Author: pbusardo

As New York’s Economy Reels, Flavor Ban Will Hit Empire State’s Economy With $900 Million in Net Loss and Cost 4,600 New Yorkers Their Jobs

Washington, D.C., April 3, 2020 – The Vapor Technology Association (VTA) said today that the ban on flavored vapor products that is now included in the New York state budget will do little to nothing to reduce youth usage since the FDA already banned the flavored products that it found youth are using . Instead, the total ban will eliminate choice for adults and force adult smokers back to combustible cigarettes or to dangerous and illegal black market substitutes.

“We’re disappointed that Governor Cuomo used a global health emergency to force the New York legislature to pass a ban on flavored vapor products through backroom negotiations and without holding a single hearing or debate,” said Tony Abboud, Executive Director of the Vapor Technology Association. “Last year, a New York Appellate Court put a stop to the Administration’s unconstitutional attempt to pursue its flavor ban agenda. Now, through this questionable process, New York is taking actions that will only drive a widespread return to smoking and usher in a dangerous new black market.”

“The youth issue was addressed when the FDA banned the sale of flavored vapor cartridges and pods – the products it identified were used by youth – and when Congress raised the age to purchase products to 21 nationally. For these reasons, the New York ban on flavored vapor products will only harm adult New Yorkers that rely on these products to quit smoking,” said Abboud.

Smoking combustible cigarettes is the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the U.S. New York’s flavor ban will do nothing but drive New Yorkers back to combustible cigarettes which, according to the New York Department of Public Health, takes the lives of 25,400 New Yorkers every year, or nearly 70 New Yorkers every day. New York’s political establishment has just created the greatest impetus for a new and burgeoning black market as adults seek for new ways to access the flavored products they rely on to stay away from combustible cigarettes.

Abboud added, “Despite this, Governor Cuomo has decided to only attack the adult flavored vapor products market, leaving cigarettes readily available. The use of vapor technologies is a safer alternative for adults who are desperately trying to quit smoking. Now is the time that New Yorkers need more access to their flavored vapor products, not less. Now is the time for New York lawmakers to help small businesses stay in business, not shut them down.”

“The New York flavor ban will shut down New York’s independent vapor industry, forcing hundreds of small businesses to close their doors and lay off thousands of workers. At a time when the Empire State’s economy is already suffering, this anti-small business flavor ban will make it even harder for New York’s economy to get back up and running.”

A recent economic impact report, entitled A Flavor Ban Will Decimate New York Small Business, prepared by New York economists John Dunham & Associates (“Dunham”), finds that a state ban on flavors will result in a net loss to the New York economy of more than $900 million in total economic impact in 2020. Specifically, it would result in the loss of an additional $160 million in tax revenue for the state of New York (on top of the lost taxes from the recently enacted federal ban), virtually wiping out the 20% excise tax that New York passed just last year.

“To be clear, government relief programs will not be able to save or revive the hundreds of small businesses and thousands of workers that the Administration and the Legislature have just permanently cast aside,” Abboud said.

Here’s the latest from Brent Stafford at Regulator Watch:

Marc Morano is quite simply the world’s number one climate contrarian, a dogged opponent of hysterical science, and a denier of the prophecies of climate doom.
He’s the author of the best-selling 2018 book the “Politically Incorrect Guide to Climate Change” and the award-winning producer, writer and host of the 2016 hit film “Climate Hustle,” which rips the mask off of global warming hype, and exposes the myths and exaggerations behind the science propping up the climate scare.

In this episode of RegWatch, Morano joins to discuss the crisis in science that many have recognized with regard to vaping and are now becoming aware of due to the disastrous, catastrophic, overreaction to COVID19 by the scientific community and public health agencies the world over.

As an investigative journalist, he covers the erosion of truth in science; for which he will discuss possible parallels in the science on climate, vaping and now COVID19.

It’s a must-see episode!

Only on RegWatch by RegulatorWatch.com.

Produced by: Brent Stafford

This episode is supported by: DEMAND VAPE

Hi I got all the stuff for my wife.
She is now 8 days cig free!
You and Dimi do a great job.
Keep up the good work!
Thanks!
Harry

BREAKING NEWS:
FDA SEEKS PMTA DEADLINE EXTENSION CITING COVID-19
March 30, 2020

Today, the FDA submitted a letter to the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, in American Academy of Pediatrics, et al. v. FDA, et al., asking Judge Grimm to extend the May 12, 2020 court-ordered PMTA deadline by 120-days to September 9, 2020 “in light of the global outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a new coronavirus.”

FDA explained in its submission that “the global coronavirus outbreak poses unforeseen challenges and has made the May 12 deadline a public health risk to those who cannot comply with the deadline through telework.” In addition, FDA explained that telework also will complicate and delay FDA’s review of applications.

In deciding to request a 120-day extension, FDA noted that it had received requests from numerous trade associations and companies, including consultants involved in the PMTA process, for extensions “between 8 weeks and 180 days, with the majority of requests for 180 days.” VTA was one of those entities that submitted a request to FDA and did so on March 20, 2020 outlining the basis and necessity for deadline extensions for large manufacturers and small manufacturers.

At this point in time, no one can predict the length and severity of the COVID-19 commercial shutdown. FDA explicitly recognized this point in the Second Declaration of Mitchell Zeller which accompanied the letter to the Court. In his Declaration, Director Zeller testified: “It is not clear at this point what the precise impact of the COVID-19 outbreak will be on the scope of FDA’s ability to complete application reviews within the 12-month period of time once applications are filed.” That is precisely why VTA requested a new deadline of November 2020 (or at least 180 days from business resumption) for large manufacturers, and a new deadline of February 2021 (or at least 270 days from business resumption) for small manufacturers. To that end, VTA explained that “the question of whether these deadline changes are sufficient or ultimately realistic can and must be re-evaluated in the coming months as more information comes to light about the length and severity of the commercial shutdown due to COVID-19.”

Moreover, VTA also encouraged FDA to utilize the additional time to implement PMTA process modifications that will ensure the survival of small businesses and a diverse array of the vapor products on which former smokers now rely.

In its letter to the District Court, FDA notes that the plaintiffs (American Academy of Pediatrics, et al.) will not oppose the FDA’s request, though the plaintiffs have requested the opportunity to “express their misgivings about the extension on the record.” In order to rule, Judge Grimm still will have to have the case remanded to him by the Fourth Circuit and then he would need to make his decision on whether or not to grant the FDA’s request.

However, given the strong case made by the FDA, the obvious insurmountable obstacles created by the coronavirus, and the apparent lack of opposition by the plaintiffs, a ruling extending the deadline is reasonably likely though still not certain.
We will continue to monitor the situation and will keep you apprised.

SIGN UP AND STAY INFORMED
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During this time of uncertainty, we ask that you be safe, be smart and stick with us. As we have always said, we are all in this together. Connect with us and thank you for all you do to protect vapor!

Here’s the latest from Brent Stafford at Regulator Watch:

Time Running Out?
COVID-19, PMTA, Suspect Science | RegWatch
Time is (if not already) running out for the U.S. vaping industry. Hit by a trifecta of crises: teen vaping epidemic, vaping-related lung illness and COVID19; the FDA’s Pre-market Tobacco Application deadline quietly lurks in the background, preparing to pounce, and destroy vaping as we know it.

Is this hyperbole? That’s what we are going to find out in this episode of RegWatch with Greg Conley, president of the American Vaping Association.

Only on RegWatch by RegulatorWatch.com.

P.S. if you are not a supporter yet (nudge nudge) please click below.

Support makes RegWatch happen (CLICK HERE)

The Smoker’s Show S02E14 – Vaping In A COVID19 World

On tonight’s show we discuss navigating the internet to support those who vape AND smoke to find products and support in a COVID19 world.

As always we take your calls and answer your questions.

COMPLETE LIST OF LINKS MENTIONED DURING THIS SHOW:

Letter to Mitch Zeller – FDA and federal government statements on smoking, vaping and COVID-19
CASAA – Vaping & COVID-19 – Information for Vapers
TasteYourJuice.com – Getting Started
TasteYourJuice.com – Vaper’s Glossary
TasteYourJuice.com – Success Stories
ECF Forum
VapingLinks Blog
Dr. Farsalinos E-cigarette Research
FIVAPE
ASHTRAY BLOG
FACEBOOK GROUP: Take One Small Step
FACEBOOK GROUP: Innokin Platform Group
ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS Nicotine Without Smoke
MY VAPOR STORE
ELEMENT VAPE
ELECTRIC TOBACCONIST
PB DRAGON
FF VAPORS
FIVE PAWNS
THAT 1 VAPE
FLUID VAPER
SMOKECIGNALS
DASH VAPES
ZAMPLEBOX
VAST VAPOR VIDEO: What To Expect When You Stop Smoking & Start Vaping
VAST VAPOR VIDEO: Changing Misconceptions About Electronic Cigarettes
CASAA
VAPING 360
SPREAKER: SMOKE FREE RADIO

The Smoker’s Show is a vape show not for vapers, but for smokers.

A show to get information about vaping, to debunk vaping myths, to discuss vaping terminology & technology, and to look, review, & provide starter kits for the transitioning smoker.

We urge all vapers to invite those they know who still smoke to watch the show!

#SMOKERSWANTED
#VAPINGSAVESLIVES
#WEVAPEWEVOTE

Thank you all for your support and let’s convert more smokers together!

THANK YOU TO AND PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!!

COUPON CODES FOR YOU…

• For 15% off your Lunar Rover order use coupon code: SMOKERSHOW
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THE VIDEO:

*NOTE: Any use of these videos in part or in their entirety without Phil Busardo’s and Dimitris Agrafiotis’s expressed written consent is strictly prohibited.

See everything Smoker’s Show Related HERE!

Join us tomorrow night for the Smoker’s Show!

Click the banner below to be taken directly to the show at 9PM EST!

From Matthew Elliott:

I’ve never been much on prayers over situations that are beyond your control. I feel they are a waste of time and only make you think you feel better. Each action has a opposite reaction. Cause and effect if you would. Now the things that happen are all attached to smaller causes and effects.

With what is happening in NY with the Vaping Industry right now there are MANY causes. Some have been building some have been more recent but they are all connected.

With that being said there are a list of things you can do to make positive changes and cause positive 3effects.

1. Take the time to CALL EVERYONE ON THIS LIST. Make your opposition to a flavor ban in the NYS budget.

2. Call your own assembly member and state your opposition to a flavor ban in the NYS budget.

3. Use the talking points provided at in this image.

4. TWEET these senators and assembly members.

5. KEEP CALLING TWEETING AND SHARING.

Praying will not get us anywhere without action!

 

Here’s the latest from Brent Stafford at Regulator Watch:

Guest: Dr. Kenneth Warner, Dean Emeritus, Prof. Emeritus, School of Public Health, University of Michigan | Member of FDA’s Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee and Health Canada’s Science Advisory Board on Vaping Products

It’s a turbulent time for vaping. Over the past 24-months the industry struggled to manage one crisis after another: panic over the so-called teen vaping epidemic; hysteria over the so-called vaping-related lung illness; a mad rush to ban vaping products; and vicious attacks by anti-vaping activists exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic for ideological gain. All the while, fending off an endless stream of suspect science and a rowdy regulatory process.

Essentially, the turbulence is fueled by a battle within public health over tobacco harm reduction; the divide is continental, both in space and mind.

Joining us today to talk these issues and more is Dr. Kenneth Warner. Over his 45-year career, he’s presented in over 250 professional publications, served as the World Bank’s representative to negotiations on the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (the world’s first global health treaty,) served as Senior Scientific Editor of the 25th anniversary Surgeon General’s report on smoking and health and was a founding member of the Board of Directors of the Truth Initiative.

What insights will he share about the issues and challenges facing vaping?

Find out, only on RegWatch, by RegulatorWatch.com.

P.S. if you are not a supporter yet (nudge nudge) please click below.

Support makes RegWatch happen (CLICK HERE)

SB 810 goes well beyond federal law and would impose broader flavor ban targeting the essential small businesses, further decimating Florida’s economy
Washington, D.C., March 26, 2020 — The Vapor Technology Association (VTA) is launching its Veto SB 810 advertisement campaign in Tallahassee, Florida to urge Governor DeSantis to veto legislation that would ban the sale of flavored e-liquids sold to adults by over 800 small businesses in Florida.

“Florida’s Economy” highlights the devastating economic and public health consequences this bill would have on the state of Florida. “Florida’s Economy” airs starting Friday, on CNN and Fox News programming in Tallahassee, Florida.

See the video HERE

As our country confronts the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, small businesses in Florida face unprecedented economic uncertainty. The ad “Florida’s Economy” is part of the “Vapers Say Veto” digital campaign that VTA launched today. The campaign is intended to illuminate the devastating economic impact SB 810 would have on the state if Governor DeSantis signs it into law.

A recent economic impact report entitled Senate Bill 810’s Flavor Ban Will Decimate Florida Small Businesses, prepared by economists John Dunham & Associates (“Dunham”), reveals that if Governor DeSantis signs SB 810 more than 4,500 Floridians will be put out of work and more than $186 million in wages and benefits will be lost. In addition, the report concluded that a Florida flavor ban would result in the loss of $605.6 million in economic activity for the state.

“With the COVID-19 crisis disrupting everyday lives throughout the United States and Florida, this is the worst possible time to be shutting down small businesses and ruining the livelihoods of hard-working Floridians and taking away any hope of a recovery,” said Tony Abboud, Executive Director of the Vapor Technology Association. “VTA urges Governor DeSantis to reject this small business killing ban and instead consider all the common sense alternative regulations that can be implemented to achieve the twin goals of restricting youth vaping (which already is illegal for anyone under 21) while preserving flavored vapor as an alternative for adults desperately trying to quit smoking.”

Estimates are that 1,300,000 adult Floridians use vapor products. Studies demonstrate that adults rely on a wide variety of flavors to quit or reduce smoking. A flavor ban would drive them back to combustible cigarettes, which take the lives of nearly 1,300 Americans every day, or will create a new and burgeoning black market. According to the Florida Department of Health, “28,600 adults in Florida die from smoking (443,000 deaths a year nationwide) every year. For every person who dies, another 20 suffer from one or more serious illnesses from smoking.”

“Shutting down already regulated small businesses which are selling legal FDA-regulated products is the fastest way to create an explosive new black market in Florida,” said Abboud.

Importantly, SB 810 does nothing to address youth usage and goes far beyond the federal law. Last year, President Trump signed the law raising the purchase age to 21 for both tobacco and vapor products, thus making 21 the age in Florida. In addition, earlier this year, the FDA imposed a federal flavor ban for the pod-based systems that FDA stated were overwhelming used by youth. The Florida law would ban flavor for open systems that are the choice of adults seeking a safer alternative to combustible cigarettes and which are sold in hundreds of vape shops all over the state.

Fortunately, there exist many alternatives to a flavor ban that would much more effectively limit youth access and appeal without threatening public health and the economy. VTA’s comprehensive plan includes removing products from shelves that have packaging that would appeal to minors, stricter penalties for retailers caught selling to kids under the age of 21, a “three strikes and you’re out” enforcement regime; and increased funding for education and enforcement, among other key policies.

Abboud added: “Bans don’t work; they never have. As we have said from the start, we will continue to work with the Florida legislature on the many real solutions that should be implemented to restrict youth vaping, which is already illegal, and prevent yet another public health crisis from happening. Because that is exactly what will happen if adults are forced to return to combustible cigarettes or find their desired products on the black market.”

This is the latest in a series of efforts that Vapor Technology Association has launched to protect adult access to flavored vapor products and follows its multimedia advertisement campaigns, “I Vote” and “Promises,” which also demonstrate the significant public health consequences of a ban on flavored vapor products.

About the Vapor Technology Association
The Vapor Technology Association is the U.S. non-profit industry trade association whose 1000+ members are dedicated to innovating and selling high quality vapor products that provide adult consumers with a better alternative to traditional combustible cigarettes. VTA represents the industry-leading manufacturers of vapor devices, e-liquids, flavorings, and components, as well as the largest wholesalers, distributors, importers, and e-commerce retailers, in addition to hundreds of hard-working American brick-and-mortar retail store owners throughout the United States. Follow us on Twitter.