one of the most effective smoking cessation aids available, but research has repeatedly demonstrated vaping to be a reduced harm alternative to smoking as well. Separate studies from Public Health England and the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center each found that vaping is 95% and 93% safer than smoking, respectively.

Not only does vaping continue to be demonstrated as an effective smoking cessation aid and reduced harm alternative to smoking, but current evidence indicates that there is no risk of harm from long-term usage. A study published by the National Academy of Sciences found that not only is vaping significantly less harmful than smoking, but there are currently no known long-term health effects associated with prolonged use, meaning lifetime vapers can breathe a sigh of relief.

Looking Forward

The upholding of the injunction against Michigan’s unconstitutional vaping ban is a significant victory for the vaping industry and community. Following a similar blocked ban in New York, a legal precedent has been firmly established that Governors will need to follow the same process for passing laws as everyone else and can’t force their agendas by way of an executive order.

Vapers and vape shops within the state have a bit of reprieve from the sustained campaign of prohibition against them. While the future remains unclear, at least a bit of the haze has finally been lifted.

What are your thoughts regarding the appellate court siding with the vaping industry over the state? Do you believe this will have implications for the larger vaping industry now that a legal precedent has been established? Let us know what you think in the comments below, be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to receive all the latest vaping news!

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Vape Shops Expected To Shutter After Ban Passes

Palo Alto’s New Vaping Ban Brings Industry To Breaking Point

The coronavirus crisis has led to commercial chaos that has devastated the global economy. As municipalities across the world deal with the struggles of balancing ballooning budgets against reduced tax revenue, some are willingly exacerbating that grim economic reality.

The Palo Alto City Council voted for the complete ban on the sale of all vapor products within their jurisdiction. As a direct result, several area vape shops are in fear for their future, including the area’s historic Mac’s Smoke Shop.

These small mom-and-pop vape shops have been devastated by a series of state and federal regulations directly impacting their bottom line and have been pushed to their brink due to the coronavirus’s shutdowns. Now, during their most desperate time of need, lawmakers feel the need to impose extraneous measures and further burden these overwhelmed local businesses.

Common sense criticisms of the new measure include the basic notion that adults have the right to access vices, that vaping is a safer alternative to smoking and an effective form of cessation, and that killing these small businesses during a period of economic turmoil doesn’t make any sense. Anti-vaping activists who spoke in favor of the measure stated that it’s the only way to protect teens and prevent the area from becoming a vaping destination.

Vaping Ban

The Palo Alto City Council voted 4-3 in favor of passing a ban on all vaping products and flavored tobacco. It notably rejected a proposed exemption by city staff that would allow adult-only smoke and vape shops to continue selling these products.

Now, the area’s five small local smoke shops say they’re in fear for their futures following the passage, including the historic Mac’s Smoke Shop that has been in steady operation since 1934. City Manager Ed Shikada notes that these small businesses earn as much as 60% of their revenue from the now prohibited products.

Councilman Eric Filseth joined Councilwoman Lydia Kou in their crusade to shut down these small businesses that serve and employ those in the community. He appeared to recognize the thoughtless nature of the faux-moral-driven vote during these trying times, noting, “It’s a crappy year to be introducing further hardships on any business,” but continuing with his vote regardless.

Mayor Adrian Fine has stated that adults have the right and freedom to partake in vices if they so choose, questioning why the city’s liquor stores and dispensaries aren’t under fire as well. Additionally, Councilman Tom DuBois spoke out, stating that the ban is the prime example of government overreach and that the vape shops affected by the ban have no history of enforcement violations.

Vaping Facts

Current data indicates vaping is remarkably effective in aiding smoking cessation. Research published in the journal Addiction found that vaping helped up to 70,000 British smokers quit in 2017 alone.

Vaping is so remarkably effective in aiding smoking cessation that studies show it may be the single greatest tool we have to help adult smokers quit. Research from the University of Louisville found vaping to be the most effective smoking cessation device available, even more than going cold-turkey.

In addition to being proven as an effective smoking cessation aid, research repeatedly shows that vaping is less harmful than smoking. In fact, landmark research conducted by Public Health England found vaping to be 95% safer than smoking.

Evidence also suggests that vaping poses a lower cumulative risk over a lifetime compared to smoking. Research published in the Journal of Aerosol Sciences found that vapers have a 57,000 times lower chance of developing cancer compared to smokers.

Vaping’s Future

As noted by Councilman DuBois, this ban is a prime example of government overreach. The fact that the government would willingly exercise such dramatic overreach during these trying times demonstrates that the four council members who voted in favor of the ban do not care about their constituency, only their careers.

Palo Alto’s vaping industry and community must stand together and push back against the council in any capacity they can. Your freedom isn’t simply given back once it’s taken, you need to fight for it and defend it any time it is under siege.

How do you think Palo Alto’s flavor ban will impact vapers and the local industry moving forward? What do you think the larger impact of this crisis will be on the the vaping community? We would love to know what you think in the comments below. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to receive all the latest vaping news!

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Empire State Flavor Ban Takes Effect

Governor Exploits Crisis To Advance Anti-Vaping Agenda As Vapers And Vape Shops Brace For Impact.

Governor Andrew Cuomo has been leveraging the coronavirus crisis to advance his own administrative agenda even with pressing public health matters at hand. Despite dealing with the global epicenter of the pandemic, the governor is choosing to focus part of his time and efforts on restricting vaping.

The total ban on flavored vapor products took effect Monday, May 18th, 45 days after signing his proposed budget into law. In addition to the flavor ban, there are a number of additional nicotine-focused and anti-vaping measures that are set to take effect on June 1st.

Key among them, and less discussed, is a complete prohibition on online e-liquid purchases within the state. Additionally, pharmacies will no longer be able to sell any nicotine-containing product that is not an approved smoking cessation therapy.

While there is an additional number of anti-vaping provisions loaded into the bill, these are the key measures that are most likely to directly impact vapers themselves. Enforcement begins the same day the laws take effect, with violators facing prospective fines of up to $100 PER prohibited item.

Anti-vaping advocates claim the prime example of legislative overreach will protect teens from accessing and using vapor products. Members of the vaping industry and community fear for the future of the industry within the state, believing that the jobs of thousands and lives of millions may potentially be at stake due to such short-sighted regulations.

Prohibitive Policy

On April 3rd, Albany lawmakers gathered in the shadows to pass Senate Bill S7506B, an omnibus budget bill. The bill contains several agenda-driven provisions that have no material impact on the upcoming fiscal year, such as multiple anti-vaping measures.

One of the key provisions included in a bill is a complete ban on flavored vaping products, set to take effect 45 days after being signed into law, or May 18th. Additionally, the bill also completely prohibits any online sales of vape juice within the state and bars pharmacies from carrying any nicotine-containing products that aren’t approved smoking cessation therapies.

Mike Kruger, Capital District Director of New York State Vapor Association, fears the bill is going to effectively destroy the vaping industry in the state while simultaneously boosting sales for big tobacco companies. “It’s very hard to tell what the consumer’s going to do. I can tell you, over the past 45 days since we’ve been waiting on this to go into effect,” Kruger told reporters, “I’ve had a lot of customers tell me that they’re going to eventually go back to smoking.”

Kruger’s statements echo sentiments shared by the Vapor Technology Association as well. “New York’s statewide ban on flavored vapor products will close most of the 694 small mom and pop vape shops, throw 6,000 more New Yorkers out of work, and add another $680M wrench in the state’s budget crisis. In addition to the serious negative economic impacts of the flavor ban, New York lawmakers are forcing adults who rely on vapor products as their alternative to cigarettes back to traditional smoking or to the dangerous black market”, said Tony Abboud, Executive Director of the organization.

However, anti-vaping activists continue to contend that the bill is a net win for the state at large. Judy Rightmyer, Director of Capital District Tobacco-Free Communities, states that the ban is more about preventing youth access than restricting adult access, failing to distinguish how the former isn’t going to directly impact the latter.

Truth About Vaping

We live in the midst of a sustained war against vaping led by hysteria and misinformation. Yet, we face the very real threat of a global smoking epidemic responsible for taking 8 million lives each year. According to CDC data, there are an estimated 38 million smokers in the United States alone, 16 million of which currently face some form of smoking-related illness.

Current research indicates that vaping may be our greatest asset in the war against vaping. Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that vaping was more effective than traditional nicotine-replacement therapies in aiding smoking cessation.

That only adds to the wealth of information highlighting the promise vaping provides in helping thousands of adult smokers quit annually. According to research from University College London, vaping is responsible for helping up to 70,000 British smokers quit in 2017 alone.

Not only is vaping remarkably effective in aiding smoking cessation, but there is an extensive body of research establishing vaping as a reduced-harm alternative to tobacco. Landmark research from Public Health England concluded that vaping was, in fact, 95% safer than smoking, a figure the agency has maintained and defended for over half a decade.

Consequences

New York’s statewide series of vaping bans may be the final nail in the coffin for an industry under constant and ever-changing regulatory scrutiny, and that has been heavily impacted by the state’s lockdown orders amid the pandemic. Additionally, the health of millions of New Yorkers is currently at risk due to a lack of access to alternatives to tobacco amid the heightened stress of the trying times we all face.

Members of the Empire state’s vaping industry and community must stand and band together against such prohibitive policies. The state is intentionally throwing the future of public health and the economy into serious jeopardy, and all in the name of advancing moral-driven agendas set to appeal to soccer moms ahead of the election cycle.

What are your thoughts regarding New York’s series of prohibitive policies finally taking effect? How do you think these measures will impact vapers and vape shops throughout the Empire State? As always, we would love to know what you think in the comments below. Also, don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to receive all the latest and greatest vaping news and reviews!

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This Won’t Stand! California Vaping Ban Advances Out Of Committee

Complete Flavor Ban May Soon Cast Shade On Vapers In The Golden State

Anti-vaping activists have remained on a sustained crusade to advocate for the complete prohibition of vapor products. Failing that, these no-vape evangelists will settle on any prohibitive policy they can manage to get passed.

In California, a bill that would ban all flavored nicotine products advanced out of the Senate Health Committee on Friday. The committee voted in favor of the bill at a margin of 8-1. It’s now set to go before the Senate Appropriations Committee for further review.

The proposal would prohibit retail sales of any flavored nicotine products, including smoked and smokeless tobacco products, as well as vapor products. Additionally, the bill would prohibit the sale of “flavor enhancers,” effectively banning DIY vape juice within the state as well.

In addition to the proposed flavor ban, vapers in the state may soon be facing additional tax increases on vapor products. As a part of his proposed budget, Governor Gavin Newsom advocated for a nicotine tax at a rate of $2/40 milligrams, effectively making California one of the highest taxed states in the nation for vapers.

Flavor Ban

In California, the Senate Health Committee passed SB 793 at a margin of 8-1, with the bill now set to advance before the Senate Appropriations Committee. It would ban any form of flavored nicotine product from being sold at retailers within the state, including smoked and smokeless tobacco, as well as premixed and DIY vape juices.

Alongside sponsor Senator Jerry Hill, an additional 40 lawmakers have signed on as co-authors, and the bill has garnered the support of Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis. The proposal has been endorsed by a variety of organizations, including The American Cancer Society, Cancer Action Network California, the American Heart Association, the American Lung Association, and the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

“Flavored tobacco products have created an unprecedented surge in youth nicotine consumption, undoing decades of declines in youth tobacco use, and luring our kids onto the path of nicotine addiction. SB 793 will remove this death bait from store shelves,” Hill said in a statement.

In addition to the new prohibitive policy targeting vaping, there is also a proposed nicotine tax included as a part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s 2021 budget. The ban would place an effective tax on nicotine products at a rate of $2 per every 40 milligrams, in addition to the state’s nearly 60% wholesale tax on all vapor products.

Vaping Facts

In an article published in the journal Science, a group of renowned public health experts came together to speak out against blanket bans on vaping. The group notes that there is no evidence vaping is harmful, and prohibitive policies will only force people back toward tobacco or even black market alternatives.

Study after study has emerged, highlighting vaping as an effective smoking cessation aid and tool. Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that vaping was more effective than other nicotine-replacement therapies in helping adults not only quit smoking, but continue to remain tobacco-free.

Vaping has also been repeatedly demonstrated to be a reduced harm alternative to tobacco in addition to one of the most effective cessation aids available. As an example, research from Public Health England and the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center each found that vaping is 95% and 93% safer than smoking, respectively.

Alongside being an effective smoking cessation aid and reduced harm alternative to tobacco, the current scientific consensus surrounding vaping indicates there is little-to-no risk associated with long-term use. Research published by the National Academy of Sciences found that vaping is significantly less harmful than smoking, and there are no known long-term health effects from prolonged usage.

Vaping’s Future

Vape shops have already been struggling to adapt to a hostile regulatory environment as misinformation perpetuated by the press pummeled their public perception. In addition to these regulatory and informational challenges, these independently-owned small-businesses are being completely devastated by lockdowns and shelter-in-place orders created by the coronavirus.

These small mom-and-pop shops need the support of their legislators now more than ever, and not additional barriers created by virtue-signaling lawmakers attempting to attach their name to some pop piece of legislation as the election rapidly approaches. The future of the vaping industry is looking dark for those in the Golden state unless dramatic lobbying efforts are made to combat this legislation as well as the proposed tax.

What are your thoughts regarding California’s proposed flavor ban? How do you think this will impact vapers and vape shops within the Golden State? As always, we would love to know what you think in the comments below. Also, don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to receive all the latest and greatest vaping news and reviews!

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ITC Probes Altria Following R.J. Reynolds Complaint

Complaint Prompted International Investigation Into The Two Tobacco Giants

Unfortunately, the global vaping industry is under constant attack from big-tobacco titans, as they take massive market shares via aggressive marketing campaigns and hostile takeovers of smaller companies. Thankfully rather than continue on a sustained campaign to dismantle what was primarily a grassroots industry, these industry giants are starting to set their sights on each other.

The United States International Trade Commission has announced they will be launching an investigation into Altria and Philip Morris International. The probe comes following a previous complaint filed by competitor R.J. Reynolds months prior.

The complaint and subsequent investigation are the results of a patent dispute between the two nicotine behemoths. R.J. Reynolds alleges that certain elements used in Altria/PMI’s IQOS devices infringe on patents held for their own Glo vaporizer.

R.J. Reynolds is seeking a cease-and-desist against their competitor in an attempt to halt sales of the infringing product. The injunction would bar the import and sale of the product within the United States and would help establish a case and precedent for additional trials in international markets.

Cease And Desist

In what has been dubbed the opening shots fired in the great vape wars by tobacco titans, R.J. Reynolds is seeking an injunction against competing behemoth Altria over an alleged patent dispute. Analysts have speculated the action may be the result of larger cross-licensing negotiations between the two giants.

In the dispute, R.J. Reynolds is accusing Altria’s IQOS heat-not-burn device of infringing on patents used in their Glo vaporizer. Specifically, the complaint alleges that the IQOS device infringes on at least five copyrights pertaining to certain tobacco heating elements and other components used in the Glo vaporizer.

If awarded, the limited exclusion and cease-and-desist orders would bar Altria from importing and selling the product within the United States. In response to the allegations, the company has stated that the claims hold no merit, and the company is fully prepared and positioned to defend itself.

R.J. Reynolds is a subsidiary of British American Tobacco, which had recently filed its own lawsuit against Altria and Philip Morris International. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Virginia, is similar in nature, although BAT is seeking preliminary and permanent injunctive relief in addition to treble damages.

Vaping Facts

Every year, the smoking epidemic is responsible for the deaths and illnesses of millions of people throughout the world. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control, there are currently an estimated 38 million smokers in the United States alone, of which over 16 million live with some form of smoking-related illness or disease.

Vaping continues to prove itself as the greatest tool we have at our disposal in combating the deadly worldwide smoking epidemic. According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers found that vaping was more effective than traditional nicotine-replacement therapies in helping people both quit smoking and remain tobacco-free.

Vaping is already responsible for saving thousands, and potentially millions, of lives throughout the world each year. According to a study from University College London, researchers found that vaping was responsible for helping up to 70,000 British smokers quit in a single year alone.

Not only has vaping been proven as an effective cessation aid, but it has also been demonstrated as a safer, reduced harm alternative to tobacco as well. Landmark research carried out by the UK Royal College of Physicians found that vaping is staggeringly 95% safer than smoking. Public Health England, the country’s top health agency, has routinely touted and defended this fact and advocates vaping as an effective form of smoking cessation.

There has also been no evidence of long-term risk to users of vapor products. According to a study published by the National Academy of Sciences, researchers found that not only is vaping less harmful than smoking, but there are no known long-term health effects associated with prolonged usage as well.

Conclusions

These legal disputes represent some of the last dying breaths of former tobacco titans. Rather than focus on innovation, these antiquated nicotine behemoths opt to focus on litigation instead.

It remains uncertain whether British American Tobacco, through R.J. Reynolds, will be successful in court. The U.S. International Trade Commission issued a statement saying that it has not made any decision on the merits of the case at this time and that the investigation is ongoing.

What are your thoughts regarding the International Trade Commission’s investigation into Altria? Do you believe R.J. Reynolds’ complaint has merit? Let us know what you think in the comments below, be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to receive all the latest vaping news!

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Yet Another State Set To Equate Vaping With Smoking

Oklahoma Set to Raise the Legal Age of Vaping Products to 21 if Governor Signs Bill into Law

On Tuesday, the Oklahoma House of Representatives, in a 79-20 vote, passed a landmark bill that will increase the legal age for possession of all tobacco and vaping products to 21. Once the Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signs the bill, the legislation will become law and essentially equate vaping and tobacco in law.

Passage of the bill wasn’t without opposition as some lawmakers were suspicious of the motive behind the Senate Bill 1423. Though some were skeptical about his motives, Rep. Kevin Wallace, who sponsored SB1423 on the floor of the House, said that his reasons were altruistic, and intended to mirror federal law. According to him, once the governor accents to the bill, Oklahoma will remain eligible to receive $6.4 million in federal matching funds. In addition to this, the State will also qualify for a federal grant program that will see Oklahoma receiving more funds via the Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission (ABLE).

Latest Misguided Change

When questioned by the Press, Rep. Wallace, and Rep. Wellston, who seconded the bill, revealed that representatives of Juul – the largest producer of vapor products in the United States – were the ones that provided the information that led to the bill. Juul, apart from being a major producer of vapor products, is also a strong advocate for state regulation of vaping, particularly among teens below the age of 21. As a large corporation, many major tobacco companies like Altria, the manufacturers of Marlboro and other popular cigarette brands, holds significant shares in Juul.

Vaping advocates have decried the regulation, claiming it does little more than restrict adult access and equate vaping with a much more dangerous activity. One common argument against the bill is that this type of legislation is about emotion over logic. They suggest legislators should take a deeper look at the supporting evidence, and not rely on the echo chamber of the state legislature.

Vaping Facts

We’ve known since at least 2015 that vaping is at least 95% safer than smoking thanks to research by Public Health England. While that was one of the first reports on the massive harm reduction value of vaping, it certainly wasn’t the last. In fact, a few months back researchers at Roswell Park Cancer Institute concluded the toxicants in cigarette smoke are 93% higher than in e-liquid vapor. But if that doesn’t do it for you, consider the report from the Journal of Aerosol Sciences which concluded the excess lifetime cancer risk of a vaper is around 57,000 times lower than a demographically similar smoker.

Looking past the overall harm reduction value, you still find a ton to love about e-cigarettes. For instance, we know that not only is vaping a useful smoking cessation tool, but it’s actually the single most effective, thanks to research out of the University of Louisville. Researchers tested all the most common smoking cessation tools and methods, ranging from cold turkey through prescription drugs, and found vaping was more likely to work than anything else. However, in this case, as with most cases, the primary concern of lawmakers isn’t the harm reduction or smoking cessation value of vaping, but rather their impact on teens. Luckily a report of over 60,000 students by Action on Smoking and Health concluded only between 0.1%, and 0.5% of non-smoking teens are ever picking up a vaporizer more than a few times.

Implications

We simply must push back against laws like this whenever we can. In this particular case, it’s too late, but it should still serve as an example. It should concern vapers everywhere, not just in places where legislation like this is pending. The truth is that the more areas which adopt laws like this, the easier it will be to pass them elsewhere. If we don’t fight for our vaping rights now, it may not be very long before we wake up and not recognize the vaping industry at all. That’s why we must work to teach those around us the value of vaping. The more people who understand what’s at stake, the stronger our cause will be.

Do laws like this worry you? Do you think it’s a big deal for vaping and smoking to be equated? How can we best teach others about the value of e-cigarettes? Let us know what you think in the comments, and don’t forget to check back here or join our Facebook and Twitter communities for more news and articles.

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