Over vaping devices, New Trier High School refers students to local police, who have issued dozens of tickets in last 3 years – The Record – The…

New Trier High School is among numerous Illinois schools that refer students to local law enforcement following certain on-campus transgressions, as revealed on April 28 in a thorough investigation by ProPublica and the Chicago Tribune.

The report explains how students in districts across the state face fines and court appearances for relatively minor in-school offenses, even though a state law prohibits schools from fining students as a form of discipline.

According to the reports findings, over the most recent three school years (2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21), Winnetka and Northfield police combined to issue 62 citations (Winnetka: 56; Northfield: 6) to New Trier students for violations occurring on school grounds.

School officials told The Record that a vast majority of the citations were part of an initiative to curb student use of vaping devices to consume nicotine and marijuana. Other districts in Illinois, according to the articles research, refer students to local law enforcement for violations such as truancy, littering and vulgar language, among other things.

A day after the investigation was published, Illinois State Board of Education Superintendent Dr. Carmen Ayala sent a letter to all Illinois school leaders, urging them to immediately stop enabling the fining of students.

Alaya wrote in the letter that fines can have a tangible impact on the safety, security, and wellbeing of an entire family and that multiple laws in Illinois intend to prohibit the ticketing of students as a form of discipline.

However, some schools have found loopholes between the Illinois School Code and the Municipal Code and abdicated their responsibility for student discipline to local law enforcement, she says.

New Trier Superintendent Dr. Paul Sally said the district will review its policies in response to Ayalas letter, but he does not believe referring offending students to police runs afoul of the state laws in all cases.

Sally added that he understands scrutiny for law-enforcement involvement in certain in-school offenses, such as truancy, but believes the districts policy to combat vaping devices aligns with the health and safety priorities of the community.

The shared interest for our community is keeping our adolescents healthy, Sally wrote in an email to The Record. The Village has a vested interest in partnering with us to put policies, procedures, and ordinances in place that promote and support the health and safety of our students. To that end, we follow local ordinances when it comes to engaging the police on violations such as nicotine and THC possession, and in the aim to help students learn and grow, the primary consequences the police use are community service and peer jury.

In 2018, Sally said, New Trier student usage of vaping devices more than doubled from 19 percent in both 2014 and 2016 to 42 percent leading to a new district strategy involving local law enforcement.

A district memo to the School Board in August 2018 mentions fines and court appearances as possible consequences for vape usage or possession.

To address this issue along with an increase in marijuana usage due to vaping, we made curricular and policy changes with the goal of educating students about the risks, helping them make informed choices, and when appropriate, providing a consequence, Sally wrote.

In the memo, Asst. Superintendent for Student Services Tim Hayes wrote that addressing the vaping concerns requires a community-wide approach and reported that beginning that school year the district would notify its school-resource officers who are employees of the local police departments when a student is found in possession of a vaping device or e-cigarette.

Our hope is that these citations will provide an additional incentive for students to cease using these devices, Hayes wrote.

Winnetka Police Chief Marc Hornstein said the school resource officers have discretion on whether to issue a citation, which may include a fine if the offending student is under the age of 18. A fine does not accompany a marijuana citation, he said, but $75 is the departments standard fine for underage tobacco use. Hornstein added, however, that in most cases fines are waived in favor of community service or peer jury deliberation. A court hearing fee of $40, though, may still apply.

Sally said that the strategy has reduced student vaping on school grounds.

Hornstein told The Record that the Winnetka Police Department does not typically work with Winnetka Public Schools District 36 to issue tickets to students. Neither does the Wilmette Police Department, according to Chief Kyle Murphy, who said most Wilmette schools handle disciplinary issues in-house and the goal of both the district and police department is to avoid citing students unless it is necessary to open the door for a specific course of action.

Officials from Glencoe D35 and Avoca D37 agreed and said they do not refer minor in-school violations to local police.

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Over vaping devices, New Trier High School refers students to local police, who have issued dozens of tickets in last 3 years - The Record - The...

Editorial: It’s already too easy to addict kids to vaping. SC bill would make it worse. – Charleston Post Courier

Over the weekend, a coalition of public health groups ran full-page ads in The Post and Courier and other S.C. newspapers warning against an effort in the state Senate to strip cities and counties of their right to do a job the Legislature refuses to do: regulating tobacco company efforts to addict teens.

The American Cancer Society, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and American Lung and Heart associations worry that the Senate will use the confusion of the final few days of the legislative session to pass H.3681, which would prohibit local governments from regulating cigarette, vape or other tobacco flavors or ingredients, and block these governments from requiring local licenses to sell tobacco products.

On its face, the bill appears long dead. Although the House passed it in 2021 and the Senate pulled it out of committee without so much as a public hearing, its been stuck on the Senate contested calendar for more than a year. Thats normally a sure sign of a bill thats going nowhere absent a compromise that all sides buy into. Normally, but not always.

Public health officials are concerned that the bill will suddenly be resurrected and passed this week. That might sound paranoid, but its actually quite common for lawmakers to wait until the end of the session to try to sneak through legislation they know the public would oppose. Activists say theyre hearing too much buzz about H.3681 to ignore. (And yes, we realize that it's popular for special-interest groups to claim to be under attack when theyre really not in order to raise money, but the anti-tobacco advocates arent trying to raise money; theyve been at the Statehouse furiously working the Senate to prevent the legislation from being brought back to life.)

So while we hope any effort to sneak the legislation onto Gov. Henry McMasters desk will fizzle and that if it doesnt, hell veto it its worth taking the time to explain what H.3681 is all about.

Its supporters say they want to ensure that tobacco laws are uniform across the state, but in fact they have fought efforts to have a uniform statewide law that would help enforce the law that prohibits tobacco use by minors. H.3754 would treat tobacco sales more like alcohol sales, requiring businesses to get a license to sell the products and empowering the state to revoke those licenses if they dont guard against selling tobacco to minors. Thats important because, according to the American Heart Association, three-quarters of kids who try to buy tobacco products succeed.

Tobacco companies have kept the tobacco licensing bill locked in subcommittee for two years because uniform tobacco laws isnt their goal. Their goal is to ensure that nothing is done in South Carolina to reduce sales of tobacco products even products that are deliberately manipulated to entice children to use them.

South Carolina has one of the nation's highest rates of teen nicotine use, and vaping has powered an uptick in youth tobacco use nationally. The CDC says nearly all high school students who use tobacco products use flavored products, so that's why some local governments want to prohibit the sales of such products.

The vaping pre-emption bill also is the latest in a long string of bills to strip elected city and county council members of the right to govern their communities. Such bills start out with a leg up at the Statehouse regardless of the underlying topic because too many legislators believe they know more about what should happen in local communities than the people who are elected to govern those communities.

Either the assault on local governments or the assault on public health would be reason enough to let this legislation die when the Legislature adjourns Thursday. The combination of the two makes it nearly criminal that anyone would seriously consider pushing it into law.

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Editorial: It's already too easy to addict kids to vaping. SC bill would make it worse. - Charleston Post Courier

Britain May Officially License Vapes as Smoking Cessation Medical Products – Vaping Post

The British Medical Association supports these developments and has suggested that e-cigarettes are licensed as medicine.

In my review I have considered a range of critical interventions that will make the most difference. For example, Ive looked at the promotion of vaping as a less harmful alternative; a greater role for the NHS in ending smoking and the need to tackle illicit tobacco sales, said Khan in response to his appointment.

Tobacco is the single largest cause of preventable illness and death, with a quarter of deaths from all cancers estimated to be from smoking in 2019. Despite national progress such as the ban on indoor smoking implemented in 2007, smoking remains very high in certain parts of the country particularly in poorer areas.

I have been tasked by the Health and Social Care Secretary to help the government achieve its ambition to be smokefree by 2030. The evidence is clear that taking action on smoking will be critical to dramatically improving the health and wealth of the nation.

The UK has long been a leader in endorsing the use of safer alternative nicotine products for smoking cessation, and as a result the nation has the lowest smoking rates ever recorded since cigarettes arrived on the scene decades ago.

Back in 2017 the UK governments document released last Summer, Towards a Smokefree Generation, A Tobacco Control Plan for England, encouraged different localities to develop their own tobacco control strategies, with a focus on e-cigarettes and other harm reduction or smoking cessation aides

The British Medical Association supports these developments and has suggested that e-cigarettes are licensed as medicine, allowing doctors to recommend them to smokers trying to quit.

Read Further: Express

UK: Free Vapes Given to Homeless Smokers as Part of Quit-Smoking Trial

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Britain May Officially License Vapes as Smoking Cessation Medical Products - Vaping Post

Counties, boards of education joining to sue over underage vaping – Huntington Herald Dispatch

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Counties, boards of education joining to sue over underage vaping - Huntington Herald Dispatch

US: First County in Oregon Bans The Sales of Flavoured Vaping Products US: First County in Oregon Bans The Sales of Flavoured Vaping Products – Vaping…

Violators are subject to a Class A civil infraction which could equate to a fine of up to $2,000 for individuals or $4,000 for corporations.

Under the new ordinance, violations are subject to a Class A civil infraction issued by a county code enforcement officer. This could equate to a fine of up to $2,000 for individuals or $4,000 for corporations. Even though the vote was not unanimous, we clearly heard each commissioner express agreement that the use of tobacco substances is harmful and marketing strategies that aggressively target anyone in our communityespecially young people and marginalized groupsare unacceptable, said Harrington.

Im confident that this step forward, along with the roll out of statewide tobacco retail licensing requirements, will serve to protect the health of all Washington County residents, added the chair.

Earlier this year, the Oregon Senate approved House Bill 2261, a measure banning online sales of vaping products. An earlier article on Vaping Post by Michael McGrady, had explained that naturally this move is significant for vapers and vape businesses alike. Meanwhile in 2020, a flavour ban proposed by Oregon Governor Kate Brown was killed, and a program to license all nicotine retailers was put forward instead.

Oregon Measure Proposing E-Cig Tax is Up For Voting

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US: First County in Oregon Bans The Sales of Flavoured Vaping Products US: First County in Oregon Bans The Sales of Flavoured Vaping Products - Vaping...

Vaping Regulation Threatens a Lifesaving Smoking Alternative – Reason

Electronic cigarettes, which deliver nicotine without tobacco or combustion, are the most important harm-reducing alternative to smoking ever developed, one that couldpreventmillions of premature deaths in the U.S. alone. Yet bureaucrats and politicians seem determined tonegatethat historic opportunity through regulations and taxes that threaten to cripple the industry.

In October, seven years after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially declared its intention to regulate "electronic nicotine delivery systems" (ENDS), the agency finally approved one such product. But the FDA, which has rejected applications for millions of other vaping products, still seems inclined to ban the e-liquid flavors that former smokers overwhelmingly prefer. Why? Because teenagers also like them.

The FDA authorized the marketing of R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company's Vuse Solo device, along with two tobacco-flavored cartridges. It said the company had presented enough evidence to conclude that the products "could benefit addicted adult smokers" by "reducing their exposure to harmful chemicals." But at the same time, the FDA rejected 10 applications for Vuse Solo cartridges in other flavors.

According to survey data, three-quarters of adult vapers prefer flavors other than tobacco. But because those flavors also appeal to teenagers, the FDAsays, they will be approved only if manufacturers present "robust," "reliable," and "product-specific" evidence that their benefits in helping smokers quit outweigh the risk that they will encourage underage vaping.

R.J. Reynolds, whose Vuse products account fornearly a third ofthe ENDS market, is a large company that had the resources to conduct the sort of expensive research demanded by the FDA.The fact that it was nevertheless unable to overcome the agency's bias against flavored ENDS did not bode well for other manufacturers or for consumers who value variety.

Under federal law, the FDA is supposed to decide whether approving a vaping product is "appropriate for the protection of public health," taking into account "the risks and benefits to the population as a whole." While that collectivist calculus is both morally dubious and highly subjective, it at least suggests that the FDA is expected to weigh the benefits of flavored e-liquids, measured in smoking-related death and disease these products could help prevent, against the costs of the underage vaping they might encourage. Instead, the FDA seems bent on rejecting any ENDS in flavors that are popular among teenagers, even when the main consumers are adults.

Survey dataindicate that the vast majority of teenagers who vape regularly are current or former smokers. That means the FDA'sfearthat ENDS are causing an "epidemic" of adolescent nicotine addiction is overblownespecially since vaping by teenagers dropped substantially in 2019 and 2020, a development the agency prefers to ignore. There is even less reason to think vaping is a significant "gateway" to smoking among teenagers who otherwise never would have tried nicotine. If anything,recent trendssuggest the availability of ENDS has accelerated the downward trend in adolescent smoking.

The folly of the obsession with preventing underage vaping was apparent in San Francisco, where a 2018 ban on flavored ENDS seems to haveboostedsmoking by teenagers and young adults. That cautionary example has not deterred other jurisdictions fromconsideringthe same counterproductive policy.

In case heavy-handed federal and local regulations are not enough to stop smokers from quitting, House Democrats have proposedexcise taxesthat would double or triple the retail price of e-liquids. "This tax will not only kill my business," a Georgia vape shop owner toldReason's Christian Britschgi. "It will kill Americans."

In an AugustAmerican Journal of Public Healtharticle, 15 prominent tobacco researcherswarnedthat "policies intended to reduce adolescent vaping," including flavor bans, "may also reduce adult smokers' use of e-cigarettes in quit attempts." Theyemphasizedthat "the potential lifesaving benefits of e-cigarettes for adult smokers deserve attention equal to the risks to youths."

That article summarized "a growing body of evidence" that "vaping can foster smoking cessation." Yet Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (DIll.), who wrote a bill he called the END ENDS Act, insists "there's simply no evidence that vapes help [smokers] quit." He also claims to believe "adults can do what they want," which is likewise demonstrably false given the severe restrictions he favors.

Although the FDAacknowledgesthe harm-reducing potential of ENDS, in practice it is giving that benefit short shrift. Other policy makers, meanwhile, are proceeding as if the lives of smokers count for nothing.

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Vaping Regulation Threatens a Lifesaving Smoking Alternative - Reason

What youve been vaping for: MGC Pharma now has the first-ever Cannabinoid vape available as an unapprov … – Stockhead

The TGA nod is the first ever in Australia. A breakthrough which gives MGC Pharma partner EXTRAX credibility, access and a huge head start into a unique market.

Note the date, the Therapeutics Goods Administration (TGA) has just approved Australias first ever CBD-based vape product.

The TGA gave European cannabis extracts company, EXTRAX, a partner of MGC Pharma (ASX:MXC), approval for its pre-filled vapes to be sold here in Australia, under Category 2: CBD dominant medicinal cannabis product as an unapproved therapeutic good, on valid prescription from a medical practitioner.

The EXTRAX vapes contain hemp extract with 80% cannabinoids, with MGC Pharma being the Australian importer and manufacturer.

EXTRAX is the brainchild of founder Alla Kuznetsova, a wellness and CBD specialist whos been involved in developing different herbal products based on cannabis extracts for over five years.

The blurb says all EXTRAX products are big on five core elements Balance, Calm, Dream, Elate, and Focus a process the company says provides balance and connection to mind, body and soul through natural herbal extracts.

Something Australians can now determine for themselves.

Todays TGA approval isnt just a landmark achievement for MGC Pharma and EXTRAX but also provides certified credibility for EXTRAX cannabis-based vape products as they look to enter other markets.

MGC Pharma says the approval is testament to the partnerships rigorous pharmaceutical standards which sees both companies gain first mover access into the significant Australian CBD vape market.

This is a great step for MGC Pharma and for EXTRAX, and has been achieved through the hard work and dedication of Nicole Godresse, our Global Sales Officer, says MGC Pharma CEO Roby Zomer.

As the importer and manufacturer of EXTRAX pre-filled vapes in Australia, this becomes the latest addition to MGC Pharmas extensive pharmaceutical and consumer product range.

Our range is growing in size and quality, and this heralds a new future of cannabis consumption both in-country and further afield, Zomer said.

MGC Pharma continues to ramp up its market presence across the world.

The company is currently building up its manufacturing and global distribution capacity in Europe, after completing its new production facility in Malta.

The opening of the new facility will create a European manufacturing hub for MXCs lead drug CimetrA, as well as for other liquid form dose medicines.

CimetraA is in late clinical development, and has been proven to contain anti-inflammatory properties that could fight COVID-19.

In the US, MGC Pharma works with distributor AMC Holdings to sell its products into the largest market in the world.

Under the partnership deal, AMC will seek to obtain the necessary US regulatory approval, and to commercialise CimetrA as quickly as possible in the country.

MGC Pharma has also been given the green light to import CimetrA into India, a crucial step to being granted Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) for COVID-19 treatment.

Leading Indian pharmaceutical manufacturer Medopharm has been appointed to import and market CimetrA in India.

This article was developed in collaboration with MGC Pharma, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.

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The obscure UN conflab that seeks to cut off the world from vaping and harm reduction – The Parliament Magazine

While most popular attention this month has been on the vital discussions at the United Nations COP26 Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, there is an equally important UN conference happening in Geneva that also contemplates the fate of millions of lives.

There are also questions on the importance of science, the role of activists and industry, and how humanity can forget a better path based on common agreements to be implemented in each country.

This year, the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, an obscure World Health Organization treaty dedicated to eradicating tobacco use, is having its ninth iteration, known as COP9 in Switzerland.

At this conference, 168 member delegations as well as a narrowly selected group of tobacco control advocates participate in discussions and debates to forge global standards on taxation, restrictions, and rules on tobacco products.

While no one would object to these goals, the conference threatens to put one of the largest public health victories in recent memory at stake: tobacco harm reduction by innovative technologies.

Though the well-documented scientific evidence on the life-saving potential of smokers switching to less harmful vaping devices is clear and undeniable, it is one scientific fact that is ignored or denied throughout the event.

As I have uncovered in my two trips to the COP FCTC event, one of the most dogmatic conclusions of the event organizers is that they consider nicotine vaping devices, what they label Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (or ENDS), as ordinary tobacco products that should be as harshly taxed, regulated, and eventually eradicated from the market altogether.

It is this nuance that alternative harm reducing technologies like vaping or heat-not-burn devices pose the same threat as traditional cigarettes that so animates activists, former smokers, and some health officials who criticise the FCTC and its proceedings. Not to mention the yearly mission of several delegations to completely bar journalists and media from any of the debates.

Considering that many countries represented have embraced policies that elevate harm reduction and acceptance of vaping at home, including the United Kingdom, Canada, France, and New Zealand, it is perhaps most frustrating that this nuance is stopped at the door and reiterated by the power brokers at COP.

What makes COP9 FCTC different from its climate change cousin is the elevated role of public health lobbies and advocacy groups throughout the proceeding.

Groups such as the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, European Network for Smoking and Tobacco Prevention, and the Framework Convention Alliance on Tobacco Control are the recognised NGOs that are able to intervene in parts of the discussions and help set the agenda.

Billionaire Michael Bloomberg has pledged millions directly to these organizations and similar entities, with hopes that any tobacco-related products including vaping devices are regulated, restricted, and banned. It is no surprise, then, that any efforts to recognise the life-saving potential of vaping devices are blocked immediately.

These lobby groups have routinely been caught bribing and funding various political bodies in developing nations with the goal of restricting and banning vaping devices.

Whats more, they often bully and shame delegations if they do not adopt a strict prohibitionist attitude on tobacco alternatives like vaping, awarding countries like the Philippines, Honduras, or Guatemala with Dirty Ashtray awards for insisting on amendments with unhelpful and often confusing wording or for requesting further discussion on various amendments.

The Filipino delegation, in their video statement to open the conference, said that it was important to recognise vaping devices and products that deliver a similar satisfaction but with far less harm.

The recognition of this fact and the potential to save millions of smokers lives by the delegations at the FCTCs COP9 is realistically the most pressing issue that should be addressed. It is one that millions of vapers, who have added years to their life by switching away from tobacco, should have represented in an international body.

Whether delegations will understand this key point, and whether they will embrace science over prohibitionist ideology, however, remains to be seen.

This articlereflects the views of the author andnotthe views of The Parliament Magazine or of the Dods Group

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The obscure UN conflab that seeks to cut off the world from vaping and harm reduction - The Parliament Magazine

ITC Institutes Investigation (337-TA-1286) In Certain Oil-Vaping Cartridges – Intellectual Property – United States – Mondaq News Alerts

10 November 2021

Oblon, McClelland, Maier & Neustadt, L.L.P

To print this article, all you need is to be registered or login on Mondaq.com.

On November 4, 2021, the ITC issued aNotice ofInvestigationinCertain Oil-Vaping Cartridges,Components Thereof, and Products Containing the Same(Inv. No. 337-TA-1286).

By way of background, this investigation is based on an October4, 2021complaintfiled by Shenzhen SmooreTechology Limited of China ("Smoore") alleging aviolation of section 337 by 38 respondents in the U.S., Canada, andHong Kong in the unlawful importation and/or sale in the U.S. ofcertain oil-vaping cartridges, components thereof, and productscontaining the same by reason of infringement of (1) certain claimsof Patent No. 10,357,623 ("the '623 patent"); U.S.Patent No. 10,791,763 ("the '763 patent"); U.S.Patent No. 10,791,762 ("the '762 patent"); and U.S.Registered Trademark No. 5,633,060 ("the '060mark").

According to the complaint, the '623 patent relatesgenerally to a vaporizer/atomizer device, which includes a liquidstorage cavity, where that cavity expressly excludes the presenceof a wick or other liquid-storage medium; the '763 patentrelates generally to a vaporizer/atomizer device, which includes aliquid storage cavity open at a mouthpiece end to the outsidebefore a mouthpiece is installed; and the '762 patent relatesgenerally to an electronic cigarette that includes avaporizer/atomizer assembly and a liquid storage cavity. The'060 mark is a standard character CCELL mark under which Smooremarkets, advertises, and sells vaporizer products, such aselectronic cigarettes, oral vaporizers for smokers, and vaporizescartridges. The accused products are atomizers, cartridges,mouthpieces, vaporizers, and vaping products used to inhalecannabidiol ("CBD") and/or marinal("THC"). Smoore is requesting that the Commissionissue limited exclusion orders and permanent cease-and-desistorders directed to respondents. According to the Notice ofInvestigation, the Office of Unfair Import Investigations willparticipate as a party in the investigation. Lastly, ChiefALJ Charles E. Bullock issued anoticeindicating that ALJ Clark S. Cheneywill preside in the investigation.

The content of this article is intended to provide a generalguide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be soughtabout your specific circumstances.

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The Relationship Between Vaping and Mental Health – Vaping Post

Smokers on psychotropic drugs tend to need higher doses of nicotine.

Research has also indicated that nicotine also alters the coping mechanism in the brain increasing sensitivity to stress. This creates a vicious cycle meaning that this sensitivity is increased as nicotine is consumed in higher doses, which in turns leads to more nicotine consumption.

In fact, data keep indicating that mental health patients are more likely to smoke than individuals who do not suffer from psychological or psychiatric conditions. Moreover, these individuals are more likely to find it harder to quit. To this effect, they benefit greatly from having extra support in relation to smoking cessation and access to safer alternatives, that would at least lessen the chances of them also suffering from smoke-related conditions.

On the other hand, a recent report by former stop-smoking service manager in the UK, Louise Ross, the third in a series of five, said that nicotine is not what kills smokers and highlighted the importance of improving the understanding that e-cigarettes are substantially safer than smoking, and can be used to help smokers quit.

She added that nurses are in an especially good position to promote smoking cessation. Given that studies have indicated that smokers respond well to intensive smoking cessation treatments that are tailor made for their needs, explained Ross, nurses who understand individual patients needs are ideally placed to give ongoing smoking cessation support.

Moreover, she underlined, smokers on psychotropic drugs tend to need higher doses of nicotine. The tar (and not the nicotine) in tobacco smoke also increases the need for higher doses of some psychotropic medications, so stopping smoking enables some people to be prescribed a lower dose and experience fewer side-effects (NCSCT, 2018).

The Link Between Smoking, Vaping and Psychological Well-Being in the US

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The Relationship Between Vaping and Mental Health - Vaping Post

Three differences between vaping cartridges and raw concentrates – The GrowthOp

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Although vaping THC cartridges is easier for many cannabis users, vaping concentrates has increased in popularity.

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It seems that vaping cannabis has become just as popular as rolling a blunt or taking a bong hit in recent years. Part of the reason for this may be that there are so many different forms of vaporizing weed. Additionally, vaping cannabis offers a level of convenience thats hard to top.

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For people who are just beginning to familiarize themselves with the world of vaping cannabis products, some of the terminology can get confusing. Thats especially the case when determining whether or not its best to go with a vape pen or a wax pen.

While a vape pen can be used with any cartridge having 510 threading, wax pens require users to have their own concentrates to use. Here are some other key differences between vaping cartridges and raw concentrates.

One of the biggest differences between vaping raw concentrates and vaping THC cartridges is the fact that cartridges are essentially plug and play. After affixing it to the battery, users are ready to find the temperature that works for them and begin taking hits from their device.

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Concentrates are a different story. To properly vape concentrates, users must apply their concentrates directly into the pen itself, which can leave excess residue behind if not done properly. Another downfall is that sometimes the pen may not burn the concentrates all the way, which leaves behind sticker residue that is difficult to clean.

Although vaping THC cartridges is easier for many cannabis users, vaping concentrates has increased in popularity for good reason. While the primary ingredient in vape cartridges is THC distillate, in the U.S, there are numerous cutting ingredients such as coconut oil and other potentially harmful ingredients like heavy metals.

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On the other hand, vaping concentrates offers users the opportunity to consume pure concentrates, free of any additives. The fact that the individual consumers add the concentrate themselves provides more peace of mind that the product being consumed is safer than potentially harmful cartridges.

Since consumers choosing to vape concentrates rather than cartridges are able to use more sophisticated devices, they are often left to do more maintenance than counterparts who use disposable vape pens with 510 threading.

When regularly using a wax pen to vape concentrates, consumers should be aware they will likely need to replace parts of their device, such as the atomizer and the coil. That can be a tricky process depending on the type of wax pen.

Consumers who prefer to vape THC cartridges dont have to worry about much maintenance with their devices since they can simply discard their pen and get a new one once it starts to show signs of decline.

While most people think theres no big difference between vaping concentrates and THC cartridges, there are a few key characteristics that help to tell them apart. This can make life easier when trying to determine whether its best for the user to buy a wax pen that can vaporize concentrates or a vape pen just for cartridges.

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Three differences between vaping cartridges and raw concentrates - The GrowthOp

Taxing Vapes Is Better Than Leaving It Unregulated – The Rakyat Post

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So long story short, in October, Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz noted the governmentsplanin Budget 2022 to hike up the excise duty imposed on liquid or gel products for vaping and it also includes those that contain nicotine.

This would effectively increase the tax rate from RM0.40 for each millilitre of liquid or gel products to RM1.20 per millilitre, starting 1 January 2022.

Just like how a sin tax on sugary drinks can reduce societys risk of contracting non-communicable diseases like obesity, diabetes and heart disease, it is not uncommon to see taxation on vaping products.

But in this case, some countries prefer no taxation at all to harness the full potential of vaping products and incentivise smokers to switch to the less harmful product.

The Malaysian Public Health Physicians Association (PPPKAM) President Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar,describedthe decision to expand sin tax to include vaping products as a commendable plan, while Dr Koh Kar Chai, president of the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA)explainedthat the tax couldnt have come sooner.

Taxation is a pragmatic approach to regulate the products, reduce their overall consumption and improve overall public health, besides having the bonus of generating revenue for the country.

The Federation of Private Medical Practitioners Associations Malaysia (FPMPAM) President Dr Steven Chow Kim Wengstressedthat strict regulations must first come into play before the country begins installing this new tax framework.

The association agrees thattobacco harm reduction (THR)strategies that encourage cigarette smokers to switch to vaping products as a less harmful alternative to their habits must be supervised and studied to implement better regulations in the future.

FPMPAM say that the adoption of THR strategies would reduce health risks contributed by cigarette smoking and save Malaysia billions of ringgit in treating smoking-related diseases.

This opinion is also agreed by Dr Arifin Fii, a local specialist in addiction therapy, whosaidthat THR presents itself as a practical solution to counter the prevalence of smoking.

The use of vaping products has been globally accepted as the prefered choice for people to put out their cigarettes and allow them to safely transition to a less harmful means of quitting the habit for good.

So it stands to reason that the government should endeavour to regulate and introducepoliciesto better promote THR here in Malaysia to make vaping products regulated with controls to ensure products meet safety and quality standards for consumers.

Read More: Just How Regulated Is Malaysias Vape Industry? Lets Look Past The Smoke Screen

Share your thoughts with us via TRPsFacebook,Twitter, andInstagram.

Typing out trending topics and walking the fine line between deep and dumb.

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Taxing Vapes Is Better Than Leaving It Unregulated - The Rakyat Post

Cost of cannabis: Vaping THC dramatically increases risk of psychosis – Midland Daily News

A recent study by a Grand Rapids physician found that the use of e-cigarettes to vape tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) places people at a significantly increased risk for the development of psychotic disorders.

Research has previously shown that individuals who consume THC are three times as likely as those who do not to develop a psychotic disorder, said Dr. Chad Percifield, author of the study. Vaping solutions increase this risk more than sixfold due to the potency of the vaping solution, which on average contains 52% THC versus the 13% THC contained in the marijuana flower.

The increased risk of psychosis is especially noteworthy when considering trends in e-cigarette use among adolescents.

The use of modified electronic cigarettes and unregulated black-market devices to vape THC, the mind-altering (i.e. psychoactive) compound in marijuana, has been increasing in recent years.

This is because vaping THC is inconspicuous, odorless and more convenient when compared to traditional means of smoking THC.

Its a growing problem, Percifield said. In 2019, 46% of high school seniors reported vaping of some kind, up from 34% in 2016. More significantly, 21% of those surveyed in 2019 stated they vape marijuana, more than doubling the figure from a similar 2017 survey. Of all those who vape, over 60% said they do it to experiment.

Percifields research findings note that the known impact of THC consumption on development of psychosis, the high potency of THC vaping solutions compounded with the increased use of e-cigarettes among adolescents place that population at an increasing risk of psychiatric illness.

His report presents the case of a 20-year-old woman with a history of major depressive disorder, recurrent, severe and heavy THC use by vaping who had two inpatient treatments separated by 2 weeks. Her first admission was for suicidal ideation and was preceded by ICU treatment for vaping-related lung injury. Her second admission followed a suicide attempt by several methods including stabbing, electrocution and ingestion. The patient was noted to be exhibiting psychotic features during her second admission. The patient was stabilized on quetiapine 600 mg nightly, fluoxetine 60 mg daily and gabapentin 100 mg daily prn anxiety and discharged home.

There is little research regarding mental health consequences of vaping THC, but considering the high potency of vaping solutions, an increased risk of THC-induced psychosis and schizophrenia spectrum disorders should be considered, according to Percifield.

His findings back up research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The human brain continues to develop from before birth into the mid-20s and is vulnerable to the effects of addictive substances. Frequent marijuana use during adolescence increases the risk for and early onset of psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, according to the CDC.

The risk for psychotic disorders increases with frequency of use and potency of the marijuana product, according to a recent Surgeon Generals Advisory: Marijuana Use and the Developing Brain.

The amount of drug used, the age at first use and genetic vulnerability have all been shown to influence this relationship. The strongest evidence to date concerns links between marijuana use and psychiatric disorders in those with a preexisting genetic or other vulnerability, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Research shows that many adolescents vape to experiment just to try it out. Others report they vape because it tastes good. Its critically important; however, that we increase awareness that vaping can have long-lasting effects on both physical and mental health, Percifield added. "Adolescents who vape, especially if vaping marijuana, are placing themselves at an exponentially increased risk of developing a psychotic disorder, and that can have a lifelong impact."

So, what is psychosis?

Most people think of psychosis as a break with reality. In a way it is.

Psychosis is a condition that affects the way your brain processes information and it causes you to lose touch with reality. It can make it difficult for people to recognize what is real and what isnt, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Psychosis is a symptom, not an illness, and it is more common than you may think. As many as 3 in 100 people will have an episode at some point in their lives. Psychosis includes a range of symptoms but typically involves one of these two major experiences, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Hallucinations are seeing, hearing or feeling things that arent there, such as the following:

Hearing voices (auditory hallucinations). Strange sensations or unexplainable feelings. Seeing glimpses of objects or people that are not there or distortions.

Delusions are strong beliefs that are not consistent with the persons culture, are unlikely to be true and may seem irrational to others, such as the following:

Believing external forces are controlling thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Believing that trivial remarks, events or objects have personal meaning or significance. Thinking you have special powers, are on a special mission or even that you are God.

Psychosis is not always permanent.

Psychosis can be treated and early treatment increases the chance of a successful recovery; studies have shown that it is common for a person to have symptoms for more than a year before receiving treatment. Reducing this duration of untreated psychosis is crucial because early treatment often equals a better recovery. Traditional treatment involves psychotherapy and medication, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

Psychosis can be related to several mental conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder and substance use disorders, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

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Cost of cannabis: Vaping THC dramatically increases risk of psychosis - Midland Daily News

State AGs Want Flavored Vapes and Other Products Banned – WGRT Local News

Youth nicotine use has not gone away, even with decades of campaigning to educate kids about the dangers of addiction. In fact, there is an ongoing surge in the use of e-cigarettes, or vaping.

A coalition of Attorneys General, including Michigans, are asking the Food and Drug Administration to regulate the industry and stop allowing flavors that appeal to kids and to stop selling things like nicotine pouches, gum, and lozenges. They also want to tighten up marketing restrictions and age verification measures.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said, The youth nicotine epidemic is an urgent public health matter and it is on us to ensure that the health and safety of our youth is not jeopardized. I urge the FDA to take immediate action and use its regulatory powers to impose restrictions on these products that are harming our young people.

The marketing that the AGs are trying to stop seems to be very successful. Vaping has gone up from 1.5 percent of high schoolers in 2011 to 27.5 percent in 2019. Eighty percent of young people who use e-cigarettes choose candy, mint, or fruit flavors.

The FDA could rule on September 9th of this year as to the future of flavored vapes and other high-nicotine products.

Reporting for WGRT Jennie McClelland

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State AGs Want Flavored Vapes and Other Products Banned - WGRT Local News

Time to talk to your teen about vaping? | by Washington State Department of Health | Public Health Connection | Aug, 2021 – Venture Views

There are many dangers associated with vaping. Vapes contain harmful chemicals like nicotine that can harm brain development. And young people who use e-cigarettes may be more likely to smoke cigarettes in the future.

The good news is that the 2020 National Youth Tobacco Survey showed that youth e-cigarette use decreased during the pandemic. However, 3.6 million youth still vape. And as young people return to classrooms, the pressure to vape with friends also returns.

Parents, teachers, and adults can help young people make informed decisions. By keeping yourself informed, you can know what to say when the topic comes up. The earlier and more often you speak with young people about e-cigarettes, the more likely they are to listen.

Live Vape Free is a new program from Optum and the Department of Health. It offers practical advice that can help you talk with your teen about vaping. Its a self-guided program with videos, downloadable materials, and 1-on-1 support. Its structured approach is based on 35 years of physical, psychological, and behavioral health science.

Live Vape Free provides:

Sign up and start your self-guided learning at doh.wa.gov/livevapefree.

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Time to talk to your teen about vaping? | by Washington State Department of Health | Public Health Connection | Aug, 2021 - Venture Views

A march against the ban of vape flavours is happening in Montreal – Cult MTL

Rights4Vapers and the Coalition des droits des vapoteurs du Qubecare gearing up for the Vape Tour 2021. The 26-date tour is a protest against the Government of Canadas ban on vape flavours, set to stop in Montreal on Aug. 28 and 29.

The proposed ban would go into effect at the beginning of 2022. The organizations share a mutual concern that the ban will result in Canadians returning to traditional tobacco products.

Flavours are an important component to the vaping experience for adult smokers, explain Rights4Vapers in a press release. Flavours help smokers migrate from traditional cigarettes to vapor products.

The first march and rally will take place tomorrow in Ottawa. The tour will also hit Sherbrooke, Chateaugay and Niagara Falls, among other Canadian cities.

Rights4Vapers will be vlogging throughout the entire tour. Earlier today, the organization shared a video of their first day on the road. The team and their eccentric tour bus visited the Health Canada building in Ottawa.

We have been able to meet with some of the different shops in Ottawa that are supporting the protest which is happening on Saturday, explained event organizer Maria Papaioannoy-Duic in the video. We have given out t-shirts, protest signs and we are getting more excited with every shop that we stop at.

For more information on Vape Tour 2021s Montreal events, please visit Rights4Vapers website.

For the latest news updates, please visit the Newssection.

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A march against the ban of vape flavours is happening in Montreal - Cult MTL

Everything you should know about travelling with your vape kit – Travel Daily News International

Have you been thinking about travelling to a foreign country in the near future? If your answer to that question is yes and you like vaping, you have an incredibly difficult task ahead of you - how are you meant to take your vape kit with you? Do you just put it in your pocket?

These days, airline regulations are really tough, which means that a checked bag filled with essential vaping materials is likely to put you in trouble. On top of that, vaping at UK airports and airports in other parts of the world can be an issue, as each airport has its own set of rules.

Fortunately, this article should help you understand how to go about travelling with your vape kit! Here, you will find a list of tips on doing it, including familiarizing yourself with the local vaping laws and transporting your supplies. Check it out!

Knowing the Local Vaping LawsYou might not be aware of this, but there are many countries around the world that banned the use of vaping devices. Others do not allow vaping outside of smoking zones and in public places. If you are caught, you will face severe penalties.

It is worth noting that laws on vaping can change in a matter of months. Because of that, it would be best if you looked for up-to-date information online and got in touch with the embassy of the country that you will be visiting.

Transporting Your SuppliesIdeally, you should place your vape kit in your carry-on luggage. If that is not an option, you should put it in your pocket. If you put it in your checked luggage, you will have to either transfer it to your carry-on luggage or throw it away.

It is a bit different when it comes to e-liquids. If you are carrying your e-juice with you, it is to be put in a one-hundred-millilitre travel-sized container and transported in a one-quart transparent zip-top plastic bag.

If you are planning on bringing a larger bottle with you, you should transfer the e-juice from the bottle to smaller containers. You can buy such containers in most drug stores and large supermarkets.

Packing Your SuppliesThere are two things that you will need to keep in mind when packing your supplies. Firstly, you need to protect your belongings from vape spills. Secondly, you need to wrap specific pieces of your vape kit in order to protect it from getting damaged.

For starters, empty your vape tank, as the air pressure changes in the cabin can cause it to leak. Next, place your vape supplies in plastic bags, and put these plastic bags in waterproof pouches and dry bags. If you have money to spare, you can always get your hands on aprotective vape case - you just need to find one that fits your vaping devices specifications. When it comes to wrapping things, you will need to buy bubble wrap and tape. Start with wrapping your mod, tank, and other accessories in the bubble wrap. Next, place them in a plastic bag and seal the bag with tape. If you own a pod mod device, wrap it in the bubble wrap and just put it in your pocket.

Lastly, you will need to take care of your e-liquids. To do that, seal the bottles with tape and wrap each bottle in bubble wrap. Once you are done, place each wrapped bottle in a plastic freezer bag.

Vaping at the AirportIn most airports, vaping is treated the same way as smoking. If you see signs saying that you cannot smoke, it is safe to say that you cannot vape, either. You can always vape in designated smoking areas, though.

Vaping on the PlaneYou might have heard of people stealth-smoking on planes. It might sound fun, but in reality, it can put you in a lot of trouble. For instance, if the country that you are travelling to banned the use of vaping devices, you might end up being arrested once the plane lands. Because of that, you should not do it.

In ConclusionTo sum up, there are many different things that you need to think about before you decide to travel with your vape kit. Most importantly, you need to familiarize yourself with the local vaping laws and regulations. Otherwise, you risk being fined.

In addition to that, you should pack your supplies the right way, preferably using bubble wrap, plastic bags, and tape. It is incredibly important, as you do not want to end up with a broken vape kit and vape spills.

Lastly, it might be obvious, but it should be said anyway - you should not vape on the plane. It might put you in a really problematic and stressful situation, which is the last thing you want to be dealing with while travelling.

In conclusion, if you follow the tips mentioned in this article to the best of your abilities, travelling with your vape kit should be easy as pie!

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Everything you should know about travelling with your vape kit - Travel Daily News International

If Apple Made a Weed Vaporizor, the DaVinci IQC Would Be It – Gizmodo

Photo: Brent Rose/Gizmodo

I switched to edibles last year. It seemed like the healthiest way to go, especially with a nasty respiratory virus sweeping the globe, and I did not want to add any risk to my lungs. Edibles are kind of a commitment, though. They take a long time to kick in, and then they stay in your system a lot longer, too. Sometimes, you want to kick back get a little stoned right awayas you would with a post work glass of wineand know itll mostly wear off before bedtime. I still wanted to avoid smoke, though, which meant I would be searching for the perfect, convenient, smooth-hitting, portable vaporizer. And I found it.

DaVinci has been making really solid vaporizers for years, but its latest, the DaVinci IQC, strikes the perfect balance between quality and price. Coming in at $230, it is by no means the cheapest vaporizer out there, but it just works so well that it instantly became the top vaporizer I would recommend to friends.

A supremely well-designed portable weed vaporizer for flower or extract.

It tastes divine and produces very smooth, cool vapor. It heats up in 30 seconds, lasts a long time, is super easy to load, has a big bowl, charges via USB-C, works with flower and extracts, and easily fits in your pocket.

Expensive. It does get a bit warm in your hand, but not too bad. Would be cool if they implemented the dosage calculator found in IQ2, but it didnt work that well anyway.

A very quick vaporizer primer, for those who dont know: Vaporizing cannabis is not the same as smoking cannabis. The idea is that you have a device (a vaporizer) that heats your bud up to the point where all the good stuff (such as THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids) aerosolize so you can inhale them, but not so hot that the bud actually burns. This means you dont end up inhaling as many harsh carcinogens (though its certainly not 100-percent clean). Vaporizers hit smoother, are much easier on your throat and lungs, they taste a lot better, and typically produce a cleaner high.

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The ICQ can be used for both flower (a.k.a. ground-up bud) and extract (i.e. oils, shatter, and other concentrates). This makes it extremely versatile. For flower, the chamber can hold up to half a gram of herb, which is very generous and will likely last you several sessions. One thing that drives me crazy with virtually every portable vaporizer Ive used is that the bowls are frequently small and hard to load, which leads to spilling herb-crumbs everywhere. That is one of the many things that sets the IQC apart. The surface around the bowl gently slopes inward, so even if you miss the bowl itself its extremely easy to push the rest in with your finger. Its such a small thing, but it ends up making a huge difference. It also has a little stirring/scraping tool that hides away inside it, under the mouthpiece. Again, its a little detail, but its wonderfully convenient.

The rest of the design is rather immaculate, too. It might seem lazy to say that its as if Apple made it, but that feels weirdly accurate in this case. The IQC features clean, rounded lines that fit nicely in your palm. The exterior is made of brushed aluminum that feels silky smooth. The doors all snap shut with magnetic assistance. It has just three buttons and an easy-to-read display. It is, dare I say, elegant to look at?

Click through for more detail shots of the IQC.Photo: Brent Rose/Gizmodo

Photo: Brent Rose/Gizmodo

Photo: Brent Rose/Gizmodo

Photo: Brent Rose/Gizmodo

But the star of the show is the way it hits. The entire airpathfrom the oven to the mouthpieceis zirconia-coated ceramic, so no plastics or metals along the way. This means you dont get any flavors in there except for the weed youre puffing. Not only that, but its extremely easy to dial in your temperature. You can choose to use one of the four pre-programed Smart Paths that start at one temperature and automatically turn the heat up to get maximum extraction out of your bud, or if youre a geek like me you can put it in precision mode and dial in the temperature you want one degree at a time. Personally, I find that 392 degrees Fahrenheit is my favorite temp for most strains, but sometimes I like going a little higher, and sometimes Ill go a bit lower. Its also worth noting that if you dont like the pro-programmed Smart Path settings you can connect the IQC to your phone via Bluetooth and change those numbers.

The ICQ is DaVincis first vaporizer that charges via USB-C. That means you can charge it from zero to full in about two hours (though you can charge it enough for a single session much faster than that). It can also act as a portable power supply, should your phone die and you decide that reading Gizmodo is more important than getting stoned. While the 3,000 mAh battery should get you one to two hours of burn time (depending on your temperatures), its also removable and replaceable, so you could always bring extra batteries if youre going backpacking or something. Spare batteries will run you a very reasonable $13 a pop.

Speaking of accessories, you can get these little ceramic Dosage Pods from DaVinci. They look like little white, porcelain baskets and are designed for when youre on the go and dont want to worry about grinding your bud, emptying out your last bowl, and then reloading it. You can swap in one of these little pods that you filled at home and youre off to the races. Youll also need these pods if you want to vaporize some extract, in addition to DaVincis Extract Kit. Its basically a little ceramic disk and some small cotton pads to keep the oil from getting your vaporizer all goopy. Loading it up is a little bit of a process, but its not bad at all, and the vapor you get from extracts is very clean and nowhere near as lung-destroying as a dabbing rig.

Photo: Brent Rose/Gizmodo

The IQC also features a new Sharesafe Mouthpiece made of an FDA-approved antimicrobial polymer. Theoretically this means its less likely that youll spread cooties while sharing your vape. I did not have lab-testing equipment to test the validity of these claims, but I did share this vape with several friends and none of us got cooties (or covid), so maybe? One thing I can tell you, is that this mouthpiece stays slightly cooler on the lips than the metal mouthpiece on most other vapes, including those DaVinci makes.

It is worth mentioning the IQCs closest competitor is also made by DaVinci. The IQ2 came out before the IQC, and it costs $80 more. What do you get for that $80? Well, if you punch in the percentage of THC and CBD in the strain of weed youre vaping, the IQ2 can measure the size of the hits youre taking and estimate the dosage youre getting. Thats kinda cool, though I found it to be somewhat buggy when I tried it. It also has a dial at the bottom that allows you to control the airflow. Other than that, its effectively the same vaporizer as the IQC, except it lacks USB-C and the Sharesafe Mouthpiece. The IQ2 is excellent, but I think youre better off saving the $80 and getting the IQC.

Really, its hard to find something to dislike about the IQC. If anything, Id say I still think its slightly more expensive than it should be, especially considering you need to buy the Dosage Pods and Extract Kit if you want to vaporize some extract. If this thing came with those items, or if it didnt and it cost $200 instead, I would say everybody who smokes cannabis should buy this, because its healthier, it tastes better, and its just so convenient. At $230 it seems just a liiiittle steep and pushes it a bit close to enthusiast territory. That being said, if you dont mind spending that much, this is the best portable vaporizer Ive ever used. It disappears in your jean pocket, its easy to load, it holds a lot, it lasts a long time, it tastes delicious, and it gets you really high. What more do you need?

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If Apple Made a Weed Vaporizor, the DaVinci IQC Would Be It - Gizmodo

Its OK To Break Up With Your Vape Over Text. Heres Why. – Mashable India

Its morning. Do you reach for your phone or your vape first? One is filled with dance challenges, cute dog vids, and funny memes; the other, nicotine, a highly addictive chemical that can have seriously toxic effects on your mental and physical health. If you have that a.m. craving for your vape, youre not alone. A study conducted by Truth Initiative found 82.3% of 18-to-24-year-old e-cigarette users vape within 30 minutes of waking up.

From hyping the deliciousness of fruit flavors to posting vape tricks on social media, e-cigarette companies bombard young vapers with unsavory ploys to get them hooked. For many, though, the gig is up. Another Truth Initiative survey found 60% of young e-cigarette users want to quit and This Is Quitting, a free, text program from truth, provides support for how to stop.

If youre thinking about your future, vaping may feel like a clingy, toxic friendship dragging you down. When youre ready to move on, it can be hard, but youve already got an ally in your pocket: your smartphone, a powerful tool for getting you through the challenge.

Heres why you may want to reach for your phone first thing in the morning for a dose of positivity and empowerment instead of your vape.

E-cigarette companies have used tech and pop culture to appeal to kids and teens even putting influencers on their payroll. They have tried hard to reach you where you are, but so has This Is Quitting, designed to help 13-to-24-year-olds start their journey toward being nicotine-free. The program sends messages based on your age, your vape device, and where you are in your journey to quit. Text DITCHVAPE to 88709 to enroll.

If you feel embarrassed about vaping or unsure about telling people youre quitting, youre definitely not alone. Its tough enough trying to quit without dealing with internal guilt trips. This Is Quitting is completely anonymous, which means even if youre just curious, or you dont feel comfortable talking to your loved ones about vaping, you dont have to reveal or commit to anything. When you sign up for This Is Quitting, you get daily text messages, but there are also keywords for on-demand support when you need it COPE, STRESS, or SLIP, for example.

Being young right now is pretty intense. Youre thinking about school, dealing with relationships, and deciding what you want to do and who you are all of that on top of the ongoing stress of the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaping nicotine can also mess with your mental health, including amplifying symptoms of depression and anxiety. When youre ready, This Is Quitting offers accountability, but it also provides support through interactive messages and advice from other young people who have quit or are trying at the same time.

In a randomized clinical trial published in JAMA Internal Medicine, quit rates were nearly 40% higher among young adult e-cigarette users aged 18-24 who used This is Quitting compared to a control group. The program showed powerful impact across different subgroups of users, regardless of age, gender, race and sexual orientation as well as including people with anxiety and depression, those with high levels of nicotine dependence, and people who reported smoking cigarettes or binge drinking.

E-cig sales continue to soar even during the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. With vaping linked to a substantially increased risk of COVID-19 among teenagers and young adults, it's more important than ever before to help young people quit. Truth Initiative the organization behind the truth campaign and This is Quitting recently hosted a virtual discussion, "Unvaping Ameria's Youth," on how to address the youth e-cigarette epidemic on all fronts. Check it out for info and inspiration on how quitting can improve your life.

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Its OK To Break Up With Your Vape Over Text. Heres Why. - Mashable India

NZ Vape Industry Concerned Shop Security Will Worsen Due to New Vape Bill – Vaping Post

The Ministry of Health was recently reviewing submissions on its draft vaping regulations. Earlier this year, co-director of the Aotearoa Vapers Community Advocacy (AVCA), Nancy Loucas, voiced her concern that the draft regulations were to go into effect, therefore adding more cost and scarcity to vaping products, the retail security situation would worsen.

Vaping consumers support regulation and high product safety standards. However, under the proposed regulations, vape manufacturers and retailers will be hit hard with many compliance costs. That will only make vape products more expensive and increasingly sought-after by criminals, said Loucas.

The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Vaping) Amendment Bill was passed earlier this month. It has set in place a tobacco age limit of 18, restricted the sales of flavoured vaping products to specialist vape retailers, and only allows three vape flavours (mint, menthol, and tobacco) for sale in general retail stores.

Loucas said that registered specialist vape stores are now more likely to be targeted by burglars and shoplifters, as theyll be the only ones permitted to stock and sell a wide range of vape flavours, of which fruit and dessert remain the most popular. Over time, burglaries may impact vapers access to flavours and equipment as some vape shop owners will possibly bow out of the market fearing safety concerns, she said.

Most adults have successfully switched using fruit and dessert flavours and they enjoy them. Thats how so many have successfully quit smoking cigarettes. If the Ministry makes these flavours harder to find, sadly some Kiwis will head underground obtaining unregulated or illegally-sourced products which would be a terrible public policy outcome, added Loucas.

Meanwhile discussing the bill,Australian public health expert and tobacco harm reduction advocate Dr. Colin Mendelsohn, highlighted that unlike its Australian counterpart, the Kiwi government at least understands the potential of vaping as a safer alternative to smoking.

He points out that it is about time Australia follows suit. The NZ regulations put Australia to shame. They are based on the evidence rather than politics and ideology. They are a model for good public health policy on vaping and will save lives.

New Zealand: Smokefree 2025 Plan Considers Nicotine And Age Restrictions

Link:

NZ Vape Industry Concerned Shop Security Will Worsen Due to New Vape Bill - Vaping Post