HEADS UP - NEWS - UPDATES! (When we know, you'll know!)

[kristin]

April 15, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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FLORIDA: (CALL TO ACTION UPDATE!) HEARING APRIL 16th. TAKE ACTION NOW! HB 7119 would deny some ADULTS who already smoke or #vape access to far safer alternative products and will likely use law as justification for adding taxes and further regs later.

CASAA on T21: CASAA Tobacco 21 policy statement: “Including low-risk alternatives in T21 laws is unwise, misleading” - CASAA

FL - Keep Vaping Legal for ALL Adults Who Smoke

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If you’re on Facebook, please be sure to join your CASAA state group to help prevent anti-harm reduction laws like these from spreading through the state! Link: CASAA.org - The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association
Join CASAA here: Join CASAA - CASAA
Find your state info here: Find My State Info - CASAA

 

[kristin]

April 16, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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ALBANY COUNTY, NEW YORK: (CALL TO ACTION!) PUBLIC HEARING AND RALLY to oppose Local Law “E”, that would BAN THE SALE OF ALL flavored vapor and tobacco products in Albany County! See link for when and where or send a message!

Albany County, NY - Stop a Flavor Ban!

ARKANSAS: (UPDATE) With just 9 days left in session, AMENDED bill SB571 passed in House and sent back to Senate lowers tax to 30%, BUT now includes a FLOOR TAX that stores would have to pay on their existing inventory. Also includes odd "bundle tax."
http://bit.ly/2GrNQfP

ATLANTA, GEORGIA: (HEADS UP!) Rather than let businesses decide whether or not to allow vaping in their establishment, city considers ban on workplace vaping without any evidence of harm to bystanders. Council "work session" to be scheduled!

Atlanta discusses new anti-smoking law

OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK: (HEADS UP!) PUBLIC HEARING MAY 7! With around 50 locations citywide selling combustible cigarettes, city instead focuses on restricting shops that provide very low risk smoking alternatives to adults who smoke or already quit.

Town proposes vape sales, lounge restrictions

MARION, MASSACHUSETTS: (HEADS UP!) PUBLIC HEARING MAY 7! Board of Health wants to essentially BAN flavors in #vaping products, which surveys indicate actually HELP ADULTS who smoke SUCCESSFULLY DISASSOCIATE from the taste of cigarette smoke.
BOH Moves to Ban Sale of Flavored Nicotine, Tobacco

SAN RAFAEL, CALIFORNIA: (HEADS UP!) Despite hearing mostly opposition, council is moving forward to ban flavored #vaping products, which surveys indicate actually HELP ADULTS who smoke SUCCESSFULLY DISASSOCIATE from the taste of cigarette smoke.

San Rafael Moves Ahead With Plan to Ban Flavored Tobacco

IN THE NEWS: (FDA) Acting commissioner Ned Sharpless says he's not letting up on the agency's (ridiculous and baseless) war on #vaping, and says White House is "impressed with the FDA’s efforts and would like to see this strong progress continue."

FDA will keep pressure on teen vaping, acting commissioner says
___________________________________________________________________________
If you’re on Facebook, please be sure to join your CASAA state group to help prevent anti-harm reduction laws like these from spreading through the state! Link: CASAA.org - The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association
Join CASAA here: Join CASAA - CASAA
Find your state info here: Find My State Info - CASAA

 

[kristin]

April 17, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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WISCONSIN: (CALL TO ACTION UPDATED!) The final Joint Committee on Finance public hearing is April 24th in Green Bay. CASAA urges members to attend this hearing and speak in opposition to this tax or use the contact info in the CTA to contact your representatives!

http://www.casaa.org/call-to-action/wi-stop-an-outrageous-71-percent-tax-on-vaping/

NATIONAL: (HEADS UP!) A horrific bill, known as the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act, would decimate the vaping industry, block tobacco harm reduction efforts and leave adults with fewer alternatives to smoking & higher costs with Tobacco 21, banning non-tobacco flavors, prohibiting online sales, authorizing FDA to collect $100 million in user fees and giving the agency power to regulate synthetic nicotine and to extend rules on cigarettes, such as graphic warning labels, to much safer vapor and smoke-free products.

New Bill in Congress Would Destroy the Vape Industry - Vaping360

ARKANSAS: (CORRECTION) We've been informed that the legislature website was not current, so our last update was in error. SB571 was pulled by the sponsor for an "interim study," but he plans to spend the next two years "building support." Stay vigilant, harm reduction advocates!

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA: (UPDATE) City bans flavored #smokefree products, which surveys indicate actually HELP ADULTS who smoke SUCCESSFULLY DISASSOCIATE from taste of cigarette smoke. Youth experimentation more worrisome to them than saving adult lives.

Sacramento city council bans flavored tobacco products
___________________________________________________________________________
If you’re on Facebook, please be sure to join your CASAA state group to help prevent anti-harm reduction laws like these from spreading through the state! Link: CASAA.org - The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association
Join CASAA here: Join CASAA - CASAA
Find your state info here: Find My State Info - CASAA

 

[MacTechVpr]

Ridiculous. They passed HB 7119 through Appropriations today almost unanimously.

At 18 you can drive, vote, smoke, drink and marry in the State of Florida…
but God forbid you try a vape.

You would think almost imperceptible traces of nicotinic acid were as toxic as plutonium.

But there is nothing more toxic or as seriiously addictive in the universe is government and taxes.

Good luck.

 

[kristin]

April 18, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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FLORIDA: (CALL TO ACTION UPDATE!) Tobacco/Vaping 21 laws blocking ANY adult who smokes from safer alternatives are not only UNETHICAL, they open the door for flavor bans, online bans and excess taxes. DON'T GIVE IN!

HB 7119 (Tobacco & Vaping 21) is on the House schedule for 2nd reading and moving to a vote. Take action and send your state rep a message urging them to VOTE NO!

CASAA on T21: CASAA Tobacco 21 policy statement: “Including low-risk alternatives in T21 laws is unwise, misleading” - CASAA

FL - Keep Vaping Legal for ALL Adults Who Smoke

THE MORE YOU KNOW: Researchers suggest higher doses of nicotine and dual use (using NRT before quitting smoking) has small but higher odds of success. Meanwhile, ANTZ continue to decry higher nicotine and dual use of #vaping products with 2x efficacy.

Two NRTs Better than One

RESEARCH: FDA/NIH-funded study finds strong evidence minors who try vapor products before or instead of #smoking, or have parents who switched to #vaping, are far less likely to smoke. Recommends getting parents to switch rather than focus on teen vaping.

http://bit.ly/2VTvhq0

THE MORE YOU KNOW: Research suggests SMELL of chocolate, apple, peppermint, lemon or vanilla is effective for helping adults who smoke fight cravings, but according to ANTZ, the TASTE of those same flavors in #vaping products aren't helping adults quit?

Sniffing pleasant aroma could reduce the urge of smoking
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If you’re on Facebook, please be sure to join your CASAA state group to help prevent anti-harm reduction laws like these from spreading through the state! Link: CASAA.org - The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association
Join CASAA here: Join CASAA - CASAA
Find your state info here: Find My State Info - CASAA

 

[kristin]

April 18, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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VERMONT: (CALL TO ACTION UPDATE!) H.47, which would impose Vermont’s 92% OTP wholesale tax on vapor products (including e-liquid and devices) is expected to be scheduled for discussion and possibly a VOTE early in the week of APRIL 22. Take action NOW!

VT - Stop an outrageous tax on Vaping!

COLORADO: (HEADS UP!) Bill banning public vaping passes in House, moving to Senate. Indoor bans not only take away right of business to choose, they mislead public to believe vaping is harmful, which leads to support for high taxes, flavor bans, etc.

Bill banning e-cigarette use indoors passes Colorado House; heads to Senate

ADVOCACY: Hundreds of pending anti-vaping laws. 3 million+ consumers. Less than 10% joined CASAA. Just 11,677 CASAA testimonials. CASAA State groups with fewer than 10 members.

CASAA's strength is in the number of voices in its membership, and those members being informed and taking action.

Click the links below to join, testify, stay informed and take action!

Join CASAA: Join CASAA - CASAA

Add Your Story: http://bit.ly/2DmficM

Join Your State Group: CASAA.org - The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association

ASPEN, COLORADO: (UPDATE) FLAVOR BAN! City is "coordinating with tobacco retailers," but likely not hearing from CONSUMERS LIKE YOU. Tweet or Facebook message @CityOfAspen, call, email or attend a work session to give your opinion!

Aspen Contact Info: http://bit.ly/2IOzffQ

http://bit.ly/2VcpvCU

BLAIRSVILLE, INDIANA: (HEADS UP!) Without any evidence of risk to bystanders, city plans to BAN #VAPING OUTDOORS. Misinformed Councilman claims "It’s out of control. With the high amount of nicotine, it’s almost guaranteed you’ll be addicted.”

http://bit.ly/2PmFclM
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If you’re on Facebook, please be sure to join your CASAA state group to help prevent anti-harm reduction laws like these from spreading through the state! Link: CASAA.org - The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association
Join CASAA here: Join CASAA - CASAA
Find your state info here: Find My State Info - CASAA

 

[kristin]

April 25, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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OKLAHOMA: (CALL TO ACTION!) CASAA has learned that HB 1389, which would ban vaping in the same places where smoking is prohibited is likely to come up for a vote in the full senate TODAY. Every vaper and their friends in OK need to ACT NOW!

OK - Stop a Vaping Place Ban!

INDIANA: (UPDATE!) A 20% sin tax on safer alternatives to smoking reportedly died without vote Wed. after dropping to 5%. Sponsors Tim Brown & Ed Charbonneau said they couldn't muster support in their caucuses for even that amount.

Indiana e-cigarette tax dies on last day of legislature

THE MORE YOU KNOW: Ignore the headlines. Vape fungus/bacteria study authors admit levels found even "lower than in the occupational environment" (ie. workplace air.) NOTE: "Beta" glucans are also found in PLANTS (not just scary-sounding "fungus") & have been used to TREAT diabetes, HIV/AIDS and even cancer. They have also been found to help with respiratory infections. "Glucans" are a lot more complex than what is being reported.

Study Finds Signs Of Bacteria And Fungi In Many Vaping Products

On a recent episode of the TV show Madame Secretary she said, "You're conjuring hypothetical people in order to distract real people from a real issue."

The same could be said about conjuring hypothetical teens who "might" start smoking after vaping to distract from REAL issue of 34+ mil ADULTS who smoke LOSING access.

If you try to compromise with ANTZ on taxes, online bans, indoor bans, c-store bans, etc. because a youth vaping "epidemic" is "erasing progress," you're compromising on a LIE. You've just ADMITTED GUILT to something that doesn't even exist and THEY WIN.

Vital Signs: Tobacco Product Use Among Middle ...

We are still in desperate need of Facebook group moderators (and members!) for Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont and West Virginia!

https://www.facebook.com/pg/CASAAmedia/groups/
___________________________________________________________________________
If you’re on Facebook, please be sure to join your CASAA state group to help prevent anti-harm reduction laws like these from spreading through the state! Link: CASAA.org - The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association
Join CASAA here: Join CASAA - CASAA
Find your state info here: Find My State Info - CASAA

 

[MacTechVpr]

…If you try to compromise with ANTZ on taxes, online bans, indoor bans, c-store bans, etc. because a youth vaping "epidemic" is "erasing progress," you're compromising on a LIE. You've just ADMITTED GUILT to something that doesn't even exist and THEY WIN.

Hear, hear!

Good luck.

 

[kristin]

April 26, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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MINNESOTA: (HEADS UP!) Law that treats vaping the same as smoking (and reinforces public opinion that they're the same) has passed in House, Denies higher risk adults who smoke access to safer alternatives, indoor ban, etc. Heads to conference committee.

http://bit.ly/2Gw1WeM

IN THE NEWS: Very happy @MoCoSentinel looked up some facts on our website, but we wish they'd have actually spoken to us for a CONSUMER PERSPECTIVE before quoting a POINTLESS gem like "vapes have much higher levels of pure nicotine than traditional cigarettes."

County work group formed to combat underage vaping - The Montgomery County Sentinel

SKAGIT COUNTY, WASHINGTON: (UPDATE) Ironically calling vape-free policies "one of the most effective tools for protecting the health of a community,” ANTZ convince County (and now the public) to treat smoke-free vaping the same as smoking.

Skagit County Bans Smoking and Vaping in Public Spaces

THE MORE YOU KNOW: Maybe next time they talk vaping, The Verge will ask CASAA, too? Because WE know smoking/nicotine are also "apples & oranges." Even FDA says nicotine outside of smoking (NRT) has low "abuse liability and dependence potential" (ie. not particularly addicting): bit.ly/2IKZtRv

Why Big Tobacco and Big Vape love comparing nicotine to caffeine

IN THE NEWS: (HAWAII) So much for "evidence-based policy." With a slew of new Tobacco/Vapor 21 bills pending and passing around the country, Hawaii DOH realizes that their 2016 T21 law has essentially failed and EDUCATION is the key.

Can we say "We told you so?"

Number of Hawaii youth experimenting with e-cigarettes has increased

KENTUCKY: High School smoking has had a huge decline from 24.1% in 2011 to 14.3% in 2017 (CDC), but still much higher than national avg. 8.1%. So, of course, they're most concerned about...a rise in smoke-free vaping. Oh...and adults don't like flavors.

The number of Kentucky kids who vape has nearly doubled in the last 2 years

LICKING HEIGHTS, OHIO: So many lies in this one, our eyes are watering. "7 mil kids ADDICTED" (Not even close - fewer than 90k HS students vape >20 days a month and MS is even less.)

"6 tsp NICOTINE in bottles" (Nope. 6 tsp would equal an entire 30 ml bottle that's NOT all nicotine.)

"nicotine & tobacco kills 1 out of 5 people" (Conflating nicotine with smoking!)

Heads up - they're talking FLAVOR BAN!

'It's serious' Expert estimates one in four high schoolers are vaping
___________________________________________________________________________
If you’re on Facebook, please be sure to join your CASAA state group to help prevent anti-harm reduction laws like these from spreading through the state! Link: CASAA.org - The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association
Join CASAA here: Join CASAA - CASAA
Find your state info here: Find My State Info - CASAA

 

[kristin]

April 29, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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NEBRASKA: (CALL TO ACTION!) Bills treat vaping the same as smoking (and reinforces public opinion that they ARE the same,) denying higher risk adults who smoke access and imposing tax that increases costs for people trying to quit w/safer alternatives.

NE - Keep vaping affordable and accessible!

MINNESOTA: (CALL TO ACTION!) SF 2452 looks like it may treat vaping the same as smoking (misleading public into thinking it IS the same), denying most businesses personal choice to allow vaping & denying higher risk adults access to safer alternatives!

MN - Keep Vaping Visible and Accessible for People Who Smoke!

ADVOCACY: Our Testimonials Project is a large collection of compelling individual reports that will make it impossible for anyone to claim that substitution of low-risk alternatives isn't a proven method for quitting smoking. Add your story today!

Testimonials - CASAA

BREAKING NEWS: As underage sex declines dramatically, EPIDEMIC of sexually active teens using flavored condoms, believing they reduce risk of unprotected sex, prompts govt to warn "not 100% effective," add huge sin tax & regulate ALL condoms to reduce teen access.

(This is a satirical example of how ridiculous anti-vaping logic sounds.)

IN THE NEWS: Snus, a product proven to be a reasonably safe alternative to smoking, is making gains in the market. Has a chance to become "Modified Risk Tobacco Product" and save millions of lives - if FDA doesn't mess things up like it has with vaping.

http://bit.ly/2GGlRIa
___________________________________________________________________________
If you’re on Facebook, please be sure to join your CASAA state group to help prevent anti-harm reduction laws like these from spreading through the state! Link: CASAA.org - The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association
Join CASAA here: Join CASAA - CASAA
Find your state info here: Find My State Info - CASAA

 

[kristin]

May 1, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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IN THE NEWS: FDA approves sale of safer "heat-not-burn" product, acknowledging it as less toxic and "appropriate for the protection of the public health" but holds back MRTP approval (which would let company actually TELL consumers it's less toxic.)

This landmark decision likely to have a direct impact on approval of other safer alternatives.

FDA clears Philip Morris' iQOS, Altria plans to start selling heated tobacco device in the US this summer

VERMONT: (UPDATE) State senate making access to safer alternatives to smoking much more difficult for adults who smoke living in rural areas and towns without stores that sell the products. Tobacco/Vapor 21 and a 92% tax are also on the table.

Vermont lawmakers ban online sale of e-cigarettes, to reduce teen access

NEBRASKA: (UPDATE) Advocates successfully convinced lawmakers to reject the proposed indoor vaping ban and Tobacco and Vapor 21, changing the age to 19 to (hopefully) prevent 18-year-old high school students from buying for younger classmates.

Nebraska lawmakers move to raise legal age to 19 for smoking and vaping

ADVOCACY: And if you cannot or will not quit, vapor products will not only reduce your risks to very nearly non-smoking levels, they will also save you money. That is, of course, if governments STOP adding sin taxes to very low risk products that are actually helping people avoid smoking.

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If you’re on Facebook, please be sure to join your CASAA state group to help prevent anti-harm reduction laws like these from spreading through the state! Link: CASAA.org - The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association
Join CASAA here: Join CASAA - CASAA
Find your state info here: Find My State Info - CASAA

 

[kristin]

May 2, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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COLORADO: (CALL TO ACTION!) Lawmakers relying on public ignorance of low risk alternatives to pass wildly ignorant 62% sin tax on vapor products. Anything that reduces youth "experimenting" will also reduce use by those who need it most: adults who smoke!

CO - Stop a Vapor Tax (to be decided by ballot initiative)!

THE MORE YOU KNOW: Survey studies attempting to show that adult smoke-free consumers don't want or need non-tobacco flavors are hopelessly flawed.

Most adults who smoke will TRY vaping to 1) reduce health risks, 2) reduce costs, 3) use indoors and 4) wean off nicotine completely. Ask what about vaping most helped AVOID RELAPSE (going back to smoking) and flavors will be a primary factor, along with the ability to customize devices and vary nicotine strength.

“Reason(s) you vape” questions on surveys are generally stupid

FLORIDA: (UPDATE) House reportedly WON'T pass law denying young adult smokers access to safer alternatives. Important to remember such laws also mislead public to believe vaping/smoking are same, which leads to agreement with other restrictions/taxes.

'T21' proposal goes up in smoke

CONNECTICUT: (HEADS UP!) HB7200, which would deny some adults who smoke access to low risk products and mislead public to believe vaping/smoking have same risks, has now passed Finance Committee.

Rep. Frey, Finance Committee Vote to Raise Tobacco Use to Age to 21

CONNECTICUT: (HEADS UP #2!) Finance committee amendment reportedly lowers governor's 75% wholesale vapor tax in budget, but still a whopping 50% tax. Products that significantly decrease risk should be made MORE AFFORDABLE, not MORE EXPENSIVE!

Democrats: tax on digital downloads; higher taxes on alcohol

THE MORE YOU KNOW: ANTZ step up chemophobia efforts w/ scary-sounding "third-hand smoke & vapor." Mentions nicotine reaction with a "common environmental chemical" that turns out to be nitrous acid from dangerously unvented gas appliances, which is far more worrisome than trace nitrosamines! That's a 100% fail on "the dose makes the poison" test!

SDSU Opens First-of-Its-Kind Thirdhand Smoke Resource Center

IDAHO: (HEADS UP!) Be prepared to fight a slew of anti-vaping laws and cost increases via sin taxes if ANTZ successfully convince lawmakers that vaping is the same as smoking and young adults who smoke should be denied access to vape products.

As student vaping rises, some in Idaho push to raise tobacco age limit to 21

BROOMFIELD, COLORADO: (HEADS UP!) City considering treating vaping like smoking, licenses for retailers to sell tobacco/vape products, raising the minimum sale age to 21, implementing price policies or restricting certain flavors.

Broomfield officials study teen vaping, discuss regulations – Broomfield Enterprise
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If you’re on Facebook, please be sure to join your CASAA state group to help prevent anti-harm reduction laws like these from spreading through the state! Link: CASAA.org - The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association
Join CASAA here: Join CASAA - CASAA
Find your state info here: Find My State Info - CASAA

 

[kristin]

May 7, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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APPLETON, WISCONSIN: (CALL TO ACTION UPDATE!) MEETING TOMORROW! City plans to treat vaping the same as smoking, misleading public to think they have same risks and deserve more regs/taxes, denying business CHOICE whether to allow.

http://www.casaa.org/call-to-action/wi-appleton-stop-a-vaping-ban/

NEW HAMPHIRE: (CALL TO ACTION!) A definition change in HB 2 would subject vaping to NH's 65% wholesale tax on tobacco products other than cigarettes. Take Action and Make Contact with lawmakers TODAY!

NH - Get Vapor Taxes OUT of the Budget!

MINNESOTA: (CALL TO ACTION!) Bills would treat #vapor products same as smoking, misleading public into thinking products are hazardous and deserve more regs/tax, deny businesses CHOICE to allow vaping, plus add MORE TAXES on top of existing 95% tax.

http://bit.ly/2Vi8hVD

WISCONSIN: (HEADS UP!) Without any evidence of risk to bystanders, lawmaker wants to treat vaping the same as smoking, misleading public to think they have same health risks and deserve similar regs/taxes, denying businesses CHOICE to allow if they want.

Updating Our Clean Indoor Air Act

ASPEN, COLORADO: (UPDATE) City moving forward with complete BAN ON FLAVORS for low risk smoke-free products, which have been shown to help adult who smoke avoid relapse, even though city already prohibits sales to anyone under 21.

Aspen moving forward with ban on all flavored nicotine products

EXPERT OPINION: Great article on vaping and flavor bans written by tobacco harm reduction expert @BradRodu.

https://californiaglobe.com/fr/the-...st-tobacco-flavors-from-foolish-to-dangerous/

NEW MEXICO: (UPDATE) Without evidence of risk to bystanders, lawmakers treat vapor products same as smoking, misleading public to believe products carry same risk, and add 12.5% "sin" tax, increasing cost for people who use products to avoid smoking.

http://bit.ly/2H3JWZC
___________________________________________________________________________
If you’re on Facebook, please be sure to join your CASAA state group to help prevent anti-harm reduction laws like these from spreading through the state! Link: CASAA.org - The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association
Join CASAA here: Join CASAA - CASAA
Find your state info here: Find My State Info - CASAA

 

[kristin]

May 8, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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APPLETON, WISCONSIN: (CALL TO ACTION UPDATE!) This morning, the Board of Health declined to amend the indoor vaping ban to exclude vape shops. While CASAA opposes any type of indoor vape ban, due to the fact that it misleads the public into believing that vaping is the same as smoking and raises the possibility that the public will support even more laws and increased taxes, not allowing vaping in a vape shop makes it more difficult for people who smoke to switch to a far less harmful alternative. It is completely unacceptable to reduce the odds of people who smoke switching to vaping.

The indoor ban will once again come before the full council for consideration on Wednesday, May 15th. We strongly urge all consumers who depend on Appleton vape shops to attend this meeting and tell your story. If you cannot attend the meeting, please use this Call to Action to call or email the council members. There will also be a written petition available for consumers to sign at local vape shops.

http://www.casaa.org/call-to-action/wi-appleton-stop-a-vaping-ban/

IN THE NEWS: Now that Walmart has joined the T21 frenzy w/ Walgreens, Rite Aid & CVS, non-tobacco flavored vapor products will only be sold beside cigarettes as safer alternatives at gas stations, kiosks, mom & pop corner stores & some tobacco shops.

Walmart raises tobacco purchase age to 21 and discontinues sweet flavored vaping products | Retail | Dallas News

WASHINGTON: (UPDATE) Late-night voting resulted in lawmakers passing a 27¢/mL sin tax on closed vapor products (less than $1 on a 4-pack of pods) and a 9¢/mL tax on open system vapor products ($5.40 on a 60 mL bottle.) Shops push for amendment or veto.

Vape Stores Face Closure After Washington Passes New Sin Tax on Vapor Products

ARIZONA: (HEADS UP!) The state Senate has passed a bill which would treat low risk vapor products that help adults who smoke quit the same as combustible cigarettes.

Senate votes 29-0 to put vaping devices under state's tobacco rules

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA: Lawmakers want to ban ALL tobacco sales in the city (including very low risk vapor & smoke-free products) to everyone except wealthy cigar smokers and rich hotel guests.

http://bit.ly/2Wx70q4

ARKANSAS: (UPDATE) Lawmakers pass law DENYING some ADULTS who smoke access to far SAFER smoke-free products, in spite of fact that such laws have reportedly failed to make an impact on teen vaping in other states.

http://bit.ly/2JqvePf
___________________________________________________________________________
If you’re on Facebook, please be sure to join your CASAA state group to help prevent anti-harm reduction laws like these from spreading through the state! Link: CASAA.org - The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association
Join CASAA here: Join CASAA - CASAA
Find your state info here: Find My State Info - CASAA

 

[kristin]

May 9, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
___________________________________________________________________________
LOUISIANA: (CALL TO ACTION UPDATE!) HB 38, which would deny people who smoke between the ages of 18 - 21 access to safer alternatives, is moving toward a hearing in the House Appropriations Committee.

Louisiana - Stop Tobacco AND Vaping 21!

SNOWMASS VILLAGE, COLORADO: (UPDATE) Council votes to treat #vaping and smoke-free products the same as combustible cigarettes, denying many people who smoke and vape access to far safer alternatives to smoking.

Council raises tobacco, e-cigarette purchasing age to 21 in Snowmass

BOISE, IDAHO: (UPDATE) City treats low risk vaping like smoking, misleading public into believing they have the same health risks and laying groundwork for more restrictive laws, denying businesses CHOICE to allow vaping in their own establishment.

You can't vape where you can't smoke in Boise, City Council rules

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA: (UPDATE) City misleads public to believe low risk, smoke-free vaping is same as smoking, bans use OUTDOORS and in bars without evidence of risk, $100 - $500 fines. Use bans often first step to justify more onerous laws later.

Columbia bans vaping at bars, restaurants. Yes, that includes the patio

OPINION: "The agency must stop using fear to scare people away from life-saving technology. Yes, teenage vaping should be discouraged and any actual issues with seizures addressed. But that doesn’t excuse the FDA’s ridiculous exaggerations."

Unfounded fear is driving the FDA’s war against vaping – Orange County Register

REDONDO BEACH, CALIFORNIA: (HEADS UP!) Without any evidence of risk to bystanders, city close to banning #vaping in ANY public area, including OUTSIDE ON SIDEWALKS, and BAN FLAVORED products that help people who smoke switch to far safer alternatives.

Redondo Beach closer to public smoking ban, including e-cigarettes and cannabis – Daily Breeze
___________________________________________________________________________
If you’re on Facebook, please be sure to join your CASAA state group to help prevent anti-harm reduction laws like these from spreading through the state! Link: CASAA.org - The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association
Join CASAA here: Join CASAA - CASAA
Find your state info here: Find My State Info - CASAA

 

[kristin]

May 10, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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ARIZONA: (CALL TO ACTION!) Lawmakers intend to treat #vaping the same as smoking with indoor ban, misleading public to believe health risks are same and laying groundwork for even more damaging laws & taxes in the future. TAKE ACTION NOW!

AZ - Stop and indoor vaping ban!

ADVOCACY: Watch CASAA CEO Alex Clark (@Hello_Alex) speak on behalf of #vaping and smoke-free consumers before a distinguished audience at the 2019 E-Cigarette Summit (@ecigsummit)!

25-Alex Clark

EXPERT OPINION: Dr. Brad Rodu, tobacco harm reduction expert and CASAA adviser, nails it again. "It’s time for Americans to have all the facts about e-cigarettes, so they can make educated choices in order to enjoy longer and healthier lives."

It's time to stop confusing the public with sensationalist rhetoric on e-cigarettes

MASSACHUSETTS: (HEADS UP!) Lawmakers are proposing deadly legislative barriers to harm reduction. Senate budget proposes 75% wholesale vape tax: New taxes pitched for prescription opioids, vaping products while Sen. John Keenan's S.1279 would ban flavored vaping and smoke-free products: Massachusetts Could Ban Flavored Vape, Tobacco Products
___________________________________________________________________________
If you’re on Facebook, please be sure to join your CASAA state group to help prevent anti-harm reduction laws like these from spreading through the state! Link: CASAA.org - The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association
Join CASAA here: Join CASAA - CASAA
Find your state info here: Find My State Info - CASAA

 

[kristin]

May 14, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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MARYLAND: (UPDATE) Governor signs Tobacco/Vapor 21 bill into law, denying adults 18-20 who smoke access to far safer alternatives, misleading public to believe vapor products are harmful and more likely to support increased regulation and higher taxes.

Gov. Hogan Signs Into Law Legislation Raising Minimum Age to Purchase Tobacco

RHODE ISLAND: (HEADS UP!) Lawmakers seeking Tobacco/Vaping 21 law, which would deny adults 18-20 who smoke access to safer alternatives, mislead public to believe vapor products cause harm, the first step for supporting increased regulation & taxation.

Area Reps look to raise tobacco use age to 21

BARNSTABLE, MASSACHUSETTS: (HEADS UP!) City discussing FLAVOR BAN at a public workshop on vaping tomorrow (Wednesday, May 15) at 3 p.m. at Town Hall, in the second floor Hearing Room.

Barnstable Board of Health to discuss flavored tobacco ban tomorrow

MANKATO, MINNESOTA: (UPDATE) City passes Tobacco/Vapor 21, denying adults 18-20 who smoke access to safer alternatives, misleading public to believe vapor products are harmful and more likely to support increased regulation and higher taxes.

Mankato passes Tobacco 21
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If you’re on Facebook, please be sure to join your CASAA state group to help prevent anti-harm reduction laws like these from spreading through the state! Link: CASAA.org - The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association
Join CASAA here: Join CASAA - CASAA
Find your state info here: Find My State Info - CASAA

 

[kristin]

May 15, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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TEXAS: (HEADS UP!) Lawmakers close to denying adults 18-20 who smoke access to much safer alternatives, misleading public to believe vapor products are harmful and more likely to support increased regulation and higher taxes.

Texas House votes to raise legal smoking age to 21

IN THE NEWS: Judge orders FDA to speed up review of e-cigarettes, calls for the health groups and the FDA to submit plans for moving forward with product reviews within 30 days.

https://wapo.st/2YAVU4f

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS: (HEADS UP!) In spite of existing statewide Vapor 21 law and city ordinance limiting sales of flavored products to adults-only stores, City Councilor calls for hearing to discuss possibly BANNING FLAVORS COMPLETELY.

Boston City Councilor Matt O’Malley seeks more restrictions on e-cigarettes – Boston Herald

OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI: (UPDATE) Without any evidence of harm to bystanders, city misleads public to believe vaping should be regulated like smoking by banning use indoors and OUTDOORS. Businesses denied CHOICE to allow in their own establishment.

City snuffs use of vape pens and e-cigs where (real) smoking already banned - Magnolia State Live

NORTH CAROLINA: (HEADS UP!) State sues vapor company for "causing addiction," demands ban of all company's non-tobacco flavors (except menthol) in stores & online, and a tobacco-style marketing/advertising ban on company's products in the state.

https://wapo.st/2W32Vx8

IN THE NEWS: Nebraska sees lowest adult smoking rate in 2017. ANTZ credit public use bans, campaigns & taxes, ignore adult #vaping rate in state rose to 4.9% in 2016 and 21.5% of those vapers had quit smoking completely (per CDC BRFSS survey data.)

Smoking rates decline in Nebraska

WILLIAMSBURG, KENTUCKY: (HEADS UP!) City considering regulating #vaping as smoking, somehow thinks putting vapers out on the sidewalk will lower teen experimentation. Without evidence, ANTZ claim vapor is harmful to bystanders. Next meeting June 17th!

Smoking ordinance expected to soon include e-cigs
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If you’re on Facebook, please be sure to join your CASAA state group to help prevent anti-harm reduction laws like these from spreading through the state! Link: CASAA.org - The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association
Join CASAA here: Join CASAA - CASAA
Find your state info here: Find My State Info - CASAA

 

[zoiDman]

May 14, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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IN THE NEWS: Judge orders FDA to speed up review of e-cigarettes, calls for the health groups and the FDA to submit plans for moving forward with product reviews within 30 days.

https://wapo.st/2YAVU4f

...

Thank You for posting this kristin.

 

[kristin]

May 16, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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RHODE ISLAND: (CALL TO ACTION UPDATE) State looking to squeeze vapers' tax dollars to help fill a $200 million budget hole with a 40% tax. Increasing cost of harm reduction products only forces people back into harm's way. TAKE ACTION!

RI - Stop the Governor's Vapor Tax!

UTAH: (HEADS UP!) With high school smoking in state at less than half the national average, gov't is "studying" youth vaping. This will likely lead to more bans & higher taxes unless adult vaping constituents contact them and tell their story en masse.

Utah legislative leaders want to snuff growing youth e-cigarette use

IN THE NEWS: Congresswoman says she'll be "saving lives" by turning Amtrak no-vaping policy into federal law, to prevent company from ever choosing to allow #vaping, even i̵f̵ when it's finally proven to not be a significant health risk to bystanders.

Norton Introduces Bill to Ban E-Cigarette Smoking on Amtrak

THE MORE YOU KNOW: High school vaping actually declined dramatically after a certain pod device hit the market in 2015. After the 2016 Surgeon General warning, ANTZ started putting out campaigns on TV and social media about teen-friendly flavors & concealable devices and then...

LAFAYETTE, CALIFORNIA: (UPDATE) Yet another city in CA puts adult vapers and future vapers at risk of relapse by banning flavored products and limiting them to use tobacco flavors. City also called for neighboring cities to follow suit.

Lafayette to ban flavored tobacco products

EXPERT ANALYSIS: CASAA adviser and tobacco harm reduction expert, Dr. Brad Rodu, breaks down the youth vaping "epidemic."

Tobacco Truth: The 2018 American Teen Vaping Epidemic, Recalculated
___________________________________________________________________________
If you’re on Facebook, please be sure to join your CASAA state group to help prevent anti-harm reduction laws like these from spreading through the state! Link: CASAA.org - The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association
Join CASAA here: Join CASAA - CASAA
Find your state info here: Find My State Info - CASAA