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

[kristin]

August 23, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
___________________________________________________________________________
CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NEW YORK: (UPDATE) Flavored e-liquid ban temporarily tabled Wednesday by the Cattaraugus County Legislature’s Human Services Committee. “We feel it is better to wait...State Legislature is expected to address the issue in the spring.”

Local law banning flavored e-cigarette 'juice' tabled in Cattaraugus County Legislature

EAGLE COUNTY, COLORADO: (HEADS UP!) County awaits survey results to deny adults 18-20 who smoke access to far safer products, increase cost for all vapers with 40¢ per mL "sin" tax designed to discourage switching to vaping.

Eagle County looks to raise minimum age for tobacco purchase to 21

THE MORE YOU KNOW: Anti-nicotine groups envision a happy, nicotine-free world, but evidence suggests nicotine consumers who may self-medicate are at higher risk for substance use disorder after quitting. Is the solution very low risk nicotine alternatives?
Former smokers are picking up some terrible habits that pose major health risks

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA: (HEADS UP!) County lawmakers bow to ANTZ pressure, propose ordinance to ban the non-tobacco flavor vapor products shown to help adults quit smoking and stay quit, leaving most popular unflavored cigarettes freely sold everywhere.

A ban on sales of flavored tobacco for e-cigarettes could be coming to L.A. County

COMMENTARY: (Michelle Minton, CEI) "Anti-tobacco research has become more religion than science, where anyone who dares to deviate from or even question the prevailing dogma is cast out as a heretic." Dogma = deny very low risk nicotine products exist.

Heretics in the Church of Tobacco Control

CARBONDALE, COLORADO: (HEADS UP!) City lawmakers bow to ANTZ pressure, propose ordinance to ban the non-tobacco flavor vapor products shown to help adults quit smoking and stay quit, leaving most popular unflavored cigarettes freely sold everywhere.

Carbondale may join Glenwood, Aspen in flavored tobacco ban

IN THE NEWS: Why is it that Colorado, with "the highest prevalence of teen vaping in the entire country," has had only 1 confirmed hospitalization? Maybe because legal THC products are safer there, even those purchased by teens on the black market?

First case of severe lung illness related to vaping confirmed in Colorado
___________________________________________________________________________
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 27, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
___________________________________________________________________________
IN THE NEWS: UK experts react to reporting "vaping" as cause of recent illness outbreak, death in US. "These [reports] must be investigated as a matter of urgency. However, it is not good practice to assume a causal link ahead of such an investigation."

expert reaction to death in Illinois reported as being linked to vaping | Science Media Centre

VAN BUREN, ARKANSAS: (UPDATE) 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 the low risk vapor/alternative tobacco products that helped you quit smoking!

Van Buren passes new age restrictions on tobacco

SMOKE-FREE ALTERNATIVES: "Snus may be a weird-sounding cigarette alternative at the moment, but along with tobacco-free nicotine pouches like Zyn, this could be where the industry's next big growth spurt comes from."

And no, it DOESN'T cause oral cancer.

This Under-the-Radar Smoking Alternative Could Be Bigger Than E-Cigs | The Motley Fool

FOREST LAKE, MINNESOTA: (UPDATE) 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 the low risk vapor/alternative tobacco products that helped you quit smoking!

Forest Lake approves Tobacco 21 policy

ST. PAUL, 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 law passes, you won't be able to buy the low risk vapor/alternative tobacco products that helped you quit smoking!

St. Paul poised to raise tobacco-buying age to 21

HUTCHINSON, MINNESOTA: (UPDATE) City DECLINES renewed discussion of Tobacco/Vapor 21, allowing adults 18-20 continued access (for now) to the far safer alternatives that helped them quit smoking.

Hutchinson City Council declines renewed discussion of Tobacco 21
___________________________________________________________________________
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 30, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
___________________________________________________________________________
BOULDER, COLORADO: (UPDATE) City bans sale of low risk, smoke-free flavored vapor products while still allowing sale of combustible cigarettes & denies adults 18-20 who smoke access to products 2X more effective in helping people quit than gum/patch.

Boulder bans flavored vaping products, increases buying age for tobacco, nicotine products

CARBONDALE, COLORADO: (UPDATE) City bans sale of flavored low risk, smoke-free vapor products while still allowing sale of combustible cigarettes. Surveys show adults who use flavored vapor products are less likely to relapse & teen use worries overblown.

Carbondale approves aggressive tobacco ban despite criticisms of ‘overreaction’

WISCONSIN: (HEADS UP!) State lawmakers want to deny adults 18-20 who smoke access to low risk, smoke-free products that are shown to be 2X as effective in helping people quit.

Despite claims, Tobacco/Vapor 21 laws have NOT been shown to reduce teen smoking or vaping. In fact, Hawaii passed T21 years ago and now has one of the highest teen vaping rates in the country!

Having an existing T21 law also hasn't stopped states, counties and cities from passing flavor bans, complete sales bans or exorbitant taxes, hurting adults who vape and are well OVER 21 years old.

Wisconsin Lawmaker Proposes Raising Legal Age To Purchase Tobacco Products

PITKIN COUNTY, COLORADO: (HEADS UP!) County commissioners hoping voters will agree to a 40% sin tax on low risk, smoke-free products. ANTZ claim price increases reduces youth uptake (which is debatable), but these increases also disproportionately punish low income ADULTS who aren't even smoking!

Pitkin County will send tobacco tax proposal to November ballot

ADVOCACY: Have you OFFICIALLY joined CASAA?? It’s FREE and takes only a minute or two. Joining CASAA will add you to our membership database, enabling us to provide you with important information, such as the CASAA updates, Calls to Action, and opportunities for engagement in your area. The more members CASAA has, the stronger our influence in the media and with policy makers!

It’s fast and easy . . . and free! (We don't spam or share your contact info!)

Join CASAA - CASAA
___________________________________________________________________________
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]

September 3, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
___________________________________________________________________________
ADVOCACY: CASAA's Alex Clark gets a chance to tell the FACTS to an NBC affiliate about recent illnesses being attributed to "vaping" that are actually linked to black market street drugs, not the retail vapor products that are helping people quit smoking.

Vaping advocate blames lung issues on THC-filled cartridges

HEMPSTEAD, NEW YORK: (HEADS UP!) Town leaders use recent illnesses due to vaping black market street drugs as ridiculous and irresponsible excuse to ban the non-tobacco flavors in legal nicotine vapor products that help adults who smoke avoid relapse.

Hempstead Takes Lead In Aiming To Ban Sale Of E-Cigarettes To Curb Vaping For All

MOUNDS VIEW, MINNESOTA: (HEADS UP!) City takes first steps in denying adults 18-20 who smoke access to products that are 2X more effective to help them quit and >95% safer. T21 laws are NOT evidence based and don't prevent worse laws being passed later!

Mounds View poised to join neighbors, increase tobacco sale age | Lillie Suburban Newspapers - LillieNews.com

COMMENTARY: (Liam Sigaud) "So-called “sin” taxes typically serve two objectives. One is to generate government revenue. The other is to discourage unhealthy behavior."

"Augusta's [Maine] financial assault on vaping achieves neither goal."

http://bit.ly/2jXmRQV

VAIL, COLORADO: (HEADS UP!) Town Council will consider a resolution at its 6PM Tuesday, Sept. 3 meeting, asking voters to consider a special tax of 40% on low risk vapor and smoke-free tobacco products during Vail’s regular general election in November.

Vail to weigh ballot question to impose local sales tax on tobacco, nicotine products - Real Vail

IN THE NEWS: Despite attempts by ANTZ to blame recent reports of respiratory illnesses among vapers on legal e-cigarettes, FDA and CDC (finally!) warn against use of BLACK MARKET products.

Federal Investigators Think Black-Market Vaping Products, Not Legal E-Cigarettes, Are to Blame for Respiratory Illnesses

PIMA COUNTY, ARIZONA: (HEADS UP!) County Board of Supervisors wants to hear from the public about a proposal to deny adults 18-20 who smoke access to the smoke-free products that are shown to be 2X more effective and >95% safer. Tell them "no!"

Pima County wants public input on smoking 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
Find your state info here: Find My State Info - CASAA

 

[kristin]

Michigan - #CallToAction! - Stop the Governor's Flavor Ban! https://votervoice.net/CASAA/campaigns/68242/respond… Starting today, #eliquid flavors other than #tobacco are banned in Michigan (w/ a 30-day sell-through).

 

[kristin]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Governor Whitmer's Executive Ban on Vapor Products Is a Hazard to Public Health

Governor Whitmer’s Executive Ban on Vapor Products Is a Hazard to Public Health - CASAA

 

[kristin]

September 5, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
___________________________________________________________________________
IN THE NEWS: Just days before @GovWhitmer issued her executive order banning flavors, CASAA CEO Alex Clark was interviewed by Michigan CBS affiliate WWMT.

We urge Gov. Whitmer to listen to actual adult vapers to understand how important flavors are!

Addicted Michigan: Electronic cigarette advocate says the devices are helpful

OREGON: (HEADS UP!) Person dies after vaping marijuana, so Sen. @RonWyden's "solution" is to sin tax unrelated nicotine vapor products the same as cigarettes to discourage the use of a 95% safer product that's helping millions of adults quit smoking? Contact him on Facebook, Twitter or at his office, and tell him how vaping has helped you!

http://bit.ly/2ly96Zt

ADVOCACY: CASAA releases statement on Michigan governor's execitive ban on vapor products, condemning it as a "hazard to public health."

Governor Whitmer’s Executive Ban on Vapor Products Is a Hazard to Public Health - CASAA

RESEARCH: FDA finds most "street vapes" linked to hundreds of lung illnesses contained vitamin E acetate, an "oil-like substance" meant to be ingested or applied topically, that may cause lung issues if inhaled. FDA found "nothing unusual" in tested nicotine products.

http://bit.ly/2k5lIXy

BAYFIELD, COLORADO: (HEADS UP!) City taking steps to prohibit adults 18-20 who smoke from buying far safer products that are 2X as effective than gums/patches and more than 95% safer than smoking. T21 laws don't work, so are NOT evidenced-based!

Bayfield takes steps toward 21-and-older smoking ordinance

FRANKLIN, NEW HAMPSHIRE: (HEADS UP!) City considering law to prohibit adults 18-20 who smoke from buying far safer products that are 2X as effective than gums/patches and more than 95% safer than smoking. T21 laws don't work, so are NOT evidenced-based!

Franklin considers raising minimum age to buy, use tobacco products from 18 to 21

LITCHFIELD, MINNESOTA: (UPDATE) City council does "unanimous about face," decides NOT to ban adults 18-20 who smoke from buying far safer products that are 2X as effective than gums/patches and more than 95% safer than smoking.

http://bit.ly/2kumA8f
___________________________________________________________________________
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]

September 9, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
___________________________________________________________________________
ADVOCACY: CASAA's Vice-President, Secretary and Director of Community Outreach, Jennifer Berger-Coleman, wrote an excellent guest commentary on the irrational and dangerous anti-vaping hysteria sweeping the nation.

Another California City Proposes E-Cigarette Ban: Patience Is A Virtue When It Comes To Vaping

YONKERS, NEW YORK: (URGENT CALL TO ACTION!) Bill banning flavored vapor products is being fast-tracked and a committee hearing could happen as early as TOMORROW, September 10, 2019 at 5:00 PM.

TAKE ACTION NOW!

NY - Yonkers - Stop a Reckless Flavor Ban!

PHILANTHROPY: The Help A Smoker In Recovery Project is looking for vaping products to give those entering treatment for addiction. 80% of people entering treatment for addiction are smokers. A worthy cause dedicated to Drew Gliem, a founding director of CASAA. He was a great human being who is truly missed by those of us who knew him!

Helpasmokerinrecovery.org - Home

BELOIT & MIDDLETON, WISCONSIN: (UPDATE) Without any evidence of risk to bystanders, officials eliminate important incentive for ADULTS who smoke to switch to low risk alternatives by making them go outside, even if the business WANTS to allow vaping.

http://bit.ly/2m0ylnc
___________________________________________________________________________
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]

NEW YORK CITY: (CALL TO ACTION!)

THE FLAVOR BAN IS BACK IN THE CITY COUNCIL!

CASAA has learned that the New York City council could vote as soon as THIS THURSDAY on an ordinance that would ban all flavored vapor and other tobacco products. This is serious and we need everyone in the city to respond!

NYC - [URGENT] Take action to stop a flavor ban

 

[kristin]

September 10, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
___________________________________________________________________________
NEW YORK CITY: (CALL TO ACTION!)

THE FLAVOR BAN IS BACK IN THE CITY COUNCIL!

CASAA has learned that the New York City council could vote as soon as THIS THURSDAY on an ordinance that would ban all flavored vapor and other tobacco products. This is serious and we need everyone in the city to respond!

NYC - [URGENT] Take action to stop a flavor ban

REDONDO BEACH, CALIFORNIA: (HEADS UP!) VAPING FLAVOR (including mint and menthol) & PUBLIC USE BANS (including streets, sidewalks, and parks) has passed at first reading. Second reading upcoming. Mayor wants to "take it to the next level and ban sales.”

Redondo bans flavored tobacco, public smoking

GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA: (UPDATE) Starting TODAY, vaping is banned in public. Despite a complete lack of evidence there's any risk to bystanders, violations can carry penalties of up to $500. These laws are always the first step to taxes & flavor bans!

Public vaping ban begins in Grand Island on Wednesday; violators could be fined up to $500

HEALTH COMMENTARY: (Jacob Grier, Slate Magazine) "Lawmakers should refrain from introducing rash legislation that would force the approximately 3 million American ex-smokers who now vape to go back to a product that we know for a fact is likely to kill them. Such an action would not only put smokers’ lives at risk—it would also clear the field for Big Tobacco."

Don’t Ban 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]

September 11, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
___________________________________________________________________________
MICHIGAN: (URGENT CALL TO ACTION!) Flavor ban talking points & email form for House Committee on Oversight PUBLIC HEARING TOMORROW! It is vital that consumers' voices are heard. Even if you do not plan to speak your presence is important!

MI - Tell the House Oversight Committee Why Prohibition is Bad for Public Health!

FEDERAL: (ALL MEMBER CALL TO ACTION!) Take action NOW by sending a message to your federal lawmakers urging them to REJECT anti-vaping legislation and prevent a massive underground market from taking the place of our current legal, regulated marketplace!

We will start delivering your messages one week from now to coincide with a lobby day organized by the Vapor Technology Association.

Vaping Prohibition is On the Table in Congress!

ADVOCACY: (VIDEO) Who is CASAA? What do they do? What's happening around the US? Is vaping legislation & advocacy complete and total anarchy?? Thank you to YouTube vlogger and vaping advocate Grimm Green and his viewers for generously taking the time to find out with CASAA CEO Alex Clark!

If you have the same questions, watch this video!



POLICY COMMENTARY: (Christopher Snowdon) Dispersing the clouds of the vape panic myth--Illicit THC products are the problem

"Dozens of people, mainly young men, have been hospitalized after vaping in recent weeks. That is not a lie, but nor is it the whole truth. They were vaping unregulated street drugs. The forces lined up against e-cigarettes in the USA — and they are legion — have done all they can to obscure this fact."

https://spectator.us/dispersing-clouds-vape-panic-myth/

ADVOCACY: If you are on Twitter, tell @realDonaldTrump that flavored vapor products have NOTHING to do with recent lung hospitalizations. Those are linked to illegal THC "street vapes," not retail nicotine products. Banning flavors will force MILLIONS of adult FORMER smokers back to smoking! #IVapeIVote

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: (CASAA) Trump Administration's Ban on Flavored E-Cigarettes Does More Harm

"Flavors play a critical role in helping people transition away from combustible tobacco products. Prohibiting them means that millions of people who vape are at higher risk of returning to smoking or seeking products through other means. Meanwhile, young people will still try risky behaviors--including cannabis, alcohol, sex, texting while driving, and nicotine products. By destroying the legal, regulated retail environment, the Trump Administration will be sending millions of consumers, regardless of age, to a marketplace in the shadows--away from the oversight of regulators, law enforcement, and parents."

Trump Administration’s Ban on Flavored E-Cigarettes Does More Harm - CASAA
___________________________________________________________________________
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]

September 13, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
___________________________________________________________________________
IN THE NEWS: President Trump supported FDA taking "strong action" against the vapor product industry on Wednesday as HHS Secretary Azar announces "all flavored e-cigarettes other than tobacco flavor would have to be removed from the market.

CASAA members immediately sent opposition tweets to the President () then answered a Call to Action (National Call to Action - Light up the White House Switchboard) on Thursday to swamp the White House switchboard with messages. Members reported busy lines and irritated operators. Eventually, callers were being hung up on or immediately switched to a message line.

On Friday, the President sent a tweet that seemed to soften his stance:

While CASAA found the President's tweet encouraging, we urge advocates to keep making calls and tweeting the President, specifically about how flavors are important to them, and continue to do the national Call to Action to federal lawmakers: Vaping Prohibition is On the Table in Congress!

RESEARCH: Preliminary data shows youth smoking DOWN to 5.8%, once again shattering claims that youth vaping leads to smoking. Vaping "even one puff in past 30 days" now at 27.5% - which is not a surprise with all of the anti-vaping orgs telling youth how "tasty and easy to hide" they are.

PUBLIC HEALTH: This is TRUE public health advocacy. Vaper-turned-small business owner Mark Slis giving powerful testimony at the Michigan hearing.

"Helping these customers to save their own lives has been the most rewarding experience of my life."



ADVOCACY: CASAA Board Director Jim McDonald's Testimony, at the Michigan House Oversight Committee hearing, discussing Governor Whitmer's proposed Executive Order for a statewide flavor ban.



CONNECTICUT: (HEADS UP!) Officials are calling for a ban on nicotine vapor products after six deaths were believed to be linked to vaping products sold on the street and black market containing THC and oils. Officials choosing to ignore the discrepancy.

State leaders call for ban on vaping, e-cigarette products

POLICY COMMENTARY: (National Review) FDA plan to ban e-cigarette flavors is an affront to personal freedom

"The administration has decided that if some teens are going to illegally vape liquids with names like Fruity Hoops, well then, no one can. "

Vaping: FDA Plan to Ban E-Cigarette Flavorings Is Affront to Freedom | National Review

OPINION: (Wall Street Journal)

A Vaping Ban Will Send Smokers Back to the Pack--Banning safe e-cigarette products could reverse the decade long decline in smoking rates.

Opinion | A Vaping Ban Will Send Smokers Back to the Pack

IN THE NEWS: Banning flavored e-cigarettes might cost Trump reelection--2020 wouldn’t be the first time that vapers organized to support or defeat a candidate for elective office.

Banning flavored e-cigarettes might cost Trump reelection

MICHIGAN LEGISLATURE: In case you missed it live, here are links to recordings of Thusdays's Michigan House Oversight Committee hearing discussing Governor Whitmer's ExecutiveOrder banning flavored vapormproducts.

Michigan House TV

Michigan House TV

___________________________________________________________________________
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]

September 16, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
___________________________________________________________________________
NEW JERSEY: (HEADS UP!) Governor Murphy @GovMurphy issued Exec Order Thurs. calling for vaping task force to issue restrictions in 3 weeks. Conflates nicotine devices with illegal street vapes causing illness, urges all NJ residents to stop ANY vaping.

'There Is No Safe Vape': New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy Forms Vaping Task Force To Recommend Possible Restrictions On E-Cigarettes

NEW YORK STATE: (HEADS UP!) Gov. Cuomo @NYGovCuomo issued exec order for DOH commish Zucker to hold an emergency meeting w/PHHPC this week to ban flavored vapor products & more. At press confr. decries teen vaping uptick, ignores record low 5.8% smoking.

Governor Cuomo Announces Emergency Executive Action to Ban the Sale of Flavored E-Cigarettes

SAN JOSE, CA: (HEADS UP!) Councilwoman Carrasco @CM_Magdalena puts out memo calling for San Francisco-style ban on all vapor products (even tobacco-flavored) and flavored tobacco.

San Jose councilwoman proposes ban on vaping products

CALIFORNIA: (HEADS UP!) Gov. Newsom @CAgovernor issues exec order to CDPH to launch $20 mill statewide awareness campaign of vaping risks, remove counterfeit/illegal products, possible tax stamp/enforcement. Says he supports bill to ban flavors next session.

Governor Gavin Newsom Signs Executive Order to Confront Youth Vaping Epidemic

EXPERT OPINION: Former vice president and legislative counsel for the American Heart Association and chairman of the Coalition on Smoking or Health, Scott Ballin, says the message being sent on the federal level about nicotine vaping is "irresponsible."

Vaping and lung illness: Scott Ballin says health officials send wrong message

SAN JOSE, CA: (HEADS UP!) Councilwoman Carrasco @CM_Magdalena puts out memo calling for San Francisco-style ban on all vapor products (even tobacco-flavored) and flavored tobacco. Flavors that ADULTS use to keep from relapsing to smoking!

San Jose councilwoman proposes ban on vaping products

EDITORIAL: (The Philadelphia Inquirer) Regulating e-cigarettes requires a scalpel, not a hammer--Instead of turning to prohibition to address vaping, regulation of e-cigarettes needs to be careful and nuanced.

Regulating e-cigarettes requires a scalpel, not a hammer | Editorial
___________________________________________________________________________
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]

NATIONAL CALL TO ACTION (UPDATED 9-18-19): Today CASAA CEO Alex Clark and members of VTA are taking to Capitol Hill to meet with lawmakers! 1000s of you have already sent messages, NOW we need to flood Congressional offices with phone calls TODAY!

http://bit.ly/2knT0RL

 

[zoiDman]

Bump.

And Thank You for your Tireless Work kristin.

 

[kristin]

September 17-19, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
___________________________________________________________________________
MICHIGAN: (UPDATE) Rep. Beau LaFave introduced new measure to eliminate governor’s ability to ban flavored vapor products without consent of lawmakers.

"The health director admitted to Rep. LaFave in a House Oversight Committee hearing last week that she had no idea 80 percent of adult e-cigarette users use flavored nicotine before they announced the flavor ban.

“The majority of adults who use e-cigarettes vape a flavor other than tobacco,” LaFave said. “This ban is an overreach that will potentially make criminals out of adults who are trying to use a safer alternative to kick the habit of traditional tobacco cigarettes. This will undoubtedly create a black market for these products which could be even more dangerous to public health.”

LaFave: Unwise unilateral executive action must be stopped

BREAKING NEWS: (NEW YORK) Health dept has approved Gov. Cuomo's 90-day Exec. Order banning retail sales of all flavored vapor products (ex. tobacco and menthol). Yet NO evidence ban will reduce teen use or stop the unrelated contaminated THC illnesses.

http://bit.ly/2kS3lpp

BREAKING NEWS: Michigan retailers have 14 days to stop selling flavored vapor products under emergency rules the Department of Health and Human Services filed today. Yet NO evidence ban will reduce teen use or stop the unrelated contaminated THC illnesses.

Michigan officially bans sale of flavored e-cigarettes

OHIO: (HEADS UP!) Governor Mike DeWine says he’s looking into a statewide ban on flavored vapor products - those used by adults to successfully keep from smoking cigarettes - due to completely unrelated lung illnesses linked to contaminated street drugs.

http://bit.ly/2kGqcnT

SOUTH CAROLINA: (HEADS UP!) Representative Beth Bernstein drafting bill to pre-file in Dec. to ban flavored vapor products for ADULTS, based on reporting of a teen vaping "epidemic" that has been followed with a record low 5.8% national teen smoking rate.

SC lawmakers considering ban on flavored e-cigarette, vaping products, raising minimum age

SAN ANTONIO,TEXAS: (HEADS UP!) City attorney looking into City's authority to ban flavored vapor products - those used by adults to successfully keep from smoking cigarettes - due to completely unrelated lung illnesses linked to contaminated street drugs.

EXCLUSIVE: S.A. Could Become First in Texas to Ban 'Fruit Flavored' Vaping | News Radio 1200 WOAI

ILLINOIS: (HEADS UP!) State lawmakers introducing bill to ban flavored vapor products - those used by adults to successfully keep from smoking cigarettes - due to completely unrelated lung illnesses linked to contaminated street drugs.

Illinois wants to ban flavored e-cigarettes

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: (HEADS UP!) Mayor Lori Lightfoot wants FLAVOR BAN, while Alderman Raymond Lopez wants a COMPLETE BAN on vapor products, removing 95% safer products for adults while leaving cigarettes on every corner. How does an "epidemic" and "gateway to addiction" = US teen smoking at record 5.8% low??

Mayor Lori Lightfoot calls for ban on flavored e-cigarettes, while alderman says he’ll push to block sale of all vaping products in Chicago

NATIONAL: (HEADS UP!) Sens. Mitt Romney & Jeff Merkley introduced a bill banning flavored vapor products and applying cigarette taxes, among other measures to curb teen vaping, which HASN'T increased US teen smoking as feared - now at record low 5.8%.

https://cnb.cx/2kpWqn1
___________________________________________________________________________
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]

NEW JERSEY: (URGENT CALL TO ACTION!) @GovMurphy's Task Force - based on illnesses caused by illegal, contaminated THC cartridges but instead targeting legal, UNRELATED flavored vapor products - is having a PUBLIC HEARING Tues, Sept. 24, 4-7PM. TAKE ACTION!

NJ - Public Meeting - Vaping Task Force - Sept. 24, 2019

 

[kristin]

September 20, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
___________________________________________________________________________
NEW JERSEY: (URGENT CALL TO ACTION!) @GovMurphy's Task Force - based on illnesses caused by illegal, contaminated THC cartridges but instead targeting legal, UNRELATED flavored vapor products - is having a PUBLIC HEARING Tues, Sept. 24, 4-7PM. TAKE ACTION!

NJ - Public Meeting - Vaping Task Force - Sept. 24, 2019

MISSISSIPPI: (HEADS UP!) @MississippiAGO is running for governor and gunning for the legal vape products helping adults quit smoking, using the tragic death of a 27 yr old woman, who clarified using THC cartridges before getting sick, as a justification.

AG Hood looks to ban vaping in Mississippi

RESEARCH: If you watch or share anything today, it should be this CBS This Morning interview with New York University professor David Abrams laying out all of the FACTS about vaping! #truthbomb #vapingsaveslives

"There a very strong concern [in the US] that is more focused on both teens and the "evil" of the big tobacco industry that tends to distort the science and leads to exaggerated harms and omission of benefits."

Public health expert worries e-cigarette panic is ruining "single biggest public health opportunity" in 120 years - CBS News

DAWSON COUNTY, GEORGIA: (UPDATE) VAPE BAN STOPPED! Showing what a determined and passionate group of people can do, vaping advocates convince county commissioners to back off from a flavor ban and denying license renewal for vape shops.

Commissioners hit pause button on vape ordinance - Dawson
___________________________________________________________________________
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]

September 26, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
___________________________________________________________________________
MICHIGAN: (CALL TO ACTION!) HB 4996 would strip state’s DOH of the ability to ban manufacture/sale of vapor products.

Just 539 people have completed this Call to Action, which could UNDO the Michigan flavor ban. Folks, if you won't stand up yourselves, don't expect someone else will do it for you! YOU are CASAA! Take action now!

We need your help to get this bill moving! Take action NOW-->MI - Stop the Dept. of Health from Banning Vaping - SupporT HB 4996

PUBLIC HEALTH TRAGEDY: Poll shows more Americans are being MISLED to believe that vapor products aren't safer alternatives to smoking or a good way to quit smoking. Most now convinced products need to be regulated like combustible cigarettes.

More Americans say vaping is as dangerous as smoking cigarettes: Reuters poll | Physician's Weekly

MASSACHUSETTS: (EMERGENCY CALL TO ACTION!) Vape shops being visited & shut down by law enforcement on Gov's order. This is the most extreme (and outrageous) enforcement action to date. Consumers MUST RESPOND to this EXTREME GOVERNMENT OVERREACH!

MA - Emergency Alert! - End the War On Vaping!

RHODE ISLAND: (URGENT CALL TO ACTION!) Governor Raimondo is expected to announce an emergency order that would ban the sale of ALL vapor products that help adults who smoke TODAY. Tell her you OPPOSE this order! Call (401) 222-2080 NOW!

RI - Emergency Action! Call the Governor - Oppose the Vape Ban!

CONNECTICUT: (CALL TO ACTION!) Urge your lawmakers to resist calls to ban flavored e-liquid or going as far as enacting a Massachusetts-style total ban on sales of vapor products. Take Action NOW - Make A Call & Send A Message!

CT - Stop a Ban and Extreme Regulation on Vaping!

VIRGINIA: (HEADS UP!) @GovernorVA may issue "ban on vaping" in near future. Unclear if he intends to ban the new street drugs making people deathly ill or the legal nicotine products that have been helping adult smokers for over a decade without issue.

Gov. Northam considering ban on vaping in Virginia

MAINE: (HEADS UP!) Sen. Rebecca Millett introducing a bill to ban sale of all vaping products in the state until they have FDA approval. No worries. FDA-protected combustible cigarettes will still be sold throughout the state.

Maine lawmaker to introduce bill to ban sale of vaping products

VERMONT: (HEADS UP!) @GovPhilScott exploring whether the state should institute a ban on the sale of vaping products. He must like the pictures like this coming out of MA, showing cigarettes without competition, bringing in tax revenues and MSA funds.

Vermont considering banning sale of vaping products

NEW HAMPSHIRE: (HEADS UP!) "Thanks" to Rep. Knirk, ALL flavored vapor products that "obviously target teens, not adult smokers" would be banned. Adults who vape can buy the mint, orange, cinnamon, cherry or fruit chill nicotine gums that don't target teens.NH lawmaker proposes flavored e-cigarette ban | News

___________________________________________________________________________
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]

September 27, 2019
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
___________________________________________________________________________
OHIO: (CALL TO ACTION!) Rally at the Statehouse on OCt. 1st AND use our handy form to easily email/call your representatives in the Assembly, asking them to OPPOSE HB 346 & HB 347 and any other proposals that prohibit sales of life saving products!

OH - Rally At The OHIO Statehouse (10.01.19)!

WASHINGTON: (HEADS UP!) Gov. Inslee press conference at 11 AM (Pacific) to announce executive order. Likely jumping on flavor "ban" wagon, taking advantage of illnesses due to illegal street drugs to ban unrelated nicotine products helping adult smokers.

Inslee Executive Order On Vaping Expected Friday

OREGON: (HEADS UP!) Ban insanity virus spreads further to West Coast! Gov. Katie Brown is considering temporary ban on retail vapor products helping adults refrain from smoking, which would have ZERO effect on the already illegal street drugs that have been strongly linked to the recent outbreak.

http://bit.ly/2nLpXsC

RESEARCHER: Crusade Against Vaping Catastrophic for Public Health

"Climate of terror and intimidation against e-cigarettes, which is far from being justified, will very likely result in a massive wave of vapers relapsing to smoking."

- Dr. Konstantinos Farsalinos

http://bit.ly/2mpn9Bg
___________________________________________________________________________
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