President signs omnibus that makes vape U.S. mail ban official. Exposing anti-vaping bias in media reporting. Take the poll: Massachusetts flavor ban. Oregon’s 65% vape tax kicks in. FDA charges huge fee for making hand sanitizer during shortage. Don’t forget to take the 2020 vaping consumer survey!
RESEARCH // 2020 Vaping Consumer Survey
Have you taken the annual eCigIntelligence survey? Help us collect real evidence to be used to educate policymakers on why vaping products MUST to remain affordable, appealing (flavors) and easily accessible for adult consumers!
TAKE THE SURVEY: 2020 eCigIntelligence Consumer Survey
VIEW THE 2019 SURVEY CHARTS: 2019 eCigIntelligence Consumer Survey Charts
U.S. NATIONAL POLICY // “Vape Mail Ban” Signed
President Trump has signed the 2021 omnibus bill, INCLUDING the “Preventing Online Sales of E-Cigarettes to Children Act” (ie “Vape Mail Ban.”) Oh, the irony of a government tax-spending bill killing tax-generating businesses AND greatly risking the health of its adult citizens by making much safer nicotine products more difficult to purchase than deadly cigarettes during a pandemic!
https://twitter.com/walterolson/status/1343575368574394369
Why is Section 230 being included in the Covid relief bill?
Who knows?
Why was a vape mail ban included in the last budget bill?
Because government and tHaTs jUsT tHe wAy wE hAvE aLwAyS dOnE iT.
— GrimmGreen (@GrimmGreen) December 30, 2020
READ MORE: Trump reverses on coronavirus stimulus deal, signs package he called a ‘disgrace’
DO MORE: Stay updated and get involved by officially joining CASAA. No membership fees!
POLL // Should Massachusetts lift its ban on flavored tobacco/vapor products?
Yes! Law was disingenuously “justified” using EVALI, which had nothing to do with nicotine vape flavors, and fictional “teen epidemic,” ignored fact that under 21 can’t even purchase!
Like I know that @TobaccoFreeKids @truthinitiative
& @ParentsvsVape all think they the flavor ban was a big win in #Massachusetts, yet the state spends only $4.31 per smoker per year on programs that can help them quit. And now, their #tobaccoharmreduction options are limited. https://t.co/xDD9biPPFK— Lindsey Stroud (@lmstroud89) November 12, 2020
READ MORE: Read two views and vote in the online poll.
DO MORE: If you live in Massachusetts, join the CASAA Massachusetts Facebook Group
RESEARCH // Exposing Media Anti-Vaping Bias
Headline claims “Vaping Found to Cause Mental Fog,” except article admits it’s just as likely “that persons who experience mental fog are more prone to [smoke] or vape, perhaps self-medicate.” Clearly, the researchers did NOT find vaping to “cause” brain fog in people of ANY age and this is a “chicken or egg” scenario of not knowing which came first.
Additionally, the article claims “Nicotine intake by vaping likely induces trouble with mental control,” yet researchers are testing nicotine as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other neurological conditions.
Correllation is not causation. Decades of research show that nicotine increases focus, attention and memory.
So, some people who have trouble with focus/attention self-medicate with nicotine. e.g., It is well known that people with ADHD are more likely to smoke. pic.twitter.com/743xfpcu0a
— ClovisSangrail (@ClovisSangrail4) December 31, 2020
READ MORE: Vaping Found to Cause Mental Fog Even in Young Teens
HEADS UP // Oregon Update
Lawmakers raised cigarette taxes to reduce smoking and “save lives,” then, unbelievably, make the products that have been helping millions of adults actually quit smoking much less affordable. The 65% wholesale tax starts on January 1st.
Beginning Friday, Oregon's tax on cigarettes will increase by $2 per pack and e-cigarettes will be taxed for the first time in Oregon, after voters overwhelmingly approved Measure 108 last month. The American Cancer Society calls it a good thing. https://t.co/oMSLoNrGXC
— KTVZ NewsChannel 21 (@KTVZ) December 28, 2020
READ MORE: Oregon’s voter-approved cigarette tax hike, new e-cigarette tax begin Friday
DO MORE: If you live in Oregon, join the CASAA Oregon Facebook Group
HEADS UP // FDA Hand Sanitizer Fee
Vape manufacturers registered with FDA as a monograph drug facility to make hand sanitizer for pandemic may also get the $14,060 bill from FDA (due Feb. 11) even if they donated most or all of product. Must UN-register by Jan. 1 to avoid owing additional $14,060!
Here's the story I didn't expect to be writing today: Early in the pandemic, distilleries stepped up to alleviate the shortage of hand sanitizer. This week the FDA informed them that they owe a surprise fee of more than $14,000 for the privilege. https://t.co/DEqRlPWr73
— Jacob Grier (@jacobgrier) December 30, 2020
The Vapor industry making donations to the those that protect us here in Florida. Another untold story. .@govrondesantis @foxnews @erinmurray1 @tbtimesNIE @cbstampabay @tb_times @bn9 @deskkimsmith @troykinsey @MEbn9 @caitmcvey @flsmokefree pic.twitter.com/jrA1Mnx5yA
— Florida Smoke Free Association (@FLsmokefree) April 16, 2020
READ MORE FROM CASAA: Amid Shut Downs & Devastating Bans, Vaping Community Helping