Category Archives: Vaping

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Were well beyond the notion that cannabis is taboo. Nearly a decade after Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize recreational weed, 16 other states have followed suit and dozens more have relaxed draconian laws. What was once a substance demonized by Nixons DEA as a gateway drug is now widely accessible and accepted across the country.

Just as the perception of cannabis has changed, so too have the means by which we consume it. While most of us are familiar with bong rips and edibles, vaping remains a discrete, efficient means of getting high thats still being refined by the cannabis industry to this very day. And in spite of all thats changed, the Pax 3 is still the best way to vape flower and concentrate despite the fact that it was released in 2016.

I still remember when vaporizers like the Volcano were mainstream. Garish and bulky, stationary vapes made appearances at college parties on the rare occasion that someone could afford one. But Pax (then Ploom) turned the cannabis world on its ear in 2012 with the Pax 1 a portable, handheld vape that allowed for discreet, low-profile use.

Years later, the Pax 2 launched with serious upgrades, and the Pax 3 followed shortly after. Sleek and wonderfully simple, the single-button design offered better battery life, adjustable heat settings via Android app (sorry, iPhone users), Bluetooth connectivity and the ability to heat flower or concentrate, making it one of the best cannabis vaporizers on the market. Years later, that sentiment still rings true.

Beyond the obvious stats available on the Pax website, the $250 kit includes a few accessories. Alongside the vape, Pax includes a magnetic charging cable, cleaning kit, carrying case, keychain multi-tool, screens and two mouthpieces. And if a vaping kit seems a bit overkill, simply pick up the Pax 3 with the charger and maintenance tools for $200. Its easy to use on the fly, easier to clean than a gritty bowl, and does the job without fuss.

The Pax 3s portable design is perfect for toking on the go

Pax

Before I began testing the Pax 3, it was my understanding that vaping weed was preferable to smoking it. Thats because, unlike bongs or joints that require a direct flame, Pax devices vaporize weed by applying concentrated amounts of heat to release the cannabinoids in flower. Its a process that significantly decreases respiratory irritation so long as you keep the temperature low, which is perfect for regular users.

As a longtime traditional toker, switching to a vaporizer was a foreign experience. For starters, Ive come to anticipate the smokey burn of ignited flower and a mouth full of fumes, but as I quickly learned after using the Pax, vaporizing is an incredibly clean experience I often took hits so clean that exhales yielded no sign of vapor. The taste of cannabis was also stronger and cleaner, which meant I could detect rich flavors that have evaded my tastebuds for quite some time. And because the Pax 3 is smart, I was able to control the temperature settings and toggle the vaping mode to customize the experience to my liking.

But perhaps the biggest surprise to come from vaping weed was the high. While smoking often generates an immediate, noticeable head high, vaping cannabis yields a slower, escalating high that peaks after approximately 15 minutes. Its a sensation that takes getting used to, but I was accustomed to it after a few nights of regular use. Though I dont care much for concentrates, the Pax 3 also ships with a concentrate insert (sold separately for $50 or included with the kit) that inserts into the oven chamber to vaporize extracts.

Regardless of your motivation, how you choose to get high is simply a matter of preference. Some enjoy the body high that comes with edibles, others prefer the steady high brought on by smoking and then there are those who just want to rip a bong and lay on the couch. While vaporizers offer a cleaner, more controlled means of getting baked, it might not be your first choice. Ive come to appreciate the Pax 3s creeping high, but there are times when I just want to puff on a joint or smoke a bowl if only because its what Im accustomed to.

And yet, the Pax 3 is certainly a capable tool that Im happy to have in my arsenal. Its a little pricey at $250, so if youre new to the cannabis scene, you might consider the Pax Era series instead for its entry-level cost. But if you enjoy vaping, clean highs and dont mind jumping on the digital weed train, the Pax 3 is the same safe bet it has been for years.

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Six Years After Its Release, The Pax 3 Is Still the Best Cannabis Vape You Can Buy - InsideHook

Two unions have responded to this weeks wage increases approved by the Woodbury County Supervisors. The board gave all county employees a raise of 4 percent.

The Woodbury County Deputies and Correctional Officers Union CWA 7177 and Woodbury County Secondary Roads Union CWA 7103 have each sent a letter to the Board. They are requesting that supervisors opens each of their contracts to allow bargaining groups' raises to be more in line to keep up with inflation.

A small group in the Iowa House is working on a bill that would tax the liquid used in electronic cigarettes at or near the same rate as regular cigarettes. Representative Ann Meyer of Fort Dodge said shes concerned about the kids whore using E-cigarettes.

People who buy vaping products in Iowa pay the state sales tax, but people who buy a pack of rolled cigarettes pay a far higher tobacco tax. Opponents of a new tax on vaping liquid says its a healthier alternative to combustible cigarettes and should not be taxed like tobacco because theres no tobacco in it.

Two Indigenous Democratic lawmakers in South Dakota have introduced three bills that would change the name of Custer State Park, several location names in Gregory County that include the term scalp and school mascots that are named after terms derogatory to Native Americans, according to the Argus Leader.

Sen. Troy Heinert has brought Senate Bill 178 to replace the name of Custer State Park. Heinert said Custer State Park land does have a traditional Lakota name, but he purposely chose not to put a name in the bill or release it at this time because he wants to see the bill go through the process so lawmakers can learn the history of the area.

The bill will have a year for public debates and hearings, then four years to change signs and run an advertising campaign if needed.

The University of Nebraska may be taking a step toward selling alcohol at athletic events, according to the Omaha World Herald.

The University of Nebraska Board of Regents at its Feb. 11 meeting is slated to consider reversing the long-standing ban on alcohol sales at Husker athletics events. The board will consider allowing the University of Nebraska president and chancellors to authorize the sale and consumption of alcohol at athletic events on campuses.

The regents also will consider allowing alcohol sales during the Big Ten Wrestling Championships at Pinnacle Bank Arena, according to an agenda posted Thursday. The tournament runs March 5-6.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Athletic Director Trev Alberts and UNL Chancellor Ronnie Green sponsored the proposal, and University of Nebraska President Ted Carter recommended and signed the proposed addendum to the agenda.

Giving the green light to alcohol sales at a sporting event wouldnt be entirely unprecedented for the Board of Regents. NU allows alcohol sales at Baxter Arena for University of Nebraska at Omaha hockey and basketball.

Originally posted here:

Newscast: 02.04.22 State lawmakers could consider increasing tax on vaping, SD lawmakers to consider changing the name of Custer State Park - KWIT

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BEAMSVILLE, Ontario, Feb. 04, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vape product flavour restrictions have been positioned by youth advocacy groups and some health organizations as the best way to prevent youth vaping. As a result, several provinces have implemented various versions of a flavour ban, with the Northwest Territories and the federal government now considering following suit.

The Canadian Vaping Association (CVA) has repeatedly cautioned governments that flavour bans have proven unintended consequences, such as increased smoking, strengthened black-markets and small business closures. Tobacco control and addictions experts have echoed this sentiment, through calls for a more balanced regulatory approach that appropriately balances the lives of adult smokers with youth protection.

We often use the term unintended consequences to describe the negative effects of flavour bans, but after many years of advocacy and replicated research, these consequences are known. It would be more apt to call the consequences what they really are collateral damage, said Darryl Tempest, Government Relations Counsel to the CVA Board.

The conversation around these bans has been so focused on if they are justified, that no one seems to be asking if they even work. Governments continue to cite Nova Scotia as a model for the [flavour] ban, but Nova Scotia has yet to produce any data on youth vaping rates following the ban, said Tempest.

Nova Scotias 2021 financial statements display a dramatic increase in cigarette sales. Tax revenue was $11.5 million or 5.9 per cent higher than the estimate primarily due to an increase of 5.6 per cent in the consumption of cigarettes.

Further, an independent firm conducted an in-depth scan of the illicit market operating in Nova Scotia since the flavour ban was enacted over a year ago. The findings were clear, prohibition and ineffective enforcement have made the situation far worse while exposing youth and consumers to unregulated products. The report concluded that the flavour ban did not prevent access as intended and instead pushed vapers back to smoking, while removing the regulatory environment that served to protect youth.

There is no justification for knowingly pushing vapers back to a product that kills half its users. Proponents of these bans have yet to produce any real world modelling to suggest that flavour bans reduce youth experimentation without harming adult smokers, concluded Tempest.

Darryl TempestExecutive Director647-274-1867dtempest@thecva.org

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The Canadian Vaping Association questions why Nova Scotia has yet to produce any data showing a decline in youth vaping since its flavour ban -...

The State Tobacco Monopoly Administrations draft rules amend the countrys tobacco monopoly, extending it to e-cigarettes. As per the draft, local businesses must register with the tobacco authority. Moreover, local manufacturers must obtain an additional licence to prove they are in possession of sufficient funds for production, and for a facility and equipment that meet the set standards.

The tobacco authority added that it will establish a unified national electronic cigarette transaction management platform that all licensed e-cigarette wholesalers and retailers must sell products through, while tax collection and payment of e-cigarettes, shall be implemented in accordance with national taxation laws and regulations.

This means that vaping products and their manufacturers will be regulated strictly by the Chinese government in the same way as cigarettes and if done right, highlighted Filter, this could mean that China is about to revolutionize global tobacco harm reduction.

China National Tobacco Corporation (CNTC), which sells about 40% of the worlds cigarettes is the worlds largest tobacco company and is fully owned by the Chinese government. Filter explains that this means that the government has a lot to gain from expanding the market of vaping and heated tobacco products, especially given that 90% of the worlds vape products are manufactured in China.

Moreover, China is renowned for having repeatedly ignored and frustrated the WHO FCTC which has been consistently opposed to tobacco harm reduction. The Chinese government repeatedly frustrates the WHO FCTC, for example, by including tobacco industry personnel (including staff of the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration, which shares the same leadership with CNTC) amongst its delegates at Conference of the Parties (COP) meetings. At the third such meeting in 2008 (COP3), guidelines were adopted instructing Parties to restrict government interference by the tobacco industry. China reacted by declaring that these guidelines did not apply to Chinaand then increased the number of tobacco industry staff on its delegation for COP4, from two to five. At each subsequent COP, four Chinese tobacco industry delegates have participated in proceedings, often putting a spoke in the wheels of measures against tobacco manufacture, packaging and farming.

To this effect, it is believed that if China had to embrace tobacco harm reduction, it would boost the international debate on the topic like nothing before.

Read Further: Filter

China: New Draft Rules Require Vape Businesses to Obtain Licences

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China's Opportunity to Have a Significant Impact on Tobacco Harm Reduction China's Opportunity to Have a Significant Impact on Tobacco Harm Reduction...

The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ (ARFNZ) isurging people to look after their lungs as Omicron hitscommunities.

A new University of Otago study has foundthat prolonged cannabis use led to over-inflated lungs andincreased the resistance to airflow to a greater extent thantobacco.

ARFNZ Scientific Advisory Board Member andstudy co-author Professor Bob Hancox says: "Although theeffects of cannabis were detrimental, the pattern of lungfunction changes was not the same as in tobacco use. Thisstudy also found that cannabis use may impair the ability ofthe lungs to extract oxygen from the breath. This is a knownconsequence of smoking tobacco, but has not beendemonstrated with cannabis until now."

Another recentstudy from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, lookedat the effects of vaping on COVID-19 symptoms. Some 290COVID-positive vapers aged 18 and older were compared withsimilar-aged people who had COVID-19 but didn't vape. Thestudy found that those who vaped were more likely to reportchest pain, chills, headaches, muscle aches, nausea,vomiting, diarrhoea and the loss of smell or taste. Thesepatients also reported higher rates of laboured breathing,the new study findings showed.

ARFNZ Chief ExecutiveLetitia Harding says: "Studies show that people who smokeand/or use e-cigarettes are more likely to experience agreater number of COVID-19 symptoms when they becomeinfected."

ARFNZ is a strong advocate for Smokefree2025, and urges people to quit smoking, as the detrimentaleffects of tobacco are well known.

Letitia adds:"These studies are a warning to everyone during arespiratory pandemic: dont smoke tobacco, and if you area smoker, now is the time to quit; dont start vaping, anddont use cannabis. That way, youll give your lungs thebest chance against COVID-19."

For information on howto quit smoking go to quit.org.nz, forinformation on vaping and its effects on the lungs go to dontgetsuckedin.co.nz.

TheUS vaping study was recently published online in the Journalof Primary Care & Community Health .

Thecannabis study was recently published online in the AmericanJournal of Respiratory & Critical CareMedicine.

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Healthy Lungs More Important Than Ever - So Why Put Smoke, Vape Or Cannabis In Them? - Scoop.co.nz

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals listened to oral arguments on January 31 about a case that could help to determine the future of the US vape industry.

Eric Heyer, the lawyer for mid-sized e-liquid manufacturer Triton Distribution, argued that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) acted arbitrarily and capriciously in denying his clients premarket tobacco product application (PMTA). All vapor manufacturers had to file PMTAs for each individual product by September 2020 to stay legally on the market. The FDA, in turn, had until September 2021 to determine whether more than 6 million submissions wereappropriate for the protection of public health (APPH)a standard now understood as a products likelihood of helping adult smokers switch to a safer alternative rather than introducing a new generation to nicotine.

The question before the court concerns how exactly the FDA ended up denying Tritons PMTAwith potential implications for comparable applications by many other denied companies.

So far, the FDA has authorized a single vaping product and two tobacco-flavored e-liquid cartridges, punted on the players with the largest market share and denied thousands of less well financed applications.

The question before the court concerns how exactly the FDA ended up denying Tritons PMTAwith potential implications for comparable applications by many other denied companies.

The agencys process, Heyer argued, set Triton up for failure: Because only after the PMTA deadline had passed did the FDA indicate that successful applications would likely need two types of long-term studiesrandomized controlled trials (RCTs) and longitudinal cohort studiesto demonstrate comparative efficacy. In lay terms, these analyses needed to conclude that products helped smokers quit, not only that they were safer than cigarettes.

There were early signs that the court would agree with Heyers logic: At the end of October, the Fifth Circuit granted Triton a full stay, allowing the manufacturer to continue selling its products as the lawsuit snaked its way through the judicial system. Along with that decision, three judgesAndrew Oldham, Cory Wilson and Jennifer Elrodissued a scathing opinion, stating that the FDA simply ignored Tritons [marketing] plan and pull[ed] a surprise switcheroo by demanding long-term studies the companies did not anticipate.

As Filter reported, in memos made public from those court filings, the FDA appeared to resort to a Fatal Flaw, checklist-like process that looked for the inclusion of RCTs or longitudinal cohort studies in an application andsummarily denied it if those werent present. The FDA has maintained that it later rescinded this method, around two weeks before the September 2021 decision deadline. Todd Wages, a partner at Triton, told Filter that the company informed the FDA that it would complete those studies but would need time to do so.

The FDA has enforcement discretion to act on any vapor manufacturer but has effectively allowed companies with pending PMTAs to keep selling their products as they remain under considerationunlike those that have already received denials.

Heyer essentially claims that the FDA formed a new standard after the PMTA deadline, likely to dig itself out of mounds of paperwork. He argued on January 31 that the agency should have considered the whole PMTAincluding Tritons marketing plan and survey data that showed youth did not use the companys vaping productsbut did not, instead relying on that Fatal Flaw rejection strategy. He has asked the court to vacate Tritons denial.

Should that happen, the Fifth Circuit judges on the caseEdith Jones, Gregg Costa and Catharina Haynes, not the three behind the October opinioncould create a precedent for the dozens of similar lawsuits, potentially leaving the FDA to re-review thousands of PMTAs.

Basically, there are three possible outcomes: The court upholds the FDAs denial; allows Triton some time to complete long-term studies; or court vacates the denial.

But thats far from certain. There might be some type of relief for Triton, but what that means is the big question I think the court will struggle with, a vaping industry insider, who requested anonymity so as not to affect the PMTA process, told Filter. Telling the FDA they screwed up isnt a meaningful or helpful remedy with ramifications that force a policy change, they continued. So what the court is able to do, and what that means for anyone else, is so up in the air. Im sure the FDA is confident theyll be unscathed, which is why they fought this and other cases.

If the court disagrees with him, Heyer has requested that the judges enjoin FDA from taking further adverse action on the Petitioners PMTAs for 18 months to allow Petitioners to conduct the necessary studies to prove comparative efficacy, according to legal documents.

Basically, there are three possible outcomes: The court upholds the FDAs denial, and Triton can no longer sell its products; the court allows Triton some time to complete long-term studies (and could potentially keep selling its products in the meantime); or the court vacates the denial, putting the PMTA back under review tobe reevaluated over an indeterminate period.

Either way, itll end up back in the hands of the FDAin a system that many in the industry maintain is broken. A win for Triton, in other words, might not necessarily be a win.

Its like going to a general practice doctor for a complex cardiac issue.

At the hearing, Fifth Circuit Judges Jones, Costa and Haynes did not appear to be subject-matter experts. When Heyer presented a variety of different vaping products, Jones asked how to ignite them. And for whatever reason, Costa believed that the FDA had already authorized tobacco-flavored vaping products across the board.

Its like going to a general practice doctor for a complex cardiac issue, another vaping industry insider, who also requested anonymity so as not to affect the PMTA process, told Filter.

But while the judges also harped on a supposed youth vaping crisis despite youth vaping rates substantially waning in recent years, they did not let the FDA off the hook. Jones in particular grilled the FDAs counsel, Noah Katzen, about why the agency did not appear to evaluate Tritons marketing plan and if the FDA was, in fact, applying a de facto blanket flavor ban without saying so.

FDA ought to say, since the state of the science is inconclusive whether flavored products assist smokers in stopping to smoke in a robust way that overbears the attractiveness to youth, then we are not going to approve any applications, Judge Jones said during the oral arguments, wondering if the agency was indirectly instituting a flavor ban. If FDA is going to rely on inconclusiveness, then youre making thousands of these producers waste thousands and thousands of dollars on what is a fruitless exercise. Or a flavorless exercise.

Triton now awaits the courts decision, which could take weeks or months.

Photograph by John via Flickr/Creative Commons 2.0

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US Vaping's Future Could Hinge, in Part, on the Triton Case - Filter

THURSDAY, Dec. 16, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- There may be a silver lining to the COVID-19 pandemic, with U.S. health officials reporting an "unprecedented" decline in teens' use of alcohol, marijuana, other illegal drugs and vaping.

"We have never seen such dramatic decreases in drug use among teens in just a one-year period," said Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse.

"These data are unprecedented and highlight one unexpected potential consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused seismic shifts in the day-to-day lives of adolescents," she added in an institute news release.

From 2020 to 2021 the first year of the pandemic rates of past-year alcohol use fell from about 55% to around 47% among 12th graders, and from nearly 41% to around 29% among 10th graders. Eighth-grade drinking dipped from about 21% to just over 17%, according to the survey results.

Rates of past-year marijuana use also decreased, falling from around 11% to about 7% among 8th graders, and from 28% to 17% among 10th graders. Pot use dropped from around 35% to less than 31% among 12th graders, the findings showed.

The findings are from the University of Michigan's Monitoring the Future survey. It is given annually to students in grades 8, 10 and 12.

Vaping's popularity rates also fell after COVID-19's emergence. It remains the predominant method of nicotine consumption among young people, who may not recognize the risks associated with e-cigarettes.

Rates of past-year nicotine vaping fell from nearly 17% to 12% among 8th graders, from about 31% to less than 20% among 10th graders, and from roughly 35% to about 27% among 12th graders.

The 2021 decrease in vaping for both marijuana and tobacco was especially welcome, as it follows sharp increases in use between 2017 and 2019.

Still, more could be done to curb teen vaping, according to Matthew Myers, president of the advocacy group Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. In a statement, he said that "to end the youth e-cigarette epidemic for good, the FDA must clear the market of all flavored or high-nicotine e-cigarettes including menthol products and crack down on companies seeking to evade regulation with synthetic nicotine."

In another encouraging trend, past-year use of any illicit drug other than marijuana also fell across all three grades, declining to just under 5% in 2021 among 8th graders, to just over 5% among sophomores, and to a little more than 7% among high school seniors.

Significant declines in use were also reported across a wide range of drugs, including cocaine, hallucinogens, and nonmedical use of amphetamines, tranquilizers and prescription opioids.

"Moving forward, it will be crucial to identify the pivotal elements of this past year that contributed to decreased drug use whether related to drug availability, family involvement, differences in peer pressure, or other factors and harness them to inform future prevention efforts," Volkow said.

This year, the survey also asked students about their mental health during the pandemic a subject of much interest nationally. Respondents in all age groups reported moderate increases in feelings of boredom, anxiety, depression, loneliness, worry, difficulty sleeping and other negative mental health indicators.

The current survey included more than 32,000 participants at nearly 320 public and private schools nationwide. It was conducted from February through June 2021. About half the students identified as white, almost 17% as Hispanic, about 11% as Black, 5% as Asian and 0.9% as American Indian or Alaska Native. Almost 14% identified as multiple.

Richard Miech, the paper's lead author and survey team leader, said, "We knew that this year's data would illuminate how the COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted substance use among young people, and in the coming years, we will find out whether those impacts are long-lasting as we continue tracking the drug use patterns of these unique cohorts of adolescents."

A follow-up survey of 12th graders who participated in the 2020 Monitoring the Future study was conducted in mid-July and mid-August 2020. It found their marijuana use and binge drinking did not significantly change during the first six months of the pandemic, despite record decreases in the substances' perceived availability.

The follow-up findings challenge the idea that reducing teen use of drugs can be achieved solely by limiting their supply, according to the paper.

More information

The Nemours Foundation has drug facts for teens.

SOURCE: U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse, news release, Dec. 15, 2021; Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, statement

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Pandemic Saw Big Declines in Kids' Use of Drugs, Alcohol ...

Marcus

Ive been reading a 309-page story that could become a delightful movie about corporate deceit and anti-social behavior.

The managers of JUUL would be hilarious, if played by the Marx brothers. Sadly, those managers caused widespread teen addiction and added costs for our schools.

Remember when cigarette smoking was readily accepted in public places? When the U.S. Surgeon General submitted a report in 1964 on the link between cancer, heart disease and cigarettes, we increased regulations on coffin nails. Twenty years later, smoking was banned from public areas including airplanes, hospitals, and restaurants.

In the 1990s, Attorneys General across America sued tobacco companies and won massive awards for the states in compensation for health care provided to smokers. Since 1999, Indiana has received $2.9 billion for smoking cessation and related programs, including $146 million in 2021.

Then, along came vaping, the process of heating a chemical solution producing a gas which, like cigarettes, contains nicotine and can be inhaled. Quickly, JUULs products captured the market. This was achieved by targeting children in junior and senior high schools.

Although JUUL denies such targeting, its use of social media, packaging and flavor additives made it cool for those 13 to 23. A steady and growing stream of health problems among the young led to many studies and even a Congressional hearing about vaping.

JUUL products deliver more nicotine than cigarettes in a single puff, speeding the process of nicotine addiction. Whereas cigarettes burn out, ending the intake of nicotine, JUUL delivers its higher volume nicotine long after any cigarette might last.

In 2018, the JUUL Labs, Inc. (JLI) sold a 35% interest in itself to Altria, the former Philip Morris mega-corporation, for $12.8 billion. Armed with the experience of Altria in selling tobacco to the youth market, JUUL expanded the market for nicotine addiction. Originally promoted as a convenient, reliable way to quit smoking, JUUL and other e-cigarette producers knew early addiction promotes long-term sales.

As young people became addicted to e-cigarettes, school counselors and teachers had to contend with increased disruptive behaviors and new health issues of students. Critical time lost to education and guidance was a real cost not reported in annual financial statements.

Today, a multistate lawsuit representing over 250 school districts is progressing. Yet only 15 are from Indiana. Why so few? There are no financial risks, no fees to pay for the school districts. All they have to do is answer a questionnaire which is mainly Yes/No.

From my reading of the submission on behalf of the Carmel Clay Schools, the blatant deceit of JLI management will be exposed and a good financial boost for the schools realized. Why arent the school boards in Columbus, Chesterton, and West Lafayette participating? Are they so blessed that they have no vaping epidemic and no use for added funds?

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Morton Marcus: Hoosier schools leaving vaping money on the table - Daily Journal

MIDDLETOWN, Conn. (WTNH) In a few days, students will return to Wesleyan University and find a major change. Smoking and vaping will no longer be allowed on campus.

Previously, it was 20 feet from a door, now theyre just not allowed on the grounds or green of campus, September Johnson, Wesleyan Universitys Alcohol and Other Drug Specialist.

Anyone, students, faculty, or staff who still wants to smoke or vape will have to go out the public sidewalks of Middletown. The hope is, however, that they will quit entirely. Johnson is offering to help.

We are providing nicotine replacement therapy for those who are trying to get through a craving while on campus, Johnson said. We have quit kits. Theyre able to meet with me. Im a tobacco treatment specialist as well.

This decision did not suddenly happen all at once. There have been committees talking about going tobacco-free for years. When the university came out of its COVID lockdown, that is when it really gained momentum, partly because of the COVID pandemic. We know that smokers are more vulnerable to infections in general. Respiratory infections like COVID especially.

It kind of just jump-started that conversation again for us to make sure that we are promoting the health and wellness of everybody in our Wesleyan community, but also the overall community of Middletown, Connecticut in general, Johnson said.

Wesleyan joins some 2,000 other universities in going tobacco-free. The University of New Haven and Yale made that switch more than six years ago. Quinnipiac did the same three years ago.

We know its going to take time, and its an environmental change that were all working towards, and were excited to see it, said Johnson. We know that its going to benefit the health of our community now and for years to come.

She says the majority of that community is all for it.

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Wesleyan University announces smoking, vaping banned on campus - WTNH.com

Of some 200 open system brands available today, only about 30 have filed PMTAs, and even if all these are approved, that disparity implies that about 85% of open system hardware brands will soon be removed from the market.

A release by E-CigIntelligence who analysed data from over 6 million submissions received by the FDA, highlighted that this analysis shows that there were hundreds more applications for the simpler disposable and cigalike devices, than for open system hardware. These type of products tend to come from large companies such as tobacco manufacturers, while open systems are produced by smaller specialist businesses.

Of some 200 open system brands available today, only about 30 have filed PMTA applications to the FDA. Even if all these are approved, that disparity implies that about 85% of open system hardware brands will soon be removed from the market. This may indicate the discouragement that non-tobacco companies face when applying for PMTA approval, said ECigIntelligence managing director Tim Phillips.

Meanwhile, a renowned and well meaning vape shop owner, has been forced to close her small family run business. Skip Murray, a passionate vape advocate and former smoker who managed to quit smoking thanks to e-cigarettes, alongside her son, has been forced to close down her small vape shop, Lakes Vape and Rec Supply in Brainerd, Minnesota.

Filter revealed that Murray has updated a Twitter thread every time a vape shop closed down. Sadly, on December 31st, she added her own. Given the smoking cessation success her son and herself experienced via vaping, Murrey tried to remain optimistic. Realistically, I knew this was going to happen, she said as quoted by Filter. But I kept hoping that somethingsomethingwould change. I was holding out hope that the world would come to its senses.

To the surprise of many, Avail Vapor which is actually a major brand has also decided to close shop and has been dismantling its business to avoid disaster. AVAIL Vapor LLCs specialized brick-and-mortar shops and website, were started by James Xu in 2013 and grew to over 100 retail stores in 12 states, 400 employees and a manufacturing facility in Chesterfield County. However, given the current hostile regulatory environment, Xu saw that the brand was entering 2022 with essentially zero business, hence decided to dismantle everything. Right now, we are unwinding everything, said Xu as quoted by The News and Advance.

The founder explained that like other vape businesses, the brand is finding it impossible to meet the FDAs unrealistic regulatory requirements. Under this environment, we cannot operate a legitimate business, Xu said. Our biggest problem was we tried to believe in the FDA that one day it would regulate this market with common sense.

Uncovered FDA Memos Reveal Murky Strategy to Reject PMTAs

Read more:

Post PMTA Predictions Suggest That Only Big Vape Brands Will Survive - Vaping Post