Author: pbusardo
FROM TONY ABBOUD – FROM THE TRENCHES: VTA WEEKLY UPDATE
I’ve been getting these so thought I’d share in case it could help you…
FROM THE TRENCHES: VTA WEEKLY UPDATE
This week has been another exciting week for VTA. VTA’s ranks continue to grow as an additional association has joined our membership! In addition, we are asking all state associations to be vigilant as budget bills are being filed, and several include burdensome taxes on vapor products.
THE FEDERAL FRONT
VTA NEEDS YOU TO ACT NOW!
As you may know, President Trump’s Administration has made rolling back burdensome federal regulations a cornerstone of its agenda. Limiting the small-business killing impact of the Deeming Regulation must be addressed now.
Please take a moment today and lend your business’ name to a letter urging HHS Secretary Price to delay full implementation of the FDA deeming regulation, which is the first necessary step in the larger effort to reform the way the FDA regulates the vapor industry.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN YOUR NAME TO THE LETTER!
Vapor Industry Leaders To Congressional Leadership: Support Cole-Bishop and SAVE VAPOR!
VTA joined with Smoke Free Alternatives Trade Association, Consumer Advocates for Smoke-Free Alternatives Association and the American Vaping Association to send a letter to leaders of both parties in Congress urging them to support the “FDA Deeming Authority Clarification Act of 2017” (H.R. 1136), legislation that would keep vapor products on the shelves and protect small vapor businesses across the country from being overrun by overly burdensome federal regulations.Read VTA’s press release HERE, and the full text of the letter HERE.
This week, VTA’s Washington, DC lobbyist joined Smoke Free Radio to discuss Cole-Bishop and efforts to delay implementation of the FDA’s industry-killing deeming regulation. Check out the interview HERE.
Three issues are dominating Congress this week: (1) House consideration of the American Health Care Act (aka the reconciliation package repealing portions of the ACA); (2) Senate Judiciary Committee hearings on the nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court; (3) the FBI Director’s testimony on Russia.Health Care
- The original plan was to take up consideration of the American Health Care Act in the House of Representatives today. However, there are a lot of moving parts, and with members of the Freedom Caucus and the Tuesday Group ongoing, Speaker Ryan has yet to call for a vote.
- Once the House passes the bill, the Senate will take it up next week – the week of March 27th.
- Note: changes are expected to the bill in the Senate, thus the bill will have to go back to the House for consideration or to a conference committee between both houses to work out the differences.
Supreme Court Hearings for Judge Neil Gorsuch in Senate Judiciary
- Monday – opening statements from all committee members and Judge Gorsuch
- Tuesday and Wednesday – questions from committee members to Judge Gorsuch
- Thursday (and possibly Friday) – testimony from third-party witnesses for and against Judge Gorsuch
Congress: A Look Ahead
- Week of April 3rd: Debate and confirmation of Judge Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court
- REMINDER: Government funding expires on Friday, April 28th, which is the end of the first week back after the spring recess. This is going to be a big debate post health care/Gorsuch.
On April 6, 2017, FDA will present information to the Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee(TPSAC) on the processes used in review of tobacco product applications, including premarket tobacco, substantial equivalence, and modified risk tobacco product applications. Topics will include the statutory standards applicable to the different types of applications, the scientific basis for review decisions, with a focus on PMTA and MRTPA, and the role of the Committee in the review process. Click here for more information.Seating for this meeting may be limited, so the public is encouraged to watch the free webcast instead of traveling to the meeting. The link for the webcast will be available approximately 15 minutes prior to the beginning of the meeting each day. Click here to access the webcast.
THE STATE OF THE STATES
There has been significant bill movement in several states that would affect vapor products over the last week. Two states have introduced additional vapor tax proposals in the last two weeks. Nevada has introduced a tax on vapor products of 5 cents per milliliter (A 269) and West Virginia introduced a tax of 10.5 cents per milliliter of consumable product (SB 677 and SB678). In addition, there are several additional pieces of legislation moving in various states related to Tobacco 21 laws, Clean-Indoor Air Bans, and coupon and sales restrictions. If you have concerns about specific bills in your states, or their potential impact on your business, please contact us. We are active with 20 state vapor groups and are ready to help you!
The Indiana House this week held its first subject matter hearing on Senate Bill 1 – the bill which will re-open the Indiana market to vapor companies. We ask that all Indiana businesses remain plugged in to this debate and that you support financially the efforts of the Indiana Smoke Free Alliance which has been leading the charge. There is no better investment of your funds if you are interested in re-opening the state of Indiana to vapor business. We will continue to update you when calls to action are needed.Maryland Licensure Bill Harms Vapor Industry
The Maryland Vapor Alliance is working on addressing concerns with HB 523 which passed the Senate last week. House Bill 523 would create a separate licensure requirement for manufacturers, wholesalers, storage facilities, and retailers. The bill also places limitations on the transportation of vapor products, and affects where retailers and consumers may attain their vapor products. Look for a Call to Action shortly from the VTA and the Maryland Vapor Alliance.
The Pennsylvania Vaping Association has hit the ground running. PVA introduced Senate Bill 508 which would repeal the 40% wholesale tax and replace the current tax with a 5-cents per milliliter tax. PVA representatives are aggressively engaged, meeting with all the key decision makers and elected officials to craft a new path forward for vapor businesses in the Keystone State. Thank you to the Pennsylvania Vaping Association for all your hard work!Montana In Bill Killing Mode
Freedom Vapes has been leading the charge in Helena to kill the Clean Indoor bill (done) and is taking on the absurd industry killing 74% wholesale tax being proposed. Together with Freedom Vapes we have generated over 3,000 anti-tax messages to the committee. Ron and Deanna Marshall are in the Capitol working hard to defend Montana. Give them your support as they build a solid grass roots constituency!Webinar Series: Start and Grow Your State Association
VTA continued its webinar series this week with organizing calls in New Mexico and New York. If you would like to get involved in starting and growing state associations in either state, please contact us.Further, if you would like assistance in getting your state organized, please contact us. We would be happy to assist you in forming a state association to fight back against anti-vapor legislation.
GET SOCIAL / STAY CONNECTED
We are on the right path, but in order to be successful, we present a unified front. This is why VTA wants YOU to get involved. Call your state legislator. Write your congressman. Because if we do not make our voices heard, the powerful interests that are working to defeat us will prevail.To learn more about how to get involved in the fight to save vapor, visit www.vaportechnology.org and www.SaveVapor.org.
Please take a moment and forward this email to anyone you know will be interested in what’s going on and encourage them to sign up for our mailing list at www.vaportechnology.org or www.SaveVapor.org.
And, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Thank you for all you do to defend our industry!
Executive Director
Vapor Technology Association
THE THERION DUAL 18650 DNA-75 MOD BY LOST VAPE
A PBusardo Review – The Therion Dual 18650 DNA-75 Mod by Lost Vape
In this video we do quick follow-up on the Colt Volt, we sing “OPC” :-), and we take a look at the Therion Dual 18650 DNA-75 Mod by Lost Vape.
The Links:
Vape Chemist
VaporDNA
Lost Vape
My DNA-75 board review
A second look at Escribe following the DNA-75 board review
Link to the VIVAPPOWER Colt Volt video mentioned in the review
The Video:
*NOTE: Any use of these videos in part or in their entirety without Phil Busardo’s expressed written consent is strictly prohibited.
The Photos:
The Spreadsheet:
| Device | Price | Voltage (V) | Resistance (Ω) | Wattage (W) | Height (mm) | Width (mm) | Length (mm) | Size HxWxL | Weight (g) | Pin Depth Min (mm) | Pin Depth Max (mm) | Pin Depth Delta (mm) | Battery | Custom Settings | Resistance Set | Case Analyzer | Battery Orientation Indicator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotcig DX75 | 79.95 | 2.55 | 0.09 | 72.25 | 87 | 30.3 | 42 | 110716.2 | 116.3 | 3.44 | 5.4 | 1.96 | 26650/18650 | No | 0.01 | No | No |
| VaporShark SwitchBox | 109.99 | 2.52 | 0.1 | 63.504 | 89.6 | 25 | 42 | 94080 | 169.8 | 3.56 | 4.92 | 1.36 | 18650 | Yes | 0.004 | Yes | Yes |
| Vape Droid C1D2 | 122.95 | 2.51 | 0.1 | 63.001 | 86 | 29.5 | 44 | 111628 | 143.9 | 3.94 | 5.1 | 1.16 | 26650/18650 | Yes | 0.007 | Yes | Yes |
| JAC Vapour Series-B DNA 75 | 79.99 | 2.46 | 0.1 | 60.516 | 88 | 22.1 | 35 | 68068 | 121.5 | 3.75 | 4.73 | 0.98 | 18650 | No | No | No | Yes |
| Hcigar VT75 | 99.95 | 2.45 | 0.1 | 60.025 | 89.8 | 31 | 49.5 | 137798.1 | 163 | 3.4 | 5.3 | 1.9 | 26650/18650 | No | No | No | No |
| Kanger K1 Box | 129.99 | 2.45 | 0.1 | 60.025 | 89 | 23 | 42 | 85974 | 118.3 | 3.72 | 4.66 | 0.94 | 18650 | No | No | No | No |
| Lost Vape Therion | 129.99 | 2.43 | 0.11 | 53.6809090909 | 90.5 | 25.5 | 53 | 122310.75 | 191.3 | 3.58 | 4.86 | 1.28 | 2x 18650 | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Osiris DNA-75 | 450 | 2.43 | 0.11 | 53.6809090909 | 95 | 35.6 | 53 | 179246 | 164 | 3.92 | 5.1 | 1.18 | 18650 | No | No | No | No |
| SMY SDNA75 | 99.99 | 2.43 | 0.11 | 53.6809090909 | 83.75 | 22.2 | 40 | 74370 | 138.4 | 3.63 | 5.07 | 1.44 | 18650 | Yes | 0.0016 | Yes | Yes |
| Volcano Lavabox M | 79.99 | 2.43 | 0.11 | 53.6809090909 | 84 | 26 | 43 | 93912 | 96.5 | 3.77 | 5.17 | 1.4 | 18650 | No | No | No | Yes |
| Hcigar VT75 Nano | 95.99 | 2.37 | 0.11 | 51.0627272727 | 82 | 24 | 39.4 | 77539.2 | 117.6 | 3.32 | 4.95 | 1.63 | 18650 | No | No | No | No |
| Vika Buffalo 75 | 100 | 1.75 | 0.11 | 27.8409090909 | 86 | 24 | 53 | 109392 | 200.9 | 3.4 | 4.26 | 0.86 | Internal | No | No | No | n/a |
A MESSAGE FROM CASAA – We need your help to get your senator on board with the Cole-Bishop amendment
One or both of your senators needs to hear from you about the Cole-Bishop amendment in the Agricultural Appropriations bill. We need their support!
Please take a minute today to send a message urging your senator(s) to support this amendment.
If congress does not act soon to modernize the predicate date for vapor products, we will lose access to the diverse vapor market as nearly all US vapor businesses will be forced to close. In fact, a few well-known vapor manufacturers have already started winding down their operations.
Thank you,
CASAA Legislative Team
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A MESSAGE FROM CASAA – NY – Help us remove “vapor” from the budget completely!
As you may have heard, the NY Senate, Assembly, and Governor Cuomo can’t agree on how to tax vapor products in the state’s budget. But, vapor regulations are still in the bill.
Advocates on the ground in Albany are very close to getting “vapor” completely out of the budget bill, but your help is needed.
Please take two minutes TODAY and CALL GOVERNOR CUOMO!
518-474-8390
Your message is simple: “Remove all vapor language from the budget proposal.”
Thank you,
CASAA Legislative Team
THE BELLAVITA AND SIT-DOWN WITH THE CREATOR – ANTONIO NOTARPASQUALE AND MIKE (ZEN) MORGAN OF THE HOUSE OF HYBRIDS
A PBusardo Video & Interview – Mike (Zen) Morgan & Antonio Notarpasquale (Bellavita Mods)
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this interview do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Phil Busardo and/or TasteYourJuice.com. 🙂
Part 1:
In part 1 we primarily discus the Bellavita… a beautiful mod made right here in Rochester, NY. You also get to meet the creator… Antonio Notarpasquale.
Part 2:
In part 2, the topic gets a little more political and controversial… please read the disclaimer above. We discuss “Made In America”, Politics, FDA regulations, vaping today, and a very interesting and telling discussion about Provape. Mike pretty much takes over at this point. 🙂
Part 3:
In part 3, things get even more controversial and there is some wording used here that I don’t agree with so again, please read the disclaimer above. We discuss the industry today and some of the behaviors within the community, teen nicotine use, Zen’s proudest (and not) moments and his foray into the medical marijuana market.
Some notes:
- If you’re just interested in the Bellavita, Part 1 is for you.
- There is some adult language contained and is not beeped out.
- Volume levels between the three of us are very different and I did my best to normalize the levels so it may jump around a bit.
- This is a long video series and may not be for everyone, but I thought some of the topics of conversation interesting and importing so I just let the camera roll and brought it all to you.
Thanks very much Mike and Antonio!
The Links:
Bellavita Website
Bellavita Facebook Group
House Of Hybrids
The ZFO (Zen Factory Outlet)
The Video – Part 1:
*NOTE: Any use of these videos in part or in their entirety without Phil Busardo’s expressed written consent is strictly prohibited.
The Video – Part 2:
*NOTE: Any use of these videos in part or in their entirety without Phil Busardo’s expressed written consent is strictly prohibited.
The Video – Part 3:
*NOTE: Any use of these videos in part or in their entirety without Phil Busardo’s expressed written consent is strictly prohibited.
The Photos:
WE NEED YOU TO ACT NOW! – A MESSAGE FROM TONY ABBOUD – JOIN VAPOR COMPANIES AROUND THE COUNTRY IN ASKING FOR RELIEF
WE NEED YOU TO ACT NOW!
As you may know, President Trump’s Administration has made rolling back burdensome federal regulations a cornerstone of its agenda. Limiting the small-business killing impact of the Deeming Regulation must be addressed now.
Working with the other industry groups, we have put together this joint business letter to HHS Secretary Tom Price. Please take a moment and ADD YOUR COMPANY to the list of businesses calling for a delay in all remaining deeming regulation deadlines, which is the first necessary step in the larger effort to reform the way the FDA regulates the vapor industry!
Thank you for all you do to defend our industry!
Tony Abboud
Executive Director
Vapor Technology Association
To see, sign, and send the letter click HERE.
A RESPONSE FROM VIVAPPOWER ON THE COLT VOLT REVIEW
Following the review of the VIVAPPOWER Colt Volt, I notified them about the issue with device when in resistance lock as seen in the review.
I heard back from them and they did acknowledge and confirm the issue:
Phil, Very appreciated your review report, I just watched it. your review report is very professional and give me much guideline.
We checked our software, and find out the old software version has a bug on resistance lock. The chipset actually don’t read the current resistance when the resistance has been locked. We upgrade the firmware, it has been solved.
I followed this up with a question about those who have already purchased the product and what they could do.
If those people want to return it, we can accept it. and we will send the updated software to our distributer, the end-user could send the products back to distribute to updated firmware for them. Our USB port can updated software directly.
So it sounds to me like this DOES have updatable firmware and I’m trying to get more information for you on where to get it and how to do it should you not want to return it. Stay tuned!
NEW FROM SMOKE FREE RADIO – Repeal and Replace Possible?
Here’s the latest from Dimitris & Smoke Free Radio. It’s a very interesting discussion with Mark Block regarding the possibility of repealing and replacing the current FDA regulations on electronic cigarettes.
* Guest Mark Block founder and director of the Electronic Vaping Coalition of America joins us to discuss his Regulator Watch appearance. Phone lines will be open for questions or comments.
* New segment, “What’s in the news Bill”
* New York threatens to eliminate vaping while cigarettes are sold at every corner
* Are vape events on the rise again?
Listen to “#smokefreeradio “Repeal and Replace possible?”” on Spreaker.
A MESSAGE FROM CASAA – NY – It’s time to pick up the phone! – PLEASE TAKE ACTION!
A.3009B isn’t just an outrageous tax on e-liquid, it’s also an indoor vaping ban.
It’s tempting to say that this is being snuck in under cover of a must-pass budget bill but, it’s right at the top of Part FF in A.3009. So in addition to making vapor products more difficult to purchase, Governor Cuomo wants to make it less attractive to vape overall.
Even if you don’t agree with vaping indoors, you might know that the ability to vape where we can’t smoke is something that attracts smokers to a very low-risk alternative. You might also agree that a blanket ban on indoor use–without consideration for whether or not private businesses would like to set their own vaping policy–is, undoubtedly, overreach. Especially considering that, from a scientific perspective, the risk of exposing bystanders to harm is not a concern.
The proposed 40c/mL tax is enough to oppose A.3009, Part FF, and the indoor use ban is adding insult to injury.
Please help us remove Part FF from the budget.
Call Asm. Peter Lawrence (R)
At (518) 455-4664
- Urge them to oppose Part FF in A.3009.
- High taxes on vapor products will discourage smokers from switching to a safer alternative to cigarettes.
- Briefly, share your story about switching to vaping.
- Tell them that the very low risk to bystanders justifies allowing private businesses to set their own indoor vaping policies.
Thank you, and good luck with the call.
Alex Clark
CASAA Executive Director.
A BILLION LIVES UPDATE FROM AARON BIEBERT
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They said we wouldn’t finish it.
They said we shouldn’t wait for film festivals. They said it wouldn’t win awards.
They said the media wouldn’t pay attention.
They said nobody would come see it in theaters.
They said we wouldn’t get it out to the world.
They are wrong.
At every turn, we took the necessary time to do things the right way. We did what we said we’d do. We made an award-winning film. We were on national news. We showed the movie to politicians & thought leaders. We brought 100,000 people together. Now it’s time to show the world. The Plan It would have been nearly impossible to fight against the massive river of election and post-election coverage. Nobody in government was listening.
Now the US elections are finished and it’s back to business. There will be a new leader at the FDA. New legislation is pending. Changes are happening in Europe as well. It is clear that the masses are upset. They are tired of being ignored. We have friends of the truth in high places, such as my Senator in Wisconsin, Ron Johnson. He continues to fight for this, as do others around the world.
However, in a sea of issues like terrorism, the economy, and immigration, we need to make the case that this topic is vital…that people like you care about it.
Here’s how we’ll do it:
Step 1) With your help, we’ll rise to the top of the iTunes movie charts, drumming up interest to release the movie wider, and broadcast it on major TV networks and streaming sites.
Step 2) Use proceeds from sales to properly market the movie to the public.
Step 3) With your help, we’ll use that momentum to gain awareness and give our friends in Washington, Brussels, and around the world more credibility.
#1 Movie on iTunes is about Vaping?
Can you imagine that? Along with the awards and press we’ve gotten so far, having the #1 movie on iTunes (largest market for digital media) will be a way for this topic to break the credibility barrier for the key people who can make a difference in this fight. People like to watch and recommend popular movies. Sites like iTunes use sales data to suggest popular movies. It just takes an initial push to get there.
There are documentary films on the Top 10 charts and we’ve timed this to fall on a slow day for movie releases. All of your pre-order sales will hit the charts when it goes live on April 12th.
Please support the #ABillionLives movement and order it. Now is the time. This is our last chance to make news.
If we are successful, we will give our high level friends the social credibility they need and provide a small army of supporters with an anti-propaganda weapon in their pocket. But it all starts with you. Google Play, Amazon, and Others
Of course we won’t stop with iTunes. That’s just the beginning.
We’ve also received word that we’re about 98% finished with the approval process for Google Play and Amazon. Other platforms are in the works as well.
We’ll keep you updated.
Collector’s Edition Blu-Ray
We know that most people prefer to consume their media digitally. We also know that many have asked for physical copies they can send to skeptics and local leaders.
Shops: We are now finalizing bulk wholesale orders for stores and online retailers. Reply to this email if you’d like more information. We’d invite you to help us get our physical products out to the masses.
Consumers: Once we have the final list of retailers, we’ll send it to you to order your personal copy of the collector’s edition Blu-Ray.
Netflix, Hulu, HBO, & More Ultimately, we’d like to see the movie on more streaming services. It’s been tricky.
In the meantime, we’re excited for the movie to be broadcasted so the truth gets presented in front of the general public.
Our new broadcast distributor has been discussing A Billion Lives with HBO, AMC, MBC, YLC, MediaLaan, RTL, ProSieben, Telefilms, Bell Media, and Turner. In addition, they plan to bring our movie to Cannes next month for meetings with more key people. This could be huge.
Next Steps:
Take part in our three week march to #1. We’ll be releasing new videos, sharing special highlights, and gearing up for our final push to get this in front of as many people as possible.
It all starts with you. We need our base to support us and drive the first wave. Once we show the power of this movement, the public will follow.
There is a battle for attention at the top. Leaders are being elected around the world to make change. We just need them to hear us. You are a storm. They will hear you if we act together. We cannot let our neighbors fall prey to fake news and propaganda. This is too important. Talk soon, |
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Aaron Biebert
Director
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