As the industry’s leading publication for over two decades, we want to remind you all that we are more than just another magazine; WE are the nexus of commerce for the counterculture marketplace; headshops, smoke shops, vape shops, adult novelties, and dispensaries. Both publisher and platform, HQ exists to facilitate the continued evolution of a once-marginalized industry now on the cusp of legitimization. As a publisher, we are your advocate and your advisor, your continual stream of all information that matters to you; from product knowledge, to business insights, to how it all fits into the panorama of the bigger world. As a platform, we are your connection. We are the bullhorn, the billboard, and the bridge; the perfect bullseye of your target market. And as this industry continues to come into its own and navigate the coming seismic shifts in the landscape, we’ll be the light to guide its steps.
HQ EXPERIENCE
HQ Magazine, the industry’s longest-running publication, remains committed to serving the smoke shop community. With an unwavering dedication to delivering award-winning content, and relevant news and providing insight into the latest and greatest industry products, HQ will continue to seek out the best way to reach as many subscribers as possible.
With HQ’s recent acquisition, the tides are turning and we know that YOU are ready for something new, something BIG. If you are looking for an upgraded experience, join HQ’s Elite membership program by scanning the QR code below. With each membership, you will receive HQ Magazine each month with no service interruptions, free access to HQ’s digital magazine, exclusive o ers from our advertisers, and periodic sample boxes from the industry’s most trusted brands.
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Editor-in-Chief
Account Executives
Sandy Caputo
Monica Frésquez monica@headquest.com
C: (505) 489-3285
Marc Toretzky sales@headquest.com C: (213) 304-3751
Creative Director
Copy Editor Billing
Contributing Writers
David Pogge david@headquest.com
Casey Patterson
Therese Galati accounting@headquest.com
Matt Weeks
Jonathan Branch
Jimmy Wohl
J.R. Johnivan
Emily Long
Karen Maina
Guest Contributor
Julia Hamieh
We welcome feedback! If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please email us at editorial@headquest.com.
HEADQUEST INTERNATIONAL LLC. assumes no responsibility for contents herein. Opinions expressed in articles are strictly those of the writer.
Published monthly by Headquest International LLC., 6300 Riverside Plaza LN. NW., Suite 100, Albuquerque, NM 87120. Send address change requests (please include information from the shipping label) to the address above, call 505-275-6049, or email subscriptions@headquest.com.
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26
Smoke Signals
Everything’s nice and short, like a YouTube comment section, but actually informed.
40
Women in Cannabis
The fact that Kayla Kurnik is insanely photogenic doesn’t mean that she isn’t a force to be reckoned with. Consider yourself warned.
54
Heads of Industry
Is nothing sacred? Or is everything? We put the Shadow in the spotlight.
66
Vapetasia and Triton are taking their case to the highest court in the landand unfortunately, we don’t mean that in the way that’s typical of this publication. High Court
HeadSpace
Weedy topics for wonks and chin-scratchers.
76
The Rise of the Machines
The robots are here - and they’re coming for our jerbs! Find out how tech can serve you before we’re all serving “them.”
82
A Gentle Reminder in a Not-so-Gentle World Saddle up. Creative Director, David Pogge is getting on his high horse. But first, he has to hotbox that horse.
Puff, puff, class in session! EdQuest
86 Let’s Go Branding
Bottom line: Smoke shop customers can smell bullshit. And it’s their least favorite strain. It’s all about authenticity.
90 Fans > Customers Service is the new smoke signal—send the right one and your customers won’t ghost you.
96
Friends with Benefits
Sig’s Julia Hamieh is back with installment #2: Unpacking and understanding the concepts behind mutually-assured profits.
100
Smokin’ new products from the industry’s hottest brands, plus a classic or two. Take note, take inventory, take a sales call. Quest 4 the Best
102
Two guest columnists take on confusion and controversy—one exposes the truth behind anti-vape narratives, while the other unpacks the risks of an unregulated hemp cannabinoid market. Industry Associations
Available Now!
Our Blurbs and Quips Will Blot Out the Sun
Issue 300
This is HQ’s 300th issue—a serious milestone for any publication, especially one that’s been rooted in counterculture for decades. We’ve covered the industry’s evolution from underground to mainstream, and we’re proud of the role we’ve played in documenting that journey. But this issue isn’t just about looking back—it’s about what’s next.
As the smoke shop and cannabis space grows, so do we. HQ is expanding how we serve our readers and our industry. That means deeper reporting, smarter design, and better tools for helping retailers and brands thrive. We’re focused on creating content that’s useful, engaging, and grounded in what’s really happening out there.You’ll see new sections, new voices, and a tighter connection to the people who make this space tick. We’re listening more closely, asking better questions, and putting thought into how to keep the culture alive while the market shifts.
High Cost, Low Flows
San Antonio’s Northside ISD is in deep sh*t— literally. The district has spent $180,000 unclogging toilets jammed by students flushing vape pens to avoid getting caught under Texas’ new anti-vape laws. What used to cost the district $11K in annual plumbing repairs is now projected to balloon to over $537K. Toss in inflated prices on basics like AC units and ceiling tiles, and trustees just approved a $5 million bump in maintenance spending— pushing this year’s budget deficit to a staggering $101 million. Enrollment is down, costs are up, and vape shops are popping up like mushrooms after a rainstorm. O cials are now classifying these vape-related repairs as acts of vandalism, and the city is considering zoning restrictions to keep vape stores farther away from schools. Superintendent Brian Woods says he’d rather see vapes banned altogether. Until then, it’s plungers, pipe snakes, and a whole lot of taxpayer-funded flushes.
This issue has been brought to you by the number
Like an adult Sesame Street special with way more Spartans and slightly more weed. We’re embracing the number that got us here.
Sharks Can Grow Over 300 Teeth — in Multiple Rows
Some species have 300+ teeth, arranged in layers like a conveyor belt of bitey doom. Lose one? Another pops in like it’s on a schedule. Nature’s most terrifying dental plan.
HHC? UN Just says no
In March 2024, the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) o cially scheduled HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol) as a controlled substance under the 1971 Convention, following a WHO recommendation. The vote passed easily—49 in favor, well beyond the 36 needed. While this move requires all 184 signatory countries to restrict HHC to medical, scientific, or industrial use, the U.S. abstained, leaving its next move uncertain.
That uncertainty is fueling industry-wide anxiety. The 2018 Farm Bill created a legal loophole for hemp-derived cannabinoids like HHC and Delta-8, but international scheduling puts federal agencies in a tricky spot. The Attorney General now has 180 days to decide whether to enforce the international ban at home—an outcome that could spark legal challenges and set precedent for future cannabinoids.
Cloudy with a Chance of CO₂
A new study published in One Earth finds that greenhouse gas emissions from the legal cannabis industry have surged to the equivalent of 10 million cars—largely due to the rise of indoor cultivation. Researcher Evan Mills reports that cannabis now accounts for 1% of total U.S. emissions, with energy use four times that of the pharmaceutical and tobacco industries. While federal legalization would only modestly reduce emissions, switching to outdoor cultivation could lower the industry’s carbon footprint by up to 76%. HQ has recently spotlighted this issue with back-to-back stories in our March and April issues, digging into the environmental blind spots. This latest reinforces what we’ve been tracking:
300 Spartans Didn’t Die Alone. We all know the legend of the 300 Spartans at Thermopylae. But... did you know they weren’t alone? They had about 7,000 other Greek allies with them initially. The 300 just happened to be the last standers (and had the best PR team, apparently).
Ancient Romans Once Held a 300-Gladiator Blood Fest In honor of Julius Caesar’s daughter, the Romans once threw an event with 300 pairs of gladiators fighting to the death. Love languages: words of a rmation, acts of service, and apparently, mass murder.
Retailers, manufacturers, and distributors are bracing for impact. From updating supply chains to pivoting toward less legally vulnerable cannabinoids, many are proactively preparing for whatever comes next. Whether the U.S. the global ban, pushes back, or charts its own course, one thing’s clear: HHC’s scheduling could redefine the hemp-derived cannabinoid market and accelerate the call for clearer, more consistent cannabis policy.
Your Brain Can Process Images in 300 Milliseconds Scientists found that the human brain can recognize and process complex images in as little as 300 milliseconds — about the time it takes to blink. That’s faster than most people process a joke (or a passive-aggressive email).
Elephants Can Eat Over 300 Pounds of Food Daily
Scan here for the full story!
That’s not snacking — that’s deforestation in motion. 300 pounds of leaves, bark, and fruit, all turned into trombone-soundingmajestic,poop.
There’s a Lab Rat That Got 300mg of THC — and Just... Floated Early THC research in the ’60s involved giving lab rats up to 300mg/kg doses of pure THC. The result? Absolute stoner chaos. One rat reportedly laid on its back and refused to move for six hours. Which, honestly, relatable.
High Times Published Its 300th Issue in 2001 Born in 1974, High Times hit its 300th issue in December 2001 — back when the country was still clinging to Reagan-era hysteria about weed. The cover? A psychedelic portrait of Jimi Hendrix, because of course it was. Long before legalization was even a whisper, High Times was 300 issues deep into celebrating the culture, the controversy, and the chronic.
Be Kind.
Meet the Bullet 2.0 from The Kind Pen—a sleek, quartz-powered rig made for concentrate sessions that hit clean and taste better. With fast heat-up, precision voltage, and terp-preserving airflow, it delivers flavor without the fuss. See more in the Quest 4 the Best on Page 100.
Beauty & the Bud
must be a sign
Big Wholesale: Signs, Shop Fixtures, & More!
I remember stepping into my first headshop and how the sporadically placed blacklights and pungent smell of incense made it feel like a future crime scene. Nervously, I walked in to buy my first “water pipe” while I glanced around, searching for undercover FBI agents. Luckily, I wasn’t arrested, but I never wanted to step foot in that store again. Now, twenty years later, customers expect a curated vibe, welcoming customer service, and handpicked products. That’s why I spoke with Phil Cho about how BIG Wholesale is helping retailers meet those expectations—offering exceptional products and first-rate customer service. If you care about their customers, you need a wholesaler that cares about you.
Kayla Kurnik knows how to get your attention— RAW bandana, killer ink, and a joint smoldering between her fingers. But don’t get it twisted—this isn’t just a pretty picture. Kayla’s been around the block (and the booth, and the grow op), and she’s got the receipts to prove it.
After five years as a full-time model, she dove headfirst into the cannabis scene, racking up hundreds of thousands of followers as Kannabis Kayla before Instagram pulled the plug. Instead of chasing clout, she flipped the switch— ditching the grid and getting into the grind. Sales, marketing, popups, trade shows—she’s done it all. And yeah, she still smokes joints like it’s her job.
Kayla’s back in the scene after a year-and-a-half hiatus, and we caught up with her at TPE to talk shop, self-worth, and the sweet spot where hustle meets high.
Page 40. Flip to it. You’ll want to meet her.
Can you tell me about BIG Wholesale and your role in the company?
Well, my name’s Phil Cho and I’m the director of Sales and Business Development at BIG Wholesale. We carry everything for headshops, from vape and kratom to LED signs, and store equipment like fixtures, displays, and custom t-shirts. BIG Wholesale is my father’s business, which he started about 25 years ago. It started off as a tobacco distributor, and now we have a warehouse of over 20,000 SKUs.
I’ve been working with my dad since I started helping out in high school. I came back after college and rejoined the business. I helped modernize our operations by using data and analytics to track our development and sales. I’m running our operations for the most part, and my father is in charge of the manufacturing aspect.
What made you want to be in the wholesale and headshop market? How did everything start?
My dad came to America around 30 years ago. He was limited with his job opportunities, so he started off as a cashier in a store. That’s how he became familiar with the space and learned what he needed to be successful. He saved up enough money to buy out the store where he was working. He expanded his business, got a van and started selling products store to store. After that we opened up a warehouse and it’s just been going up from there.
How has it been working with your father?
It’s pretty cool. When I was younger, I didn’t really
Continued on Page 28
Trade Show Roundup
Atlantic City Convention Center
1 Convention Blvd Atlantic City, NJ 89109
Begins: 5/6/25
Ends: 5/8/25
CHAMPS Trade Shows
Morgan MFG
401 N Morgan St Suite #100. Chicago, IL 60642
understand the line of work my dad was in, but seeing this, it’s more than just selling vapes and whatnot. It’s a lot bigger than that. Growing up, I wanted to work in the retail space, but he told me to learn from him. He’s a very chill guy and easy to get along with.
It seems like work is a big happy family.
Cannabis Drinks Expo Begins: 5/22/25
Nashville The Fairgrounds
625 Smith Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
Ends: 5/23/25
Alternative Product Expo Begins: 06/19/2025
Chicago DES Convention Cntr5555 N River Rd Rosemont, IL 60018
Ends: 06/21/2025
Begins: 06/19/2025
Ends: 06/21/2025
CHAMPS Trade Shows
The Gummy That Winks Back
We spotted these intriguing little mindbenders at TPE and couldn’t resist the branding—I Can’t Believe It’s Not Shrooms. The name says plenty, and the e ects (we’ve heard) say even more. Packed into a familiar gummy format, these treats are said to inspire deep introspection, vivid imagination, and a slightly altered sense of everything. They’re designed to open the mind, expand perception, and maybe even spark a few late-night revelations.
Our not-so-fearless creative director—an enthusiastic supporter of all things entheogenic—was surprisingly hesitant to try them himself. Instead, he enlisted a brave, possibly gullible volunteer to take them home and report back. We’ll follow up soon with the results… provided he returns in one piece, slightly glowing, and full of unsolicited wisdom.
One thing that we thrive on at BIG Wholesale is our customer relationships. We know we’re more expensive than everyone else, but we are the biggest and the busiest for a reason. Our customers are more like friends that we do business with than someone we’re trying to sell products to. We only want the best for our friends, so we’re constantly adding high quality products to our warehouse.
What products are customers most excited about?
We sell a lot of vape or kratom products in our actual cash-and-carry, but we have about 20,000 SKUs in our warehouse. We have a lot of random gifts and knick-knack items that the other wholesalers typically don’t sell.
We sell a lot of 3D pictures and custom t-shirts for a lot of our customers. We also make LED signs and displays and come up with a lot of new designs. We’re constantly stocking different items, which really separates us from other companies. If you need equipment or any sort of LED to change up your store vibe or want to keep up with the trend, we always have new stuff.
What’s the best way to work with BIG Wholesale and become part of the family?
Right now, our website is being updated to better help our customers in the future, but check it out soon. bigwholesaleusa.com
You can also check us out on Instagram, where we have updates regarding new products that are coming out @ bigwholesale_usa.
The best way to reach out to us is emailing us at info@ bigwholesaleusa.com. Or you can call us at (253) 344-1719.
MORE THAN A
PRETTY FACE
Kayla Kurnik Knows Her Worth—And She’s Not
Settling for Less
Emily Long
Although she started out as a model in the cannabis industry, Kayla Kurnik is more than a pretty face. Under her previous social media moniker, Kannabis Kayla, she gained a quarter of a million followers modeling and promoting various cannabis products before Meta shut down her account. “I don’t think Instagram agreed with all the types of modeling I was doing,” she says. “Once enough people report you, you can lose a page pretty quick, which felt inevitable.”
But for Kayla, that was just the beginning. “I knew it was going to happen,” she says about her account getting shut down. “I used to joke with my friends in the business that the day my account gets taken down is the day I quit. Everyone thought I was kidding, but then, the day my account got taken down, I quit. This is my sign.”
With so many connections in cannabis, Kayla realized she could do more than modeling and influencing; she wanted to get into sales. “A lot of people hire me as just a pretty face but then they come to find out I actually have a brain,” she laughs.
Her foray into the cannabis space began after she traveled the world as a fulltime model for five years. “It’s a rough
industry,” she says. “There’s just a lot of nasty people in the world.” Deciding she needed a break from working with photographers and models in that capacity, Kayla started doing cannabis and car shows instead, hosting pop-up events in Washington, D.C., and around the country.
Through her work as a promoter, a California-based grow-op reached out to her and invited her to visit the farm, so she learned about the growing and manufacturing side of the industry, too. Her favorite part about that experience? “Smoking unlimited weed, obviously,” she laughs. “That was the incentive, but it was really cool. I love to learn, and I love plants in general. I’ve always been that girl with 50 house plants, so it gave me a much bigger appreciation for the whole growing process.”
After experiencing firsthand the amount of labor and love that goes into the growing and manufacturing process, Kayla says she left California with a much bigger perspective. “It’s not just some magical plant that appears in the store one day,” she says. “There’s a lot of hard work and dedication that goes into it.”
Beyond growing and promoting, Kayla has also worked in cannabis marketing, coordinating events, running social media for different brands, and helping with marketing strategy. Her work in this
Continued on Page 44
IT’S NOT JUST SOME MAGICAL PLANT THAT APPEARS IN THE STORE ONE DAY. THERE’S A LOT OF HARD WORK AND DEDICATION THAT GOES INTO IT.
-Kayla Kurnik
Do you know a powerhouse woman making waves in the cannabis industry? Whether she’s leading, innovating, advocating, or inspiring, we want to hear her story!
Our Women in Cannabis spotlight celebrates the trailblazers, changemakers, and unsung heroes shaping the future of the industry. Nominate someone who deserves the recognition—because their work deserves to be seen!
Submit your nomination now! Scan the QR code to share their story. Nominate
At trade shows, you can tell which booths are still stuck in older, simplistic ways, and it’s not working anymore. One company set up an entire skate park in Champs this year. You’ve got to have that ‘wow’ factor to be loud and stand out.
space led her to start her own digital marketing company, KK Marketing Worldwide.
She’s fascinated by the evolution of marketing in general, especially in cannabis. “At trade shows, you can tell which booths are still stuck in older, simplistic ways, and it’s not working anymore,” she says. “One company set up an entire skate park in Champs this year. You’ve got to have that ‘wow’ factor to be loud and stand out.”
Even though she has access to a huge variety of products through her influencing and marketing work, she’s an oldschool stoner at heart. “I love to smoke joints,” she says. “I’m a raw paper kind of girl.”
The Story Continues Online…
Kayla Kurnik built a name for herself in cannabis, but staying in the industry hasn’t always been easy. From navigating a male-dominated space to setting her own value, she’s learned what it takes to succeed on her own terms.
Scan here to read the rest!
2PC, 3PC, & 4PC CNC PRECISION GRINDERS RUBBERIZED, ALUMINUM, WINDOWS, & REMOVABLE SCREENS 100+ OPTIONS WITH VARIOUS GRINDING TEETH DESIGNS MOST RECENT MODELS COME WITH DISPLAY BOX
What got lost . . . is the true heart of cannabis— the ritual, the connection, the sacred elements that bring people together. That’s what Sacred Stoned is about.
SHADOW & STONED
Shadow Becker on Ritual, Rebellion, & Reclaiming What’s Lost
By Matt Weeks
Shadow Becker’s latest venture runs on a simple premise: there’s no difference between the sacred and the profane.
“I say all of our products are sacred,” he says. “For years, cannabis has been branded through reggae, hip-hop, tech, and stoner culture—and unfortunately, through the corporate lens as well. What got lost in all of that is the true heart of cannabis—the ritual, the connection, the sacred elements that bring people together. That’s what Sacred Stoned is about.”
While the THC-A-focused company may be new, Becker navigates the industry with a steady hand. He picked up the business years ago, cutting his teeth on some of the cannabis industry’s bestknown brands after stints in marketing and street fashion. Working out of downtown Los Angeles, he’s always picked up underground trends before they break mainstream. Thanks to some visionary ideas, he’s readying Sacred Stoned, already in 12 states, for major expansion.
Continued on page 58
“They all come with a message in them, like a fortune, to get you started on your journey. All the art is created with intention and energy. It’s just a more thought-out product line, as opposed to the normal products that are out there,” he says. “I just want to stand out, be different, see if we can be entertaining and at the same time instigate some thought, question reality, think about what’s real, what’s not, all those fun concepts that I grew up on.”
With flavors named after unexplained phenomena, such as Alien Apples, Blackberry Shaman, and Strawberry Sasquatch, the brand nudges users toward mystical ideas that were once regularly associated with cannabis.
“The names aren’t just about flavors; they’re experiences,” Becker explains. “They’re reminders to think outside the box, expand your mind, and stay open to the journey. Every product we put out is designed with intention, not just as something to consume, but as something to enhance the way you see and interact with the world.”
It’s interesting with cannabis legalization. They typically attach the [social] causes to the legislation, and that’s the reason that they want legalization. Then the dollars end up coming into play and they forget about those causes.
His turn toward the unexplained represents a departure from his previous cannabis brands, both of which were highly successful, which focused on the “counter” part of the counterculture.
“I used to have a streetwear brand called RZST (read: resist), and it was an antiestablishment company catering to the counterculture, you know, to the core, street art skateboarding and, and all that good stuff,” he said. “But Obama took office, and nobody was really resisting anymore. Everybody was just kind of down with the system; that just didn’t work for us. We didn’t know how to put the twist on it.”
If political agitation against the George W. years provided RZST with moxie, the chaos of the present order calls for a more uncommon solution. To capture the zeitgeist, Becker needed to understand the hidden desires of his base. He looked inward, and like the Buddha under the Bodhi tree, was struck by divine inspiration.
“I ended up just taking multiple mushroom trips and just kind of getting really into it and taking lots of notes, and it just came to me,” he says. “I like Sasquatch and UFOs and anything sacred. At the end of the day, everything is sacred. If it’s something that you’re passionate about, it’s sacred to you. At this point, it’s like, what else do we have left but to dig deeper into the sacred?”
But wait, there’s more!
Shadow Becker is betting big on THC-A, tapping into festival culture, and rolling out his most ambitious product yet.
Scan the QR code to read the rest.
SYMPTOMS
CONTAMINANTS & YOUR HEALTH
ORIGINS OF CONTAMINANTS
PRODUCT SAFETY BY MARKET
READING
HOW
THE FDA VAPETASIAVersus
Vapetasia & Triton Distribution Face O Against the FDA in Monumental Supreme Court Battle
By Matt Weeks
They played by the rules. The FDA moved the goalposts. Now, Vapetasia and Triton are taking the fight to the Supreme Court in a case that could decide the future of flavored vaping in America.
There’s an old joke in mathematics that involves a complicated proof that seems to prove one plus one equals zero. It’s the kind of thing professors assign to their students as a rite of passage. It’s also an apt description for the way the U.S. Food and Drug Administration feels about approving flavored vaping products.
Years ago, the agency issued a series of guidelines explaining how companies could get nicotine vapes approved to sell in the U.S. The rules were long, complex, and expensive, often amounting to millions of dollars to bring a vape to market. But brands had no choice. They commissioned studies, paid fees, and followed procedure,
. . . without warning, the FDA denied the vape businesses’ applications— millions of them—claiming it needed more information. Clearly, something didn’t add up. One plus one equaled zero.
all to get products that millions of Americans were already using legally approved for continued sale.
Then, without warning, the FDA denied the vape businesses’ applications—millions of them—claiming it needed more information. Clearly, something didn’t add up. One plus one equaled zero.
Frustrated, the companies fought back—and mostly lost. Luckily, an ingenious legal strategy engineered by the businesses behind the brands Vapetasia and Triton has proven successful so far. Their case is now before the U.S. Supreme Court, which will decide the fate of America’s vaping industry next month. And while traditional court watchers don’t believe they’ve got a shot at winning, the companies remain optimistic.
All Part of the Plan
As the FDA began issuing denials, Vapetasia CEO Chris Finch started planning. He knew the next step was to sue the FDA, but he also knew it would take money, manpower, and risk. He needed a way to even the scales. Finch realized that partnering with fellow vaping company Triton could help on every front.
Taking a page from Sun-Tzu’s The Art of War, Finch’s team picked the battleground most conducive to their victory. By merging with Triton, the company relocated to Texas, which put its appeal before the most conservative court in the nation—the Fifth Circuit. Known for its business-friendly politics and weariness of government intervention, the Fifth Circuit was the best chance for victory.
Then something unexpected happened: The FDA handed down approvals for six vaping products made by Vuse Alto, a subsidiary of RJ Reynolds. Vuse’s applications lacked the same information as the other vape companies, specifically “behavioral studies” or data that proves the products won’t entice young people to start smoking. Finch nearly went apoplectic.
As the FDA began issuing denials, Vapetasia CEO Chris Finch started planning. He knew the next step was to sue the FDA, but he also knew it would take money, manpower, and risk.
“We worked on our case to the best of our ability. And then while we’re waiting to take our case in and ask for a stay [an order that would halt enforcement of the FDA’s decision,] Vuse gets approved,” he said. “The second Vuse gets approved, we march straight in there. F-ck that. You just approved a product that’s lacking the same thing that you just denied millions of applications for? Absolutely not. That’s not okay. So we went in, and we got to stay immediately. It wound up working out and we were granted a stay, and we started the process from there.”
With their business interests protected, the team kept working on their legal strategy. While nearly every lawsuit brought against the FDA floundered in appellate courts,
the Fifth Circuit sided with Vapetasia and Triton. In an en banc ruling signed by 10 out of the circuit’s 16 appellate judges, the court strongly rebuked the federal agency for issuing denials after companies followed their guidelines explicitly.
The judgment itself is a riotous read. Consider this zinger: “Then, months after receiving hundreds of thousands of applications predicated on its instructions, FDA turned around, pretended it never gave anyone any instructions about anything, imposed new testing requirements without any notice, and denied all one million flavored e-cigarette applications for failing to predict the agency’s volte face. Worse, after telling manufacturers that their marketing plans were ‘critical’ to their applications, FDA candidly admitted that it did not read a single word of the one million plans.”
That’s about as close to “shut the hell up” as legalese gets.
The End Has No End
After losing in the Fifth, the FDA appealed to the Supreme Court. Some saw it as a bold move, considering the court’s 6-3 Republican supermajority. But the presentation seemed to veer off course quickly.
Many of the justices, even the conservatives, seemed to express sympathy with the FDA. Some questioned why vape companies couldn’t simply spend millions more dollars, do behavioral studies, and reapply. Others pointed out that because the agency used weasel words when providing guidance
(noting that applicant “could provide” behavioral studies but “didn’t expect” them to be necessary), it was well within its rights to deny applications that failed to include such information.
“The hearing was not the best for us,” Finch admits. “We were really hoping the justices would be a little bit more educated on our case with their questions, and they really weren’t, which threw us for a little bit of a loop. Nothing really went as planned. But at the end of the day, Supreme Court cases are decided on briefs, not oral arguments.”
The second Vuse gets approved, we march straight in there. F-ck that. You just approved a product that’s lacking the same thing that you just denied millions of applications for? Absolutely not. That’s not okay.
Continued on page 70
Instead of losing, however, he believes SCOTUS will send the case back down to the Fifth Circuit, affirming its earlier ruling.
“I feel good about it because I feel like I’m on the right side of things,” he said. “If I was to take a guess at what was going to happen, I’d think we will probably get remanded back, and the Fifth Circuit’s opinions will be upheld. I say that because about a week before our hearing in the Supreme Court, we were notified by them that we were on a short list due to the administration change of cases that they deemed could be thrown out because of the new administration’s stances.”
Get the full story!
If Vapetasia and Triton win, American-made flavored vapes could make a comeback.
If they lose, the industry faces a murky future. Scan the QR code to read what’s at stake.
By Joe Reefer
We’ll be taking deep dives into several topics concerning the digital future of head shops— including how you can use software for your business needs, how AI can help your dayto-day tasks, and how to make the most out of the smoking tech you already use.
The Digital TAKE OVER
The Future of Counter-Cultural Retail
Remember when Tommy Chong got arrested and sentenced to nine months in federal prison for selling pipes and bongs online? We’ve come a long way since 2003, and we’re far removed from the Bush-era tactics used during the war on drugs. Internet-based head shops are now the norm, and even Chong himself has thrown his hat back into the ring of retail smoking accessories.
In order to compete now, it seems, head shops have no choice but to “go digital.” But what exactly does that mean? Even more importantly, how does the digital age affect local head shops that still depend on walk-in business?
Our upcoming tech series attempts to answer these questions. We’ll be taking deep dives into several topics concerning the digital future of head shops—including how you can use software for your business needs, how AI can help your day-to-day tasks, and how to make the most out of the smoking tech you already use.
Using Software for Your Head Shop Needs
Running a head shop doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of the latest and greatest business tech. From inventory and warehouse management systems to customer relationship management (CRM) and human resources (HR) software, these platforms have you covered when it comes to sales, customer service, distribution, recruitment, marketing, and more.
Maybe you’re already using a CRM but failing to track the data you collect? Perhaps you’re developing an app but not taking advantage of push notifications to keep your customers informed? Or maybe you just want to use technology to help with age verification and regulatory compliance.
There is, as they say, an app for that.
Some brick-and-mortar head shops use websites to maximize their local reach. Head shop owners and
employees can easily post pictures of their wares, advertise sales, hold digital contests and giveaways for their customers, or even schedule curbside pickup for those who want to order ahead of time. Many of these same things can be accomplished using social media, too.
We’ll be taking a deeper dive into these tools, how they’re currently being used, and how you can adapt these platforms to your day-to-day operations in a future issue of HQ Magazine.
AI and Head Shops
Love it or hate it, artificial intelligence (AI) is here to stay. It’s currently used in many different ways and, considering that AI technology is still in its infancy, it’s safe to say that we have yet to see its true potential.
• ChatGPT: Use it to brainstorm new ideas, write promotional materials, analyze documents, or perform research into market trends, spending habits, and more.
• Midjourney: Create AI images, including product ads, brand logos, and other graphics.
• Claude: Like ChatGPT, Claude is great for summarizing reports, analyzing images, and performing in-depth research.
Despite the availability and accessibility of current-gen AI tech, most users aren’t utilizing AI to its fullest extent. The current AI tools aren’t perfect, and they still have trouble getting certain elements right. But that’s where advanced concepts like prompt engineering come in handy.
Prompt engineering involves finessing the AI to elicit a more relevant, accurate, and overall better result. By telling the AI exactly what you want to see and steering it through the process, most AI models are capable of producing stellar results.
Get the full story!
From AI-powered grow rooms to laser lighters and digital dab rigs, tech is transforming the head shop world inside and out.
Scan the QR code to see what’s next in our cannabis tech series.
INTO THE GRAY
Derivitaves & Analogs: Are We Flying too
Dear Industry:
It’s time we had a talk. The words here will not be easy to digest, and thus I will attempt to tread lightly, but some things need to be said. Here goes . . .
This industry has always thrived on pushing limits, driving innovation, and staying ahead of the curve. But there’s a fine line between progress and risk, and walking the show floor this past February, I couldn’t shake the feeling that some were edging too close to it.
The first thing that hit me when I walked the trade show floor was a captivating reminder of what makes this space so exhilarating— the relentless creativity, the fearless entrepreneurship, the sheer energy of a market that refuses to stand still. Every aisle showcased fresh ideas and bold opportunities, proving once again that this industry never stops
weren’t. Watching companies on the convention center floor flirt with that same overconfidence, I couldn’t help but wonder: Are we about to make the same mistakes all over again?
There was also an overwhelming sense of déjà vu. The unchecked enthusiasm, the stacks of graymarket goods, the casual dismissal of potential consequences—it all felt eerily reminiscent of the early 2010s, a time when explosive growth blinded many to the risks they were taking. Back then, we convinced ourselves the money would keep flowing, that the government wouldn’t care, that we’d be fine. Until we
Let me pause and make it very clear that everything I put forth here is done with respect for the entrepreneurship in the space and a genuine love for the industry. These are my people. But as I walked those teeming corridors of counter-cultural commerce, I couldn’t help but feel a genuine concern over the risks some of the players here are taking by operating this deep into the gray. My point here requires a perspective that can only be obtained by spending years in this wild world of fringe-based entrepreneurship. I first stumbled into the smoke shop universe in 2008. Over the ensuing 17 years, I witnessed it all; the crashes, the raids, the indictments— everything. I was an independent sales rep when Operation Logjam was executed in 2012. Stores around the country were emptied out by armed agents of the state and shut down overnight. By my calculations, I lost a third of my income. Friends were indicted. Lives were destroyed. Why? We can get into the stupidity of the Drug War and the scaremongering of preening politicians, but for our part, we arguably flew too close to the Sun.
Continued on Page 84
Editor’s Note: This is an opinion piece and does not necessarily reflect the views of HQ Magazine. It is written with respect for the entrepreneurs in this space and is not intended to call out or criticize any businesses. Rather, it aims to highlight potential risks and encourage thoughtful discussion about the industry’s future. HQ Magazine remains committed to supporting and informing the businesses that drive this market forward.
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THE REBELLIONBranding
By Karen Maina
The cannabis and counterculture industries are at a crossroads. The increasing awareness and demand have led to the rise in corporate giants that are hoping to take a huge bite of the market size.
Building a brand that stands out and resonates with this market segment is not only critical; it is also challenging. It has to go beyond a logo and cool graphics. You cannot slap some edgy visuals onto a mainstream strategy and expect to win. It needs to translate into a feeling and sense of belonging.
Rebellious, authentic, and culturally relevant. How do you build a brand that meets each of these critical factors in counterculture and build a movement?
Zero in on Your Target
Knowing your audience is a cliche in every marketing class. However, it is an important cliché here. Counterculture has different subcultures within it. The truth is, you cannot speak convincingly to each subculture. You need to pick one whose principles resonate with your story.
Alfred Viggiani, the founder and director of Advantage Marketing Solutions, says it very succinctly. “Find your tribe and speak directly to them. Stop trying to be for everyone—focus on those who get it and go all in on making them feel seen.”
Defi ne Your Why
Your brand must stand for more than profit to win in the counterculture market. Authenticity is a key tenet; no corporate fluff; instead, stick to raw and real messaging.
Your story must take center stage to stand out in this segment. What do you stand for? Why should people care?
Fake It and They’ll Break You: Why Authenticity is Everything
Find your tribe and speak directly to them. Stop trying to be for everyone—focus on those who get it and go all in on making them feel seen.
Alfred Viggiani - Advantage Marketing Solutions
Shadow Becker, founder and CEO of hemp brand, Sacred Stoned has epitomized this with every brand he has built. He emphasizes getting to the heart of the culture. “With RZST, it was about art, rebellion, and making a statement. With STICKEVAPE, we brought that same energy into the vape world. But with cannabis, I felt like something was missing. The ritual, the connection, the sacred elements that bring people together.” Out of this realization, Sacred Stoned was born.
A key factor to remember is that fake counterculture doesn’t last. Consumers today see through forced marketing. Using rebellion as a gimmick while walking around in penny loafers? Copying successful brands instead of forging a unique identity? No one’s buying it
Pro tip: The best brands don’t follow trends; they create them.
Disrupt the Expected
The audience in counterculture lives at the edge of society; an entrepreneur in this space must live on the edge with them. Disrupting an industry isn’t all that feasible if you are not immersed in it. You need to speak their language, live their lifestyle, and create content that resonates on a deeper level. In Alfred’s words, “You can’t force cool. You have to earn it.”
To stand out, you must flip the traditional gameboard on its head. Create bold marketing and unapologetic branding. This should include a distinct aesthetic with strong color schemes, fonts, and design language to make the brand instantly recognizable.
Focus on storytelling, user-generated content, and
disruptive strategy. Work with artists, musicians, skaters, athletes, and underground communities to foster credibility.
Sacred Stoned uses music as a key element in their branding, but they don’t stop there. According to Shadow, “Sacred Stoned goes beyond music. It’s about all sacred passions: skateboarding, surfing, motocross, yoga, street art, and fine art—anything that fuels the soul. If you dedicate yourself to something, it becomes sacred. Cannabis is part of that ritual, whether it’s sparking creativity, focus, or just grounding yourself in the moment.”
What is sacred to you and your target audience? How can you use it to disrupt the market?
Want to build a brand that truly stands out?
There’s more to the story—learn how polarization, exclusivity, and community can set you apart.
Scan the QR code to finish the article.
FANBASE Build Your Throwing
By Joe Reefer
Businesses are finally starting to understand the true value of customer service. From instore rewards, contests, and giveaways to social media campaigns meant to recognize their regular customers, most companies – including head shops, dispensaries, and vape stores – are taking steps to improve the customer experience at every turn.
Ken Blanchard, author of the book, Raving Fans: A Revolutionary Approach to Customer Service, recommends a three-step approach to customer service:
Define your customer service vision
Understand the needs of your customer base
Exceed customer expectations on a consistent basis
While it’s easier said than done, this strategy can help you connect with customers, improve your customer service game, and attract raving fans to your brand in no time at all.
Defi ning Your Vision
Start by defining your customer service goals. You don’t need to have everything mapped out in your head just yet, but you should have a few good ideas that serve as the foundation for your broader customer service vision.
The now defunct Purple East, which used to have multiple locations throughout West Michigan, realized their vision rather early in their 49 years of service. While they were able to build on that vision over time, eventually becoming the premiere head shop in the region, they always stayed true to their local roots.
“With Purple East being such an iconic landmark in the Grand Rapids area, what we were really selling was the experience of coming to Purple
Out the Stops: Taking Customer Service to the Next Level
East. The music was always cool and unique, we always made sure to display local art, and everybody working there was knowledgeable on everything that was local in the store. So there was a strong emphasis on the store being a culture center in addition to a retail store.” –Drew Phillipy, former owner of Purple East
Many companies don’t have the luxury of building a brand over the course of several decades. Consider the recent case of a major vape wholesaler using search engine optimization (SEO) to boost their website traffic. They went from 15,000 monthly visitors to more than 1,000,000 in a few short years, and it’s all because they had a clearly defined vision that helped them meet –and even surpass – their goals.
Understanding the Needs of Your Customers
WHAT WE WERE REALLY SELLING WAS THE EXPERIENCE . . . THE MUSIC WAS ALWAYS COOL AND UNIQUE, WE ALWAYS MADE SURE TO DISPLAY LOCAL ART, AND EVERYBODY WORKING THERE WAS KNOWLEDGEABLE ON EVERYTHING THAT WAS LOCAL IN THE STORE.
Drew Phillipy - Former Owner, Purple East`
When an error on their new website accidentally blocked order confirmation emails from being sent to customers at the same time that an internet outage left their team in the dark for four days, Smoke Cartel turned to Shopify to help solve the problem. As the tickets started to pile up and customers started demanding refunds, they launched their 24/7 live chat – a move that slashed customer service response times by 93%.
Smoke Cartel also implemented SMS, email, and Facebook Messenger notifications, via Smooch.io, to communicate with customers on their preferred platforms. Not only did the team recognize a need
Continued on Page 92
for better customer service, but they used multiple strategies to make it happen.
Take a hint from Smoke Cartel and focus on understanding the needs of your customers. Although customers are usually quick to express their frustration when things go wrong, they don’t always provide feedback when things are running smoothly. Even if your customers are happy and content, performing regular check-ins, asking for their input, and ensuring their needs are always met is the key to making them come back for more.
“Anytime someone would favor a certain kind of kratom or CBD, I’d make sure to ask before placing orders. Doing those little check-ins with people that are there regularly goes a long way. Customers also suggested different store layout ideas, so we’d be moving things around and making different sections in the store based on feedback,” Drew continued.
Want to Turn Customers into Raving Fans?
You’ve got the vision. You understand their needs. But how do you exceed expectations and keep customers coming back?
Discover real-world strategies from industry pros, including how one shop turned regular buyers into VIPs—no punch cards required.
Scan here to read the rest!
JUNE
19-21,
2025 | THE FAIRGROUNDS NASHVILLE
Are you stuck with the same old strategies and outdated products, or are you looking for innovation and deals to meet today's consumer demands?
Break the mold and explore a new trade show experience. Discover offers crafted exclusively for businesses like yours Revamp your stock with the latest and greatest from this season's lineup Tune In & Gain clarity on today's top consumer desires and trends
THE SALE, V2 The Art of
By Julia Hamieh
So, let’s talk about one of the easiest—and honestly, most effective—sales strategies out there: beneficial sales. At its heart, it’s all about finding ways that both sides can win. We’ve all heard of “benefit selling,” right? The idea that you highlight how valuable a product or service is. But here’s the thing—beneficial sales take that concept a step further. It’s not just about what your product can do for them—it’s about how both businesses can benefit from working together.
The “You Scratch My Back, I Scratch Yours” Approach
Beneficial Sales: The Magic of Mutual Growth
Think of it like this: you scratch my back, I scratch yours. It’s that simple. In a beneficial sales scenario, you approach a brand or business that you believe could benefit from your product, and in return, you’re asking for something that helps your business, too. The catch? Your products need to make sense together. So before you approach anyone, do your homework. Look into what they offer, and make sure your product fits well with what they’re already selling. Continued
Once you’ve done that, you can kick off the conversation with something like, “Let me show you how we can help each other out.” This opens up the dialogue for collaboration rather than just another boring transaction. After all, every brand needs a little push, and this is where the magic of beneficial sales comes in.
Building the Case for Mutual Exchange
Now, let’s get to the good stuff. You’ve got their attention, but why should they work with you? In beneficial sales, it’s not just about getting your product into their hands—it’s about how your product and theirs can complement each other. Here’s the key: you’ve got to show them how you can help promote their product just like you want them to push yours.
This is where mutual growth comes into play. It’s not just about making a sale—it’s about forming a partnership. When you agree to sell their product, you open up your existing audience to them, which means they get access to a whole new group of potential customers. On the flip side, they’ll be offering your product to their customers, giving you the same exposure. It’s all about collaboration.
Walking the Fine Line: Maintaining Boundaries
Okay, here’s the tricky part. Flirtatious sales are effective, but you’ve got to know where to draw the line. You don’t want to give your client the wrong impression or come across as too personal. The goal is to sell, not to make a new friend.
When answering questions or engaging in playful banter, keep things brief and to the point. You’re there for one thing—making the sale. The client is
It’s not all about looks. What matters is how you carry yourself. Your facial expressions, your body language, and most importantly, your words— these are your tools.
Julia Hamieh is the Marketing & Sales Manager for Sig Distro, the industry’s leading East Coast distribution company. As part of
there because they want something from you. That’s the dynamic you need to keep in mind.
One powerful tactic in flirtatious sales is feeding the client’s ego. Everyone likes to feel important, especially in business. Compliment their achievements, acknowledge their success, and make them feel good about what they’ve built. The more you praise their accomplishments, the more open they’ll be to hearing your pitch. Once you’ve built up their ego, they’ll be much more likely to listen and, ultimately, buy from you.
Want to know more about how beneficial sales can grow your brand without the grind?
We’ve covered the basics, but what makes this strategy really work? Discover how to expand your reach, unlock new markets, and build partnerships that keep paying off long after the deal is done.
Scan the QR code to read the full article and start selling smarter.
Smoke Odor Exterminator Spray
Clearing the Air
Smoke shops know the struggle—lingering odors that don’t quit. Smoke Odor Exterminator Spray has been the trusted fix for years, using a proprietary enzyme formula to neutralize smoke, pet, and other stubborn smells instead of just covering them up. Made in the USA and available in over 30 scents, it’s a reliable go-to for freshening up homes, cars, and workspaces. A quick spray into the air or a vent makes a noticeable difference, cutting through even the strongest odors. Customers know the name and ask for it by brand, which is why it deserves a permanent spot on the shelf.
QUEST
Sacred King 3-Gram THCA Vapes
Go to the mat with punchy flavor and effects
Big clouds, bold flavor, and a smooth hit—Sacred King 3-gram THCA vapes deliver it all. Crafted from organic indoor hemp and packed into high-quality hardware, these cartridges bring strain-specific profiles like Strawberry Sauce Watch, Super Lemon Portal, and Blackberry Shaman to life with all-natural flavors. The packaging is just as intentional, designed to stand out while carrying a deeper message. Already available in over 12 states, Sacred King is growing fast, with four new strains on the way. Whether it’s the clean formulation or the immersive experience, this brand is building something that lasts. Keep an eye out—Sacred King isn’t just another vape; it’s a movement.
4 the Best
Ben Northon E-Liquids
Aged Tobacco, Refined for the Modern Vaper
Tobacco connoisseurs know that time transforms a leaf. Just like a fine cigar or aged pipe blend, Ben Northon e-liquids are crafted to deliver the depth, warmth, and complexity of carefully matured tobacco. Produced in France by the Solevan Group, each blend captures the essence of slow-cured leaves and the artistry of natural aging.
From the bold, sun-dried Black Horse to the golden, toasted Love Blond, every bottle reflects the smooth richness found in traditional tobacco fermentation. Each inhale unveils layers of earth, wood, and spice—notes that develop over time, just like a well-aged cigar.
Purr Glass Flat Tips
A Smoother, Cooler Pull
Purr Glass is flipping the script on glass tips with a flat, tapered design that dials in both comfort and function. Unlike traditional cylindrical tips, these upgraded versions offer a snug, versatile fit for joints and blunts while keeping hits smooth and flavor pure. The thick, high-quality glass won’t overheat or mess with the taste, and the shape lets smokers burn it down to the very last pull—without the usual hassle. Available in a range of colors, they add both style and substance to any session. It’s a leveled-up take on a classic accessory, built for those who expect more from their smoke.
The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.
Albert Einstein
A great store starts with the right setup, and Big Wholesale has the fixtures to make it happen. Specializing in store equipment, showcases, and LED signage, they design and manufacture their products in-house— keeping up with trends and customer feedback to ensure fresh, modern displays. Whether it’s sleek showcases, custom fixtures, or vibrant LED signs built specifically for
Bullet 2.0 by The Kind Pen
Dual-Purpose Powerhouse
Meet Bullet 2.0—a compact yet mighty vape device built for both carts and dabs. Its full quartz bucket delivers clean, flavorful hits that highlight delicate terpenes, while the 510-thread compatibility makes it a go-to for carts as well. With three precision voltage settings (2.8v, 3.2v, 3.4v) and a fast-heating design, it’s engineered for smooth, consistent performance without overheating. The semi-long glass mouthpiece balances airflow for cool, tasty vapor, while the durable aluminum casing keeps it road-ready. Designed for convenience, it charges fast with a 600mAh battery and is backed by an unlimited lifetime warranty. Whether ripping live resin or running carts, the Bullet 2.0 is tuned for flavor, efficiency, and reliability in every session.
smoke and vape shops, they offer both ready-made and custom solutions to fit any space. Their LED signs are tested for brightness and visibility, and their displays are built for function and style. With a focus on quality and adaptability, Big Wholesale helps retailers create a standout shopping experience from the ground up.
HOW TO BEST SERVE HEMP CONSUMERS
Considerations for retailers carrying hemp-derived cannabinoid products
The market for hemp-derived cannabinoid products has exploded since the passage of the 2018 Hemp Authorization Act, which federally legalized Cannabis sativa L. plants containing less than 0.3% delta-9 THC. While this opened doors for a vast array of new products, it also introduced a complex landscape of legality, safety concerns, and consumer confusion— particularly among those who use these products for health-related reasons.
Retailers who carry hemp-derived products such as CBD and other cannabinoids are in a unique position. They provide access to products that many consumers see as essential and navigate a legal gray area where federal and state oversight has yet to catch up with the pace of the market. Understanding the needs of your customers—especially those seeking therapeutic benefits—and how to support them responsibly is not always clear.
The Legal Landscape
The paper synthesized evidence of Cannabinoids such as CBD and THC are compounds found in the Cannabis sativa L. plant. The 2018 Hemp Authorization Act made hemp (defined as cannabis plants with less than 0.3% THC by dry weight) legal under federal law. This led to the widespread sale of hemp-derived cannabinoids, including CBD, CBG, delta-8 THC, and others, many of which had previously only been available in state-regulated medical or
For Trusted Resources, see the ad on Page 62
adult-use cannabis programs.
However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has yet to issue regulations for these products, arguing that they do not meet the definitions of foodstuffs or dietary supplements. As a result, virtually no standardized safety protocols are in place—no testing for contaminants, potency, or product stability is required beyond verifying that a product contains less than 0.3% delta-9 THC.
Complicating matters further is the emergence of synthesized cannabinoids—compounds chemically altered or converted from CBD or other cannabinoids found in hemp to produce new effects. The legality of the products is being debated in the courts, while public health and healthcare professionals have expressed concerns regarding their safety profiles.
One major concern with both natural and synthesized cannabinoids is their instability over time. When exposed to heat and sunlight, cannabinoid compounds can change—sometimes leading to higher levels of THC than originally indicated. This transformation not only raises health concerns but can also have serious consequences for consumers who undergo drug testing.
By Steph Sherer Founder & Executive Director Americans for Safe Access
Many consumers are unaware of these legal nuances and assume they are federally approved or regulated. Others are patients using these products to manage medical conditions. Often, these individuals live in states without medical cannabis programs or face barriers such as program fees, limited qualifying conditions, or social stigma. Without access to state-regulated products or medical oversight, they turn to over-thecounter hemp-derived options.
Unfortunately, some of these consumers have experienced real-world consequences—such as failing drug tests, losing jobs, or violating terms of parole— despite taking products labeled as “THC-free.”
This story isn’t over!
There’s more to the hemp game than legality.
Scan here to learn how retailers can protect customers and navigate the gray areas responsibly.
UP IN SMOKE
Study Exposes Bad Science Behind Vaping’s Alleged Respiratory Risks
Serial scaremongers in the public health establishment have claimed for years that nicotine vaping can severely damage respiratory health, implausibly arguing that it may even be as harmful as cigarette smoking. It was always a spurious claim, but now the evidence supporting that assertion has gone up in smoke, courtesy of an umbrella review published in the journal Tobacco Use Insights.
No Evidence of Harm
The paper synthesized evidence from 12 systematic reviews to evaluate whether vaping poses serious risks to lung function or respiratory outcomes, revealing “no significant change in respiratory function with [vaping], either with dual use with continued cigarette use, exclusive use after quitting smoking, or naïve use by consumers who have never smoked.”
previous reviews were based on very poor evidence. For example, one review “combined cross-sectional and longitudinal studies … which limits the ability to establish causal relationships,” the authors wrote of a study they excluded from their analysis.
Cross-sectional studies take a single snapshot in time, while longitudinal studies follow people for an extended period to draw associations between a health outcome and an exposure, vaping in this case. Putting the results of these divergent studies in the same category actually makes it
By Alli Boughner Vice President American Vapor Manufacturers
research that switching from combustible cigarettes to vaping drastically reduces the disease risk an individual faces. The fact that these lower-quality studies didn’t detect the same improvements probably means “the smoking history of the participants [is] masking potential changes in test results,” the reviewers added.
Conclusion
The problem for ACS is that vaping actually stands out as a transformative tool in the fight against smoking-related mortality, helping millions of people avoid the devastating consequences of combustible tobacco use.
The umbrella review strikes a serious blow against the politicized narrative that equates vaping and smoking. The only possible conclusions to draw from this review are as follows: vaping has no impact on respiratory health, which is unlikely; or, more plausibly, the reviewed studies are dreadful and we need better data as soon as possible.
Notably, the review found no significant association between vaping and increased risks of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma worsening, or other serious respiratory conditions, directly contradicting alarmist assertions amplified by public health campaigns and news reports.
Junk data everywhere
We need to make an important qualification before drawing any conclusions, however. Many of the
harder to assess the effects of longterm vaping by distorting the data we have access to.
An equally serious problem was that many previous studies failed to account for duration and intensity of vaping and smoking, rendering their results all but useless. If you don’t know how many cigarettes somebody smokes and how long they’ve smoked, then you can’t assess their respiratory health with any confidence.
It can’t be understated how important these conclusions are, because they expose the truly awful science behind the campaign against nicotine vaping. We know from previous well-designed
“For accuracy,” the reviewers concluded, “future studies must conduct their analyses on the specific patterns and frequency of [vaping].” They were more polite than I would have been, but the point remains: most antivaping research is warmed-over garbage. We should treat it as such.
