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

[kristin]

January 27, 2020
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
Calls to Action in Vermont, New Hampshire and New York! Heads Up in Maine, Florida and Kentucky. vape junk science looks at teen seizures. New research debunks "teen vaping epidemic."
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VERMONT: (CALL TO ACTION!) S 288 (outlawing ALL flavored vapor products except tobacco flavor) is scheduled for a hearing on JAN 30th BUT testimony is invitation-only! TAKE ACTION NOW! Send your officials a message urging them to reject this legislation!

VT - Stop Flavors Prohibition (S. 288)!
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NEW HAMPSHIRE: (CALL TO ACTION UPDATE!) Two bills, HB 1410 (flavor ban) & HB 1624 (temporary sales ban), are scheduled for ANOTHER public hearing on THURS, JAN 30 @ 9:00 AM! Please make plans to attend this hearing and/or click link to SEND A MESSAGE!

NH - Stop a Flavor ban and Sales Ban (Public Hearing)
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NEW YORK: (CALL TO ACTION UPDATE!) S 7050 has a twin (A 9553) in the Assembly which means this ridiculous product standard (requiring vapor products to impossibly be free of any trace of metals, regardless of toxicity level, ignoring "the dose makes the poison") is likely to move fast. Take action by commenting directly on the bill and sending a message to your officials!

NY - Stand Up To Vaping/Flavor Bans!
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MAINE: (HEADS UP!!) Citing EVALI back in September (now shown to be UNRELATED) Senator's bill banning nicotine vapor products (exempting cannabis sold by dispensaries) until FDA-approved has committee PUBLIC HEARING on FEB 5th @ 8AM, Cross Bldg in RM209!

Maine introduces a ban to prohibit the sale of vaping products – The Maine Campus

Link to text and committee information for LD 2052 & SP 725 banning sale of e-cig/vapor products: LD 2052, SP 725, Text and Status, 129th Legislature, Second Regular Session
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RESEARCH: NYU School of Global Public Health study (published this month in the journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research) of NYTS data finds essentially what we've been saying all along--there is no "teen vaping epidemic" and no "gateway" effect!

#QuitLying

Most Young People Do Not Vape, and Even Fewer Vape Regularly
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VAPE JUNK SCIENCE: Dr. Neal L. Benowitz's editorial in Journal of Adolescent Health, "Seizures After Vaping Nicotine in Youth: A Canary or a Red Herring?" takes a scientific look at "link" between vaping and teen seizures but seems to find a lot of junk.

Seizures After Vaping Nicotine in Youth: A Canary or a Red Herring? - ScienceDirect
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PALM COAST, FL: (HEADS UP!) Councilman Howell still proposing laws mostly covered by state law (ie. public use ban, selling vape equipment to minors.) We aren't sure what he's up to, so residents/businesses should look very closely into the details!

City to consider road resurfacing, e-cigarette sales and trespass warnings at upcoming workshop | Palm Coast | Palm Coast Observer
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KENTUCKY: (HEADS UP!) State lawmakers apparently haven't read study out of Minnesota showing vape taxes prevent adults who smoke from quitting; proposing a 27.5% wholesale tax to bring in line with cigarette tax; despite state's 23% adult smoking rate!

Bill to tax e-cigarettes a step in right direction - The Advocate-Messenger
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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]

January 28, 2020
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
Calls to Action in Rhode Island, Maine and Indiana! Heads Up in Illinois and Utah.
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RHODE ISLAND: (CALL TO ACTION UPDATE!) RALLY opposing Governor Gina Raimondo’s flavor ban is scheduled for Wednesday, January 29, 2020-2:30 PM to 6:00 PM-State House Rotunda! See link for more information.

RI – Speak Up Against the Flavor Ban (Rally – 01.29.20) - CASAA
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MAINE: (CALL TO ACTION!) Bill prohibits sale of vapor products until (for one) FDA approves USE as "an evidence-based tobacco cessation strategy." FDA doesn't approve products that way, only INDIVIDUALLY applied as drug therapy, so actually PROHIBITION. Take action NOW!

ME - Stop an All-out ban on Vapor Products! (SP 725)
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INDIANA: (CALL TO ACTION!) Lawmakers want to decide for adult consumers what is an "acceptable" level of nicotine for them. Today, it's an arbitrary 20 mg/mL, but tomorrow it could be ZERO. This may also be a precursor to a FLAVOR BAN. Take action TODAY!

IN - Stop an Unscientific Nicotine Cap on Vaping!
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ILLINOIS: (HEADS UP!) ALA working with state lawmakers to LIE to public about health risks of second-hand vapor in order to ban public use; conflating with tainted THC outbreak. These LIES then used to justify more prohibitive laws and even higher taxes! Additionally, there is no reason for a LAW to ban vaping in public spaces, because businesses and government locations already have the RIGHT to prohibit vaping.

Illinois hit hard amid nationwide e-cigarette and vaping lung injuries

UTAH: (HEADS UP!) Numerous anti-vape bills being proposed this session, including SB 37, which (among other things) levies an 86% TAX on manufacturer's sale price of vapor products! Note: Tax "compromises" haven't prevented flavor or sales bans elsewhere.

Utah County Board of Health reiterates support behind potential vaping legislation
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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]

January 31, 2020
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
Calls to Action in Virginia, Florida and New Mexico! Heads Up Iowa. CASAA files amicus brief in FDA lawsuit; updates state info pages.
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CASAA IN ACTION: CASAA has filed an amicus brief in the PMTA deadline appeal of American Academy of Pediatrics et al., vs FDA, asking the court to consider the devastating effect the May 2020 deadline will have on millions of #vaping consumers! #PMTAreform

https://www.khlaw.com/Files/42325_CASAA Amicus Brief Final Fourth Circuit.pdf
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FLORIDA: (CALL TO ACTON UPDATE!) SB 810 (online sales ban) & SB 1394 (85% wholesale tax) scheduled for a committee meeting MONDAY. Send a message to the committee NOW! Click link for meeting info, contact info, talking points & a pre-written comment.

FL – (Updated) Take Action to Stop an Online Sales Ban and Vape Tax! - CASAA
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VIRGINIA: (CALL TO ACTION!) Two bills (SB 852, HB 1120) that would enact new 39% wholesale taxes on vapor products are on the move in the VA legislature!

TAKE ACTION! Please reach out to your officials in VA and urge them to oppose these bills!

VA - Stand up to Vapor Taxes!
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NEW MEXICO: (CALL TO ACTION!) SB 91, banning sale of flavored vapor products (except tobacco flavor) is scheduled to be heard by the Senate Public Affairs Committee in a few minutes. Send your senators a message to oppose this bill if passed by committee!

NM - Stand Up to a Flavor Ban! (SB 91)

CASAA IN ACTION: (HELP NEEDED) We have recently updated our state information web pages! If you see any errors in the state lawmakers contacts, outdated or missing laws/taxes, broken links, etc., please message us. Thank you!

Find My State Info - CASAA
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IOWA: (HEADS UP!) Proposed law LIES to public about health risks of second-hand vapor in order to ban "public" use. (NOTE: businesses ALREADY have the RIGHT to prohibit vaping.) These LIES will be used to justify MORE prohibitive laws and higher taxes!

Iowa bill could make vaping even more restricted than 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]

February 3, 2020
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
Calls to Action in Nebraska! Heads Up Puerto Rico and Oregon. Consumers must take action. Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids still lying. News out of Michigan and New York.
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NEBRASKA: (CALL TO ACTION!) STOP A FLAVOR BAN!
LB 1176, which would ban the sale of vapor products in flavors other than tobacco and menthol is scheduled for a hearing on Monday, February 3, 1:30 PM

Take action by sending a message and making plans to attend the hearing (we realize this is late notice, so please send your messages if you are unable to quickly make changes to your schedule).

NE - Stand Up To A Flavor Ban! (LB 1176)
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TAKING ACTION: A member's story emphasizing our frequent call for CONSUMERS to SHOW UP at hearings & MEET lawmakers. Many politicians distrust industry & don't believe that ADULT consumers want flavors, quit smoking, are healthier or even exist. Don't forget: YOU are CASAA, too!

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BREAKING NEWS: (MICHIGAN) As suspected, teen's lung damage was caused by vaping THC that—as in all other confirmed cases—was likely tainted with vitamin E acetate. No retail nicotine product used in these cases were reported as adulterated or contaminated.

Michigan teen who needed double lung transplant finally admits he vaped marijuana — but the media is still clouding the issue
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PUERTO RICO: (HEADS UP!) US Territory facing a slew of anti-vaping legislation! PC2245, banning sale of flavored vapor products, passed the House w/out public hearing. PS1392 would prohibit use & sale of vapor products...and more!

TAKE ACTION NOW!

A Message From VAPR:

There are multiple ongoing efforts in Puerto Rico to ban vaping. PC2245 would ban flavored nicotine liquids, and already passed the House 43-2 in a no-hearing vote. It now moves on to the Senate where it is expected to be signed, in keeping with Gov. Wanda Vazquez’s stated interested in a ban. PS1392 would prohibit the use and sale of electronic cigarettes outright on the island, and is also fast tracked for Senate committee.

In the city of San Juan, Ordenanza 11 would impose a massive $5,000 tax on any business involved in the sale of electronic cigarette products - double the amount in a far wealthier state like Connecticut – which would only further cripple the local vapor industry. Just like in the US, the vapor industry in PR took a hit of about 50% after this summer’s THC cartridge outbreak, and has been slower to recover.

On October 8th, VAPR deposed the House Health and Consumer Committee in regards to first proposed ban and, like many groups doing the same thing nation-wide, argued for a commonsense reaction to THC-related injuries while seeking to educate lawmakers and the public about the reality of electronic cigarettes. This meeting was revelatory, demonstrating the local agencies tasked with enforcement lack the resources to implement the intended ban, while noting that existing anti-youth smoking efforts directed at places like mini-markets and gas stations are essentially without funding. Much like NY and MA, the testimonies of local agencies were uninformed about the basic facts of the lung cases as well as electronic cigarettes in general.

In the run up to the Oct 8 deposition, business owners and vape users on the island created Vapeadores Aliados por Puerto Rico, VAPR, in order to defend the right to vape and protect the island’s small vapor industry. Our deposition to the House committee’s original anti-vape legislation successfully stopped it in it’s tracks, but PC2245 and PS1392 made it past without a single follow-up or hearing. Amongst our local membership we have raised enough funds to begin paying for the legal and media battle to save vaping in Puerto Rico, but we need more help.

As we approach election season, there is little doubt that the Governor will sign a full-on electronic cigarette ban into law. All of the groups work is done on a volunteer basis, and 100% of any donation goes to our legal fund. Visit www.grupovapor.org and click on DONACIONES at the top of the page to access our secure and encrypted donations page.

Since it’s creation, VAPR has worked to establish a presence online as well as in traditional media, appearing on news outlets like El Nuevo Dia, Primera Hora, Univision, WAPA, and Radio Isla. VAPR members have also appeared on locally well-known talk shows like Jugando Pelota Duro and Ahí Está la Verdad by Normando Valentin. Our website, www.grupovapor.org, and Facebook page (www.facebook.com/VapeadoresAliadosPR) contain updates about our ongoing work, news, as well as copies of our depositions and press releases. VAPR is fortunate to be in regular contact with groups like CASAA as we try to align the discussion in Puerto Rico with the progress that has been made in Washington D.C.

CASAA has created a new Facebook group for Puerto Rico here:

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ANTZ LIES: Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids still deceiving public, claim banning all flavored nicotine vapor products will stop teen vaping. CDC
data proved only 22% said flavors (even when allowed to choose more than one reason & 21% said "to do tricks") while >50% said "curiosity." #QuitLying

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OREGON: (HEADS UP!) Ignoring CDC data (showing 77.7% teens DON'T cite flavors as reason for use,) SB 1577 would ban flavored vapor product sales except tobacco flavor, while HB 4078 would ban online sales (essential for adults who live in areas w/out vape shops!)

Push to ban all flavored nicotine vaping products in Oregon moves to Legislature
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IN THE NEWS: (NEW YORK) AG Letitia James appealed Friday an order by Supreme Court Justice Catherine Cholakis that struck down New York’s emergency ban on flavored e-cigarettes, asking for clarification of how the "separation of powers doctrine" applies.

NY vaping: AG appeals judge’s order that struck down emergency e-cigarette flavor ban
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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]

February 4, 2020
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
Calls to Action in Oregon! Heads Up in Mississippi, Hawaii and California. Hearing reminder in Maine.The more you know about public vaping bans.
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OREGON: (CALL TO ACTION!) Flavor ban HEARING on THURS, FEB 6th! Lawmakers FALSELY claim flavors main reason youth try vaping, "not needed" by adults trying to quit smoking. It's VITAL that CONSUMERS take action (show up/send messages) not just shops!!

OR - Stop a Flavor Ban (Public Hearing)(SB 1577)
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MISSISSIPPI: (HEADS UP!) A "Vaping Summit" is being held at Jackson Preparatory School, 3100 Lakeland Drive in Flowood TOMORROW at 1 - 5:30 PM to address the "vaping epidemic." This is open to parents and businesses. REGISTER NOW!

Making a Difference
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MAINE: Reminder (Public Hearing) - More than a Flavor Ban!

LD 2052 (SB 725) is scheduled for a public hearing, - Wed, Feb. 5, 9:00 AM - Cmte on Health and Human Services - Cross Bldg., Rm 209

Details and TAKE ACTION --> ME - Stop an All-out ban on Vapor Products! (SP 725)
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THE MORE YOU KNOW: Adding vaping to smoking bans isn't just about enforcing "courtesy." It causes the general public to equate vaping with smoking & agreeable to disincentives like high taxes & flavor bans.

Establishments ALREADY have the right to ban vaping without needing a law & now these smoking bans - without any scientific basis - often include OUTDOORS & PRIVATE RESIDENCES. That means vaping would be banned there, as well. There's nothing "reasonable" about that.

ALL laws should be based on supported facts and indisputable science, not "feelings!"

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HAWAII: (HEADS UP!) After intro of bill raising age to 25, stating "almost no one starts smoking after age 25," lawmakers also intro bill raising purchase age for cigarettes AND vaping products annually by 10 years until reaches 100 years old in 2025!

Bill: Raise Hawaii's Smoking Age From 21 To 25
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DANVILLE, CA: (HEADS UP!) Town council discussing FLAVOR BAN TONIGHT @ 7:30 PM! City officials led to believe flavors are reason youth vape, despite CDC data showing 77.7% do NOT cite flavors as reason (over 50% say "curiosity" & 21% say "vape tricks.")

Also looking at flavor bans in California are St. Helena (directed staff Tuesday to draft an ordinance,) Seaside (early stages,) Cupertino (meeting 6:30 TONIGHT) and Pasadena (voted Monday to ban but needs to be finalized, also considering all-out sales ban).

Danville council to consider banning sale of flavored tobacco, e-cigarettes
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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]

February 5, 2020
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
Heads up in Hawaii. Flavor bans have greater consequences. San Luis Obispo bans vapes but not cigarettes. Don't wait to join CASAA.
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HAWAII: (HEADS UP!) CASAA is monitoring several bills moving through legislative committees, including flavor bans, possession fines, 70% tax and banning online sales. Make sure you've joined CASAA (Join CASAA - CASAA) so you don't miss any Calls to Action alerts!

Read article about these bills: https://mauinow.com/2020/02/04/bills-relating-to-flavored-tobacco-bans-up-this-week/
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SCIENCE-FREE POLICY: Flavor bans don't only negatively affect vape consumers. Snus - which does NOT increase risk of ANY disease, is NOT popular with youth & is currently the ONLY alternative FDA-approved to market as lower risk than smoking - also hit.

Juul Won't Be the Only One Hurt By a Ban on Flavored Tobacco Products | The Motley Fool
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TAKING ACTION: We often get an influx of new members AFTER something bad happens in their state. DON'T WAIT - join CASAA today! If you're also on Facebook, please join your state-specific CASAA group. Find the link on your state's web site page at Find My State Info - CASAA

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SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA: (UPDATE) San Luis Obispo City Council voted 5-0 Tuesday to approve a total ban on the sale of vapor products. County sales ban for unincorporated areas begins Feb. 13th. Of course, combustible cigarette sales are still allowed....

https://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/article239532383.html
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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]

February 6, 2020
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
Calls to Action in Virginia, Kentucky and Washington. Heads Up Hawaii (again!) Government warnings only made things worse. Research shows nicotine benefits. More vape junk science.
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VIRGINIA: (CALL TO ACTION!) A NEW bill, SB 966 would ban flavored vapor products! HEARING likely on SUN, FEB 9th or MON, FEB 10th. CONSUMERS TAKE ACTION! Click the link to CASAA's pre-filled form to send a message and plan to attend the hearing!

VA - Stop a Flavor Ban! (SB 966)
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KENTUCKY: (CALL TO ACTION!) Governor Andy Beshear’s 2020-2022 state budget proposes an added tax of $1.00 for every 10 mL on vapor products! HB 351 is scheduled for a hearing TUES, FEB 11th. Send a message and plan to attend the hearing!

KY - Stop a Vapor Tax! (HB 351)
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WASHINGTON: (CALL TO ACTION!) SB 6254 is a MONSTER bill that would severely limit consumer access to low-risk vapor products! 37% retail tax in ADDITION to the 9¢/mL tax, flavor ban, 10 mL bottle size, nic cap, no online sales even to adults. TAKE ACTION! CASAA makes it easy to contact your lawmakers with this pre-filled form!

WA - Stop a Vapor Tax and Unreasonable Product Standards! (SB 6254)
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BAD PUBLIC HEALTH POLICY: Gov't ads "targeting teens" not only piqued #1 reason teens cite for trying vaping (curiosity), they also KNOWINGLY caused public - including adults who smoke - to FALSELY believe that vaping is worse that smoking! #QuitLying

Tobacco Truth: FDA’s So-Called Laser Targeted Advertising is Hypocritical, and Deadly
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RESEARCH: ANTZ claim there's "no benefit" from nicotine use and say it can cause "youth brain damage"...in rats. Yet many studies contradict those claims. One finds nicotine can imitate acetylcholine, which is important for learning, memory and attention!

The good side of nicotine
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HAWAII: (HEADS UP!) Bill to push smoking/vaping age to 25 passed 1st committee, citing "harmful effect on developing brains" completely based on RAT studies. Moreover, raising to 21 in 2016 did NOTHING to stop youth vaping. Hawaii is now #2 or #3 in US!

Smoking in the crosshairs: Bill raising Hawaii’s legal tobacco age to 25 passes House committee - West Hawaii Today
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VAPE JUNK SCIENCE: Study at least eliminates attributing effects of past smoking to vaping BUT all who smoke were once "never-smokers." Likely never-smoker vapers would have otherwise started smoking. Comparison should still be to smoking not fresh air!

LSU study looks at how vaping impacts previous non-smokers
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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]

February 10, 2020
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
National Junk Science Call to Action. Heads Up Montgomery County, MD. Video: What people are getting wrong about vaping. New CASAA web page about EVALI. Expert says vaping could help prevent oral cancer from smoking.
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THE MORE YOU KNOW: What people are getting wrong about vaping, EVALI, the US "teen epidemic" claim, nicotine and "addiction," adults and flavors and even another harm reduction product many vapers get wrong - snus.

#QuitLying #VapingSavesLives


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VAPE JUNK SCIENCE: (CALL TO ACTION!) Published paper claiming #vaping causes heart attacks has been exposed as junk science. Send a message to JAHA editors sharing your story of switching to vaping and how making the switch has improved your health!

02.09.20 – Weekend Heads Up Round Up - CASAA
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SCIENCE-BASED POLICY: The number of adults who wrongly believe nicotine products cause EVALI has risen 8 percentage points since the height of the outbreak in September 2019. CASAA has created a web page with everything you need to know about EVALI.

What You Should Know About E-cigarettes and EVALI - CASAA
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TRUTH ABOUT THR: "Scientific Conversations on Tobacco Harm Reduction" dental expert says #vapor and HNB products could help prevent oral cancer and is a better strategy “than watching our patients who smoke die of oral cancer.”

Many people don't know that smoking has an even greater risk of oral cancer than smoke-free tobacco, including products the public tends to most associate with oral cancer, such as western-style "chew" or "spit tobacco."

Expert sounds alarm on oral cancer – The Manila Times
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SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA: (UPDATE) Citing completely disproven claim that flavors are why youth try vaping (2019 CDC data shows 77.7% cite other reasons,) city bans sales of ANY #vapor products, but still allows sales of deadly combustible cigarettes.

San Luis Obispo bans e-cigarette sales
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MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD: (HEADS UP!) Four legislative initiatives aimed at reducing access to #vaping products will be voted on by County Council in next few weeks, including a flavor ban & banning sales within 1 mile of parks, libraries and all schools.

County Moves Against Vaping - The Town Courier
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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]

February 11, 2020
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
Call to Action in Kansas and South Dakota. Heads up in Wyoming and Davis, California. CDC numbers don't back up Vermont flavor ban. ANTZ nicotine focus preventing adults who smoke from vaping.
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KANSAS: (CALL TO ACTION!) HB 2563 would, among other things, ban the sale of flavored vapor products. Public hearing on THURS, FEB 13th. Lawmakers MUST hear from CONSUMERS! Send a message AND please attend this hearing even if you do not plan to speak!

KS - Stop a Flavor Ban (HB 2563)!
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SOUTH DAKOTA: (CALL TO ACTION!) HB 1064/A would not only ban flavored #vaping products, but also make POSSESSION a 2nd degree misdemeanor, which carries a potential punishment of up to 30 days in jail and a maximum fine of $500! TAKE ACTION NOW!

SD - Stop a Flavor Ban (HB 1064)!
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SCIENCE-BASED POLICY: Vermont lawmakers claim #vaping flavor ban will "protect kids," but the science says that flavors NOT a major factor for youth vaping. CDC data shows only 10% of VT youth users cited flavors as reason and only 8% use open systems.

Publications - Research & Commentary: Flavors Are Not Reason Vermont Youth Use E-Cigarettes | Heartland Institute
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DAVIS, CA: (HEADS UP!) Council scheduled to vote TODAY at 5:30 PM on sales ban of flavored #vaping products. As with other cities, lawmakers use FALSE narrative (as shown by CDC data) that youth try vaping because of flavors intended for adults who smoke.

Davis city council to vote on ban of flavored tobacco sales
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WYOMING: (HEADS UP!) SF 52 would completely outlaw the sale of tobacco or nicotine products online for shipping no matter the purchaser’s age. This will deny access to safer alternatives for many adult residents who smoke/vape in this largely rural state!

Wyoming Senate send nicotine bills, including one banning sales to people under 21, to committee - Casper, WY Oil City News
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RESEARCH: Study shows ANTZ propaganda misleading public to believe ending nicotine use has equal or even greater importance than ending exposure to toxic smoke is main factor (60%) for adults who smoke rejecting much safer #vaping as "substituting one addiction for another."

Cigarette Smokers Often Reject Electronic Cigarettes, Study Shows Cigarette Smokers Often Reject Electronic Cigarettes, Study Shows
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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]

February 13, 2020
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
Heads Up in Kentucky! Flavor bans defeated in Virginia (see video featuring Senator Bill DeSteph) and Oregon. Media misconduct called out.
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BREAKING NEWS: (VIRGINIA) SB966 (a proposed flavor ban) FAILED to pass in the senate - even after a second vote. Thank you #vaping advocates for taking action and to Senator @BillDeSteph for his insightful and accurate remarks! #WeVapeWeVote #QuitLying


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MEDIA MISCONDUCT: Insightful and revealing takedown - by Filter Magazine's senior editor Helen Redmond (@aftariak) - of one of the most biased, misleading, irresponsible and "disgraceful" anti-vaping articles we've seen.

#QuitLying

Dismantling NY Mag’s Disgraceful Hit-Job on Vaping
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KENTUCKY: (HEADS UP!) House committee advances HB 32 to increase cost of life-saving #vaping products w/ 27.5% tax (link misreports as 25%), effectively wiping out significant cost savings incentive for adults to switch from smoking combustible cigarettes!

Bill restricting vaping sales passes House committee
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BREAKING NEWS: (OREGON) Vaping flavor ban FAILS to pass once lawmakers see how much revenue state would lose - proving once again the war on vaping has nothing to do with health & everything to do with political moral posturing. #QuitLying #WeVapeWeVote

Oregon Senate bill to ban flavored vaping products dead after revenue concerns
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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]

February 14, 2020
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
Calls to Action for Maryland, Vermont and South Dakota. Heads Up in Michigan. Wyoming vape tax fails. A Valentine's Day poem.
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ON THIS VALENTINE'S DAY:
Roses are Red
Violets are Blue
Millions of people all over the world are quitting smoking by switching to low-risk, smoke-free tobacco and nicotine products (in flavors other than tobacco*)
and you can too.

(Offer not valid in certain jurisdictions*)

Find My State Info - CASAA
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MARYLAND: (CALL TO ACTION!) Three bills that would ban flavors other than tobacco are moving forward! TAKE ACTION by making contact with your officials (PHONE CALLS & EMAILS).

MD - Stop Several Flavor Ban Bills!
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VERMONT: (CALL TO ACTION UPDATE!) S 288, outlawing every last thread of flavored vapor products (other than tobacco flavor,) is scheduled for ANOTHER HEARING on TUES, FEB 18th. Plan to attend, but also send a message opposing this bill NOW!

VT - Stop Flavors Prohibition (S. 288)! (UPDATED)
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SOUTH DAKOTA: (UPDATED CALL TO ACTION!) Hearing Notice (Flavor Ban - HB 1064) TUES, FEB 18th at 7:45 AM. TAKE ACTION NOW!

SD - Stop a Flavor Ban (HB 1064)!
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MICHIGAN: (HEADS UP!) A six-bill bipartisan package that includes treating #vaping products as though they have the same health risks cigarettes and taxing them at 24% was introduced this week in the Senate. Watch your email for expected Call to Action!

Vaping Products Treated Like Tobacco Under New Michigan Senate Bills - MITechNews
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BREAKING NEWS: (WYOMING) HB 205, which would have levied a 56% wholesale tax on #vaping and other safer alternatives to cigarettes, FAILED TO PASS! Unfortunately, the state is still facing an online sales ban (SF 52) that would hurt adults who vape/smoke!

Bill dies in the Wyoming House which would have raised taxes on tobacco products - Casper, WY Oil City News
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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]

February 17, 2020
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
Calls to Action for Minnesota, Georgia and West Virginia!
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MINNESOTA: (CALL TO ACTION!) HEARING WED, FEB 19th! Even with T21, a 95% tax & CDC data PROVING flavors aren't driving force behind youth #vaping, lawmakers seek to limit ADULT sales to ONLY TOBACCO FLAVOR. So much for taxes protecting the vaping market!

MN - Stop a Flavor Ban (HF 3032)!
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GEORGIA: (CALL TO ACTION!) HB 864, which would enact an extra 7% sales tax on vapor products (e-liquid and devices) is scheduled for a hearing on WED, FEB 19th.

CONSUMERS - TAKE ACTION NOW!

GA - Stop a Vapor Tax (HB 864)!
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WEST VIRGINIA: (CALL TO ACTION!) THREE bills that would raise the tax on #vaping products (one as high as $1 per mL!!) have been introduced, but no hearings yet. CONSUMERS - write your reps now to OPPOSE raising the cost of safer alternatives to smoking!

WV - Stop a Tax Hike on Vapor Products!

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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]

NATIONAL: (CALL TO ACTION UPDATED!) HR 2339 (flavor ban) was voted forward to a full vote TOMORROW at 9 AM (ET). Now includes a TAX (HR 4742) on #vaping products much HIGHER than federal tax on cigarettes! Even more ridiculous, because the flavor ban = nothing left to tax! Keep contacting your representatives!

Vaping Prohibition is On the Table in Congress!

 

[kristin]

BREAKING NEWS: (VAPING FLAVOR BAN) White House releases statement OPPOSING HR 2339, says claims unsupported by "evidence regarding harm reduction and American tobacco use habits" ("teen epidemic?"), warns President will be advised to VETO if passed as is!

https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/SAP_HR-2339.pdf

 

[kristin]

ALASKA: (CALL TO ACTION!) SB 182, a 75% wholesale tax on vapor products, is scheduled for a public hearing on Tues, March 3rd! Please make plans to attend this hearing, even if you do not plan to speak!

AK - Stop a Vapor Tax (SB 182)!

 

[kristin]

VIRGINIA: (CALL TO ACTION!) Governor Northam is proposing a 6.6c/mL tax on e-liquid as part of Virginia’s 2020-2022 budget (SB 30).

Please take a moment to make contact with members of the Budget Conference Committee!

VA - Remove a Vapor Tax from The Budget!

 

[kristin]

CONNECTICUT: (CALL TO ACTION!) HB 5020, which would ban the sale of vapor products in flavors other than tobacco and impose an arbitrary limit on nicotine content of 35mg/mL, is scheduled for a PUBLIC HEARING on FRIDAY, MARCH 6th!

CT - Stop A Flavor Ban (HB 5020)!

 

[kristin]

MINNESOTA: (CALL TO ACTION UPDATE!) HF 3032 (Flavor Ban) is scheduled for its next hearing WED, MARCH 4th!

Please make plans to attend this hearing. Even if you do not plan to speak, your presence is important! (Click link for info about speaking.)

MN - Stop a Flavor Ban (HF 3032)!

 

[kristin]

OSHKOSH, WI: (HEADS UP!) City to vote TUES to ban #vaping in public. Businesses ALREADY have right to prohibit vaping, vape bans NOT science-based & public/shop ban will have ZERO impact on youth use. These bans only mislead the public to wrongly equate vaping with smoking risks and support extreme regulations!

Oshkosh to consider proposal to ban vaping indoors that wouldn't exempt vape shops

 

[kristin]

March 9, 2020
(via CASAA Twitter @CASAAMedia)
Heads up in California. More junk science from Stanton Glantz. Georgia lawmaker gets harm reduction - sorta. New York Post points out hypocrisy of vaping flavor bans.
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REDWOOD CITY, CA: (HEADS UP!) City considering a #VAPING product BAN tonight at 7 PM! With only 22% of youth citing flavors as a reason for trying vaping, such bans won't stop youth experimentation, but will definitely HARM ADULTS who smoke or vape!

Redwood City eyes ban on vaping, flavored tobacco

VAPING JUNK SCIENCE: Based on meager research that clearly states "IF" and "MAY," ANTZ mislead public with claim that quitting vaping reduces risk of lung disease caused by the corona virus. Now NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio is repeating that lie. #QuitLying

Smoking or vaping increases risks for those with coronavirus: NYC mayor

SCIENCE-BASED POLICY: @brettharrell GETS IT RIGHT by decreasing cost of very low risk #snus to encourage adults to switch, but misses own point by increasing cost of SMOKE-FREE #VAPING, which is appealing to more US adults who smoke - particularly women.

Tax cut for ‘modified risk’ tobacco added to Georgia House vape bill

OPINION: (New York Post) "Maybe you simply have to leave the Legislature before you can recognize blatant hypocrisy."

(Note: NY also just decriminalized cannabis. How about they just stop trying to tell legal adults what they can or can't put into their own bodies!?)

https://nypost.com/2020/03/08/it-seems-ny-lawmakers-cant-even-recognize-hypocrisy
______________________________________________________________________
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