Author: pbusardo

A PBusardo Video – Bromance Ride Along Ep1 – To The Florida Trump Rally

Something new! The “Bromance Ride Along”.

Ride along with us and join us for random conversation. Some funny, some serious, some vaping, some not.

In this episode we travel to the Sunrise Florida Trump Rally on 11/26/19

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!

Thank you to and please support the Premiere Taste Your Juice Sponsor…

The Video:

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

It’s a really unique experience and one I’d like to share with you.

I can remember over a year ago Dimitris and I sitting in the Innokin offices in Shenzhen China working with the engineers, designers, and project managers on the requirements for the next version of the Zenith. Doodling on the white board as our design documents started to become reality.

I can remember holding and trying older prototypes as we refined the design.

I can remember the importance of answering all the wants of those of you who use and enjoy the original Zenith.

Now they are here. This is the first time I’ve had the entire color range of the Zenith Pro at my house and in my hand. I’m so proud.

I’m proud that there are finally done and ready for people to enjoy.

I’m proud that we’ve been able to include the things that you have been asking for in this feature rich tank.

I’m EXTREMELY proud and humbled that when a person takes a Zenith Pro, or any of our products, and holds it up to their lips, it’s our product and not a cigarette. For me, this is what it’s all about.

Thank you to Innokin for believing in us and making our dreams a reality.

Thank you to YOU for using, enjoying, and making the Zenith so popular.

I sincerely hope you enjoy using the Zenith Pro as much as we have been. Use them in good health.

Happy Holidays everyone and Vape Happy!

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

It was a pinnacle moment for the U.S. vaping industry. At the White House on Friday, vaping industry leaders met face-to-face with anti-vaping opponents, public-health advocates and President Trump in what was billed as a “listening session” to address the surge in underage vaping. Issues concerning flavors (including a flavor ban) captivated the discussion and provided for much of the disagreement.

President Trump did more than just listen he also led the conversation, demonstrating a significant understanding of the importance of flavors to adult vapers and for the success of the industry.

In this episode of RegWatch get critical insights and reaction from inside the meeting with session participant and leading industry rep Tony Abboud, the Executive Director of the Vapor Technology Association, and Jon Glauser, VTA Executive Board Member and industry powerhouse.

Was the meeting a slam dunk? Find out!

Only on RegWatch by RegulatorWatch.com

Streamed: Sunday, November 24, 2019
Produced by: Brent Stafford

FDA ISSUES NEW GUIDANCE: PERMITS SAFETY INNOVATIONS FOR PRE-8/8 PRODUCTS
Guidance Finally Permits Battery Modifications for Devices and
Flow Restriction Modifications for E-Liquids

November 25, 2019 – Washington, D.C.    Over the past two years, VTA has repeatedly encouraged FDA to modify its August 8, 2016 innovation freeze.  FDA’s strict August 8, 2016 deadline has prevented the introduction of any new products into the market, including any changes to any existing product that are not put through the multi-million-dollar, multi-year PMTA process. This means that even safety innovations, which in any other industry could be introduced into products rapidly, were barred by FDA.

VTA first raised this issue with then new Commissioner Scott Gottlieb during VTA’s first meeting in January 2018.  In a follow-up meeting with FDA in June of 2018, VTA focused primarily on the important technological device advancements available in other parts of the world and the need for FDA to permit those technological modifications to enhance product safety and/or quality.  VTA also submitted similar comments to FDA addressing this issue.  Also, at its national conference in the summer of 2018, VTA placed a major emphasis on battery safety and was pleased to have Underwriters Laboratories present on their new UL 8139 standard.

Then, this year when the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) began enforcing a restricted flow requirement, VTA met directly with CPSC leadership but also raised the critical issue with FDA, explaining that the CPSC restricted flow requirement forced companies to modify products in a way that violated the FDA’s August 8, 2016 innovation freeze.

Today, the FDA finally responded and addressed the concerns that VTA has been raising.  FDA made available a new Guidance for Industry entitled “Compliance Policy for Limited Modifications to Certain Marketed Tobacco Products” (Guidance).  In the Guidance, FDA announces that it will exercise enforcement discretion to permit two types of modifications to new tobacco products that were on the market on August 8, 2016, and therefore covered by FDA’s current compliance policy for the premarket review requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act:

1. Modifications to battery-operated tobacco products solely to comply with UL 8139 (defined below); and
2. Modifications to liquid nicotine products solely to comply with the Child Nicotine Poisoning Prevention Act of 2015 (CNPPA) flow restrictor requirements for liquid nicotine containers.

Device Manufacturers:  Battery Modifications
FDA notes that there have been numerous reports of adverse experiences resulting from electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) battery failures.  To address these concerns, UL (formerly known as Underwriters Laboratories), along with the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), FDA, Health Canada, the American National Standards Institute (INSI), and industry stakeholders, developed a voluntary industry standard, ANSI/CAN/UL 8139 Standard for Safety for Electrical Systems of Electronic Cigarettes and Vaping Devices (UL 8139).

The Guidance states that, for tobacco products that were on the market on August 8, 2016, and are modified solely to the extent necessary to comply with UL 8139, FDA does not intend to initiate enforcement action against such modified products on the basis of those modifications, which may include, but are not limited to:

• Addition of protective circuits and controls;
• Use of a different battery or cell;
• Changes to the wiring, terminals, fuses, or insulation;
• Modifying the product to incorporate 2-step activation;
• Changes to the housing material or construction to meet flammability, crush resistance, water exposure, venting, and temperature test requirements;
• Changes to the battery compartment to prevent user access to the battery or cells;
• Changes to the product design so that venting is away from the mouthpiece;
• Changes to the printed wiring boards to meet flame and temperature ratings; and
• Any other changes recommended under UL 8139.

Changes to the product that FDA indicates are not necessary to comply with UL 8139, and thus outside the scope of this enforcement discretion policy, include, but are not limited to:

• Changes to the coil design or other heating element (e.g., number of coils, material, resistance, length, or diameter);
• Changes in the wicking material or amount;
• Changes in the power supplied to the product (i.e., no changes to the number of batteries or cells); and
• Changes to the method of aerosolization of the e-liquid.

FDA recommends that, for products modified to comply with UL 8139 prior to the submission of a PMTA for the product, manufacturers submit a single application that describes both the product that was on the market on August 8, 2016, and the modified product.  For a product modified after the submission of a PMTA, FDA recommends that the applicant file an amendment to the PMTA that describes the modifications implemented for UL 8139 compliance.

E-Liquid Manufacturers:  Addition of Flow Restrictors to Liquid Nicotine Products

Effective July 26, 2016, the CNPPA requires that liquid nicotine containers that are “accessible through normal and foreseeable use by a consumer” (i.e., not sealed, pre-filled disposable containers inserted directly into ENDS devices) comply with the “special packaging” standards defined in the Poison Prevention Packaging Act.  These standards require use of both child-resistant caps and flow restrictors, which are typically adapters added to the neck of a bottle to limit release of a liquid.  16 CFR 1700.15.

FDA notes that on March 8, 2019, the CPSC issued a letter to industry, “Nicotine Packaging Test Parameters,” providing the testing parameters that CPSC staff will use to assess compliance with the restricted flow requirement in 16 CFR 1700.15(d).  On August 15, 2019, CPSC staff provided supplemental information on testing liquid nicotine packaging for rigid (i.e., glass) containers.

The Guidance states that, for liquid nicotine products that were on the market on August 8, 2016, and are modified solely to the extent necessary to comply with the CPSC restricted flow requirements, FDA does not intend to initiate enforcement action against such modified products on the basis of those modifications.  FDA recommends that, for products modified in this manner prior to the submission of a PMTA, manufacturers submit a single application that describes both the product that was on the market on August 8, 2016, and the modified product.  For a product modified after the submission of a PMTA, FDA recommends that the applicant file an amendment to the PMTA that describes the modifications implemented for CNPPA compliance.

VTA will continue to press FDA and the Administration for common-sense changes to its antiquated regulations that recognize the importance of regulating ENDS products as the technology products that they are, rather than as the cigarettes that they are trying to replace.

On Friday, November 22, heads of organizations in support of and against access to vapor products (and other low-risk nicotine products) met with President Trump and HHS Secretary Alex Azar in the Cabinet Room of the White House. While CASAA was not included in the meeting (in spite of multiple attempts to secure an invite), we believe that most of our views were represented. Specifically, AVA President Gregory Conley deftly reminded the people in the room that the May 2020 PMTA deadline remains a looming threat to consumer access to safer alternatives to smoking.
 

• The full recording of the meeting is available here.

While CASAA maintains its opposition to raising the purchase age for low-risk nicotine products to 21, it is clear that all industry stakeholders represented at the meeting believe that accepting the policy is the only productive way forward. Other proposals include stiffer penalties for retailers caught selling to minors and, of course, the well-funded effort to completely remove flavors other than tobacco from the market (see Gregory Conley’s comment on the matter starting here).
 

• Jim McDonald (Vaping360) “‘Small Vape’ Stood Up for Itself at the White House.” (Nov. 23)

Notably, representatives from NJOY and Reynolds American added their voices in support of keeping flavors available for adults and to be sold in specialty shops. (Reynolds has submitted its PMTA to FDA for Vuse, which is sold in flavors other than tobacco and menthol). JUUL, meanwhile, is continuing its apology tour by committing to remove mint from the market.

– – –

In spite of well funded campaigns to manipulate the views of lawmakers and the public, the vaping community is seeing growing support from new and familiar officials. With the holiday season upon us, now would be an excellent time to acknowledge our allies and thank them for their support.

If you have some time this week, please take a moment to send a card to our new friends. If you are particularly gracious (especially in the face of overwhelming negative public opinion), you might consider sending something thoughtful to one or two of vaping’s more outspoken opponents. 🙂

The contact information for just some of the officials who have stood up against pressure and misinformation from anti-nicotine groups, this year, is below.

• US Senator Ron Johnson (Letter to the President, 11.13.19)

120 Constitution Avenue, NE
HSOB- Hart Senate Office Building, Room 328
Washington, DC 20510-4905

• San Diego County Supervisor Kristin Gaspar (comment in opposition to a flavor ban)

1600 Pacific Highway, Room 335
San Diego, CA 92101

• Wisconsin State Representative Lakeshia Myers (Tweet)

2 East Main Street
State Capitol, Room 3 North
Madison, WI 53702

• Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller (Enduring support for sensible regulations)

Office of the Attorney General of Iowa
Hoover State Office Building
1305 E. Walnut Street
Des Moines IA 50319

Do you know lawmakers (local, state, or federal) who should be added to the list?
Fill out this form and tell us what they did or said to protect your access to vapor products. Let’s make sure they know that the vaping community supports them back.

– – – 

Since October, vaping has been the subject of several hearings in congress. Committees have weighed in on updates from the CDC and FDA about lung injuries, a proposal to tax nicotine, a bill that would make vape mail more expensive and inaccessible for some, and legislation that would tighten up the tobacco control act to the point of choking out the vaping community. As noted above, through this process we’ve discovered who our allies in congress are. At the same time, we’ve seen a never ending stream of half-baked talking points delivered to committee room cameras designed to foment opposition and disdain for the vaping community. These anti-science skreeds are on full display as New Jersey Representative Frank Pallone ushers his save the children bill through the House Energy and Commerce Committee (YouTube).

After passing through the Energy and Commerce Committee, HR 2339 is heading to a vote by the full House of Representatives. Although no vote is scheduled, we are expecting to see this bill move in December, before congress goes home for the holiday break. CASAA is asking our members to contact officials via email, social media, and written letters (or holiday cards 🙂 ).
 

• If you would like to contact officials outside of one of our calls to action, you can find your officials, their physical mailing addresses, and social media accounts, here.

Stay safer,

Alex Clark, CEO
CASAA

Watch as President Trump holds a listening session on vaping with lawmakers and advocates at the White House.

RELATED – FROM BLOOMBERG:

Vaping Fight Hits Fever Pitch With Meeting at White House

Greg Conley, the president of the American Vaping Association, told Trump during the meeting that many opponents of flavored vaping products are funded by Michael Bloomberg, who has taken steps to enter the Democratic presidential primary. Bloomberg, the majority owner of Bloomberg LP, the parent company of Bloomberg News, has campaigned and given money in support of a ban on flavored e-cigarettes and tobacco.

At one point, Conley told Trump that “these groups have 160 million reasons from Michael Bloomberg to not come to the table and compromise on anything,” referring to proponents of the ban.

One, Nance, fired back: “We do not and that is obnoxious.”

NEW ECONOMIC ANALYSIS DEMONSTRATES SIGNIFICANT NEGATIVE
IMPACT OF A NATIONAL FLAVOR BAN

151,850 jobs and $22.4 billion in economic activity would be lost

Washington, D.C., November 22, 2019 — The Vapor Technology Association (VTA) today released an analysis called the “Economic Impact of a Ban on Flavored Vapor Products” by economist John Dunham & Associates (“Dunham”) that reveals that more than 150,000 jobs would be lost in the independent vapor industry if the Trump Administration moves forward with a ban on flavored vapor products.

The new report analyzes sales of flavored vapor products in the independent vapor distribution chain and finds that approximately 91.6% of sales of vapor products are flavors other than tobacco (with 85.7% being other than tobacco and menthol). Dunham concludes that “if a flavor ban was implemented, the independent vapor segment of the market would cease to exist in any meaningful way since the vast majority of the 13,480 independent vapor shops in the country (which currently generate 58,430 full-time equivalent jobs) would likely have to close. No business can continue to exist were it to lose 90 percent of its revenue.”

According to Dunham’s analysis, a federal flavor ban would result in the elimination of over 151,850 jobs, decimating the independent vapor products industry. In addition, he said that a federal flavor ban would have an adverse impact on the U.S. economy by causing sales to fall by “about $8.4 billion and the overall economy would see a $22.4 billion hit.”

Dunham previously analyzed the size and significant economic impact of the vapor technology industry in the United States in his report, The Vapor Industry Economic Impact Study (2018), prepared for Vapor Technology Association, April 29, 2019. This report found that the vapor product industry is an important part of the U.S. economy, generating 166,000 jobs, $7.9 billion in wages and benefits for those workers, $15.0 billion in federal, state and local taxes, and a total economic impact of $24.5 billion.

Tony Abboud, Executive Director of the Vapor Technology Association, said, “This updated economic impact analysis proves that a flavor ban is simply the wrong policy. Fortunately, there are many smarter ways to attack the issue of youth vaping outlined in our comprehensive plan “21 & Done!” without eliminating the independent vapor distribution chain, made up of more than 14,000 small businesses around the country that are competing everyday with Big Tobacco.  Bans don’t work; they never have. However, 21 & Done! proposes real solutions, including raising the age to 21, implementing 21 specific marketing restrictions, requiring third-party age verification technology at retail, and a ‘three strikes and you’re out’ penalty scheme for retailers.”

ABOUT VTA
The Vapor Technology Association is the U.S. industry trade association whose 1,000+ 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 hardworking American mom and pop brick-and-mortar retail store owners throughout the United States.

MEDIA CONTACT
press@vaportechnology.org

I was a bit blown away by the number of likes and shares a recent post I put on Facebook received so I thought I’d post it here as well.  This is in response to the following article:

American Medical Association calls for an immediate BAN on all electronic cigarettes and vaping devices amid spate of at least 42 deaths in the US

Feel free to click it and share in my frustration.  Anyway, what I wrote:

Let’s break it down!!

“Vaping” Deaths in 3 months… 42
“Nicotine Vaping” Deaths in 3 months… 0
Smoking related deaths in 3 months… 120,000

The blatant corruption to protect revenues from Big Tobacco and Big Pharma is on display for the world to see.

First, let me clarify the first line which news media outlets, not to mention much of our government, appear unwilling to do:

“Vaping” Deaths in 3 months… 42

SHOULD READ

Illicit, vitamin-E acetate tainted THC cartridges purchased from drug dealers on the streets Vaping Deaths in 3 months… 42

And yet, the bans are aimed at and will affect this…

“Nicotine Vaping” Deaths in 3 months… 0

So let me be clear. Bans are targeted at and effect this:

“Nicotine Vaping” Deaths in 3 months… 0, and the people’s lives that are being saved by this type of vaping

Bans ignore this:

Smoking related deaths in 3 months… 120,000

And bans won’t fix this:

“Vaping” Deaths in 3 months… 42

The complete incompetence and lack of education on the topic by the very groups and organizations that are designed to keep people healthy also on display for the world to see.

They are aiming at the wrong target, and doing it while wearing a blindfold and facing the wrong direction. As they aim at the wrong target while wearing a blindfold and facing the wrong direction, there are a lot of innocent lives in front of that gun who are going to be killed if they pull the trigger.

Make no mistake, this is MURDER. MURDER by, again, the very groups and organizations that are designed to keep people healthy.

VERY FRIGHTENING what is going on in this country right now. I would hope that smart people, yes, even those who don’t vape and don’t smoke, begin to see what’s going on and how it could potentially effect THEM in the future.

Seriously, WTF!!!

The Smoker’s Show S02E08 – Special Guest Matt Culley From SMM

On tonight’s show we are joined by our special guest Matt Culley From SMM!

We discuss:

• The United Vapers Alliance and it’s impact
• Keeping equipment clean during the cold and flu season
• The Innokin Podin
• The Vapewear Pod
• Random thoughts and conversations
• Phil kicks off the GREAT STOCKING GIVEAWAY OF 2019

As always we take your calls and answer your questions.

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: smokersshow

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!