Tennessee Voices, Episode 79: Dimitris Agrafiotis, Tennessee Smoke Free Association
This is an excellent interview/conversation between David Plazas of the Nashville Tennessean and Dimitris Agrafiotis. Very proud to call Dimitris my friend. Very well done!
The original article/interview can be found HERE.
Dimitris Agrafiotis smoked for 23 years, unable to kick the habit despite many attempts and treatment alternatives.
That changed when he discovered vaping, or smoking e-cigarettes that vaporize nicotine instead of combusting it like regular cigarettes do.
As executive director of the Tennessee Smoke Free Association, he represents “mom-and-pop” vape shops and has worked on regulations as well as fighting myths and threats to their businesses.
Those threats include vendors that sell products to minors, as some of the bigger companies have done, including Juul.
That’s especially relevant now that a Stanford University study found that teens who vaped were five times more likely to become infected by COVID-19 than those who did not.
Agrafiotis said his association supported a state law banning sales of e-cigarettes and vaping products to anyone under 21.
He also said the lung diseases caused by e-cigarettes filled with cannabis oil caused officials nationwide unfairly to lump all vape vendors together.
When he is not working, Agrafiotis and his family are doing home remodeling projects and streaming programs on Netflix, Amazon Prime or YouTube, including “America’s Most Wanted,” “Tiger King” and “Narcos.”
Op-Ed by Dimitris Agrafiotis:Vapor products can save lives by helping smokers quit
VAPING NEWS: TENNESSEE VOICES [Interview With Dimitris Agrafiotis]
“The Tennessee Voices videocast is a 20-minute program that invites leaders, thinkers and innovators who have written guest columns for a USA TODAY Network. Dimitris Agrafiotis smoked for 23 years, unable to kick the habit despite many attempts and treatment alternatives. That changed when he discovered vaping, or smoking e-cigarettes that vaporize nicotine instead of combusting it like regular cigarettes do. As executive director of the Tennessee Smoke Free Association, he represents “mom-and-pop” vape shops and has worked on regulations as well as fighting myths and threats to their businesses.”
ARTICLE LINK:
Tennessee Voices, Episode 79: Dimitris Agrafiotis, Tennessee Smoke Free Association
VTA COMBATS BASELESS STANFORD STUDY ON VAPING AND COVID-19
This week, Stanford University released a “study” linking youth vaping to COVID-19. The analysis and the media coverage of this study misrepresented the facts. There is no scientific evidence that supports the claim that vaping can be linked to COVID. VTA published the below statement in response to the study.
RealClearHealth has published an article that calls out the legitimacy of these studies and reiterates that there is no scientific evidence linking vaping to COVID-19. We ask you to promote this article on your social channels to help spread the truth.
VAPING NEWS: MONTANA [Flavor Ban Dropped]
“The Montana health department decided Friday to withdraw a proposed rule that would ban flavored vaping products in the state. The decision came after 13 state senators and seven representatives, all Republicans, signed letters last month opposing the rule and stating that the health department does not have the authority to implement such a ban. Montana law dictates that a poll of the entire Legislature is required when 20 or more legislators object to a proposed administrative rule.”
ARTICLE LINK:
THE VAPORESSO BARR
A PBusardo Review – Did Vaporesso Raise the Barr? The Vaporesso Barr
A super simple pod system that needs better seals. Let’s take a look at the Vaporesso Bar and find out who won the last not a contest.
We also do a little housekeeping and talk quickly about the “Save The Vape Rally”.
The Links:
The United Vapers Alliance
Vaporesso
Element Vape
Unsalted @ Dash Vapes (Canada)
Unsalted @ Rocky Top Vapor (US)
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:
Thank you to and please support the Premiere Taste Your Juice Sponsor…
VAPING AND THE MIC
I always enjoy coming on this show and spending some time with Mike Peterson.
Got a little hot under the collar a few times. Give it a listen/watch.
Thanks for having me on Mike!
VAPING NEWS: COLORADO [Vape Tax]
“The company, Altria, was part of the negotiations that led to 11th-hour legislation — House Bill 1427 — that placed the question on the 2020 ballot. If passed, it will raise taxes on nicotine products across the board over the next several years. Nicotine products, including vaping devices and fuel, would be taxed at 30% of their manufacturer’s list price starting next year if voters sign off on the ballot question. By July 2024, that would rise to 56% of the list price and to 62% in July 2027. House Bill 1427 easily won approval. But it passed under unusual circumstances: The measure was introduced in the final hours of the 2020 legislative session and so hastily brought that lawmakers didn’t have a copy of the measure before its first committee hearing began. The bill was introduced on the day before the legislature was set to adjourn ahead of schedule because of the pandemic. The bill was negotiated by lawmakers, Polis’ office, health advocates, Altria and other tobacco interests.”
ARTICLE LINK:
Colorado’s proposed tobacco tax hike — and it could help them dominate the cigarette market
THE DP SHOW REPLAY – IT’S RALLY TIME!
The DP Show! – It’s Rally Time! – S01E10
On this show we talk all things “SAVE THE VAPE RALLY”
We’re joined by Rally organizers…
Tristan Thompson, Sherwin Mena, & Matthew Elliott
United Vapers Alliance Website
As always, we get YOU involved in the show answering your questions and taking your calls.
VAPE WHEEL PRIZE DONATORS:
Big Willie’s
Dash Vapes
Eleaf
Five Pawns
Innokin
Joyetech
Lunar Rover
Nixteria
Vaporesso
THE VIDEO:
THE PODCAST:
COMING SOON!
From Kate
Hi Phil (and Dimitri), Don’t usually do this but just wanted to say what a great job you’ve done with the Zlide. I’ve been vaping for 7 years and hadn’t really taken much notice of what is currently available but my daughter & son-in-law finally decided to give vaping a go so I needed to find them something not too expensive (or big), easy to use and reliable. I ended up getting them a Coolfire Z50 kit each and it is perfect! You’ve thought of everything!
I’m in the UK and started vaping in 2013 when the EU TPD was in progress (threat of medicinal licence & 4mg nicotine) so had to advocate from get go. We are doing OK in the UK now but I am watching the US situation with disbelief and hope it improves for you all. I continue to do everything I can to support vaping and it feels never ending doesn’t it? – I still have to complain regularly to the media here about disinformation and ignorance.
For me (smoked for 38 years) it has been a miracle. It often feels like a losing battle but then I remember how many people vaping will help avoid serious smoking related illnesses and death. My husband never tried vaping, I couldn’t persuade him. Then he got throat cancer and had a laryngectomy. He now breathes through his neck and can’t smoke or vape. As you can imagine this keeps me focused and very grateful to everyone else who also keeps advocating even when it seems pointless and exhausting. I suppose what I’m saying is thank you for the kit but also for everything else you both do, Kate
TONIGHT AT 9PM EST ON THE DP SHOW – IT’S RALLY TIME!
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