European Nation Vaping News

By: Tiffany Davis

Flavor Vapor Media Specialist

                When we hear about vaping in Europe it’s been an emotional battle this past year. As we sit in America watching the battle rage on overseas most of us wonder what will happen here at home. We know that the US government likes to follow the EU governments lead in many cases. For this case though, I sure hope they don’t follow EU’s lead. Just today USA TODAY shares a new report concerning the EU’s new laws particularly the French.

From USA Today report: Ruling could deal blow to e-cigarette industry, by: Holly Ellyatt, CNBC.com

“A court ruling to restrict the sale of e-cigarettes in France last week could set a European, if not global precedent and knock the nascent e-cigarette industry off course.

A commercial court in Toulouse ruled on Monday that e-cigarettes (that do not contain tobacco) qualify as tobacco products and should only be sold by registered tobacconists.

French news agency AFP said the court ordered an e-cigarette retailer to stop selling and advertising the products. It argued it was violating the "state monopoly on the sale of tobacco" which states that tobacco products can only be sold at registered outlets in France, where their advertising is also banned.”

                In the US each state gets to decide what regulations are set on vaporizers. Granted, this could all change in a blink of an eye if the US government decides to intervene in states’ rights to regulate within their state.

From USA Today report: Ruling could deal blow to e-cigarette industry, by: Holly Ellyatt, CNBC.com

“"This (French ruling) could lead to greater regulation of the e-cigarette industry, and yes, in terms of manufacturing and distribution it could put a squeeze on the nascent e-cigarette industry," he said.

He expected the TPD could put more pressure on smaller players than on the big suppliers like BAT or Imperial Tobacco, however.

"It could in fact be more favorable for the majors (large tobacco companies) because the French ruling suggests that the EU or some major countries are not concerned with damaging the nascent e-cig industry," he said. If upheld, the French ruling would mean producers could only distribute their products through regulated tobacconists, meaning business as usual for the larger firms.”

In a condensed sentence: The French doesn’t care about the little man but, is ruling in favor with the big tobacco companies. I know that the big firms have the money, power and resources to persuade government but, don’t they realize that these “small businesses” are employing employees? Small business is a vital part of our economy.

From USA Today report: Ruling could deal blow to e-cigarette industry, by: Holly Ellyatt, CNBC.com

“Although it is still far smaller than the real tobacco industry, industry analysis firm Euromonitor International estimates that the e-cigarette industry is worth in excess of $2 billion globally (the same size as the global small cigars market).

Big tobacco companies have been quick to capitalize on the smokeless product that markets itself as a "healthy" alternative to real cigarettes too. BAT (British American Tobacco) launched its mainstream e-cigarette, Vype, in the U.K. in July and Marlboro maker Philip Morris plans to enter the market in 2014.”

                It always amazes me when I read an article like this. It also makes me sad. Why? Because, I believe that the small business make up the back bone of our economy. They employ people and treat employees better because, they are not lost in a system of numbers and politics. The fate of our vaping freedom relays on people getting involved in our government so, the big business doesn’t win. This is just a prime example of how we have the power to change laws and regulations in the US.

I would love to read your comments! You can find us on Facebook, Twitter or on our blog page.

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Regulating Minors in Oklahoma

                               

 Regulating Minors in Oklahoma

By: Tiffany Davis

Flavor Vapor Media Specialist

Many Oklahoma’s ears always perk up when our local news stations mention vaping or electronic cigarettes. There have been many news anchors against vaping and many for vaping. The other night this was the case for me. My ears perk up as I hush my family while I intently listen to the story. In Oklahoma Senator Simpson wants to make it harder for people under 18 to have access to vaping products. I thought that this was already a regulation in Oklahoma but, I guess I was mistaken. Flavor Vapor and other premium vape shops already ask for ID’s and will not sale products to minors. This has been very important act to lessen the anti-vapers cause but, it seems like if someone wants to complain they will find something. Vaping is relatively new and NOT everyone understands it yet. Through doing the right things before the government has to intervene and keeping business clean we are just showing people we are responsible as a vaping community.

 From http://newsok.com/ following this story there were many comments all of these comments were made by the community on Newok.com.

Frank Friel from Edmond, OK

“Vapor products are not tobacco, and just as there is limited research into the effects of these products, there is also no research to indicate they would lead youth to begin using tobacco products. This law is idiotic.”

Ted Nicols

“Fred do you really trust what's in the vapor. Show me research that proves there 100% safe. I felt very uncomfortable when standing in line with people sucking on them and was anger that nothing has been shown its safe. It is a complete distraction and yes it will lead to other things. But so don't negative people to help young people to not do there best. Common sense man...”

>>>>> Response to Ted Nicols:

Fred Gotsteam

Ted, I'll field this one. You must do at least a little research in your spare time if you want to be informed on this issue.

Fact: cigarettes contain about 60 known carcinogens plus THOUSANDS of other harmful chemicals in harmful amounts.

Fact: e-cigs contain about 6 known carcinogens in just detectable amounts and NONE of the other harmful chemicals.

Fact: e-cigs have approximately the exact same constituents as a nicotine patch in the same quantities. Patches are sold as over the counter products requiring no prescription.

Fact: there is nothing in this world that is 100% safe. I understand what you meant in your statement about 100% safe but we both know that a glass of water isn't 100% safe. Now if you mean 100% SAFER than a cigarette, I'd say it's 99% safer. So would the researchers, see for your self.

How safe does an e-cigarette have to be before it's OK when cigarettes are killing people, and thats a fact.

Knowing that kids WILL get their hands on real cigarettes and smoke them is also a fact, I'd rather they used an e-cig because it wont kill them. In a perfect world, I'd rather they didn't try anything including drugs but... what are you going to do? Personally I believe that there are other things in real cigarettes that are added to make them highly addictive and that nicotine is not as addictive as the so called experts claim. I look forward to your response.”

So, this seems like an overall great conversation. I would love to hear about what you think. Make your comments below or on our Facebook page. If you want to read more or join the conversation go to- http://newsok.com/oklahoma-lawmakers-want-to-end-youth-access-to-e-cigarettes/article/3913189.

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Vape Pen

Vape Pen

By: Tiffany Davis

Flavor Vapor Media Specialist

                I try to stay up with the latest vaping news. But, the other day something came up I found odd. The new name for e-cigarettes or vaporizers is “Vape Pens”.  I don’t know who came up with it but, I don’t really care for the new name personally. It makes me think of an actual pen, a writing utensil. Plus, most personal vaporizers don’t really look like a pen. I get it, some vaporizers do look like a pen in some fashion a basic 1100MaH battery for example is slender and length wise is comparable.

 On the other hand I do understand that proud vapers want to get away from associating them with traditional cigarettes all together. I guess with anything that is linked to another by a name comes a plethora of different names until one sticks. I’ve heard a lot of people express their dislike for words like vaporizers, e-cigs and vape zone including all the slang that comes with vaping. I would like someone to come up with a new name for people that vape instead of vapers because, just one letter differences you get the word vapors. You know something like: the awesome people or the cool crowd. I’m just kidding but, really I would personally like a new name for the people who vape but, I do not want to mess with the word vape though.

I guess if “Vape Pen” does stick I could get accustomed to using the word. I have found countless articles stretching across the country using the word “Vape Pen” to describe personal vaporizers. I maybe off my rocker and this could have been around since the dawn of vaping but, last week was the first time I’ve heard of it. I would love to know what you think about the word “Vape Pen” for your vape? Would you use it? Does it sound cool? Is there any name you would suggest?

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Talking Vape with you Family

Talking Vape with Your Family

By: Tiffany Davis

Flavor Vapor Media Specialist

                It always amazes me this time of year family gets together and I always learn something new about someone! How many people this year will learn that you vape? Will you be knowledgeable to explain vaping to your friends and family? I have come up with a few tips to educate the non-vapers in your life so, that they will have a better understanding.

1.       There are only four ingredients in e-juice. Nicotine, flavoring, PG (propylene glycol), and VG (Vegetable Glycerin).

2.       PG (propylene glycol) - PG is in many food and cosmetic products we use every day.

3.       VG (vegetable glycerin) – VG is in many food products and pharmaceutical products.

4.       Drexel University has found that vaping has no health concern to humans

5.       E-juice has many different nicotine levels including zero.

6.       The battery heats up the e-juice and turns it into vapor.

7.       Vaping taste different to each person.

8.       There are many flavors to choose from.

9.       You can have side-effects if switching to vaping from traditional cigarettes.

10.   Vaping is allowed more places than traditional cigarettes. (Always be pleasant if asked not to vape)

11.   Flavor Vapor does not make e-juice in house. Flavor Vapors e-juice is made in a lab with the strictest of standards.

12.   You can customize a vaporizer to your personality.

13.   Vaporizers are pocket friendly!

14.   Make gift giving easy!

15.   Stay inside this cold season and don’t get sick!

If you don’t want to tell you family you can always find places to “stealth” vape. I know in my family we are not the only ones who vape so, it makes it easy. I want to know your Thanksgiving Survival tips and tricks! Please comment below or head to our Facebook page. 

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Finally the CDC sets the story straight

Finally They Get it Right

By: Tiffany Davis

Flavor Vapor Media Specialist

            Finally they get it right. I previously wrote about how the CDC reported that teen vaping was increasing leaps and bounds. My whole point was that the people that wrote this report never mentioned how many of those teen vapers where traditional cigarette smokers or how many more teen cigarette smokers there were. Now as of just a couple of days ago the CDC released a new report making I think a correct report. If you want to read the article yourself you can find it at: http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacobsullum/2013/11/20/cdc-belatedly-reveals-that-smoking-by-teenagers-dropped-while-vaping-rose/.

            Now, Just in last month’s report teen vaping was up 1%-2% in just 30 days. This alarmed many people. The same report stated that vaping was a gateway device. If you read my previous blogs you will know my take on the matter. If you haven’t read it I REALLY don’t think anyone who starts vaping is going to pick up a traditional cigarette and say YUMMY. Vaping is easy, it doesn’t stink, and the flavors can be changed on a whim. I personally would much rather ANYONE vape than to smoke a stinky stick. From the Forbes website:

            “In fact, nine out of 10 high school students who reported vaping in the previous month were already cigarette smokers, suggesting that the increase in e-cigarette consumption might signal successful harm reduction. Last week the CDC reported additional NYTS data that further undermine Frieden’s claim, showing that smoking among teenagers fell as vaping rose.”

            “Between 2011 and 2012, when the share of middle school students who reported using e-cigarette in the previous month rose from 0.6 percent to 1.1 percent, the share reporting past-month consumption of conventional cigarettes fell from 4.3 percent to 3.5 percent. Among high school students, past-month e-cigarette use rose from 1.5 percent to 2.8 percent, while past-month consumption of tobacco cigarettes fell from 15.8 percent to 14 percent. Although these trends do not necessarily mean e-cigarettes are responsible for the decline in smoking, the numbers hardly seem consistent with the story.”

            The first story may have put a bad perception of vaping in many people’s heads only encouraging the fear of something they do not know about. I am already an advocate for vaping but, I do not condone anything that goes against state laws. So, in my personal opinion I would much rather see anybody vape than smoke. The more you know the more you can educate the public like I do with my blogs! So, I hope you have learned something. If you have any questions or suggestions please comment below or go to our blog or Facebook page.

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Vaping and Your Cardiovascular Health

Vaping and Your Cardiovascular Health

By: Tiffany Davis

Flavor Vapor Media Specialist

                Many people compare vaping devices to traditional cigarettes. This intertwined thought process leads many people to think that vaping like traditional cigarettes could damage their heart. This has recently been proved wrong by www.escardio.org a European Society of Cardiology.

            We all have heard the many complications when people smoke tobacco products. The list seems to go on and on. Even though vaping has only been around for a few years and no long term studies have been done they look promising. There have been studies done on various aspects of vaping and e-cigs and so far so good. Drexel University concluded that vaporizer has “no health concern”. Now the European Society of Cardiology’s study has found that there was no damage to the heart. According to ESCARDIO.org:

            “Laboratory analyses of the liquids show that they are less toxic than regular cigarettes. Most studies have found no nitrosamines, but even in studies where nitrosamines were found, the levels detected were 500-1400 times less than the amount present in one tobacco cigarette. This means that electronic cigarettes must be used daily for 4-12 months to get the amount of nitrosamines present in a single tobacco cigarette.”

            Really! 4-12 Months of vaping to equal one traditional cigarette! I’m happy to hear these results and I am now knowledgeable on the subject to educate other people. Hopefully, help those who are scared of vaporizers better understand them.

“The researchers measured myocardial function in 20 healthy young daily smokers aged 25-45 years before and after smoking one tobacco cigarette and 22 daily electronic cigarette users of similar age before and after using the device for 7 minutes. Experienced users of electronic cigarettes were studied because they use the device more intensively than first-time users. Although both groups were of equal age, users of electronic cigarettes had a 44% higher lifetime tobacco smoking exposure compared to current smokers. Myocardial function was examined using cardiac ultrasound (echocardiography) and hemodynamic measurements (blood pressure and heart rate). The researchers found that smoking one tobacco cigarette led to significant acute myocardial dysfunction but electronic cigarettes had no acute adverse effects on cardiac function. Smoking a tobacco cigarette had important hemodynamic consequences, with significant increases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and in heart rate. In contrast, electronic cigarettes produced only a slight elevation in diastolic blood pressure. Dr Farsalinos said: “This is an indication that although nicotine was present in the liquid used (11mg/ml), it is absorbed at a lower rate compared to regular cigarette smoking.”

            So, amazingly enough the vaporizers produced a slight increases in blood pressure compared to the very different effects of a cigarette. Also, something I didn’t know was that nicotine absorbed slower into the blood stream compared to traditional cigarettes.

Contributors:

Konstantinos Farsalinos, MD1, Dimitris Tsiapras, MD1, Stamatis Kyrzopoulos, MD1, and Vassilis Voudris, MD1

1 Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, Athens, Greece

Authors: Dr Konstantinos Farsalinos (Greece), Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center

I hope you have learned something new! I would love to hear your comments and suggestions! Please, visit our blog page or our Facebook page for more info!

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Are E-cigs Gateway Devices?

Are E-Cigs Gateway Devices?

By: Tiffany Davis

Flavor Vapor Media Specialist

            In the world of e-cigs and personal vaporizers there is a lot of talk about if they are gateway devices to start smoking traditional cigarettes. I know I have heard some incredible stories of people switching to vaporizers from traditional cigarettes. But, I have not heard to many stories where people just pick of an e-cig or vaporizer for the heck of it.

            I personally was not a smoker when I picked up a vaporizer. I had already quit smoking traditional cigarettes a few years ago but, the “want to” never stopped especially when I became stressed or was in social settings with friends. So, for me instead of going to the store to buy a pack of cigarettes when I’m stressed I now have my vaporizer. So, my big question was how many people are like me that picked up vaping to avoid smoking traditional cigarettes and how many people started vaping from using traditional cigarettes?

            Involved with this concern is the fact that people under 18 are picking up e-cigs or personal vaporizers. According to: http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/12/health/e-cigarettes-debate/index.html

“Tobacco use has been on the decline with kids; it's about half what it was in the mid-1990s. But the latest CDC study shows a growing number of middle and high school students have tried e-cigarettes.One in 10 high school students surveyed said they had tried e-cigarettes last year. That's double the number from 2011. One high school in Connecticut banned them after the principal said administrators dealt with at least one incident involving e-cigarettes every day.” “But as far as risky behavior goes, it's still a tiny fraction of students. The survey showed about 3% of these kids said they had used one in the last 30 days. By contrast, 39% of students said they drank some amount of alcohol in the past 30 days, 22% binge drank and 24% rode with a driver who had been drinking.

The real problem is that 88% of adult smokers who smoke daily said they started when they were kids, according to the CDC. Kids who start down the path to using e-cigarettes may stick with them for life.”

            I was personally concerned about this article concerning people under 18. When I began speaking to people about this issue they made very valid points. They had mentioned that parents they knew bought their own children vaporizers because the children had begun to smoke cigarettes. The parents thought that vaporizers were healthier and didn’t smell like cigarettes did. I knew that if vaporizers were around years ago my sister wouldn’t have had the almost 8 year + battle with cigarettes she would have simply started vaping. On the other hand if you as a parent condone vaping in place of smoking cigarettes does that only encourage them to keep using something that is against states laws for people under 18? My mom and dad didn’t condone smoking when I was younger and I smoked anyways but, I knew to keep it out of sight when I was around family. It kept me on my toes I guess. So, what do you think? I would love to hear more from this very controversial conversation! Go to our blog page and leave a comment or our Facebook Page!!

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The Vaping Argument

The Vaping Argument

By: Tiffany Davis

Flavor Vapor Media Specialist

            As you may have heard or read the FDA is supposed to be making a decision to regulate e-cigs. The FDA was supposed to make that decision in April 2013 and then October 2013. What is going on? With Europe making regulations it is putting more pressure on the FDA to make a decision soon.

            The FDA claims that proposed regulations are due to the rise in people under 18 using e-cigs. Reported by the Center of Disease Control (CDC), 1% increases s in teen users in just a month. They claim the sweet fruity flavors attract young users. So, what is their proposed solution? They want to ban the flavors we love fruity, candy, & desert flavors!! What the anti-vaping news doesn’t tell you is that OVER 20% of teens in the US smoke traditional cigarettes. A 2001 Survey found that 69.4 percent of teenage smokers reported never being asked for proof of age when buying cigarettes in a store. The same survey found that 62.4 percent were allowed to buy cigarettes even when the retailer was aware they were under eighteen according to: http://www.smoking-facts.net/Teen-Smoking-Facts.html. With premium Vapor store owners very aware of the issues and leering regulations I think that they are more stringent about following states age requirements.  I have witnessed on many occasions vape consultants ask people for driver’s license for proof of age. My personal opinion, I would much rather my son use a vaping device than a tobacco product. With studies from Drexel University showing “no health concern” for people who use vaping devices and a multitude of studies showing the adverse effects of smoking traditional cigarettes on humans.  

            Plus, the claim that vaping devices are gateway to use “other” things I believe is false. Honestly, how many people after using a vaping device would pick up a traditional cigarette and say yummy? Not me!! I can’t stand the smell of cigarette smoke now that I’ve been vaping. I enjoy the different taste of e-juice and the ability to change the flavors on a whim. I don’t think that the FDA should try to ban the flavors we love. I also think current regulations are on the right track (in Oklahoma). I WANT all vapor store owners to follow regulations and not make a bad name for those who are. I’ve seen and experienced the positive effects vaping and advocate for them.

I would love to hear what you think? Would you still vape if the FDA banned e-juice flavors? Please, comment below or visit our blog page for more or even our Facebook page!!

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Celebs Be Vaping!!

By: Tiffany D

 Today e-cigarettes are everywhere. It seems like more and more people are joining the vaping movement. With the harmless water vapor people are free to vape almost anywhere.Offices,restaurants and vehicles just to name a few places. Vaping devices have only been around since 2003 and only in the USA and Europe since 2006. So, in the short seven years it’s not surprising that even celebrities are vaping.

                My favorite actor Johnny Depp in the 2010 movie the Tourist had a scene where he was vaping in the train. Johnny Depp does vap in real life. I think I just adore him more and more.

                                                     

Another Celebrity showing off vaping in the lime light is the beautiful Katherine Heigle. She made it very public on the David Letterman Show. She even convinced David to take a hit. Katherine is a true vape head in real life and has been photographed many times vape in hand.

Katherine Heigl & Josh Kelley

Leonardo DiCaprio is a great actor. His most recent film Django Unchained earned him a Golden Glob nomination. He is also a vape head in real life and has even mastered vaping and riding! 

Mastering the Vape while riding!

Lindsay Lohan I couldn't help but, to add to my celebrity list. With all of her recent up and down drama who couldn't help but, to add her? I loved watching her as a child star and know if she put her head on straight she would be a great actress. 

Sylish and vaping!

Snoop Dogg is a awesome rap artist and pop icon. He has been spotted with vape in hand! I don't think there's not a celeb you haven't looked up to at one time that doesn't vape.

Snopp Dogg vaping!

So, these are my top 5 celebs that vape! I bet you didn't know all five. I know A couple came as a surprise. I hope you enjoyed! Let me know what you think and if you want be to discuss something on your mind!

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