February 12, 2017February 12, 2017

The New VapeSling® Website!

Thank you for visiting VapeSling®

NEW!!! Web Prevention Measure – Security Upgrades (2017)

The new VapeSling® website is HTTPS secured throughout the website. This assures your session with us is completely safe.

You may also notice a site lock to protect us and you. All customer input is locked up in our vaulted database and scanned constantly for malware.

Although there was no breach, prevention is best for us and our VapeSlingers info (and Mods). Thank you for Slinging with us since 2014.

If you are a daily Slinger, you may have valuable feedback? If so,Please, write a review. Every product page has it’s own review tab. Or tell us on our secure Contact Us.

New (Oct 2016) VapeSling® version: V3 Web Slings

Enjoy a new level of comfort and convenience with your new V3.0 Web Slings

About VapeSling LLC (VSLLC):

Vape Advocacy/Activism

VapeSling LLC is a Nevada, USA based company. All our employees are proud members of The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association (CASAA), The Vaping Militia and the National Vapers Club (NVC); three organizations that further encourage ex-smokers to continue smoke-free lifestyles through scientific research on electronic cigarettes, education about vaping and vaping products, as well as help protect vaper rights through activism on the local, state, and federal levels. We also donate to .orgs such as NBS, and we hope you will too.

We created a VapersArmy on InstaGram that spread the word of justice for vapers. We furthermore, post every single CTA that exists currently on our dedicated web page –> Calls To Action – Vapor Products. We update this the daily in addition to update news posts under latest news. All vapers have access. No one has an excuse to not fight for Vaper Rights. Before this author goes on a rant about sheeple, we will move on.

On several occasions, VapeSling staff members have taken action on issues directly affecting our vaping community such as contacting several of our local Nevada politicians as well as the President himself. We encountered most favorable responses from Senator of Nevada, Dean Heller and recently Representative of Nevada Joe Heck . If you are a local to Nevada, please contact them to express your vaping concerns and relay any call to action from vaping advocate groups, clubs and associations. Furthermore, thank and support Joe Heck and Dean Heller by voting for their renewed services on election day.

VapeSling®: American Made

All VapeSling® models are “Made in the USA” with premium U.S. made materials. The VapeSling® breakthrough concept was born from e-cig/mod portability problems encountered with hand carry, pockets, pouches, belt clips, and all other available forms of e-cig/Mod portability. VapeSling® uses a unique Patent Pending concept which allows the user to carry, vape, and move. VapeSling® users can vape while their e-cig/mod is attached to their VapeSling®. Whether on the move or relaxing on a couch, a #VapeSlinger can carry their e-cig/mod comfortably, securely, and always ready to vape. No retrieving or re-deposits of your e-cig/Mod into any case, pouch, bag or pockets. No more devices falling to the ground. The VapeSling innovation has withstood the test of time by thousands of VapeSlingers. Enjoying CARRY.VAPE.MOVE. for 3 years since 2014. All device sizes, weights and shapes (Box, Cylindrical, etc.) will fit securely on your VapeSling® e-cig/Mod Holder.

Lastly, our USPTO patent will grant in 2017. Filed in 2014, our USPTO NPA is finally on the examiners desk.

For more info, visit the this page—> VapeSling® E-cig/Mod/Vape Holder

Begin enjoying “hands free” carry, while vaping on the go. Get your VapeSling® today!

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February 6, 2017

Update Feb2017: A Billion Lives Film

Update Feb2017: A Billion Lives Film

Audience in Copenhagen last week for our Danish Premiere

It’s been a busy couple months preparing for the final release of A Billion Lives around the world on various broadcast, streaming, and Blu-Ray platforms.

Our new broadcast distribution partner, Principal Media, has been discussing TV broadcasts of A Billion Lives with HBO, AMC, MBC (Middle East), YLC (Finland), MediaLaan, RTL, ProSieben (Germany), Telefilms (Argentina), Bell Media, and Turner.

The international interest in our movie from large networks is largely due to your work in helping spread the word via social media, as well as our spectacular international premieres over the past six months.

Momentum, while slow, is building and we are gaining the public’s attention.

Thanks for being patient.

The Plan

This has definitely been a learning experience for us. Rarely has a film with this level of support and vital message been so ignored by the media and Hollywood establishment. Sadly, that means we’ve had to do a lot of unexpected work with distribution.

We’ve been pushing as hard as we can to get the word out using mainstream channels and it is working. It’s also taking a bit more time than expected. The ability to put it on TV was a pleasant surprise.

Here’s the plan going forward.

Theaters

We’re wrapping up the theatrical release in English-speaking countries. However, I still believe that bringing people from other countries together to see the movie in a public forum is vital to getting new people to hear the message.

Last week in Copenhagen, I got to visit with officials from the Health Ministry and Safety Ministry after they watched the movie. There were tons of other members of the public there as well. It was powerful for them to witness the groans, laughs, and standing ovation.

We are getting close to launching the movie in theaters in Germany, Austria, France, and maybe other countries. We’ve gotten commitments to show the movie in Germany & Austria at least 10 times to allow local groups to invite media and politicians.

All countries that currently have the movie in theaters (US, Canada, Australia, UK, Ireland, New Zealand) will continue to have the opportunity to use Demand.Film (International) or Tugg (US) to host theater screenings for years.

Our new broadcast distribution partner is working to get the movie on TV, where it will be seen by people not currently introduced to the #ABillionLives debate.

We just finished preparing an international version of the movie (no English) and it is ready for one network that has already signed a deal to show the movie 15 times! As mentioned above, more deals are potentially in the works.

The downside of this, is that we will delay the digital release in countries/languages where it is on TV. We think it’s worth it.

Digital Streaming

In countries where the movie will not air on TV (most of them), we plan one last publicity stunt to get attention by becoming the #1 movie on iTunes on our release day.

This is very possible with the level of support behind us.

After a succesfull iTunes launch, we’ll also have it available on other platforms (Amazon, Google Play, etc.).

Digital streaming is our best chance to make money and fund a follow-up film, so we are eager to begin as soon as possible. The only reason we’ve held off is to build more public awareness of the message and honor our commitments to theaters.

Reaching the public is job #1.

Blu-Ray

In addition to a digital release, we plan on selling a limited edition Blu-Ray disk with special content (potentially a deleted chapter featuring Stanton Glantz).

We’ve been working on it and we’re ready to start taking bulk pre-orders. We don’t have the manpower to sell individual copies initially, so we’ll rely on authorized groups or companies to buy the movie at bulk prices and help distribute it on their own websites or stores.

In order to reward our strongest supporters and help us get better pricing on disk creation, we’ll be prioritizing the largest orders first. Please reply to this email if you are interested.

Any company or group that cares about our message is welcome.

Final Notes

In addition to all the distribution work (and my job at Attention Era Media), I continue to be active in working with groups to meet with and educate government leaders and the media.

We are fully aware of the battles going on right now and we are helping as much as possible with our limited resources and small staff.

We think a follow up film using our new network, expertise, and supportive community would be able to put away these liars for good.

But to do this (without taking money from outside organizations to make the movie), we need to be smart.

Thanks for sticking with us. I appreciate you.

Talk soon,

– Aaron Biebert

January 27, 2017January 27, 2017

Who is next in the FDA?

Vapor News and Views

Who is next in the FDA?

News and views on vapor tax and regulatory issues from across the United States. The best way to stay up to date with what’s happening in Washington and in your state capitol.

Friends,

Donald J.Trump has been sworn in as the 45th President of the United States, his nominee for Health and Human Services is on the verge of taking charge of the agency, the administration is weighing and taking daily action on federal regulations, and we’re on the cusp of even more significant debates over health care in the United States.

Here’s my assessment of week one under President Trump: his actions on things like the Keystone XL Pipeline, the Mexico City Policy, federal hiring and regulation freezes, and daily rhetoric/Tweets indicate he meant most of what he said during the campaign. He cares about creating new jobs, undoing much of the Obama legislative and regulatory “legacy,” and is open to Big League reform, whether it be done through executive actions or by Congress.

So what? Soon-to-be HHS Secretary Tom Price, the next head of the Food and Drug Administration, and key legislative champions for the industry (Senator Ron Johnson & Congressman Duncan Hunter among them) all need to be on the same page very soon so that we too can be included in the draining of the status quo swamp. What does this industry want or need immediately from the administration? What does it need long term from Congress? Think on it. Let me know your thoughts. Shoot me an email at [email protected].

—

Paul Blair

Strategic Initiatives Director

Americans for Tax Reform

Who will take the reins as next head of the FDA?

So who is under consideration to run the Food and Drug Administration? Over the last two months, a number of names have been floated by individuals associated with the Trump transition team and several have been spotted at Trump Tower and even confirmed as considered appointments by the Trump team. Here are a few:

Dr. Scott Gottlieb: former deputy commissioner at the FDA under President George W. Bush, venture partner at New Enterprise Associates, and resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI). For those of you who may not know, AEI is almost as big a fan of vapor products and their consumers as we are at ATR. I know, I’m biased. But go read anything Dr. Sally Satel has ever written or said on the subject if you haven’t. Hi Sally!Gottlieb is advising the Trump transition team and as a former regulator would make a more traditional pick to lead the agency. I’m led to believe this guy gets it when it comes to harm reduction and the importance of innovation in the vapor space.
Jim O’Neill: closely connected to Trump supporter Peter Thiel, the billionaire businessman and venture capitalist who co-founded PayPal. O’Neill is managing director at Thiel’s Mithril Capital Management. He isn’t a doctor and doesn’t have a deep background in healthcare but did serve in W.’s HHS between 2002-2008.O’Neill has publicly expressed support for allowing drugs to hit the market after they’ve been deemed safe but before they’ve been deemed effective. See this Forbes piece on the “progressive approval” process. This would be what they call ‘UGE. Picking O’Neill would be one of those extremely bold shake up the FDA with a guy opposed to the status quo kind of things.
Dr. Joseph Gulfo: the executive director of the Lewis Center for Healthcare Innovation and Technology at Fairleigh Dickinson University, and the former President and CEO of the medical device firm MELA Sciences. A defender of the FDA’s underlying mission but big advocate for reforms that simplify the drug-approval process. Click here to read an interview he did this week and a piece he wrote for the Wall Street Journal in November. He’s the newest name on the short list.
Balaji Srinivasan: another Silicon Valley entrepreneur connected to Thiel. He’s a partner at the VC firm Andreessen Horowitz, CEO of a bitcoin startup, and lecturer at the Departments of Statistics, and Computer Science at Stanford.

Okay, what do all of these possible picks mean for the FDA and the vapor industry? There’s clearly a push for someone from the tech/biotech industry to take the reins and it’s likely that the next head of the FDA will come from the venture capital world, bringing with them a better understanding of entrepreneurship, economics, and the importance of innovation than recently departed Commissioner Califf or his predecessor Commissioner Hamburg. These guys aren’t career practicing doctors, they’re investors and innovators. We’re on the verge of seeing big changes at the FDA.

Note: Mitch Zeller, the director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products is not a political appointee. He’s under no obligation to leave the position and will likely stick around for a while. That’s why we’ll need a culture shift above him at the FDA and at HHS. Congressional action helps too.

Upcoming E-Vapor Law Symposium on February 2nd and 3rd

This coming week, Keller and Heckman will be hosting an E-Vapor Law Symposium covering a wide range of topics including PMTA requirements, pending litigation, international product regulations, battery standards, and of course taxes! You can register to watch online or participate in person here.

I’ll be giving an update on state tax laws, tax trends to watch for in 2017, and information on what’s to come for the vapor industry broadly when it comes to taxes on manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and consumers. To listen to a preview of my presentation, click here. (My presentation preview begins at 28:50)

January 24, 2017

Vape Battery Safety Guide

Battery Safety – Making Peace With Power

CASAA has produced a comprehensive guide to battery safety for those who use vapor products. The guide discusses how batteries are made, how they work, and what damages them. From this understanding, users can formulate some pretty clear rules to keep them and their batteries living together peacefully.

Download the complete guide here.
CASAA battery cases are available here.

Practical Battery Safety Tips

Know your device. Every device has specific power requirements and the batteries for the device should meet or exceed those requirements.
Do NOT make modifications to the device including those which could block any ventilation holes or slots. Those holes or slots remove heat and/or allow venting gas to escape safely.
Buy high-quality batteries from a known source – cheap batteries and seconds have poor internal quality and could fail sooner.
Buy only batteries rated for your device. Beware of re-branded batteries claiming to have ‘High Output’ – many of these are counterfeit and will fail. If in doubt seek well-known brands like Sony, LG, Samsung, etc., and buy from a dealer that knows where they came from.
Store batteries in a protective case or sleeve, to prevent them from shorting or being damaged. CASAA has battery cases available in our store here.
NEVER exceed the rated capacity of the battery – pulse ratings are high-stress ratings, batteries are meant to rest after stress.
Do not drop batteries. If they are dropped they should be inspected very carefully. Any sign of damage on the outside could mean damage on the inside.
Do not subject batteries to extremes of temperature. Leaving them in your car could freeze the electrolyte causing it to crack. Overheating the electrolyte will cause it to dry out prematurely and crack. Cracked electrolyte is a key point of failure for thermal runaway.
If, when using a battery, it gets hot, STOP! Batteries may get warm to touch, but they should never get hot. Immediately put the battery in a fire-safe place such as a dry sink or outdoors away from people or pets.
Use a quality charger designed for lithium batteries – using cheap chargers can result in overcharging batteries, or charging them too fast. This weakens the separator and causes the electrolyte to dry out and crack making the battery unsafe.
Batteries should be replaced after at least 1 year of use – more often under high-stress applications like vaping. If you notice that the battery is taking longer to charge, seems warmer while using, or doesn’t seem to hold a charge as long, it is time to replace it.
Never use a battery whose wrapper is damaged! The opportunity for shorts is higher, and damaged wraps may indicate internal damage.

VSLLC 2017 CASAA2017

January 19, 2017January 24, 2017

VapeSling® RingSling V3.0 Released

VapeSling® RingSling V3.0 Released

VapeSling® RingSling V3.0 Released 1/19/17

As of January 19th, 2017, the V2.1 RingSling™ by VapeSling® has joined the V3.0 Webbed Sling Style.

Reliable and more comfortable than ever with. 1.25″ wide webbing, your V3 RingSling™ will be a welcome hand companion.

The V2.1 RingSling™ will remain available along with his new brother your V3 RingSling™

Enjoy your V3 Varieties VapeSlingers!

About V3

Your V3.0 Web Slings are covered by our VapeSling® Lifetime Guarantee. You won’t need it, as we expect 0% breaks. All our slings are reliable, however, this version is exceptional. Reliability extends beyond your Mod/Vape weight.

Starched fabric (for wrinkle free flatness) sewn into reinforced edges (Black Gross-Grain) leading to the VapeSling® proprietary cradle (Black VS Logo flap). All Cradles are sewn with a triple stitch square around the VS logo. You can literally pull a truck with your V3.0 sling. Our point: Your sling will last and secure your mod forever!

Your V3 Sling is completely washable as well as heat resistant.

V3.0 also offers these other types in 9 colors:

The HandCheck™

Average Joe™ (Neck Sling)

MODster™ (Cross-Body)

Enjoy a new level of comfort and convenince with your new V3.0 Web Slings

Please subscribe to our Website to receive VapeSling® Latest news on products and Vaping advocacy

January 12, 2017January 12, 2017

NEW Adjustable V3 HandCheck™

NEW Adjustable V3 HandCheck™

Your HandCheck™ Sling has been adjusted with a new feature. The NEW Adjustable V3 HandCheck™ offers varying sizes ( adjustable from 4-8 inches) eliminating the guess work for your hand size. Simply select the “Adjuster” selection from the SIZE pulldown menu. Fitted sizes are still available on the same pull down menu. This new feature is absolutely free of charge. We feel the HandCheck™ should have this option as a standard. Some may prefer the fitted style for it’s cosmetic appeal. Some may prefer a snug fit. In either case, your V3 HandCheck™ is now available, just how you want it.

January 4, 2017February 3, 2017

Jan2017 Vapor Calls To Action

JOIN CASAA. By joining CASAA, you will become plugged into an advocacy network.

Print Flyers for your Vape Shops here-—> Flyer – Do you Like to Vape Casaa Flyer

IssueSnapshotOnDeeming FDA_casaa HR2058guide Casaa Flyer

Jan2017 CTA

Act on any Vapor Call to Action for your state or local area. Unite to fight for our right to VAPE!

Posted Feb 3rd

Arizona – Take action to oppose a 95% tax on vapor products

16 hours agoComments Offon Arizona – Take action to oppose a 95% tax on vapor products

A 95% wholesale tax (SB 1517) on vapor products has been introduced in the Arizona senate. Such an outrageous tax rate is bad for both businesses and consumers. Not to mention the damaging public health consequences of taking smoke-free alternatives away from former smokers. It is vital that you TAKE ACTION by urging your Arizona senator to REJECT SB …

A bill (SB 119) has been introduced that would ban online sales of vapor products in Maryland. Supporters of SB 119 are promoting this as necessary to control youth access to vapor products. But, rather than prevent young people from making purchases, such an extreme regulation will actually limit adult access to vapor products. For those who live in areas …

Posted Jan 4th

The new year is here, but responses to ECigIntelligence’s consumer survey are still needed.

Your participation in this survey will help inform regulators, advocates, and commentators as we all work to build policies that benefit consumers.

If you haven’t already, please take a moment (5 – 10 minutes) to complete the survey.

Click here to take the survey

Thank you!

Alex Clark

CASAA Legislative Coordinator

Posted Jan 4th

2017 State Taxes affecting vapers throughout the country

Posted Dec 8th

Sign the Petition! —->www.atr.org/tell-trump-fire-us-surgeon-general

In a new report by the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, is calling for the inclusion of vapor in smoke-free policies and PRICE AND TAX POLICIES. We, at #notblowingsmoke, consider that a violation of the hippocratic oath he took since it will most certainly encourage youth and adults BOTH to go back to smoking instead of an alternative that has been proven to be, conservatively speaking, 95% safer than smoking. Dr. Murthy’s report ignores years of dramatic reductions in youth cigarette smoking and instead MISLEADS THE PUBLIC into believing that a much less harmful alternative presents “major health risks”. It seems obvious to us that Dr. Murthy has no objections to reversing the years of progress that have been made in curbing the use of combustible cigarettes.

As the nation’s senior public health official his term doesn’t expire until the end of 2018. With President-elect Donald Trump’s promise to “drain the swamp” however, we’re calling on Trump to deliver a simple message to Dr. Murthy: YOU’RE FIRED!

Sign the petition by ATR, which will be delivered to the president’s office, asking President Trump to FIRE the Dr. Murthy and REPLACE him with someone who actually CARES about tobacco harm reduction and saving lives. The petition link is in the profile!

Note: NOT Blowing Smoke generally does not support petitions. However, in this case as the administration is in a transitional period (and appointments and seats are still being made) there is no way to direct the messages to specific targets. The petition will be HAND DELIVERED by ATR, though, at some point in the next month. Let’s make this a message that can be heard loud and clear with the new administration.

Posted Nov 7

Lookup your LawMakers before your vote

FIVE THINGS TO DO TODAY TO SAVE VAPING

IVapeIVote Crowd Shot

(1) Send a Message! Support a change to the 2007 “predicate date” which could save the vapor industry from total destruction.

Send an Email

(2) Join CASAA! It’s easy, it’s free, and we will keep you up to date on information and opportunities to take action to protect your access to vapor products.

(3) Register To Vote! Millions of vapers, including YOU, have the power to influence government decisions by electing candidates who support vaping!

Click to Register to Vote

(4) Tell your story! Visit CASAA’s Testimonials Project and tell us about your experience with low-risk, smoke-free products like e-cigarettes and snus.

Click to Submit Your Story

(5) Support CASAA’s work to promote tobacco harm reduction policies and keep the diverse range of smoke-free alternatives available.

Answer Ron Johnson

August 17, 2016 Comments Offon Answer Ron Johnson

(Please note: if you live outside of Wisconsin, please follow the directions below to print and send your letter.) Senator Ron Johnson (WI) is taking the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to task over the impact of the “deeming rule” on small to medium vapor businesses across the country. Sen. Johnson, Chair of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental …

FDA Call to Action: Submit Comments on FDA’s Proposed Regulation of Safety Packaging and Labeling for E-Cigarettes and Dissolvable Smokeless Tobacco

August 13, 2015 0

Update August 21, 2015: The comment deadline has been extended to September 30, 2015. DEADLINE for Comment is August 31, 2015 September 30, 2015. I. Background The FDA recently published an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) requesting comments on rules about “Nicotine Exposure Warnings and Child-Resistant Packaging for Liquid Nicotine, Nicotine-Containing E-Liquid(s), and Other Tobacco Products.” As is obvious from …

Call to Action! Support HR 2058 which would change the grandfather date for vapor products

May 18, 2015Comments Offon Call to Action! Support HR 2058 which would change the grandfather date for vapor products

The FDA Deeming Authority Clarification Act of 2015 (HR 2058), introduced by Representative Tom Cole of Oklahoma, would save the U.S. vapor industry from being decimated by improper regulations by the FDA. This bill would amend the Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act to change the grandfather date for “deemed tobacco products.” This change would allow for all vapor products currently …

About CASAA

The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association (CASAA) is a non-profit 501(c)(4) organization with an all-volunteer board and a grassroots membership of more than two hundred thousand individuals from all walks of life, and we are growing daily. We are a consumer organization, not a trade association. We are dedicated to ensuring the availability of reduced harm alternatives to smoking and to providing smokers and non-smokers alike with honest information about those alternatives so that they can make informed choices.

A HISTORICAL TIMELINE OF ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES

The timeline includes links to articles, patents, court decisions, and many other resources to give a comprehensive history of this revolutionary alternative to combustible tobacco.

January 4, 2017January 4, 2017

2017 State taxes and Vaping

January 4, 2017

Vapor News and Views

News and views on vapor tax and regulatory issues from across the United States. The best way to stay up to date with what’s happening in Washington and in your state capitol.

Friends,

Hope you all enjoyed the Holidays and caught up on some much needed rest! In this edition of News and Views, I’m going to focus on the threat of new excise taxes in the states. Several weeks ago, I sent you alla map of tax threats and rates in 2016. This week, we take a look at the most significant factor that will contribute to the threat of taxes in the states: budget shortfalls, or as they’re more accurately described: state overspending problems.

And a note to readers. Thank you for all of your helpful feedback since our launch in November. As a result of your suggestions and requests, this will be the one and only 2017 legislative session “deep dive” into an issue as part of the News and Views. For those subscribers who may be interested in more of this type work, ATR will be launching a subscription-based service for vapor businesses, organizations, and interested parties in the coming weeks. Don’t worry though, the free version of the Newsletter isn’t going away! You’ll keep receiving content relevant to developments in the vapor space from across the country and in Washington, D.C.

Shoot me an email at [email protected] to learn more about Vapor News and Views Pro.

—

Paul Blair

State Affairs Manager

Americans for Tax Reform

State Overspending May Present a Problem for Vapers This Year

It’s Tax (Threat) Season!

As legislative sessions kick off across the country, three-fifths of states face overspending problems, a strong indicator of which states may consider tax hikes. Where the willpower to rein in spending fails, consumers and businesses like you may end up paying the price.

Headed into 2017, seven states have excise taxes for vapor products on the books, with only one (California) yet to take effect. Though enforcement is somewhat unclear, Kansas’s 20 cents per mL tax took effect on January 1.

For a deeper dive into the size of each state’s overspending problem, click here to read “State Overspending May be a Significant Problem for Vapers in 2017.”

No one factor determines the success or failure of an effort to raise taxes, cut spending, or rein in government. History, however, strongly indicates that where there’s smoke, there may be fire. Where lawmakers are looking for an easy target, they see smokers. And where they see smokers, a few will see vapers too.

Based on a number of factors, here are the tax threat trends and states to watch for:

As fell California, so too may Oregon and Washington, which both face significant overspending problems this year and a below average commitment to spending restraint. The domino effect.
Low energy costs are great for consumers and horrible for states that rely on high prices for tax revenue. Cigarettes are on the chopping block as a result in Oklahoma and Alaska, which both face significant reoccurring shortfalls. Vapor can always make an entrance in these situations.
Indiana has a House speaker who wants to raise the cigarette tax and a new governor who seems less committed to its opposition than VP-elect Mike Pence was last year. Watch for a proposal to raise the cigarette tax and a potential new vapor tax that comes with a “compromise” offer from lawmakers to reform the current state vapor regulation. “Do you want destructive regulations that kill your business or a small tax you can live with?” I can envision them asking. I suspect I’ll be headed back to Indiana soon…
It’s biennial budget year in Ohio and the incumbent governor proposed a vapor tax as part of his large tax reform package 2 years ago. I wouldn’t be surprised if another round of income tax cuts were proposed, paired with tax hikes on a number of industries including vapor (cigarette tax went up in ’15).
New York is interesting. The state already has the highest cigarette tax in the nation ($4.35 statewide, $5.85 in NYC). I don’t see the cigarette tax going up any time soon (half the state’s cigarettes are smuggled in via black market for God’s sake!) so will a stand alone vapor tax bill rear its ugly head in the midst of growing overspending problems? It’s also now is the state represented by the U.S. Senate Minority leader who has called for recalls of “ticking time bomb” vapor products. There are tax proposals every year… But I don’t think this is going to be the year it happens.
The annual “It Looks Like Smoking” crowd shuffling in to justify a wide range of vapor taxes across the country. Budget shortfalls just give proponents another reason to come for your money. This may explain proposals in +10 states this year.
Hawaii considers A LOT of tobacco bills every year and was the first state to raise the age to smoke/vape to 21. The state had to make this list.

Check out my recent post for more information, shoot me an email if you think I’m completely wrong, and share this map on Facebook and Twitter for those of your unfortunate friends and colleagues who aren’t yet subscribers!

Numerous States Organizing Early for Legislative Action on Vapor Issues

A few states already have events planned at the capitol.

Pennsylvania Capitol Rally II on Monday January 23rd in Harrisburg from 10:00AM-11:30AM. Plan on staying later to meet with your state legislator to advocate for reducing the 40% tax to a more reasonable per mL tax. Additional event details here.
Oregon Vape Day at the Capitol on February 7th at 9AM in Salem from 9:00AM-3:00PM. This is not a rally; it’s an opportunity to join a lobbyist for a meeting with your state legislator. Sign up here.

Organizing an event in your state or need suggestions to put something together? Shoot me an email and I’ll see if I can help!

Right to Vape Tour Releases Fourth Episode

The Right to Vape Tour‘s Episode Four was just released and features interviews from myself and Christian Berkey, the CEO and Founder of Johnson Creek Enterprise. Check it out.

The%20Right%20to%20Vape%20Tour%3A%20Episode%20Four

If you think this email was informative please do forward to friends or colleagues who might be interested in Vapor News and Views! They can subscribe by clicking here.

Paul Blair | Americans for Tax Reform | 202-785-0266 | [email protected] | www.atr.org

STAY CONNECTED

December 28, 2016December 28, 2016

Write a Review for AbillionLivesFilm

Write a Review for AbillionLivesFilm

I needed a break.

After going nonstop for two years making (and now having to distribute) the movie, I took some time off to focus on family while I waited for news.

I’m back online now. Here’s an update.

International Broadcast Distribution

Great news! Even though we had a hard time at first getting the attention of Hollywood, your vocal support has made an impact.

We just signed a deal with Principal Media for international broadcast distribution. They work with the BBC, Discovery Channel, Fox, and many others!

We’re currently waiting to see if any of the networks are interested (that is not guaranteed), but we’re happy to finally have greater support in Hollywood.

If you can, please leave a review of the movie here on IMDB. Netflix and the other guys are watching.

In the meantime, there are a ton of events scheduled in the new year for those who haven’t seen the movie yet.

Upcoming Events

30+ events in the US – Dates in January

Liverpool – January 16

Vancouver – January 31

Toronto – January 31

Ottawa – January 31

Calgary – January 31

Halifax – January 31

Copenhagen – February 3 (Danish Premiere)

Stockholm – February 7 (Swedish Premiere)

If you’d like to host a new year’s resolution #ABillionLives event for smokers in the new year,click here.

We also have word that things are looking good to bring the movie to continental Europe finally. More word on that soon.

Global Tour Recap

November was a busy month of traveling around the world to protest against what the WHO was doing in India and support the movement in Europe.

It was overwhelming.

We are still going through all the pictures and editing video footage, but here’s “The Movement” video from our global launch events in Toronto, NYC, and Hollywood.

Thanks for being a part of the movement. Because of you we’ve reached politicians, rock stars, movie stars, and hundreds of thousands of people.

We’re working hard this past month on getting the movie ready for home video and streaming.

Stay tuned.

– Aaron Biebert

December 20, 2016December 20, 2016

Vapor News: Fire the U.S. Surgeon General

Vapor News: Fire the U.S. Surgeon General

Vapor News and Views

News and views on vapor tax and regulatory issues from across the United States. The best way to stay up to date with what’s happening in Washington and in your state capitol.

Friends,

You’d think as we approached the Holidays, things would slow down a bit… Wrong. The U.S. Surgeon General recently released a 251-page report outlining the hazards of vapor products (see: nicotine) to America’s youth. Funny thing… the report neglected this year’s data which showed something quite interesting. Read below!

Senator Ron Johnson keeps on keepin’ on. He’s moving his attention beyond the FDA and towards the incoming administration. The reality is that the solutions approach over the next two years is two pronged – legislative and regulatory. The administration and the FDA can provide some relief through selective enforcement and Congress can change the predicate date, among other things.

And finally, a U.S. Senator who has never held a real job has called for recalls of vapor products.

In the next News and Views, I’ll preview 2017 state and local legislative threats to keep you occupied over the Holidays.

—

Paul Blair

State Affairs Manager

Americans for Tax Reform

U.S. Surgeon General Derelict in Duty to Promote Public Health

The nation’s top public health official just “sounded the alarm” on e-cigarettes with a report outlining the dangers of the products, with a specific focus on teens and young adults.

If you’re interested in reading the Surgeon General’s report, “E-Cigarette Use Among Youth and Young Adults,” it can be found here.

“These products are now the most commonly used form of tobacco among youth in the United States, surpassing conventional tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco and hookahs,” wrote Dr. Vivek H. Murthy. “In fact, use of e-cigarettes among high school students increased by 900% from 2011 to 2015.”

From the Washington Post to the New York Times, CNN, the L.A. Times, and countless more, the press ran with a fear-mongering story that presented no new information and ignored plenty of evidence about the reduced risk the products pose to the millions of who have made the switch from cigarettes.

In the context of all-time lows for smoking rates among America’s youth and in light of the fact that vapor products are at least 95% less harmful than combustible cigarettes, the report is beyond reprehensible.As Reason’s Guy Bentley pointed out, “The Surgeon General’s report and the media’s deferential reaction to it are part of a larger narrative that is hostile to e-cigarettes, prizing nicotine abstinence above all else.”

And even worse…

Monitoring the Future Study Shows Vaping Decline Among Youth

One week after the Surgeon General released the report, the University of Michigan’s Monitoring the Future Study showed that the percentage of teens who vaped declined in 2016. You read that right.

“From 2015 to 2016, the percentage of adolescents who vaped in the last 30 days declined from 16 percent to 13 percent among 12th-grade students, from 14 percent to 11 percent among 10th-grade students, and from 8 percent to 6 percent among 8th-grade students. Each of these declines was statistically significant.”

So one week after every major press outlet runs with the Surgeon General’s report on teen vaping, data shows that teen use of the products declined this year. And cigarette use? Also at a 42-year low. So much for that gateway effect.

From Dr. Siegel, “It is interesting that the Surgeon General released his report just prior to the release of these new data. Perhaps he realized that once these data came out, his ‘story’ about the scourge of e-cigarettes would be destroyed, so he wanted to get it in so it could have the maximum media impact. Even if it is purely a coincidence, it is going to be difficult to undo the damage caused by the Surgeon General’s report.”

From Sally Satel and David Sweanor, “What’s going on? Incredibly, the agencies’ leaders appear to see any nicotine use as a moral failure rather than a public health issue. To them, all nicotine and tobacco products are equally evil, echoing earlier approaches to alcohol. They think they are battling the hated Big Tobacco, when in fact they are protecting its deadliest product — cigarettes — while misinforming the public.”

Senator Ron Johnson Won’t Stop Until We Win

In each of the last two News and Views emails, I’ve highlighted Senator Ron Johnson’s (R-Wis.) leadership and commitment to regulatory relief for the vapor industry. This email will be no different.

In a letter jointly authored by Sen. Johnson and Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.), the two ask Vice President-elect Mike Pence (who is chairing the transition effort and by most accounts leading many of the domestic policy discussions) for assistance in the fight to rein in the Obama administration’s overreach with the FDA deeming rule.

Excerpt: “As we continue to pursue legislative options that will protect the thousands of small businesses that rely on producing and selling e-cigarettes, we respectfully urge the new Administration to consider repealing or suspending the FDA’s burdensome deeming regulation over e-cigarettes. With the President-Elect’s leadership, we are hopeful that we can protect thousands of small-business owners, employees, and consumers from the FDA’s overreach.”

Many of you have asked me in recent weeks what can be done to ensure that our fight and this issue is on the radar of the President-elect. This is a good step in that direction with much more in the pipeline. Stay tuned!

Incoming Senate Minority Leader Declares War on Vapor Products

Senator Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) urged the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to work with the FDA to use data it has collected on the vapor industry to consider recalls of exploding vapor products nationwide. Calling e-cigarettes “ticking time bombs,” Schumer cited the 92 explosions the FDA identified from 2009 to September 2015 and 66 from 2015 and early 2016.

This out-of-touch Senator likes to bloviate and is no new foe to the industry, having called for limits on flavors in the past. What’s somewhat concerning is his position as incoming leader of the Democrats in the Senate.

Dangerous products should be removed from store shelves if they’re being marketed and sold to consumers. Period. I’ve been to plenty of vape shops and shows and yet to find one though, despite looking. Let’s not confuse consumer misuse of products with those products’ inherent danger, however, as Schumer has done. In the spirit of context, here are a few facts.

Toothpicks cause 9,000 injuries per year;
More than 48 fast food workers are killed on the job every year;
1,700 men per year are sent to the emergency room as a result of… zipper-related injuries;
600 people die a year falling out of bed.
Hundreds of thousands of people die per year from cigarette use.

Get the picture? Great. Get a life, Chuck.

Have suggestions on topics we should discuss in the future? Think these emails are too long? Shoot me an email at [email protected]! Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holidays!

If you think this email was informative please do forward to friends or colleagues who might be interested in Vapor News and Views!U

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