In the final days of 2015, Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller released a statement in support of…
1/1/16
Call to Action:
In the final days of 2015, Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller released a statement in support of vapor products. This is a significant departure from the public statements of his counterparts in other states. CASAA is encouraging Iowa residents to take this opportunity to voice your support for AG Miller’s positive remarks about vaping. Please include your story about how vapor products have made a difference in your life and share why you are passionate about this issue.
For residents outside of Iowa, we have provided a prewritten letter you can print out, sign, and send via traditional means. (You are also welcome to copy and paste the text into your own word doc and add your story before printing)
Also for residents outside of Iowa, please take a moment to share AG Miller’s statement with your attorneys general. Please remember to include your story about how vapor products have made a difference in your life and share why you are passionate about this issue.
(Writing Tip #1) If you have a lot to say, please craft your email in a separate word doc and then copy/paste it into the field provided. If you take too long, they system will time out and you will lose your work.
(Writing Tip #2) Although we’ve provided a prewritten email with compelling talking points, we would strongly encourage you to edit the email because personalized communications to legislators are far more persuasive than form letters. At a minimum, PLEASE INSERT YOUR PERSONAL STORY (just a few sentences) in the text of your email.
Download PDF for detailed view of all 12 team color cradle options:NFL_Playoff_Colors
Any HP Sling Style can have the “NFL Playoff” option added to the cradle.
Support your team wherever you and your vape go. Our new custom cradle offering was made for you to show off your Mod and your Playoff team.
Our cradle is usually our “Silver Edition” embroidered “VS” logo surrounded by a stitched boundary.
Now, for a limited time, we are offering, VapeSling® “NFL Playoffs Option”.
This option is an add on. You pick you your Sling type then add this option on. We will install the cradle you requested onto the Sling you picked. If you pick 2 Sings and 1 cradle option, please let us know (check out comments) which gets the Custom NFL team color cradle.
Team theme Logo cradle:
1 color Logo = $0.99
2 color Logo= $1.99
Step 1: Click here to Choose your team (cradle) color (above) and add to the cart.
Please let us know what you think of this option. If you would like to see all NFL or any Sports teams featured, please contact us. We love feedback from our VapeSling FAM.
We are always on IG. Your best bet for 2 way feedback. Yes, we like to talk to FAM.
Late Tuesday night, an agreement was reached regarding the final language of the omnibus budget bill. Sadly, the provision that would have protected consumer access to vapor products was not included. However, this is by no means the end of our efforts to prevent the harm that will result if the FDA deeming regulations are finalized in the spring of 2016.
In fact, this is a great opportunity to urge Congress to
Even if you’ve already participated, please take a moment again to send a message to your lawmakers.
As we move forward, CASAA members and vapers everywhere should keep in mind that even in the worst case scenario of FDA deeming regulations being approved, there will likely be a grace period of two years (21 months) before the agency promises to start enforcing the rule. In that time, we are anticipating many threats to consumer access to e-cigarettes and other low-risk, smoke-free products at the state and local levels.
In advance of the 2016 legislative season, please urge your friends and family to join CASAA. Please urge your favorite retailer to display CASAA materials and educate their staff on the issues we are facing. There are millions of vapor consumers in the US, all of whom must become engaged if we hope to preserve access to these life-saving products.
We are asking consumers to express strong support for HR 2058 and urge your representatives to cosponsor this bill.
Electronic cigarettes (also known as e-cigarettes or personal vaporizers) are an alternative to tobacco cigarettes. They are battery-operated devices that create a mist or vapor that is inhaled instead of smoke. The rechargeable battery powers a heating element called an “atomizer.” The element uses low heat to turn liquid in the cartridge, which contains propylene glycol, glycerin, food flavoring and nicotine, into a fog-like mist.
There are many models of e-cigarettes available. Some look like traditional cigarettes, others look similar to a pen and some even look like small flashlights. Some have LED lights, some have built-in liquid reservoirs, others have combined atomizer cartridges, some are tubular and some are even rectangular boxes. They come in all shapes and sizes and have different features for former smokers who wish to distance themselves from anything resembling a traditional cigarette or want a longer battery life and/or better performance.
Are e-cigarettes safe?
While anything containing nicotine cannot be called 100% safe, evidence from numerous studies strongly suggests that they are magnitudes safer than tobacco cigarettes. Harm reduction experts can point to research supporting that switching from cigarettes to a smokefree product will reduce health risks to less than 1% of smoking traditional cigarettes – nearly the same as non-smokers. For tobacco harm reduction health professionals, it is misleading and irresponsible for public health officials to tell smokers that smokeless products, such as e-cigarettes, are “not a safe alternative to smoking” simply because they are “only” 99% safer and not 100% safe.
Do e-cigarettes contain anti-freeze?
No. This myth was created by a 2009 FDA press statement regarding electronic cigarettes. The FDA tested 18 cartridges from 2 companies. Of those 18 cartridges, 1 tested positive for a non-toxic amount of diethylene glycol (approximately 1%). While diethylene glycol is occasionally used in anti-freeze, the chemical is not a standard ingredient in e-cigarette liquid and it has not been found in any other samples tested to date.
The base liquid for e-cigarette liquid is usually propylene glycol. Propylene glycol is considered GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the FDA and EPA. While it is also sometimes found in anti-freeze, it is actually added to make the anti-freeze less toxic and safer for small children and pets. Propylene glycol is a common ingredient found in many of the foods we eat, cosmetics we use and medications we take. It is also used in the fog machines used in theaters and night clubs.
Do e-cigarettes cause cancer just like tobacco cigarettes?
Though testing by the FDA and some researchers have discovered trace amounts of tobacco-specific nitrosamines, which are known to cause cancer with high exposure, the amounts found were extremely low and unlikely to cause cancer. To put it in perspective, an e-cigarette contains nearly the exact same trace levels of nitrosamines as the FDA-approved nicotine patch and about 1,300 times less nitrosamines than a Marlboro cigarette. This means that e-cigarettes would not be any more likely to cause cancer than FDA-approved nicotine gums, patches or lozenges.
What about all of the news reports that e-cigarettes contain toxic chemicals and metals?
The reports that there are studies that show potential health risks due to e-cigarette use are premature. In spite of what has been reported, the studies done to date have not only been largely inconclusive, but have actually found that the levels of contaminants detected in e-cigarette liquid and vapor are so low that it is highly doubtful they would even pose a health risk. Most certainly, they are thousands of times less of a risk than continuing to smoke. The fact is, the mere “detection” of a chemical does not mean that a product is hazardous. Every day we harmlessly consume and breathe in chemicals that would be toxic at much higher levels. It is disingenuous for public health organizations that disapprove of e-cigarettes to point to the trace levels found in e-cigarette studies as conclusive evidence of a potential health risk.
Dr. Igor Burstyn, of Drexel University, reviewed all of the available chemistry on e-cigarette vapor and liquid and found that the levels reported — even in those studies that were hyped as showing there is a danger — are well below the level that is of concern. His report was peer-reviewed and published January 2014 on Bio Med Central’s Public Health Journal: “Peering through the mist: systematic review of what the chemistry of contaminants in electronic cigarettes tells us about health risks”
In 2011, The FDA issued a statement regarding the approved smoking cessation drug Chantix, which has been linked to over 500 deaths, suicidal tendencies and heart attacks. The FDA stated that “the drug’s
benefits outweigh the risks.” E-cigarettes have been on the market nearly as long as Chantix, without reports of significant adverse reactions or deaths. Studies have shown that while chemicals have been detected, they are too low to pose any significant health risks and are certainly far less exposure than found in cigarette smoke. It is clear to anyone who reviews the more than 60 available studies on e- cigarette liquids and vapor that the benefits of e-cigarettes also “far outweigh the risks.”
If there are over 60 studies of e-cigarette vapor and liquid, why do health experts say we don’t know what is in them or that they may be more dangerous than traditional cigarettes?
Good question. Unfortunately, we don’t have a clear answer. What we do know is that pharmaceutical companies do not like to see smokers switching to e-cigarettes instead of using pharmaceutical drugs and nicotine products. The pharmaceutical industry and its “foundations” fund a lot of anti-tobacco research and supports many of the anti-tobacco organizations and politicians that object to e-cigarettes and tobacco harm reduction policies.
We also know that there is a small, but very vocal, part of the public health community that is against anything that doesn’t require 100% abstinence from all tobacco and nicotine. Their objection to e- cigarettes appear to be more ideological than science-based and it seems they would rather smokers remain uncertain enough about e-cigarette safety that they will choose to keep trying to quit smoking with traditional methods instead. Unfortunately, while this may be an option for those smokers who are actively trying to quit, it keeps smokers who aren’t trying to quit – or who fail to quit using traditional methods – using the most hazardous product on the market, rather than a far safer alternative.
Are e-cigarettes approved or regulated by the FDA?
The FDA currently considers e-cigarettes to be tobacco products. Originally, it claimed that e-cigarettes are being used as smoking cessation devices and therefore they needed to be regulated the same as pharmaceutical nicotine replacement therapy drugs (NRTs). In 2009, the FDA ordered customs officials to start seizing e-cigarette shipments coming into the country.
On April 25, 2011, FDA announced in a letter to stakeholders that it would not appeal the decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit in Sottera, Inc. v. Food & Drug Administration, stating that e-cigarettes and other products are not drugs/devices unless they are marketed for therapeutic purposes, but that products “made or derived from tobacco can be regulated as “tobacco products” under the FD&C Act. The FDA stated that it is aware that certain products made or derived from tobacco, such as electronic cigarettes, are not currently subject to pre-market review requirements of
the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. It is developing a strategy to regulate this “emerging class of products” as tobacco products under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. Products that are marketed for therapeutic purposes will continue to be regulated as drugs and/or devices. In late 2013, the FDA submitted its regulatory proposal to the OMB.
Contrary to some media reports and comments by legislators, regulation as a “tobacco product” under FSPTCA does not mean that e-cigarettes are automatically regulated in the exact same manner as tobacco cigarettes, ie., subject to PACT, flavoring prohibitions and indoor use bans nor subject to the same tax rates. However, it does mean sales of these products to minors are finally prohibited by law.
What e-cigarette brand most looks and tastes like a real cigarette?
This is the most common question on e-cigarette forums. The best answer to that question is “none” and “it doesn’t matter.”
Since those considering e-cigarettes are usually seeking to replace tobacco cigarettes, they are under the assumption that having the most realistic, tobacco-flavored e-cigarette will bring the most satisfaction. The truth of it is that after switching to e-cigarettes for a few weeks, the vast majority of users discover that looks ultimately don’t matter – performance does. And the best performing e- cigarettes don’t necessarily look anything like traditional cigarettes because they require larger batteries. And the most popular flavors with experienced users are often as far from tobacco-tasting as one can get.
One problem is that none of the tobacco flavors really taste like burning tobacco – they taste more like fresh tobacco smells and slightly sweet. So, experienced e-cigarette users will tell you that nothing tastes exactly like a burning tobacco cigarette. But, we know you won’t believe us and insist on buying something that looks and tastes like a tobacco cigarette. That’s ok – we’ve all been there!
Can e-cigarettes help me quit smoking?
E-cigarettes are not approved to be marketed as nicotine cessation products like the nicotine gums and patches on the market. However, that doesn’t mean that some smokers haven’t found them an effective way to wean from nicotine. There is also a lot of real-world evidence and even some studies that strongly indicate that e-cigarettes are an effective alternative to smoking. Surveys show that up to 80% of e-cigarette users quit smoking traditional cigarettes while using e-cigarettes. One study showed e- cigarettes worked at least as well as the nicotine patch for nicotine replacement therapy.
However, while some users have gradually reduced the nicotine levels down to zero, the majority of e- cigarette users treat the devices as an alternate source of nicotine and not as a nicotine cessation program. So there is not as much scientific evidence yet that show how effective e-cigarettes are when used to treat or cure nicotine addiction. Yet, anecdotal reports by users who have used e-cigarettes as a way to wean from nicotine also indicates they seem to be very effective way to break smoking triggers and dramatically reduce nicotine levels. As with pharmaceutical NRTs, it depends upon the smoker and the strength of his or her addiction and resolve to quit. E-cigarettes also appear to be a much safer option for short-term use in the event of relapse.
The good news is, nicotine by itself has very low health risks, so switching to e-cigarettes can be nearly as good as quitting altogether. The most important thing for those who cannot or will not quit nicotine to do is to stop the exposure to the harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke and e-cigarettes can help them do it.
Last week, NVC went to the White House to meet with the OMB on behalf of vapers everywhere. We gave an impassioned plea and described the future landscape of a world without vaping products. We hope we helped bring to light the importance of keeping vaping products affordable and accessible to vapers.
In November, National Vapers Club’s Cheryl Richter hosted a webinar that featured the leaders in vaping today: Julie Woessner of CASAA, Cynthia Cabrera of SFATA, Greg Conley of AVA and Mike Hogan, SFATA’s national lobbyist. If you missed it live, make sure you listen now:
In October, National Vapers Club was asked to attend the TMA conference, where industry leaders got together with Public Health professionals and FDA staff to discuss what common sense regulations from industry expert should really look like. We were happy to see many true experts turn out to impart their wisdom, and look forward to further discussions.
In the meantime, there are some things things that vendors — and consumers — should be doing right now:
Vendors
1) If you have not yet joined SFATA (Smoke Free America Trade Association) we encourage you to do so.
2) Store owners should encourage their costumers to follow the customer to-do-list below.
3) Call your representatives in the House and Senate and ask them to move the grandfather date from 2007 because otherwise the products you sell and use today will be off the market.Consumers 1) Shop only at responsible vape shops that are involved in the fight.
2) Call your representatives in the House and Senate and ask them to move the grandfather date from 2007 because otherwise the products you use today will be off the market.
President Obama and staff at the Office of Management & Budget,
The World Health Organization projects that a billion people will die this century from smoking-related illness. In the United States alone, more people die each year from smoking than AIDS, alcohol, illegal drugs, murders, suicides, and car accidents combined.
Smoking is deadly.
Unfortunately, so are poor regulations.
Throughout history, powerful people have used fear mongering and regulations to further their own interests and moral agendas. For nearly 50 years, condoms were illegal in our country. A black market formed. People were even arrested.It was not until World War I that we fully realized how foolish these anti-condom regulations were. Instead of allowing condoms, the US government issued ineffective prophylactic soap. By the end of the war, the US military had diagnosed nearly 400,000 cases of syphilis and gonorrhea.
Here today, I watch history repeating itself.
It’s no secret that many of our current troops and nearly 40 million Americans are facing a deadly addiction to cigarette smoking. 70% of them want to quit, half try each year. Only 6% of them succeed. Telling people to quit smoking is nearly as effective as telling people to quit having sex. We must help them.
Much like the prophylactic soap from WWI, it is clear that recommended quitting methods such as nicotine gums, patches, and prescription pharmaceuticals are ineffective. On top of that, FDA approved drugs even list depressed mood and suicidal behavior as side effects. People are killing themselves to quit smoking.
In the meantime, a new industry comprised of mostly small independent business owners has developed to help smokers quit cigarettes by switching from lighting tobacco on fire to vaporizing a nicotine solution using methods similar to fog machines and FDA-approved nicotine inhalers. Many consider the invention an important milestone in medical history and millions of users credit vaping with saving their life. Smoking among young people is now at a record low.
After years with no decline in smoking prevalence, things are finally headed in the right direction.
The proposed deeming regulations by the FDA would ban 99% of these vaping products and hand the remainder of the market share to big tobacco companies who would prefer to sell cigarettes. Smokers need more options to quit, not fewer. The expected harm caused by these regulations is so large, our production company decided to make a film about it.
Our investigation has found alarming and concrete evidence of:
Illegal activities by the CDC in funding lobbying
Conflicts of interest among FDA leadership
Significant conflicts of interest among leading health charities such as American Cancer Society, American Lung Association, and American Heart Association
Pharmaceutical companies aggressively lobbying and funding organizations to fight against vaping
Cigarette taxes and smoking-related medical spending are tremendous sources of funding for many powerful industries and trusted health brands. Without smoking, they will face significant funding shortages.
To learn more about the technology and health effects of vaping, we interviewed the former president of the World Medical Association, former executive director at the World Health Organization, and many more doctors, scientists, and health experts. We have yet to find one expert in the field that doesn’t believe vaping is significantly safer than smoking. Most say that demonizing and over-regulating vaping products will lead people back to smoking.
The United Kingdom government’s Public Health England committee recently declared that “E-cigarettes are significantly less harmful to health than tobacco and have the potential to help smokers quit smoking.”
Key findings of the review include:
The current best estimate is that e-cigarettes are around 95% less harmful than smoking
Nearly half the population (44.8%) don’t realize e-cigarettes are much less harmful than smoking
There is no evidence so far that e-cigarettes are acting as a route into smoking for children or non-smokers
Rather than bowing to fear mongering and launching into regulations before there’s scientific evidence to support them, we urge caution and a measured approach. There’s no credible evidence that vaping is causing harm to the public, but millions of people say that it’s helped them quit smoking.
Nobody is saying that vaping is perfect. Just like condoms, there are moral and risk issues still being debated. Just like condoms, a common sense approach will save lives.
It’s time to return the deeming regulations to the FDA and begin a collaborative approach to rulemaking that doesn’t condemn millions of people to addiction and death.
This model was developed to accommodate users with an unrestricted Mod/e-cig carry, however, not in the form of a lanyard.
This latest creation using our Patent Pending concept is the V2.0 Ring Sling HP from VapeSling®.
This new sling model is a finger sling. Your HandChecks will be secure in your hand with the Ring loop on one of your fingers. As with all our Slings, Mods of ALL SIZES, WEIGHT and SHAPE are held, comfortably and securely. This tough carry will handle all Mods, e-cigs, vaporizer sizes and weights, securely and comfortably.
Attachment is done with the cradle sandwiched between the Atty and the Batty (Atomizer and Battery). Your Mod will be in full display and always ready to vape. If you have a your own carabiner the Ring Sling HP can be used as a HIPster.
The V2.0 Ring Sling HP will fit 510 connections on EGO batteries. The center aperture on the Ring Sling HP cradle is designed to allow the 510 connection on all EGO batteries fit in securely. All 510 Atty’s will screw on easily. If you use an EGO Atomizer (EVOD, mini atty, etc.), we provide a 510 to EGO adapter to accommodate the threads. The 510 to EGO adapter provides the wider EGO threads for any EGO Atomizer whether you are using a 510 Mod or EGO battery.
Own a HIPster and want to convert it to a ZIPster? Get our adjustable ZIP line ZIPster accessory.
Ring_slingChevy
Specs for Ring Sling HP:
Large loop to fit the meatiest fingers
550 or Flat 650 Military grade paracord
Stitched and embroidered, Dual, reinforced, liquid-proof, black canvas
Fits all 510 devices and EGO battys
See below for alternate color and cord type choices
Color Choices
We apologize for our Website limitations. We have alternate colors in 550 or 650 flat paracord. Please download or view this file to choose from our alternate colors. Please make a choice from our standard (menu selected) colors to get to checkout, then make a note of the color and cord type (flat or 550 paracord) you prefer from this color chart. Don’t worry, we read ALL our customer notes before order processing.
