Canton, MA considering ordinance to ban e-cigarette, dissolvable tobacco, snus sales
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Here's the letter I wrote:
Sent: Monday, August 05, 2013 3:57 PM
To: Ciccotelli, John
Subject: E cigarettes are saving lives!
I started smoking when I was 15 years old. By the time I really wanted to quit, I was hopelessly addicted, and my health was declining as a result. I was a heavy smoker (2 packs per day), and the only thing that has helped me quit smoking, and thus improve my quality of life, was e cigarettes. Within one month of purchasing my first e cigarette, I was able to finally leave my traditional cigarette addiction behind forever. After smoking for half of my life, this was a huge feat, and I feel I owe my life and improving health to e cigarettes. My family is also very relieved. I can breathe normally again, my sleep apnea has resolved, I am not tired all of the time, and I can enjoy physical activity again. Even my food tastes better, since my taste buds are no longer deadened by burning smoke. I don't have any scientific evidence to present; all I know is how I feel, and I feel as if e cigarettes have given me a new lease on life.
Although I am not a parent, I know someone who is a parent, and was a smoker. Even though she knew the ill effects of traditional cigarettes, she could not stop. When I introduced her to e cigarettes, she was delighted. It took her ONE WEEK to get off traditional cigarettes for good, and she will now live longer for her children, and their exposure to second hand smoke is no longer a concern.
I don't know if I will give up e cigarettes in the near future, but that is my goal. I have already started to reduce the amount of nicotine I use with my e cigarette with great success, which was something I was unable to do with traditional cigarettes. The ingenious part of e cigarettes is that I can continue to use my e cigarette at the same frequency, but reduce the amount of nicotine I am consuming at the same time. It makes the nicotine tapering process so much easier, and I have been able to reduce the amount of nicotine I am using by 75% in just one year, and I will eventually taper down to no nicotine. However, I believe smokers who use e cigarettes as a substitution for traditional cigarettes will also benefit immensely from e cigarettes. Most of the danger of traditional cigarettes is from the combustion process of burning tobacco, which produces carcinogens as a result. Also, the tobacco is treated with a variety of chemicals. These issues are not present with e cigarettes.
I truly believe e cigarettes will save the lives of smokers who switch to e cigarettes, and even those of non smokers who would have been affected by second hand smoke. Please do not take e smoking away from me, and thousands of others who will live longer, better lives due to e cigarettes. How can you ban e cigarettes on the chance that they will harm the public, when the very real danger of traditional cigarettes remains legal? It's simply not logical. If you must ban them, ban traditional cigarettes as well, which we KNOW are killing people.
Most fears associated with e cigarettes are based on misinformation. If e cigarettes are banned, you may very well be sealing the fate of many who are addicted to traditional cigarettes. I'm not saying e cigarettes are the solution for all smokers, but we deserve the freedom to make our own choices and to have access to a safer alternative than traditional cigarettes.
Thank you for your time.
Sent: Monday, August 05, 2013 3:57 PM
To: Ciccotelli, John
Subject: E cigarettes are saving lives!
I started smoking when I was 15 years old. By the time I really wanted to quit, I was hopelessly addicted, and my health was declining as a result. I was a heavy smoker (2 packs per day), and the only thing that has helped me quit smoking, and thus improve my quality of life, was e cigarettes. Within one month of purchasing my first e cigarette, I was able to finally leave my traditional cigarette addiction behind forever. After smoking for half of my life, this was a huge feat, and I feel I owe my life and improving health to e cigarettes. My family is also very relieved. I can breathe normally again, my sleep apnea has resolved, I am not tired all of the time, and I can enjoy physical activity again. Even my food tastes better, since my taste buds are no longer deadened by burning smoke. I don't have any scientific evidence to present; all I know is how I feel, and I feel as if e cigarettes have given me a new lease on life.
Although I am not a parent, I know someone who is a parent, and was a smoker. Even though she knew the ill effects of traditional cigarettes, she could not stop. When I introduced her to e cigarettes, she was delighted. It took her ONE WEEK to get off traditional cigarettes for good, and she will now live longer for her children, and their exposure to second hand smoke is no longer a concern.
I don't know if I will give up e cigarettes in the near future, but that is my goal. I have already started to reduce the amount of nicotine I use with my e cigarette with great success, which was something I was unable to do with traditional cigarettes. The ingenious part of e cigarettes is that I can continue to use my e cigarette at the same frequency, but reduce the amount of nicotine I am consuming at the same time. It makes the nicotine tapering process so much easier, and I have been able to reduce the amount of nicotine I am using by 75% in just one year, and I will eventually taper down to no nicotine. However, I believe smokers who use e cigarettes as a substitution for traditional cigarettes will also benefit immensely from e cigarettes. Most of the danger of traditional cigarettes is from the combustion process of burning tobacco, which produces carcinogens as a result. Also, the tobacco is treated with a variety of chemicals. These issues are not present with e cigarettes.
I truly believe e cigarettes will save the lives of smokers who switch to e cigarettes, and even those of non smokers who would have been affected by second hand smoke. Please do not take e smoking away from me, and thousands of others who will live longer, better lives due to e cigarettes. How can you ban e cigarettes on the chance that they will harm the public, when the very real danger of traditional cigarettes remains legal? It's simply not logical. If you must ban them, ban traditional cigarettes as well, which we KNOW are killing people.
Most fears associated with e cigarettes are based on misinformation. If e cigarettes are banned, you may very well be sealing the fate of many who are addicted to traditional cigarettes. I'm not saying e cigarettes are the solution for all smokers, but we deserve the freedom to make our own choices and to have access to a safer alternative than traditional cigarettes.
Thank you for your time.
I sent one a few days ago and just got this response:
Dear Ms. xxx
Thank-you for your valuable comments on Cantons proposed regulation and on the nicotine smokeless devices as well as the benefit you received from e-cigarettes to help you quit smoking tobacco. . I will ensure the Canton Board of Health receives a copy of your comments before the hearing on the Regulation on August 12th. Based on the comments from e-smokers who have used these products to quit, the Board is still open to revising its complete ban. There is expected to be more dialogue during the Board of Healths deliberations, both pro and con. We do expect a lively discussion at the hearing, though. Good luck with your efforts at stating away from tobacco.
Dear Ms. xxx
Thank-you for your valuable comments on Cantons proposed regulation and on the nicotine smokeless devices as well as the benefit you received from e-cigarettes to help you quit smoking tobacco. . I will ensure the Canton Board of Health receives a copy of your comments before the hearing on the Regulation on August 12th. Based on the comments from e-smokers who have used these products to quit, the Board is still open to revising its complete ban. There is expected to be more dialogue during the Board of Healths deliberations, both pro and con. We do expect a lively discussion at the hearing, though. Good luck with your efforts at stating away from tobacco.
I too just received a reply from Mr Ciccotelli ....least I commend them for acknowledging receipt of my letter and had the courtesy to reply...
Dear Mr. Szot,
Thank-you for your valuable comments on Canton’s proposed regulation and on the nicotine smokeless devices. I will ensure the Canton Board of Health receives a copy of your comments before the hearing on the Regulation on August 12th. Based on the comments from e-smokers who have used these products to quit, the Board is still open to revising its complete ban. There is expected to be more dialogue during the Board of Health’s deliberations, both pro and con. We do expect a lively discussion at the hearing, though. And good luck with your efforts in avoiding tobacco products.
Again, thank-you for your input.
Sincerely,
John Ciccotelli
John L. Ciccotelli, R.S., C.H.O.
Director of Public Health
Canton Health Department
79 Pleasant Street
Canton, Massachusetts 02021
(781) 821-5021
jciccotelli@town.canton.ma.us
Dear Mr. Szot,
Thank-you for your valuable comments on Canton’s proposed regulation and on the nicotine smokeless devices. I will ensure the Canton Board of Health receives a copy of your comments before the hearing on the Regulation on August 12th. Based on the comments from e-smokers who have used these products to quit, the Board is still open to revising its complete ban. There is expected to be more dialogue during the Board of Health’s deliberations, both pro and con. We do expect a lively discussion at the hearing, though. And good luck with your efforts in avoiding tobacco products.
Again, thank-you for your input.
Sincerely,
John Ciccotelli
John L. Ciccotelli, R.S., C.H.O.
Director of Public Health
Canton Health Department
79 Pleasant Street
Canton, Massachusetts 02021
(781) 821-5021
jciccotelli@town.canton.ma.us
I received basically the same response. Not quite word-for-word but very close. But at least it's a response which is good, especially since I don't even live in the same state.
I wrote in and got the same cut and paste response. Other politicians I have emailed only gave me an auto response. If he has a response that he is cutting and pasting i hope that means a lot of people wrote in!
Here's a link to what I saw on the news tonight. Those letters are making a difference. I predict a fail on banning ecigs
Massachusetts town could be first in nation to ban e-cigarattes | Health - Home
Massachusetts town could be first in nation to ban e-cigarattes | Health - Home
I received the same response as you guys, almost verbatim. Hopefully the local opposition will show up in full force on game day.
"We believed that it was just another nicotine delivery program that would circumvent rules about getting cigarettes to kids."
... would suggest they may be reconsidering that stance. Encouraging.
"We believed that it was just another nicotine delivery program that would circumvent rules about getting cigarettes to kids."
... would suggest they may be reconsidering that stance. Encouraging.
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Posted this in the other thread in general as well:
He can add one more letter to the stack from out here in the Happy Valley!
Short and sweet. I think he has the facts now so it is just another vape positive response:
Dear Mr. Ciccotelli,
As a resident and voter in Massachusetts I am extremely upset about the precedent that that the town of Canton is making with the attempt to ban E-cigarettes in your town. After trying every other way including the patch, medications and even hypnosis, it was E-cigarettes that allowed me to stop my thirty year use of tobacco. It is one of the most important things I have done in many years and my health is greatly improved. Please re-visit your decision and take in to account the thousands that have been able to step away from tobacco using this much less harmful method of nicotine delivery.
Sincerely,
John ****
*********, Ma
He can add one more letter to the stack from out here in the Happy Valley!
Short and sweet. I think he has the facts now so it is just another vape positive response:
Dear Mr. Ciccotelli,
As a resident and voter in Massachusetts I am extremely upset about the precedent that that the town of Canton is making with the attempt to ban E-cigarettes in your town. After trying every other way including the patch, medications and even hypnosis, it was E-cigarettes that allowed me to stop my thirty year use of tobacco. It is one of the most important things I have done in many years and my health is greatly improved. Please re-visit your decision and take in to account the thousands that have been able to step away from tobacco using this much less harmful method of nicotine delivery.
Sincerely,
John ****
*********, Ma
Did anyone send them CASAA's latest study?
CASAA: New study confirms that chemicals in electronic cigarettes pose minimal health risk -- PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --
This is a solid argument that goes directly towards the town's goal.
CASAA: New study confirms that chemicals in electronic cigarettes pose minimal health risk -- PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --
This is a solid argument that goes directly towards the town's goal.
The Canton Board of Health in Canton, Massachusetts is currently considering an ordinance that would forever ban the sale of electronic cigarettes in the city, all while allowing cigarettes to continue to be sold.....this applies to ALL locations within the city...not only smoke shops....and I'm sure CASAA reps will be in attendance with these latest study results..
We are Americans we have a voice and a vote.... Let's not let TRENDY California send vapers back to smoking in shame!!! http://www.change.org/petitions/sb-648-california-e-cigarette-usage-ban-stop-the-california-e-cigarette-usage-ban-sb-648-3
Is this meeting in Canton still happening tonight? I don't see it on their calendar. I see a Board of Health meeting on September 9, but nothing before that.
One of the doctors they are taking advice from is on record at another town meeting (in Sharon, MA) saying that "Legislation is more effective than education."
They quote a study showing that 90% of smokers begin in their teens, and hence raising the legal age to 21 will help. What they don't mention is that of those 90%, 50% start prior to age 14, and 25% prior to age 12**. It would seem to me that legislation isn't actually working considering 75% of the 90% they bandy about were not at all affected by the 18 y.o. law.
Mind you, perfectly fine with me to raise the legal age if they like, but I get the sense at least one of these doctors is more interested in making a name for himself than actually helping.
I live close to Canton, and thought I might go have a look at the meeting if it is still on for tonight.
Considering legislating this type of thing is akin to saying "because I said so," and no addictions counseling program would ever think that sadly simplistic approach to be the best option, it seems some of the very people dismissing the value of education could use a wee bit of educating themselves.
**still searching for the original study hoping to have a copy in hand.
EDIT This is their calendar: http://www.eventkeeper.com/code/events.cfm?curOrg=02021
It would seem the meeting was actually Monday, August 5... not August 12??
One of the doctors they are taking advice from is on record at another town meeting (in Sharon, MA) saying that "Legislation is more effective than education."
They quote a study showing that 90% of smokers begin in their teens, and hence raising the legal age to 21 will help. What they don't mention is that of those 90%, 50% start prior to age 14, and 25% prior to age 12**. It would seem to me that legislation isn't actually working considering 75% of the 90% they bandy about were not at all affected by the 18 y.o. law.
Mind you, perfectly fine with me to raise the legal age if they like, but I get the sense at least one of these doctors is more interested in making a name for himself than actually helping.
I live close to Canton, and thought I might go have a look at the meeting if it is still on for tonight.
Considering legislating this type of thing is akin to saying "because I said so," and no addictions counseling program would ever think that sadly simplistic approach to be the best option, it seems some of the very people dismissing the value of education could use a wee bit of educating themselves.
**still searching for the original study hoping to have a copy in hand.
EDIT This is their calendar: http://www.eventkeeper.com/code/events.cfm?curOrg=02021
It would seem the meeting was actually Monday, August 5... not August 12??
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CASAA: Call to Action! Canton, MA Ordinance to BAN E-Cigarette Sales (Hearing August 12th!)
Canton, Massachusetts: Ordinance Would Ban E-Cigarette Sales in the City
[proposed ordinance] [Board of Health website]
If enacted, this ordinance would:
The Canton Board of Health in Canton, Massachusetts is currently considering an ordinance that would forever ban the sale of electronic cigarettes in the city, all while allowing cigarettes to continue to be sold. The Board of Health will consider the ordinance on Monday, August 12, 2013 at 7pm at the Canton Town Hall in the Salah Meeting Room at 801 Washington Street in Canton.
- Make Canton, MA the first and only city to prohibit the sale of all modern smoke-free products -- including e-cigarettes, dissolvable tobacco and any other non-pharmaceutical nicotine product -- to adults. The ordinance may also ban the sale of snus.
- Specifically exempts the most hazardous tobacco products (cigarettes and other smoked tobacco products). The sale of a few smoke-free products would be permitted, but these (chewing tobacco and loose snuff) are not the harm-reduction products that smokers choose to switch to.
- Raises the age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21, but still bans these adults from purchasing e-cigarettes and other less hazardous products.
CASAA Director Karen Carey will be in attendance. If you are in the area and could attend and possibly speak, please e-mail CASAA at board@casaa.org.
Enactment of this ordinance would protect cigarette markets at the expense of smokers' health. Vapers from across the United States are encouraged to tell their story. Please see below on how to oppose this ordinance.
What to say:
1. Let them know that you strongly oppose banning all sales of electronic cigarettes and other modern tobacco products, but that you would support such a ban on sales to minors.
2. Tell your story on how switching from smoking cigarettes to a far less hazardous alternative product has changed your life. When and why did you start using an e-cigarette? What effect has this had on your smoking of tobacco cigarettes? What has been the effect on your health?
3. Explain that research has consistently shown that virtually all e-cigarette users are using them as a substitute for smoking. The vast majority tried to quit smoking multiple times, using the other methods available and failed.
4. Tell them that there are thousands of e-cigarette users in Massachusetts who have benefited from the availability of e-cigarettes.
5. Direct them to the CASAA.org website and research library for more information.
CASAA is urging its members to contact Canton, MA's Director of Public Health (who will distribute your comments to the Board of Health members). Please try to get your testimony in before 4:00 PM Eastern on Friday, August 9th.
John L. Ciccotelli, R.S., C.H.O.
Public Health Director -- Canton, Massachusetts
Phone: (781) 821-5021
E-mail: jciccotelli@town.canton.ma.us
This applies to ALL adults regardless of their age...18, 21, 99...it doesn't matter.....if questions about the meeting tonite why not call the board of health ...the number is listed on your events schedule and in this original post quote..
Why would I receive a reply letter like this on August 9 from the Board of Health, If the meeting was already held on August 5?.....
I just called Diane White at the Canton Board of Health...YES THERE IS A MEETING TONITE AT 7PM !!!!..and tobacco products which include Ecigs IS ON the agenda....
Contact: Diane White 781-821-5021
Board of Health Meeting
Salah Meeting Room
Town Hall
801 Washington St
Location: Salah Meeting Room
Contact: Diane White 781-821-5021
Board of Health Meeting
Salah Meeting Room
Town Hall
801 Washington St
Location: Salah Meeting Room
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