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

[kristin]

July 8, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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THE MORE YOU KNOW: CDC states smoking linked to 1 in 4 CVD deaths. vaping does NOT "trade cancer for heart disease," it LOWERS the risk for heart disease. Vapor products DO NOT contain more nicotine than cigarettes (200 "puffs" is NOT the same as 200 mg,) but even if they did, it's the SMOKE that causes greatest health risks, not the nicotine. Claiming that vapor products have "more nicotine" is a red herring to distract from the fact that they still don't carry the same health risks as smoking.

I'm smoking cigarettes to quit my vaping habit... Yeah, I know • the Hi-lo

WISCONSIN: (HEADS UP!) ACS, AHA, ALA want to "end nicotine use," calling for treating vaping the same as smoking w/ public use bans (which have turned into residential bans elsewhere,) high taxes & denying adults 18-20 who smoke access to safer products.

The Next Steps in Wisconsin’s Plan for Clean Air

SAN FRANCISCO: (UPDATE) The Coalition for Reasonable vaping Regulation submitted over 20,000 signatures last Tuesday, more than twice the roughly 9,000 signatures it needed to gather by today, to place the vapor product ban on the ballot.

http://bit.ly/2FZ8Xpi

THE MORE YOU KNOW: ANTZ credit indoor ban for 16% adult smoking rate, but smoking actually jumped from 19% in 2010 to 21% in 2011 & finally dropped to 17% by 2014. Note that abt 196,000 WI adults quit 2011 - 2017 & by 2017, abt 165,000 had tried vaping.

Nine years after Smoke Free Air law, Wisconsin says smoke ban is a success

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: (HEADS UP!) Mayor Jenny Durkan (@MayorJenny) is saying it’s time for the city to have a “discussion” on banning low risk vaping products (but not combustible cigarettes) to reduce teen vaping.

http://bit.ly/2Xulb3M

THE MORE YOU KNOW: (UK) Because of ANTZ propaganda, most people believe smoke-free tobacco has a stronger link to oral cancer than smoking. Nothing could be further from the truth. Oral cancers are more frequently linked to smoking, HPV and alcohol abuse.

Smoker who 'didn't know cigarettes cause cancer' diagnosed with mouth tumour
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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

 

[somdcomputerguy]

July 8, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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THE MORE YOU KNOW: CDC states smoking linked to 1 in 4 CVD deaths. Vaping does NOT "trade cancer for heart disease," it LOWERS the risk for heart disease. Vapor products DO NOT contain more nicotine than cigarettes (200 "puffs" is NOT the same as 200 mg,) but even if they did, it's the SMOKE that causes greatest health risks, not the nicotine. Claiming that vapor products have "more nicotine" is a red herring to distract from the fact that they still don't carry the same health risks as smoking.

​

 

[kristin]

July 10, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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ALBANY COUNTY, NEW YORK: (CALL TO ACTION UPDATED!) Local Law “E” has been sent back to committee to consider amendments exempting cigar bars & hookah lounges. The amendments would NOT exempt vape shops or allow for the sale of flavored vapor products. Urge lawmakers to OPPOSE Local Law "E"!

http://bit.ly/2JE8Vny

BLUFFTON, SOUTH CAROLINA: (HEADS UP!) City close to treating low risk vaping the same as smoking, prohibiting business owners from choosing to allow in their establishments and banning use OUTDOOR spaces, misleading public about risks.

Bluffton Town Council one step closer to adding e-cigarettes, vapes to ‘no smoking’ ordinance

LIVERMORE, CALIFORNIA: (UPDATE) City bans sale of very low risk vapor products & flavored tobacco, while leaving conventional cigarettes (the most popular form of tobacco & what ANTZ call "the #1 cause of preventable death") available for purchase.

Livermore votes to ban flavored tobacco products, e-cigarettes

RESEARCH: Study worries that vaping will cause chronic bronchitis/COPD, with coughing, shortness of breath and fatigue. “To really know, we need to wait 10 to 20 years." But they didn't bother to ask real people who have actually been vaping 10+ years.

If you thought vaping was safe, Kansas researchers have bad news – Welcome to Wyandotte Daily!

HARM REDUCTION: WHO's endorsement of low- or no-nicotine cigarettes (that don't reduce and may actually INCREASE exposure to smoke) "is at odds with its hostility to vaping. If WHO keeps going down this path, it could very well just make things worse."

Is low-nicotine tobacco just another WHO smokescreen? – Press 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]

July 12, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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MASSACHUSETTS: (CALL TO ACTION!) Bill S 1279, banning the sale of flavored vapor & other smoke-free products, is scheduled for a public hearing on TUESDAY, JULY 16, 2019,1:00 PM-5:00 PM. Law would protect sales of cigarettes by removing competitors.

MA - Stop a Flavor Ban (S. 1279)

CRESTED BUTTE, COLORADO: (HEADS UP!) City letting voters decide on adding a 40% tax on vapor products and an ADDITIONAL 40% tax on low risk tobacco products that are already taxed at 40% by the state. Next council discussion is July 15th!

Nicotine tax debated by Crested Butte Town Council - The Crested Butte News

IN THE NEWS: CDC cigarette nicotine content survey proves that if you tell a lie frequently and long enough, people will believe that nicotine dependency is the main smoking health risk. Yet studies following nicotine therapy for Parkinson's and ulcerative colitis show no addiction in patients after therapy is discontinued....

CDC says 8 in 10 US adults support limiting nicotine in cigarettes as FDA preps new rules

HARM REDUCTION: Will an E-Cigarette Ban Do More Harm Than Good?
NYU public health experts argue that measures intended to prevent teen vaping could make it tougher for tobacco smokers to quit; make teens more likely to smoke combustible cigarettes/cigars.

Will an E-Cigarette Ban Do More Harm Than Good?

BRECKENRIDGE, COLORADO: (HEADS UP!) City considering taxing low risk vapor products, raising the cost of lifesaving products for adults who smoke/vape, but unlikely to deter teens with disposable income.

Breckenridge Town Council agrees to explore nicotine tax, age increase to address public health concern

RESEARCH: Studies find that passage of minimal legal sale age laws that reduce access to vapor products and indoor vaping restriction laws are leading to increased cigarette use by pregnant teens who smoke.

E-cigarette Regulations Increase Prenatal Cigarette Use Among Teen Smokers, Study Shows - Georgia State University News - Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Research, University Research

MAIDEN, NORTH CAROLINA: (UPDATE) In spite of opposition, town has banned the use of smoke-free, low risk vapor products OUTDOORS at any park or rec area because...cigarette butts and kids.

Town of Maiden bans smoking, vaping in public parks

IN THE NEWS: Surprise! Wisconsinites are quitting smoking due to high taxes and public use bans, so revenue is way down. Now they're taxing vapor products - the very products helping reduce smoking - to make up the losses. Clearly, it's not about health!

Fewer people are smoking cigarettes, so state tax revenue is down. Now, Wisconsin will tax e-cigs.

CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NEW YORK: (HEADS UP!) Even with "proven effective to halt youth use" Tobacco/Vapor 21 & indoor use laws already in place, Board of Health now calling for lawmakers to ban sales of flavored vapor products in the county. Give an inch...

Board of Health recommends flavored nicotine ban to curb number of young 'vapers'

COLUMBIA COUNTY, GEORGIA: ANTZ groups pushing to treat vaping like smoking in public use ban. These laws increasingly include OUTDOOR spaces and PRIVATE RESIDENCES, take away business owners' options and DON'T prevent worse laws like flavor bans/taxes.

Community organizations pushing for e-cigarettes to be added to smoke free ordinance
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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]

July 16, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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IN THE NEWS: (FDA) A judge ruled Friday that vapor product companies must submit applications to FDA by May 2020. Products pending applications may stay on market up to one year while FDA considers their applications, but FDA also given "discretion."

Bloomberg - Are you a robot?

THE MORE YOU KNOW: (NEVADA) Smoking rates (which were already declining, possibly b/c of vaping) barely budged since initially dropping after 2015 law more than doubled the cigarette tax. Now a 30% VAPE TAX will ensure even FEWER PEOPLE WILL QUIT SMOKING.

Has Nevada’s cigarette tax hike worked? 2015 law could offer clues for new vaping tax

THE MORE YOU KNOW: (RESEARCH) Study finds adults who vape more likely to quit smoking, but say former smokers who vape more likely to relapse. This ignores the fact that relapse is common & those facing relapse likely just tried vaping "cigalikes" first! Unlikely that a former smoker who doesn't feel an urge to smoke would even buy a vapor product.

Adults who vape are more likely to quit cigarettes, study finds - CNN

BOULDER CITY, COLORADO: (HEADS UP!) Boulder City Council meeting at 6 p.m. TONIGHT (7/16) to discuss possible flavor ban, Tobacco/Vapor 21 and other restrictions on vapor products that would severely limit adult access to far safer products!

Boulder Valley School District parent group urging Boulder City Council to regulate e-cigarettes

RESEARCH: U.S. National Institutes of Health survey study, published July 15 in the journal Substance Use & Misuse, suggests banning flavors and lowering nicotine levels in vapor products is "a strategy that could backfire."

http://bit.ly/2XO0Dnd

SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI: (HEADS UP!) Council to VOTE TONIGHT on denying adults 18-20 who smoke access to safer alternatives. Local doctor says "Adults who are wanting to quit smoking are not interested in flavors," but FDA-approved Nicorette apparently disagrees.

City council to vote on regulations regarding Tobacco 21

VENTURA, CALIFORNIA: (HEADS UP!) City moving towards flavor/online sales bans, irrationally removing safer alternatives to smoking from the market, while leaving cigarettes and other combustible products freely sold throughout the city!

Ventura moves toward banning flavored tobacco, in shops and online
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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]

July 17, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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OHIO: (CALL TO ACTION UPDATE!) HB 166 was NOT amended to remove a 10¢/mL tax on e-liquid that would unjustifiably charge people extra for making the responsible decision to switch to vaping and stop smoking. We have roughly 24 hours to get as many phone calls and emails to Governor Mike DeWine urging him to VETO THE VAPOR TAX!

OH - Stop Extra Taxes on Vaping!

NEW YORK & DELAWARE: (UPDATE) States raised age to purchase tobacco to 21, but also denied adults 18-20 who smoke access to low risk products that actually help them quit smoking. These laws have so far failed to reduce illegal youth use in other cities and states.

New York: Governor Cuomo signs legislation to raise smoking age to 21 statewide
Delaware: Delaware Raises Legal Age For Smoking, Buying Tobacco Products From 18 To 21

CARMEL, INDIANA: (UPDATE) With NO EVIDENCE of risk to bystanders, city treats vaping same as smoking by banning use in most public places. Takes away businesses' CHOICE to cater to vapers, misleads public on risks & justifies future sin taxes/flavor bans.

Carmel votes to ban e-cigarettes from most public places

IN THE NEWS: Study linking vaping to heart attacks muddied amid spat between two tobacco researchers. Harm Reduction expert @BradRodu takes on false claims and bad science put out by long-time ANTZ (Anti Nicotine and Tobacco Zealot) @ProfGlantz.

Study linking vaping to heart attacks muddied amid spat between two tobacco researchers
___________________________________________________________________________
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]

July 18, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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THE MORE YOU KNOW: If a teen vaping "epidemic" was creating adults who smoke, the 18-24 age group would be seeing a smoking INCREASE. But (according to CDC data) exclusive smoking & dual use in that group have both DECLINED by around 50% from 2014 to 2018. Where is evidence of a "gateway?"

Tobacco Truth: As Young Adult Smoking Evaporates, “Teen Vaping Epidemic” Appears Overblown

ADVOCACY: Listen to CASAA CEO Alex Clark, discussing the new anti-vaping laws in MD & VA, and higher tobacco/vapor taxes in D.C, vs Matt Meyers from Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids on The Kojo Nnamdi Show today!

https://thekojonnamdishow.org/audio...-state-of-smoking-in-the-region/114764/@00:00

CRESTED BUTTE, COLORADO: (UPDATE) City still sending a 40% tax on vapor and smoke-free products to voters this fall, but exempt nicotine-free liquids and hardware. A $25/60 ml bottle would cost $35 which, for many people, will be about same cost as cigarettes even with the new $3 cigarette tax.

Council pulls back on proposed tobacco and nicotine tax - The Crested Butte News

OHIO: (CALL TO ACTION UPDATE) State budget passes including a 10¢/mL vape tax & denying adults 18-20 who smoke access to far safer alternatives. A 60 ml bottle would be taxed $6 + sales tax, so a $25 product will now be about $33 which, for many people, will be more than cost of the equivalent in cigarettes.

$69B state budget with tax cuts, health-care transparency on way to approval

CHAMBLEE, GEORGIA: City BANS smoking and VAPING EVERYWHERE except residential streets (for now) & single family homes. ANTZ once said "There's no slippery slope! We just want separate areas in restaurants." But now, some people can't even LEGALLY vape in their OWN RESIDENCE!

Metro city passes restrictive smoking ban, stricter than Atlanta’s
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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]

July 23, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA: (URGENT CALL TO ACTION!) City considering banning safer tobacco & vapor products like the law in San Francisco. Scheduled for introduction TONIGHT at 6:30 PM. Opportunity for public comment at 5:30 PM!

Richmond, CA is moving toward the new vaping prohibition - CASAA

THE MORE YOU KNOW: Get the FACTS from a 10 year vaper and advocate.

"First, I want to say that TODAY IS MY TEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF QUITTING SMOKING. I can say with 100% certainty that, without vapor products, I'd still be smoking today. And I'm horrified and terrified that these low risk products may soon not be available for people who vape or still smoke, while cigarettes remain freely sold..."

Read More: Glimpses Through The Mist: It's My 10 Year Smoke-free Anniversary and I'm Terrified

THE MORE YOU KNOW: FDA makes commercials showing vapor products "magically" turning into cigarettes. It takes magical thinking to claim vaping is a gateway to smoking for youth when high school smoking has DECLINED 17.2% to 8.1% (2009-2018) despite vaping.
FDA Uses Magic Tricks In First TV Ads To Prevent Teens From Vaping

OPINION: (Steve Pociask, American Consumer Institute) "It’s time for policymakers and regulators in the U.S. to stop demonizing vaping and acknowledge that e-cigarettes can help millions of smokers live longer, healthier lives."

E-Cigarettes Could the Save the Lives of Millions of Smokers. Why Aren’t We Talking About It?

RESEARCH: After decades of telling folks that cigarette companies are "adding chemicals to tobacco that make cigarettes more addictive/harmful," they're now surprised people believe "additive-free" or "organic" cigarettes are less addictive/harmful.

No, Natural American Spirits are not better for you, say Minnesota scientists | City Pages
___________________________________________________________________________
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]

July 25, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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KENTUCKY: (HEADS UP!) Proposed 27.5% tax on vapor products to reduce "vaping among teens and pregnant mothers" and raise "badly needed revenue." But vape taxes shown to INCREASE pregnant teen smoking and fewer ADULT vapers means LOWER tax revenue!

High School smoking dropped from 24.1% to 14.3% (2011-2017) while vaping dropped from 23.4% to 14.1% (2015-2017). Adult smoking dropped 29% to 24.6% (2012-2018). KY should be more worried about that 24.6% adult smoking rate and keep vaping more affordable than smoking!

Tax on e-cigarettes proposed to curb the soaring youth vaping in Kentucky

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA: (UPDATE) City passes Tobacco/Vapor 21, denying adults 19-20 who smoke access to safer alternatives. Including vapor products in laws meant to deter youth smoking misleads the public on relative risks and obstructs smoking cessation.

Anchorage raises age to buy tobacco products to 21 - Alaska Public Media

MINNESOTA: (UPDATE) Without any evidence of harm to bystanders, statewide public vaping ban goes into effect August 1st. Such bans mislead public to believe vaping has high health risks, making them more willing to pass flavor/sales bans and higher taxes.

Law prohibiting indoor vaping goes into effect statewide Aug. 1
___________________________________________________________________________
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]

July 31, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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COMMENTARY: (Dr. Brad Rodu) "Make no mistake: the [House Committee on Oversight and Reform JUUL] hearings were about congressional grandstanding, not a discussion of what really threatens American teens."

http://bit.ly/2YzDfcy

IN THE NEWS: Dayton, OH dictates what LEGAL activities employees may do in their OFF-TIME. Using ANY nicotine product, regardless of lack of health risks, is now grounds for denial of employment with the city. Imagine outcry if it was alcohol or caffeine!

Dayton stops hiring smokers, vapers; union worries about ‘slippery slope’

IN THE NEWS: WSJ reports that more than 13 million in US now vape, with well over 50% vaping exclusively. With cigarette sales declining faster than expected, it's crystal clear that over 7 million "just anecdotes" have used vaping to quit smoking.

Marlboro Maker Hit by Slowdown in Cigarette Sales

PIMA COUNTY, ARIZONA: (HEADS UP!) On Tuesday, Aug. 6, the Board of Supervisors will vote on whether to regulate low risk smoke-free products the same as cigarettes, including denying adults 18-20 who smoke access to safer alternatives!

Pima County may increase tobacco purchasing age
___________________________________________________________________________
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
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[kristin]

August 5, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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BOULDER, COLORADO: (URGENT CALL TO ACTION!) Ordinances that would limit availability of and access to safer alternatives to smoking will be introduced TOMORROW (Tues., August 6th at 7 PM). Make plans to attend and speak at this meeting!

CO – Boulder: Stop a Flavor Ban, Taxes, and Tobacco 21 - CASAA

THE MORE YOU KNOW: Even with Tobacco 21 since Jan. 2016 and banning public use, Hawaii reportedly has #2 youth vaping rate in the US. So much for "effective, evidence-based policies." Now they want to ban flavors that help adults avoid smoking relapse.

US surgeon general raises alarm about high rates of vaping among Hawaii kids

WISCONSIN: (HEADS UP!) Tobacco 21 law to prevent TEEN smoking/vaping will also deny ADULTS 18-20, who already smoke or vape access to far safer, low risk alternatives to smoking. NO ONE should be denied access to products that help them keep from smoking!

WI rep. wants to raise age for tobacco, nicotine use to 21

OPINION: (Michelle Minton) FDA can save lives by rejecting Scott Gottlieb's bad recommendations

"The tactical phrasing of “tobacco use” made the public think that teen use of cigarettes had increased, which is not the case."

FDA can save lives by rejecting Scott Gottlieb's bad recommendations

THE MORE YOU KNOW: Watch smoking laws closely. Without ANY evidence, they are increasingly being applied to vaping and even smoke-free tobacco (which definitely doesn't impact bystanders.) After smoking and vaping, what's next?

First they came for the smokers…

IN THE NEWS: Dayton, Ohio Ban on Smokers, Vapers Hiring Draws Massive Public Outrage Among Worker Unions. Most of the employees are opposing the new bill and are planning to take it to the court.

Ohio City's Ban on Smokers, Vapers Hiring Draws Massive Public Outrage Among Worker Unions ~ Hiptoro

OPINION: (Liam Sigaud) "By equating the health risks of e-cigarettes and combustible cigarettes and failing to acknowledge the different relative risks of these products, authority figures are doing a disservice to the millions of smokers who may be seeking a safer alternative but are misled into believing there is no health benefit from switching to e-cigarettes. The consequences of these actions are clear: Fewer smokers will quit and more will die.."

Misleading information on e-cigarettes risks lives

OPINION: (Amanda Wheeler) "Boulder misses the mark on e-cigarettes...all of these new taxes, bans, and restrictions on e-cigarettes have unintended consequences...eliminate the safer alternative while leaving traditional cigarettes in stores."

Opinion: Boulder misses the mark on e-cigarettes
___________________________________________________________________________
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]

August 6, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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WAUWATOSA, WISCONSIN: (URGENT HEADS UP!) City considering 7:30 PM TONIGHT to treat vaping the same as smoking, without any evidence of harm to bystanders, and denying business owners right to allow vaping. Next will be outdoors and in private residences.

Wauwatosa To Consider New Vaping Ordinance: Report

ROCKLAND, MAINE: (HEADS UP!) Aug. 5th vote to ban smoking and VAPING OUTDOORS, without any evidence vaping even a risk to bystanders INDOORS, banning outdoors is patently ridiculous. This is where agreeing to vaping included in smoking bans is leading us.

Rockland considers smoking ban for city parks - By Stephen Betts

CRAWFORDSVILLE, INDIANA: (HEADS UP!) City considering banning use of ALL nicotine and tobacco products (even those that don't expose bystanders to vapor or smoke) on all indoor and OUTDOOR public property. Don't support laws that are NOT EVIDENCE-BASED!

Council to consider ban on tobacco use
___________________________________________________________________________
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
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[kristin]

August 7, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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RESEARCH: Newly published study from Massachusetts General Hospital’s Tobacco Research and Treatment Center provides critical population-level evidence demonstrating that using vapor products daily helps U.S. smokers quit smoking.

Daily e-cigarette use may help smokers quit regular cigarettes

COLUMBUS, INDIANA: (UPDATE) Council voted unanimously to treat low risk vaping like smoking in public, without any evidence of harm to bystanders, and denying business owners right to allow vaping. Next will be outdoors and in private residences.

City smoking ordinance could include electronic smoking devices

ADVOCACY: (INDIA) “Two top courts have stayed vaping bans. It is difficult to argue for prohibiting less harmful alternative to smoking which kills over a million Indians a year," said Samarat Chowdhery, director, Association of Vapers India. @vapeindia

Bombay HC stays state move to ban e-cigarettes, orders FDA to release seized products | Mumbai News - Times of India

CHEYENNE, WYOMING: (HEADS UP!) City considering MONDAY to redefine vaping as smoking, without any evidence of harm to bystanders, and denying business owners right to allow vaping in own property. Don’t support laws that are NOT EVIDENCE-BASED!

City Council committee votes for nonsmoking ordinance amendment

TUSCON/PIMA COUNTY, ARIZONA: (UPDATE!) Tobacco/Vapor 21 law DELAYED by city council/county BOS due to concerns raised during the hearing. 13/17 speakers supported the ordinance. NO ONE should be denied access to products that help them keep from smoking!

Nicotine-buying ban for those under 21 delayed in both the city, county

SACO, MAINE: (HEADS UP!) City considering banning use of ALL nicotine and tobacco products (even those that don't expose bystanders to vapor or smoke) on all indoor and OUTDOOR public property. Don't support laws that are NOT EVIDENCE-BASED!

Saco considers tobacco-use ban in public parks | Journal Tribune
___________________________________________________________________________
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]

August 8, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA: (CALL TO ACTION!) County is considering legislation to ban the sale of flavored vapor and tobacco products within the unincorporated parts of the county. Your stories can make a difference in how they choose to move forward!

CA - Sacramento County - Stop a Flavor Ban!

WHAT TO KNOW: (Seizure reports.)
1) Evidence does NOT establish a clear pattern OR CAUSE for the cases.

2) Additional reports do NOT necessarily indicate an increase in frequency or prevalence of seizures among people who vape.

3) Very few cases considering 10 YEAR time span.

You can read the reports here:
(link: https://www.fda.gov/media/129718/download) fda.gov/media/129718/d…

Self-reports include cases of fainting/blackouts (not actual seizures) and at least one case was taking FDA-approved tramadol (an opioid) that listed her "vaping-related" symptoms as known side effects.

FDA seeks reports related to seizures following e-cigarette use

CHAMBLEE, GEORGIA: (UPDATE) City bans smoking AND VAPING anywhere OUTDOORS that the public congregates. NO EVIDENCE of harm to bystanders from vapor indoors let alone OUTSIDE. The more places smoking is banned, the more places vaping will also be banned!

Chamblee passes smoking ban

COMMENTARY: (Michael McGrady) Understanding Nicotine, Stigma, and Public Health’s Use of Scare Tactics

"...members of the general public still view nicotine with a perception that it is deadly, cancer-causing and sinful. Much of this sentiment is owed to the stigmatization campaigns public health groups have used for years..."

http://bit.ly/2YvrDYW

WHAT TO KNOW: (Teen hospitalizations)

1) Possibly spice/other street drug/adulterated THC oil.

2) Some teens admitted using THC.

3) Synthetic cannabinoids have caused many outbreaks with similar pattern.

4) No other outbreaks related to vaping.

Is the Wisconsin Lung Disease Outbreak Really About Vaping? - Vaping360

WHAT TO KNOW: (Collapsed lung)

1) "Black spots" are air blisters (blebs) that can rupture (pneumothorax.)

2) Experts at Chest Medicine Clinic (CA) see 3-5 patients a week w/condition. About 50% are tall, thin, healthy young men.

3) Common in teens and 20s.

4) A 2013 case of pneumothorax, completely unrelated to vaping, but sounds nearly identical to the current case being attributed to vaping: Tall, thin young man? You could suffer from a collapsed lung

Teen’s lung collapses after 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]

August 12, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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CHEYENNE, WYOMING: (CALL TO ACTON!) Second reading TONIGHT to redefine vaping as smoking, without any evidence of harm to bystanders, and denying business owners right to allow vaping in own property. Tell city council that laws MUST be EVIDENCE-BASED!

WY - Cheyenne - Stop an Indoor Vaping Ban!

NEENAH, WISCONSIN: (UPDATE) City treats vaping same as smoking with NO vape shop exemption, citing health risk to (likely already vaping) employees. Winnebago Co Health Dept spokesperson blatantly LIES to public: "It's not safer than cigarettes."

Neenah adds vaping to its smoking ordinance

MOUND, MINNESOTA: (Tobacco/Vapor 21 UPDATE) "Council member Paula Larson made it clear she hates cigarettes during the council meeting, but said what is more terrifying is having the government tell people what they’re supposed to do with their health."

Mound City Council will consider ordinance that would keep minimum age to buy tobacco at 18

WHAT ADVOCATES SHOULD KNOW: (New gateway study)
1) Association doesn't prove causation. There's no way to know that person wouldn't have used a drug in the absence of vaping products. Indeed, many youth used drugs before vaping ever existed. Additionally, those already at risk of substance abuse are likely to start with legal substances before crossing the line to criminal behavior.

2) Cross-sectional studies included drug use PRIOR to vaping and those clearly aren't a case of vaping as the gateway to drug use.

3) Just one puff of drug counted subject as "user," even if never used again.This clearly could have inflated the statistics of "users."

4) Gateway theories have never been proven and claims are highly controversial.

Vaping linked to marijuana use in young people, research says

Link to study: Association Between Electronic Cigarette Use and Marijuana Use Among Adolescents and Young Adults
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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
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[kristin]

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, COLORADO: (CALL TO ACTION!) City moving toward adopting ordinance banning the sale of flavored vapor products and denying adults 18-20 who smoke access to far safer products. Second reading at Aug. 15th meeting. Take action!

CO - Glenwood Springs - Stop a Flavor Ban!
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[kristin]

August 15, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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GLENWOOD SPRINGS, COLORADO: (CALL TO ACTION!) City moving toward adopting ordinance banning the sale of flavored vapor products and denying adults 18-20 who smoke access to far safer products. Second reading at Aug. 15th meeting. Take action!

CO - Glenwood Springs - Stop a Flavor Ban!

WHAT ADVOCATES SHOULD KNOW: Great read for vaping advocates by tobacco harm reduction advocate (and former director of Action on Smoking and Health in the UK,) Clive Bates.

"In this blog, I examine an extraordinary claim by Professor Stanton Glantz of the University of California at San Francisco. Professor Glantz claims that the US public is right to believe that vaping is as harmful as smoking and that science is now catching up with public opinion.
"This claim is profoundly and dangerously false, and it demands a challenge."

Vaping risk compared to smoking: challenging a false and dangerous claim by Professor Stanton Glantz

IN THE NEWS: (FDA) Trade association/independent small businesses step up to challenge PMTA deadline threatening their businesses (and product choices for the consumers CASAA represents) with a lawsuit filed on Aug 14th.

Vapor Technology Association And Vapor Stockroom File Lawsuit Against FDA

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: (HEADS UP!) Although already illegal to purchase vapor products under 21 in CA, ANTZ push banning the non-tobacco flavors helping adults who smoke quit. Imagine outcry if they tried banning flavored alcohol b/c of teen drinking.

http://bit.ly/31K8yiD

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT: (HEADS UP!) Senate Finance Committee member Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) announced Wednesday that he will introduce legislation to impose a tax on vapor products to discourage teen use, but that's more likely to impact lower income adults trying to quit smoking than teens with disposable income.

Exclusive: Navient CEO personally lobbied Trump administration on preemption
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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]

August 20, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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INDIANA: (HEADS UP!) If you're 18 - 20 years old, you can vote, get married, go into debt & fight for your country, but if this bill passes...you won't be able to buy very low risk vapor or alternative tobacco products that can help you quit smoking!

Ind. senator co-sponsors bill prohibiting sales of tobacco, e-cigarettes to anyone under 21

IN THE NEWS: (INDIANA) Health Dept. says recent hospitalizations for lung illness, reported in media as "vaping," is actually the result of "dabbing" black market substances. "A new way many people are smoking marijuana, using oils, extracts, or concentrates."

IU Health Arnett Doctor Marc Estes says "Probably not directly correlated to the vaping itself opposed to what these individuals are vaping.”

CASAA believes this is is likely true for cases reported in "cluster" of nearby states Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan and Minnesota,

Health officials warn people about vaping inappropriate substances

WRIGHT COUNTY, MINNESOTA: (HEADS UP!) PUBLIC HEARING TUES. 9/17 @ 1PM! If you're 18 - 20 years old, you can vote, get married, go into debt & fight for your country, but you won't be able to buy very low risk products that can help you quit smoking!

Wright County to hold public hearing on T21 ordinance

CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NEW YORK: (HEADS UP!) MEETING WED. 8/21 to ban flavored vape products! Lawmakers wrongly believe adult vapers don't "need" non-tobacco flavors and teens won't want tobacco-flavored (even though teens still smoke regular cigarettes.)

Law introduced to ban flavored e-cigarette ‘juice’ in Cattaraugus Co.

INDEPENDENCE, MISSOURI: (UPDATE) Ordinance to treat vaping the same as smoking and prohibit use in multi-unit PRIVATE residences FAILS TO PASS. Without any evidence of harm to bystanders, city still considering banning public indoor & OUTDOOR use.

Effort would ban people from smoking in Independence apartments

LITCHFIELD, MINNESOTA: (HEADS UP!) Tobacco/Vapor 21 2nd reading in 2 weeks! If you're 18 - 20 yrs old, you can vote, get married, go into debt & fight for your country, but you won't be able to buy very low risk products that can help you quit smoking!

Litchfield City Council approves raising tobacco age to 21

RESEARCH: Yet another survey shows NO "GATEWAY EFFECT" to smoking with teen vaping. Although 30% of high school students in LA reported ever trying vapor products (even 1 puff) & 10% reported regularly using vapor products, actual CIGARETTE SMOKING had DROPPED to 1.7% "HISTORIC LOW" in 2018.

http://bit.ly/30p93yw

GOLDEN VALLEY, MINNESOTA: (HEADS UP!) If you're 18 - 20 years old, you can vote, get married, go into debt & fight for your country, but if this passes...you won't be able to buy low risk vapor/alternative tobacco products that can help you quit smoking!

Golden Valley Considers Raising Age to Buy Tobacco - CCX Media

COMMENTARY: (JACOB SULLUM, REASON) Two dozen patients hospitalized in the Midwest all reportedly vaped something at some point, but we don't know what it was or whether it caused their symptoms. Blaming breathing problems on "vaping" is like blaming food poisoning on eating.

Blaming Breathing Problems on 'Vaping' Is Like Blaming Food Poisoning on Eating
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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]

August 21, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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RESEARCH: National Survey on Drug Use and Health data counters "vaping a gateway to smoking" claim. Report states "Cigarette use generally declined...across all age groups. Some of this decline may reflect the use of electronic vaporizing devices."

Vaping May Be Driving Down Smoking, Says Federal Survey Report

DEBUNK THE HEADLINE:
1) Many behaviors/environmental factors cause vessels to constrict WITHOUT CAUSING HARM, so there's no proof that vaping will cause harm due to the temporary constriction.

2) "Constricted" does NOT equal the "ill-functioning," "damaged" or "inflamed" vessels that are linked with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) and other vascular diseases, yet the headlines WRONGLY use the terms interchangeably.

3) Vaping has NOT been shown to cause OTHER known risk factors for smoking-related PAD, such as carbon monoxide exposure, endothelial function, lipoprotein metabolism, coagulation pathways and platelet function.

Vaping May Harm Your Blood Flow—Even Without Nicotine

CHEYENNE, WYOMING: (HEADS UP!) City to VOTE MONDAY to make vapers, who have QUIT SMOKING, vape only in smoking areas and, without any evidence of harm to bystanders, deny business owners the right to allow vaping even in adult-only establishments.

Cheyenne City Council Weighs Impacts, Benefits of E-Cigarettes

COLUMBUS, INDIANA: (UPDATE) City passes ordinance, without any evidence of risk to bystanders, treating low risk vaping the same as smoking. Somehow a ban inside adult-only businesses, making people vape out on the sidewalk, will "set example" to teens.

Columbus smoking ordinance could include e-cigarettes
___________________________________________________________________________
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]

August 22, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
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THE MORE YOU KNOW: A message from CASAA CEO Alex Clark.

CASAA.org - The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association

ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA: (HEADS UP!) 1st reading BANS VAPING OUTDOORS, with NO evidence of any risk to bystanders, in all 56 city parks, including 11 undeveloped and 12 non-playground parks. Possible 2nd read/vote on 9/4! Tell city council that laws should be evidenced-based!

Smoking ban for Erie's public parks advances

COMMENTARY: (Rob Lyons, Sp!ked) Welcome to Prohibition 2.0! First they came for the smokers. Then the vapers. Then the soda drinkers and meat eaters. All OK because "it doesn't affect ME."

All ‘bad habits’ will soon be treated like smoking

COLUMBUS, INDIANA: (UPDATE) City voted 6-1 to include 60-day implementation period to allow Ordinance Review Committee to add vape shops to the list of exemptions. Not based on evidence, public vaping bans like this mislead the general public to believe vapor is a risk to bystanders.

City OKS public vaping ban — with a catch
___________________________________________________________________________
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