Issue 38

Teen tasered for vaping and teenage girls ‘strip searched’ for hidden devices.

EDITORIAL

Editor - Patrick Griffin

Journalist - Jordan Millar

Junior Journalist - Oliver Smith

DESIGN

Head of Design - Hayley Parker

Head Designer - Amy Harrison

Graphic Designer - Michelle Piovesan

Design Team Co-ordinator - Lucy Booth

Design Support - Anna Difusco

MARKETING

Marketing Director - Katie Loomes

Web Developer - Kain Alden

Marketing Executive - Alicia Snow-Simpson

Marketing Executive - Carrie Strouther

SALES

Client Partnerships Manager - Steve Culf

+44 7795 200 167

Senior Account Manager - Baz Bassra +44 7823 887 753

Account Manager - Kirk Martin +44 7917 582 001

Sales Executive - Giovanni De Pietro +44 7522 167 344

Sales Executive - Sian Thompson +44 7312 112 394

Account Manager - Mason Woolley +44 7729 668 492

Account Manager - Sid De Silva +44 7305 664 972

Account Manager - Pete Masters +44 7305 960 345

China Sales Executive - Arlen Luo +86 137 012 666 84

ACCOUNTS

Finance Director - Kris Worton

Finance Executive - Rochelle Warsop

EVENTS DIRECTOR

Abida Razaque

MANAGING DIRECTORS

David Turner

Pom Kaila

CEO

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

When I cast my eyes over the headlines for this issue, I feel an ominous sense of déjà vu.

The stories about school children being allegedly strip searched in a hunt for vapes and a teenager being tased for using an e-cigarette, seemed all too familiar.

Less than a year after teachers strip searched children and police blasted a teen with 50,000 volts for vaping, I was shocked to learn that the same things were happening again.

I don’t understand why, despite the colossal public health benefits of e-cigarettes, there is still a moral war raging over vaping.

But for all the bad news and bizarre attacks on the reduced risk alternative, I’m happy to say that there are also a few rays of light to boost the industry’s spirits.

The Vapouround Awards are fast approaching and I think it’s fair to say there is a buzz of excitement spreading throughout the community.

The opportunity to come together and celebrate the many wins of the industry is amazing and our highly anticipated show has become the perfect place for the industry to do just that.

Check out our stories ‘Glam, glitz and a grand vaping celebration’ and ‘A blast from the past’ to learn more about our iconic event.

Also the fifth annual VApril event is upon us, representing a brilliant opportunity to

promote and praise the lifesaving power of vaping.

Headed by leading harm reduction advocates and personalities, the UKVIA campaign has gone from strength to strength. It is also great to see VApril teaming up with Smoke Free App to help educate smokers on the tools they can use to successfully quit.

Take a look at our story ‘VApril is back’ later in this issue to learn more about the event and what it means for the vape community.

Thank you for your continued support.

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nicotine which is a highly addictive substance. is a highly addictive substance.

JUUL2

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Designed for adult smokers. Not for sale to minors. JUUL is an e-cigarette. This is an age restricted product and age verification is required at sale.

*Compared to original JUUL.

TM and © 2022 JUUL Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.

SHORTFILLS

Editor Patrick Griffin selects his pick of short vape-related stories and research making news from around the world.

SIGN THE VAPE LAW PLEA

Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte is being urged to saves the lives of 100,000 smokers a year by signing new vaping regulations into law. Advocacy group CAPHRA said Duterte could create an ‘enduring presidential legacy’ by approving the Vaporized Nicotine Products Regulation Act. The new law regulates the use, manufacture, importation, sale, distribution and promotion of vaping and heated tobacco products. CAPHRA said it would provide 16 million Filipino smokers with ‘the world’s most effective smoking cessation tool.’

NOT SO BIRD BRAINED

Sweden is training crows to pick up cigarette butts from city streets…in return for food. Crows were chosen because they easily learn simple tasks and project bosses believe the birds could reduce street cleaning costs by three-quarters. The Keep Sweden Tidy Foundation is piloting the scheme in Södertälje, near Stockholm. The crows will place the discarded butts in special machines which dispense food as a reward. If successful, magpies and jackdaws could also be recruited to the project.

200,000 IRISH VAPERS CAN’T BE WRONG

A quarter of Irish adults could still be smoking without the huge popularity of vaping, it has been claimed. Joe Dunne, founder of advocacy group Respect Vapers, said: “For the first time the National Clinical Guidelines to stop smoking, recognise that vaping is helping people quit. “Thankfully, almost 200,000 people have quit by vaping. Without this effective tool, Ireland could still have up to 25 percent of people smoking.”

STOP IGNORING US!

The Dutch government has been accused of ignoring the overwhelming wishes of vapers…not once but twice. The charge was made by the World Vapers’ Alliance as politicians met at The Hague to discuss details of a forthcoming ban on flavoured e-liquids. In a slight reprieve for vapers, the ban was postponed until next year. WVA Director Michael Landl said: “Last year, Dutch citizens rejected a flavour ban in a public consultation with a resounding 98 percent of respondents against it. Politicians ignored their voices then and now they’re at it again.”

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

Geek Bar is calling for Trading Standards services across the UK to do ‘everything possible’ to deal with rogue traders selling non-compliant and counterfeit disposable vape products. Chief Executive Allen Young said: “These products are finding their way into the UK through customs and being sold in retail outlets across the country. Enough is enough. There needs to be more collaboration and enforcement involving all parties including Trading Standards, the vaping industry, trade associations representing retailers and the MHRA.”

“WORRYING UPWARD TREND”

More than ten percent of Irish cancer patients continue to smoke even after diagnosis, according to new research. Scientists studied cancer patients admitted to public hospitals between 2014 and 2018 for the research published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. The paper concluded: “Smoking rates in cancer patients show a worrying upward trend. Given the high smoking rates among cancer patients, it is critical that healthcare professionals advocate smoking cessation among all patients.”

ENGLAND MAY BAN UNDER 25s FROM BUYING CIGARETTES

Under 25s could be banned from buying cigarettes under radical new plans to tackle England’s smoking rate. Javid Khan, the country’s new anti-smoking tzar, says the move may be necessary to achieve the government’s ‘Smokefree 2030’ ambitions. He is heading an independent review into the government’s plans to tackle smoking and has warned the target will not be met if ‘nothing different’ is done. Khan, a former chief executive of the children’s charity Barnardo’s, said he was being ‘bold and brave’ with his review.

UP IN SMOKE

The 34 million smokers in the US cost the economy more than $300bn a year, primarily from lost productivity and medical care. Other figures revealed in a new study from the financial planning website WalletHub included that over an average US smoker’s lifetime:

· Average out-of-pocket costs will be $133,911

· Smokers can expect to run up $177,000 in healthcare and

· They will incur an average of $545,166 in income loss.

WORLD VAPING POPULATION REACHES 82 MILLION

There are now 82 million vapers in the world as new research reveals that numbers have leapt by 20 percent in a year. The data was compiled by the Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction (GSTHR) and showed that numbers had increased from 68 million in 2020 to 82 million a year later. Gerry Stimson, an emeritus professor at Imperial College London, said: “Consumers find nicotine vaping products attractive and are switching to them in increasing numbers worldwide.”

DON’T DO IT

Scottish ministers are being urged to rethink plans to ban the promotion of vape products over concerns about long-term health effects. Doug Mutter, a director at Edinburgh-headquartered vape retailer and manufacturer VPZ, described the plans as an ‘own goal.’ He said: “Any controls placed on vaping promotion are in denial of the facts, will represent a massive own goal for the NHS in Scotland and means that the country can kiss goodbye to its 2034 smokefree ambitions.” The Scottish Grocers’ Federation and the UKVIA have also called on ministers to scrap the plans.

VAPE RESEARCH FAILINGS EXPOSED

Shocking new research has found that most of the 24 most frequently cited vaping studies published in medical journals contain serious flaws. A Center of Excellence for the Acceleration of Harm Reduction (CoEHAR) investigation concluded: “Almost all of these studies were methodologically flawed…failed to collect data relevant to the study objectives and did not correct for obvious confounding factors.” CoEHAR founder Professor Riccardo Polosa said: “I’m astounded that such low-quality studies have made it through editorial review in prestigious scientific journals. The credibility of tobacco control scientists and their research is on the line.”

HEAVY-HANDED REGULATION WON’T WORK

South Africa’s plans to regulate and tax vaping products fails to recognise their harm reduction potential, according to human rights group the Free Market Foundation. The liberal think tank said heavy-handed regulation would push prices up and lead to vapers returning to smoking or turning to the black market. It said: “The South African government argues that e-cigarette and vaping products are harmful and warrant regulation. However, e-cigarettes and vaping innovations are tobacco harm-reduction products, aimed at mitigating the adverse health impacts associated with combustible tobacco products.”

WE HAD NO IDEA

UK vapers are paying around £300-a-year more for their life insurance because companies still charge them the same premiums as smokers. The news comes as a recent survey revealed that 63 percent of Brits had no idea that vaping had the same impact on premiums as smoking. Oliver Rayner, managing director at Caspian Insurance, said: “It’s critical that people correctly disclose smoking and vaping habits to their insurer so that the right policy can be found for them and at the best price.”

WHERE’S THE LOGIC IN THIS?

US regulators are accused of failing consumers by intentionally restricting choice for smokers wishing to quit. The Food and Drug Administration has rejected several thousand vape products and liquids and has only approved a handful of applications including Logic and Vuse. The World Vapers’ Alliance said: “The FDA has created a limited market that will restrict choices for consumers and create more barriers for smokers to switch to less harmful alternatives. To protect public health, the FDA needs to grant many more companies access to the vaping market.”

A MOD-ERN PRESIDENT?

Has French president Emmanuel Macron inadvertently become the latest poster boy for vaping? He was recently pictured carrying a stack of paperwork in one hand and holding a vape device in the other. The Association of Vapers India posted the picture on Twitter, saying: “French president Emmanuel Macron vapes. Marine Le Pen too. If more politicians make the switch, safer alternatives will face less opposition.” However, with an election underway, could it be that Macron is simply hoping to gain the support of the country’s four million vapers?

HOUSTON – YOU’VE GOT A PROBLEM

Vaping has been banned in all public spaces and workplaces in Houston, Texas, after city councillors voted to treat it exactly the same as smoking. Charlie Gagen from the American Lung Association in Texas said: “Treating e-cigarettes as the tobacco products they are is a common sense step to addressing this public health crisis.” Council member Abbie Kamin said it would protect people from ‘secondhand inhalation’ even though studies have shown this is not a health risk.

KIWI

TEEN SMOKING

AT 20 YEAR LOW

Teen smoking rates in New Zealand are at their lowest in over 20 years while few non-smoking students try vaping. An ASH survey of 26,000 Kiwi students aged 13-14, found that just 1.3 percent smoked daily –down from two percent in 2019. Vape advocate Nancy Loucas said: “This survey confirms that vaping is not hooking non-smokers, as just three percent of those who vape daily have never smoked. And while many may try it, very few become regular vapers.”

THAI VAPE BAN TO STAY?

Thailand, which had been poised to end the country’s national vape ban, may keep it in place after all. Public Health Ministry permanent secretary Kiattiphum Wongrajit reportedly said: “The ban will help protect non-smokers from health hazards caused by e-cigarettes and other tobacco-related products. “Studies show that using e-cigarettes does not help you quit smoking, therefore legalising them would leave Thailand’s tobacco controls lagging and put children and adolescents at risk.” The Thai government will now decide whether to keep the ban or replace it with new regulations.

AT LAST, GOOD NEWS FOR ITALIAN VAPERS

Italy has updated its e-liquid tax for the fourth time in four years…but this time in favour of vapers. In 2014 the Italian government adopted the EU’s highest tax rate which almost doubled the price of e-liquid overnight. Three quarters of vape businesses folded as consumers turned to the black market or switched back to smoking. The vape tax was reduced by 80 percent in 2019, climbed up again and has now been lowered to €0.13 per millilitre for nicotine liquids and €0.08 for zero-nic liquids.

ALL IN IT TOGETHER

Tobacco harm reduction advocates from around the world are teaming up to debate and brainstorm the best ways to promote safer nicotine products globally. They are taking place in five online seminars, livestreamed on the CAPHRA and sCOPe YouTube channels between now and May. Nancy Loucas, from the Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates, said: “It’s obvious that the war on nicotine is not going away so if we are to save millions more lives, our advocacy needs to be incredibly effective.”

IT’S A SYN

First the US Food and Drug Administration banned virtually all traditional vape products…now it turns its attention to synthetic nicotine vapes too.

Words: Patrick Griffin

President Joe Biden has dealt a devastating blow to the US vape industry by giving the Food and Drug Administration the power to regulate synthetic nicotine.

Many vape manufacturers switched to synthetic nicotine when the FDA rejected or denied almost every application to authorise vape products containing tobacco-derived nicotine.

Now with that loophole closed it is possible that the FDA could order every product containing lab-made nicotine to be removed from sale.

To sell their products, manufacturers must submit a premarket tobacco product application (PMTA) with the FDA – exactly the same process that happened for tobacco-derived vape products.

However, industry experts believe the very short timeframe set for applications to be submitted would make it an almost impossible task.

The FDA has not indicated whether it would ban all synthetic nicotine products or allow them to remain on the shelves until the approvals process is complete.

Amanda Wheeler, President of the

American Vapor Manufacturers Association, said: “The indisputable outcome will be countless more Americans pushed away from nicotine vaping and back into combustible smoking.”

Tony Abboud, executive director of the Vapor Technology Association said synthetic nicotine was a ‘technological innovation’ which has given the vape industry ‘a true and complete break from tobacco.’

The indisputable outcome will be countless more Americans pushed away from nicotine vaping and back into combustible smoking.

“

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Darren Vayro-Wright The Vape House | Wellingborough

How did you get started with IQOS?

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More recently, we’re finding that a lot of our customers have already heard about IQOS, so they’re asking us whether we stock it, which has been great. Word of mouth is definitely growing.

How does IQOS work with your existing vape products?

IQOS has given us a new revenue stream for the business. It means we have another product for our dual users to buy so they have the choice to switch from smoking cigarettes and vaping to using IQOS and vaping. It’s been a good step for us to take as a business.

Our IQOS users are growing steadily and our HEETS sales are also on the up. The 10 HEETS variants give smokers looking to switch a wide range of options.

What would you say to vape shop owners who are unsure on whether to stock IQOS or not?

I’d tell them to give it a go. The smoke-free category is growing. We know that vape users who continue to smoke value choice, whether that’s a choice of different devices or a choice of flavours of liquid.

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What We Know About Laws And Regulations

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WHAT TOOK YOU SO LONG?

The European Parliament has finally acknowledged that vaping plays a key role in helping smokers quit…so why are flavour bans still being proposed?

Words: Patrick Griffin

The European Parliament has become the first EU institution to publicly acknowledge that vaping plays a vital role in smoking cessation.

It came as the body formally adopted the EU Beating Cancer Plan but, while this milestone has been welcomed by vape advocates, MEPs have failed to rule out future flavour bans across the member states.

The World Vapers’ Alliance described the development as a ‘significant step forward’ but insisted that much more needed to be done.

““

WVA director Michael Landl said: "Finally, an EU institution acknowledges that vaping helps smokers to quit which is a significant step forward in our fight to save lives by reducing the harms caused by smoking.

“It shows the power of the voice of individual consumers coming together. Now it is the Commission's turn to no longer ignore science and the experience of millions of consumers.”

Many vape advocates say they fail to see the logic of accepting that vaping helps smokers quit, while still pushing to ban the very flavours which make e-cigarettes such a powerful quitting aid.

Carmine Canino, President of Italian consumer advocacy group ANPVU said: “Scientists, harm reduction experts as well as consumers have been clear about the negative consequences of banning or even restricting flavours.

“Again and again research has shown that flavours are essential to reducing smoking among adults. We need our policymakers to listen and act.”

Dustin Dahlmann, president of the Independent European Vape Alliance described the move as a ‘landmark declaration’ from the European Parliament.

He said: “We now encourage the other

EU institutions – and in particular the European Commission – to take this on board and ensure that policy follows science, not the other way around.”

With the European Commission currently in the initial stages of revising the Tobacco Products Directive, Landl called on consumers from throughout the EU to keep the pressure on MEPs to

make them aware just how important flavours were.

He said: “It is crucial that experts and consumers keep raising their voices.

It is our hope that the Commission’s future proposals acknowledge harm reduction. We will continue to advocate for our members, ensuring their voices are heard.”

Finally, an EU institution acknowledges that vaping helps smokers to quit which is a significant step forward in our fight to save lives by reducing the harms caused by smoking.

Michael Landl, WVA Director

FIT FOR PURPOSE

Words: Patrick Griffin

The Department of Health has concluded that the UK’s existing vape legislation is fit for purpose and ‘could not be better achieved through alternative regulatory measures.’

Brexit gave the government the opportunity to revise the TRPR given that we are no longer obliged to follow the EU’s Tobacco Products Directive.

Now a review of the legislation which governs the sales of all nicotine products in the UK has determined that the TRPR regulations ‘met their original objectives.’

The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) said the decision showed that the government acknowledged the ‘crucial role’ that vaping plays in smoking harm reduction.

UKVIA Director General John Dunne said: “I see this as a win for the UK’s vaping sector as the review clearly states the positive impact that vaping can have in helping people to quit smoking.

“This tells me that the industry is doing its job in bringing to the fore some of the things that have been holding back vaping’s ability to support the Government’s smokefree targets to full effect.”

As part of the TRPR consultation, the UKVIA submitted a series of proposals aimed at ‘creating a better commercial and regulatory environment.’

These included:

· The use of Government-approved expert health claims on products to address misinformation leading to misperceptions on vaping and therefore encourage smokers to switch

· Greater opportunities to engage with smokers, as current regulations restrict vaping’s ability to provide smokers with evidence-based knowledge to make informed decisions when looking to quit and

· The extension of certain regulations to cover additional vaping products, such as non-nicotine e-liquids, thereby ensuring a highly responsible and safe industry.

Dunne added: “Our hope now is that those proposals and recommendations are carried forward and manifested in the Tobacco Control Plan.

“There is also still positivity that our recommendations can inform and influence the Health Disparities White Paper and independent review into tobacco control policies.”

Dunne said the development paved the way to move on from the ‘frankly dangerous misinformation that has stopped vaping from realising its full public health potential.’

He said the UKVIA would continue to support the Government’s smokefree agenda and would ‘work tirelessly’ to maximise the potential of vaping to help adult smokers quit while discouraging youth uptake.’

“ “

C M Y CM MY CY CMY K

IS VAPING NICOTINE A MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE?

Words: Patrick Griffin

The controversial US-based Truth Initiative fails to recognise the concept of tobacco harm reduction and even offers a ‘text to quit vaping’ service to tackle the problem.

Now it wants to use Global Mental Health Day on April 27 to ramp up its campaign against vaping.

It said: “Demand action and urge the White House to recognise vaping nicotine as a mental health issue.

“We’re underscoring the importance of mental health, bringing attention and awareness to the harmful impact vaping nicotine can have on our health and ensuring our voices are heard at the highest levels.”

It is urging supporters to make their voices heard by bombarding 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue with tweets.

It has even helpfully drafted the exact wording it wants people to use, as shown in the tweet on the next page.

Charles A. Gardner, the Executive Director of the International Network of Nicotine Consumer Organizations (INNCO) in the USA dismissed the latest Truth Initiavite stunt as a ‘lie’.

He tweeted: “Will anyone in @POTUS @ JoeBiden's administration #FactCheck this lie?”

He followed it up with another tweet highlighting that youth smoking and vaping rates have been declining in the USA.

Gardner wrote: “Super bad news for @ robinkoval's @truthinitiative and Matt Myers' @ TobaccoFreeKids

“US high school: daily smoking is now <0.4%, daily nicotine vaping = 3.1%

“Both plummeted both before & during the pandemic. Can we focus on adult deaths from smoking yet?”

A fiercely anti-vaping organisation is demanding that the White House declares that using nicotine e-cigarettes is a mental health issue.

The US pressure group Truth Initiative seems to think so and even wants a Presidential declaration to that effect.

COP TASERED VAPING TEEN

Twitter is alive with fury after shocking footage emerged of a police officer tasing a teenage boy for vaping.

The video – which already has almost 80,000 views online – showed an unnamed female cop firing her taser at 17-year-old Terion Forston.

She then forced him to his stomach and repeatedly ordered the teen to ‘get down’ on the ground.

Police claimed that Forston was only tasered after he ‘physically resisted efforts to detain him’…but the viral footage shows

he was standing still at the time.

Eyewitness Brendon Aldridge said: “He was only vaping, she asked him for his ID and he was being calm.

“She tased him and it was crazy, while he was down on the ground shaking she was like ‘get down, get down’ like he wasn’t already.”

The incident happened at a city park in Atlanta, Georgia and Forston was later charged with disorderly conduct.

Charles A. Gardner, chief executive of

the International Network of Nicotine Consumer Organizations tweeted: “Why do we never learn the lessons of past prohibitions?

“Alcohol prohibition FAILED. Cannabis prohibition FAILED. The War on Nicotine is just getting started. It too will fail, but only after more harm like this poor tased teen.”

Civil rights lawyer Ben Crump tweeted: “WOW — An Atlanta police officer tased a 17 yo teen at a skate park over VAPING! “This use of force against a CHILD was not at all necessary! There MUST be other ways to handle these situations!”

FALSE IMPRISONMENT CHARGE AFTER GIRLS STRIPSEARCHED FOR HIDDEN VAPES

A US school official has appeared in court charged with false imprisonment after six teenage girls complained that they were strip-searched for concealed vape devices.

Kelly Casper, a schools administrator from Suring, Wisconsin, is said to have conducted a search of the schoolgirls aged between 14 and 17.

The girls were allegedly taken into a bathroom in the school nurse’s office and told to strip down to their underwear.

Oconto County Court was told that two of the girls were allowed to keep their leggings on when they said they were not wearing underwear.

The court heard that two vape cartridges were found during the search and another student admitted having a vape on her.

The nurse who witnessed the searches reported the incident to her supervisor the next day, saying that she felt them to be ‘inappropriate.’

Casper, who is on paid administrative leave following the complaint, was released on a $5,000 bond.

Her lawyers have filed a motion to dismiss the charges which will be heard on April 28.

If convicted, Casper could receive up to six years in jail and be fined up to $10,000 on each of the six false imprisonment charges.

“

Words: Patrick Griffin

More than three quarters of Dutch vapers would still be smoking if they had not discovered e-cigarettes, it has been revealed.

This was just one of the findings from a large survey carried out by Dutch vape advocacy group Acvoda and trade association Esigbond.

Just under 3,000 current vapers were quizzed about their move from traditional cigarettes and, for many, it was a difficult journey.

The survey found that, on average, former smokers had tried to stop smoking five times before they found a solution that worked for them.

In line with similar surveys around the world, the number one reason for switching was wanting a less harmful alternative to cigarettes.

There are around 400,000 e-cigarette users in the Netherlands with an average age of 45. When it came to overall wellbeing, nine in ten vapers

THE SURVEY’S KEY FINDINGS INCLUDED:

reported improved health since switching. Most reported a decrease in coughing (70 percent), improved condition (69 percent), increased smelling/tasting (64 percent) and less shortness of breath (62 percent).

Interestingly, almost all the vapers surveyed were former smokers (96 percent), while more than three-quarters had tried other cessation aids without success.

A third of smokers who had tried quitting with nicotine gum, sprays or patches said they later returned to smoking.

Emil ‘t Hart, chairman of the vape shop trade association Esigbond, said: “This study shows that many ex-smokers would actually continue to smoke if it were not for the e-cigarette.

“Flavours explain part of the success, as for many quitters, the flavours are essential in switching from the regular cigarette to the less harmful e-cigarette.”

This research shows that the e-cigarette deserves a place in anti-smoking policy and that it is very unwise to make the e-cigarette unattractive by banning flavours

A new survey into the vaping habits of former smokers in the Netherlands demonstrates just how effective the reduced risk alternative really is.

Switched to vaping because they wanted a less harmful way to consume nicotine

Said they switched because they wanted to quit smoking

Of vapers said flavours played an important role in their switch from cigarettes

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LIGHT YEARS BEHIND

Australia is accused of ‘lacking ambition’ over plans to tackle smoking rates amid calls for it to reverse its failure to embrace vaping.

Words: Patrick Griffin

Australia’s draconian anti-vaping laws are being blamed for leaving the country’s tobacco harm reduction policies ‘light years behind’ the UK and US.

The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) has also accused its planned National Smoking Strategy of ‘lacking ambition.’

CAPHRA says the country’s prescription-only vaping model leaves it ‘lagging well behind’ other Asia Pacific countries when it comes to successfully tackling smoking through vaping.

Its Executive Co-ordinator Nancy Loucas said the successful role safer nicotine products can play in helping smokers quit was ‘completely absent’ in Australia’s draft strategy.

The country wants its overall smoking rate to be ‘10 percent or less’ by 2025 while neighbouring New Zealand has set a tougher five percent target.

Loucas said: “Instead of banning vaping, New Zealand has regulated it, making it tough for minors to access but available to all adults keen to keep off the cancer sticks.

“New Zealand is seeing its overall smoking rate tumble, yet the Australian Government fails to accept that the most effective smoking cessation tool available is staring it in the face.”

She added: “Australia is well down the world

rankings when it comes to adopting effective THR policies and is light years behind the US and UK.

“Subsequently, Australia’s overall smoking rate has fallen very little in a decade.

“Without reasonable access to vaping, Australia will struggle to even achieve its 10 percent smoking goal.”

CAPHRA says the Department of Health should reconsider its vaping rules to give its Draft National Smoking Strategy the best chance of success.

It said the 67 countries which have already adopted regulatory frameworks on safer nicotine products were all benefiting from reduced smoking rates.

The advocacy group praised the Philippines which is poised to overturn its vaping ban and regulate safer nicotine products instead. It also welcomed signs that Malaysia and Thailand could follow suit. (See Shortfills section for more information.)

Loucas added: “Australia’s failed ‘quit or die’ approach towards tobacco continues to see over 20,000 smokers die prematurely, with 2.3 million still smoking.

“Australians desperate to quit smoking and those keen to stay off deadly cigarettes need all the help they can get.”

MAKE TOBACCO-FREE IRELAND A REALITY

Irish vape advocates give evidence to politicians as the country prepares to introduce new vaping regulations.

Words: Patrick Griffin

Irish politicians are being urged not to ban flavoured vape products when they pass new legislation to regulate the industry.

John Dunne from Vape Business Ireland said it was vital to protect young people from all forms of nicotine but insisted that a flavour ban was not the answer.

Giving evidence at the Oireachtas Health Committee, he said the country’s 200,000 vapers needed access to flavoured products to stop them returning to deadly cigarettes.

He said he strongly supported proposals in the Public Health (Tobacco and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill to limit vape sales to over 18s.

Currently there is no minimum age limit in the country to buy e-cigarettes, but many vape store owners refuse to sell products to adolescents and young adults.

He said encouraging adult smokers to switch to vaping should form a ‘key part’ of the country’s ambitions to be tobacco free by 2025.

Dunne said: “The smoking rate has actually increased for the first time in many years and with the current smoking rate at 18 percent we are nowhere near reaching this goal.

“To get us back on track we need a new approach and vaping should be a central component within that.

“The 2019 Healthy Ireland survey showed that compared to NRT, almost four times as many successful quit attempts were attributed to vaping.”

He described the proposed ban on the sale of vaping products to under 18s as ‘the most critical part of the Bill’.

Dunne added: “We must both protect young people while creating a con trolled environment where vaping products are available to our adult Irish smokers looking to switch to a less harmful alternative.”

OB Vape owner Eoin O’Boyle told the hearing that he opened his business after being inspired by ‘the transformative power of vaping on the lives of smokers’.

He said: “Ireland needs to take a supportive and proportionate regulatory stance on vaping.

To get us back on track we need a new approach and vaping should be a central component within that.

“As a retailer, I am committed to providing a bespoke quit smoking service for adult smokers who have failed to do so by using the methods currently recommended by Irish health authorities.

“In the context of any debate around flavours, it is important to acknowledge and understand that former adult smokers need flavours and that their preferences change over time.

“This need for flavoured options also helps explain why flavoured Nicorette lozenges are so popular for those who go down the NRT route.”

He added: “I have no doubt that flavours play a crucial role in helping smokers quit.”

The Vape Business Ireland spokesperson said all VBI members were fully committed to ensuring that vaping remained a harm reduction tool for adults only.

O’Boyle added: “We are committed to driving the best standards in our business practices and the right regulatory framework will support us in our efforts.

“Regulation and supportive government policy can help Irish vape shops in aiding smokers to quit, while also helping to ensure that young people do not access a product which is not meant for them.

“But regulation must not be excessive, because this would keep smokers smoking and facing proven health risks and unfortunately premature death.

“Our organisation is proud of the role which small vaping retailers such as mine play every day and helping smokers to transition to far less harmful products.

“With the right approach from government, we can play an even larger role in helping to make a tobacco-free Ireland a reality.”

“WITH THE RIGHT APPROACH FROM GOVERNMENT, WE CAN PLAY AN EVEN LARGER ROLE IN HELPING TO MAKE A TOBACCO-FREE IRELAND A REALITY.”

Introducing Vuse: Smart design and the next generation of vaping technology

Introducing Vuse: Smart design and the next generation of vaping technology

As vaping fast cements itself as an alternative to traditional cigarettes, the demand for expertly designed, quality products is also growing. At Vuse, our approach is to combine smart design with new technologies to create a unique experience for our customers. Having access to a premium product is important and, now more than ever, it’s important that customers know that their device has been designed with quality assurance in mind. Which is why you, as a retailer, play a key role into this equation: If you can get to know the product better, then you can match the demands of your customers to drive loyalty and help your business grow.

As vaping fast cements itself as an alternative to traditional cigarettes, the demand for expertly designed, quality products is also growing. At Vuse, our approach is to combine smart design with new technologies to create a unique experience for our customers. Having access to a premium product is important and, now more than ever, it’s important that customers know that their device has been designed with quality assurance in mind. Which is why you, as a retailer, play a key role into this equation: If you can get to know the product better, then you can match the demands of your customers to drive loyalty and help your business grow.

The next level of smart design

The next level of smart design

Our approach to creating the highest quality products is centred on developing a smart design, informed by experts. Our team of over 50 scientists test our liquid pods and devices rigorously to comply with industry requirements, taking care at every stage of production to ensure high safety and quality standards.

Our approach to creating the highest quality products is centred on developing a smart design, informed by experts. Our team of over 50 scientists test our liquid pods and devices rigorously to comply with industry requirements, taking care at every stage of production to ensure high safety and quality standards.

Creating a premium vaping experience is important to us – that’s why we use a range of new technologies to refine our devices. Our development process begins by using vaping topography machines to measure vaping behaviour, and specifically how long and how deep customers inhale.

Creating a premium vaping experience is important to us – that’s why we use a range of new technologies to refine our devices. Our development process begins by using vaping topography machines to measure vaping behaviour, and specifically how long and how deep customers inhale.

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This helps us understand vaping patterns better and equips us with the data needed to conduct thorough risk assessments.

This helps us understand vaping patterns better and equips us with the data needed to conduct thorough risk assessments.

We also utilise technology in vapour analysis, from vaping simulators to chromatography machines that help us collect vapour and analyse its components. This kind of technology helps us ensure that our products are designed with a quality experience in mind.

We also utilise technology in vapour analysis, from vaping simulators to chromatography machines that help us collect vapour and analyse its components. This kind of technology helps us ensure that our products are designed with a quality experience in mind.

Taking quality seriously

Taking quality seriously

We know that for customers looking to either make the switch from traditional cigarettes or between vaping providers, confidence in the quality and safety of their chosen device is essential. That’s why those considerations are a central part of how we design our products. The rigorous testing just outlined is all conducted with this goal in mind.

We know that for customers looking to either make the switch from traditional cigarettes or between vaping providers, confidence in the quality and safety of their chosen device is essential. That’s why those considerations are a central part of how we design our products. The rigorous testing just outlined is all conducted with this goal in mind.

We’ve made sure that all our devices are designed to meet high electrical device safety standards from voltage levels through to electrical and battery safety. Furthermore, customers can be

We’ve made sure that all our devices are designed to meet high electrical device safety standards from voltage levels through to electrical and battery safety. Furthermore, customers can be

reassured that all our devices are tested by independent third-party testing laboratories to ensure they are CE certified. We’ve also gone a step further in helping to set international standards for the vaping industry, contributing to the world’s first voluntary standards on e-cigarettes, created by the French Standards Institute AFNOR and the British Standards Institute.

reassured that all our devices are tested by independent third-party testing laboratories to ensure they are CE certified. We’ve also gone a step further in helping to set international standards for the vaping industry, contributing to the world’s first voluntary standards on e-cigarettes, created by the French Standards Institute AFNOR and the British Standards Institute.

Giving customers confidence that their vaping product has been designed alongside scientific experts and using the latest technologies is at the heart of our approach, as we aim to ensure a quality vaping experience. We’re proud to be at the forefront of vaping innovation and are passionate about providing customers with the highest quality vaping experience possible.

Giving customers confidence that their vaping product has been designed alongside scientific experts and using the latest technologies is at the heart of our approach, as we aim to ensure a quality vaping experience. We’re proud to be at the forefront of vaping innovation and are passionate about providing customers with the highest quality vaping experience possible.

It’s time for real talk about vaping. Help your customers make the right purchase, by visiting the KNOW YOUR VAPE section at vuse.com/gb/en/know-your-vape to find out more.

It’s time for real talk about vaping. Help your customers make the right purchase, by visiting the KNOW YOUR VAPE section at vuse.com/gb/en/know-your-vape to find out more.

This product contains nicotine and is addictive. For adult nicotine consumers only. For trade use only.

This product contains nicotine and is addictive. For adult nicotine consumers only. For trade use only.

NEW CHINESE VAPE RULES WILL SEE ALL FLAVOURS BANNED

The changes will come into effect on May 1 and see a raft of new regulations covering every aspect of the vaping industry.

Words: Patrick Griffin

China is to regulate vaping products under existing tobacco laws from May 1 in a move which will see flavoured e-liquids banned. Only tobacco flavours will be legal but the law only applies to the home market so Chinese companies can still produce flavoured products for export.

Vaping will be regulated by the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration (STMA), under new measures which will cover everything from production and marketing to sales.

Manufacturers must obtain an operating licence and will be subject to regular inspections to ensure that they are complying with the law.

E-cigarette vending machines will be banned, there will be limits on the amount of product that can be sent through the post and vape shops must not be located near schools.

A new ‘unified national e-cigarette transaction management platform’ will also be set up which all manufacturers, producers, wholesalers and retailers must use.

Companies which fail to comply with the new measures face a range of penalties including being ordered to cease all production and business operations.

Wang Shenyi, chairman of Chinese vape manufacturer Shenzhen Shikai Technology welcomed the regulations.

He said: “We can look at the national standards in a way that won’t restrict the industry’s development, but in a way that better supervises and regulates the market to make it healthier and better in the long run.”

VUSE IS

THE #1 GLOBAL VAPE BRAND*

This product contains nicotine and is addictive. For adult nicotine consumers only. For trade use only.

*Based on Vype/Vuse estimated value share from RRP in measured retail for vapour (i.e. total vapour category value in retail sales) in the USA, Canada, France, UK, Germany as of December 2021. These 5 markets cover an estimated 77% of global vapour closed system NTO, calculated in July2021.

Survey of 9,897 people by Kantar.

A VUSE FIRST TO ‘FUSION’ WITH CONVENIENCE STORES

A convenience store in West London aims to inspire other independent retailers after completing a store makeover to harness the momentum of BAT’s leading vape brand, Vuse.

On January 10, the Chiswick Convenience Store, in West London, became the first ever convenience store to undergo a transformation and become a Convenience Fusion Store.

The exciting Vuse rebrand involved a makeover to promote the presence of the brand – the first time in 20 years that owner, Ali, has altered the store’s appearance.

It’s all about raising the visibility of Vuse to new heights and supporting stores to cement customer confidence in the brand. Stand-out changes to the store include a brand-new fascia and Vuse-branded signage, canopy and window skin– all designed to put Vuse front and centre for customers.

Becoming a Convenience Fusion Store is a win-win for the owner, who keeps the essence of a local store, while also ramping up sales potential by adding the unmistakable Vuse brand look and feel.

Independent store owners across the country can now follow Ali’s lead and look to grow vape sales with the help of BAT and Vuse.  Ali’s store was selected for the store makeover because of the high availability of Vuse products, its sales volume and the strong ongoing level of product information and robust youth access prevention for customers.

With his significant Vuse customer base, Ali is proof of the importance to customers of an independent retailer that serves their favourite products locally – where loyalty is a powerful commodity.

As the nicotine market continues to diversify, it’s likely retailers will continue to see fewer adult consumers asking for tobacco and a greater number enquiring about alternative nicotine products – driving further growth in vaping products. Vuse has continued to increase in popularity over the past year as adult consumers seek out alternatives.

BAT has invested significantly to achieve its position with Vuse. The transition from Vype to Vuse was the next stage on its vaping journey, taking the best of both products to build a global brand that vapers can relate to anywhere in the world.

The Chiswick store makeover has put it firmly in line to benefit from the increased popularity of Vuse with the potential to grow sales. Now it’s over to other independent retailers to seize the opportunity to raise awareness of Vuse with a powerful and impactful in-store experience for their consumers.

BAT is proud to have made such a strong statement with Vuse and grateful to Ali, his staff and the wider team effort that has made it possible to introduce the UK’s first Convenience Fusion Store.

This is just the beginning. Vuse is continuously adapting and expanding – so look out for more promotional events in the coming weeks and months.

On top of the store initiative, independent retailers can continue to benefit from a range of promotions and discounts. Please contact your BAT sales representative and use BAT’s rewards platform, My BAT Rewards, to keep themselves and their teams up to date with the latest offers.

“My family and I have had the Convenience Store in Chiswick for 18 years. During this time the shop has served the community with a wide range of convenience products. My shop has a rich heritage of convenience that goes back to the 1930’s, I’ve been told. During our time here we’ve adapted to many changes over the years with consumer demands to remain integrated within the local community and their needs.

Vaping as a category has grown so much and has now become a large part of convenience. I recognise Vuse as a leading brand with vape and I have built a good relationship with my BAT Reps.”

This product contains nicotine and is addictive. For adult nicotine consumers only. For trade use only.

Ali, Owner of Chiswick Convenience Store

BRIT JAILED IN DUBAI IS ‘VIOLENTLY ASSAULTED’ BY PRISON GUARDS

Football coach Billy Hood is serving a ten year jail term after CBD vape oil was found in his car by police.

Words: Patrick Griffin

Billy Hood, 25, is said to have been ‘violently assaulted’ by four prison guards after he hit his cell wall in frustration, according to human rights group Detained in Dubai.

The former semi-pro footballer from London had been living in Dubai where he taught soccer skills to youngsters. He had previously been told his appeal against his ten year sentence had been denied.

Billy has always maintained that the vape liquid had been accidentally left in his car by a friend visiting from the UK and says he was forced to sign a confession written in Arabic after being beaten by police.

Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai said: “It is abhorrent and truly shocking that the United Arab Emirates, our ally, has refused to cease the mistreatment, abuse and torture of British citizens.”

Billy’s brother Alex said: “I am disgusted that the UK would ever allow this to happen to a British citizen and that they have not already intervened.

“British MPs have called for sanctions and travel warnings and this is exactly what is needed to finally end this mediaeval treatment.”

Billy’s distraught mother Breda has called on Prince William to promote human rights in the UAE and step in to help her son.

She said: “I implore Prince William to help my son and the other British nationals in prison.

“My son is in jail for something he didn’t do. He’s being beaten in a foreign jail because his friend left CBD oil in his car. What kind of a system is this?

“We are angry that Billy is still in jail and angry that any British national can be beaten without consequence. We won’t stand for it. We won’t be bullied and we will escalate this to the highest authorities.”

Detained in Dubai has called for urgent meetings with the Foreign Secretary to discuss Billy’s case and plans to file a complaint against his detention with the United Nations.

Ms Stirling added: “Unfair detention and human rights violations must be dealt with by foreign governments and it is time that the UAE was held to account for the ongoing abuse of individuals in detention.”

A British football coach jailed in Dubai after CBD vape cartridges were found in his car, was allegedly beaten in prison while Prince William visited the city.

“ “

COURT FAVOURS FLAVOUR BANS

Federal appeals court rules that US local and state governments can impose e-liquid flavour bans

Words: Patrick Griffin

Local and state governments in the US have the power to ban flavoured vaping products, according to a new ruling from a federal appeals court.

The Ninth US Circuit Court of Appeals said there are currently around 300 state and local flavour bans across the country –with 100 of those in California alone.

Many of these bans were brought in to combat the country’s ‘youth vaping epidemic’ which is still regularly cited, despite data showing that the numbers of young people experimenting with e-cigarettes is declining.

The court ruled that the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (TCA) did not prevent states, counties and cities from imposing tougher sales regulations if they saw fit.

The 2-1 majority ruling upheld the flavour ban introduced in Los Angeles County in 2019. The appeal court held that Congress preserved for states a ‘robust role in regulating, and even banning, sales of tobacco products.’

It said that while the federal government alone can set ‘tobacco product standards’, state and local governments had the power to set their own requirements governing the sale of tobacco products and that included flavour bans.

Circuit Judge Lawrence VanDyke said: “The TCA explicitly preserves local authorities to enact more stringent regulations than the TCA itself.

“It carves out the federal government’s sole authority to establish the standards for tobacco products, while preserving state, local and tribal authority to regulate or ban altogether sales of some, or all, tobacco products.”

Circuit Judge Ryan Nelson dissented and argued that the US Supreme Court had twice previously overturned sales bans on other federally regulated products.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta tweeted after the ruling: “Every year, almost 500,000 people die due to tobacco-related disease. We must act to protect the health of our people.”

Meanwhile, a 2020 law banning the marketing of most flavoured tobacco products in California is currently on hold pending a public referendum in November.

““

A ‘CATASTROPHIC BLOW’ TO PUBLIC HEALTH

Swedish politicians – currently on the verge of imposing a country-wide vape flavour ban – are being warned that the move could see a return of smoking rates of decades ago.

Words: Patrick Griffin

““

Policymakers in Sweden are being urged to vote against a proposed vape flavour ban for the country or risk dealing a ‘catastrophic blow’ to public health.

Research has found that if flavours are outlawed then more than 150,000 Swedes – ex-smokers who successfully quit due to vaping – could be forced to return to smoking.

To highlight this message to politicians the World Vapers’ Alliance took to the streets of Stockholm with the message: ‘Flavours Matter.’

Vaping advocates, all passionate and with first-hand knowledge of how vaping can help smokers quit, took a billboard bike to the steps of the Parliament buildings in Stockholm.

It represented the first day of a new campaign to help inform politician that a diverse array of flavours are vital to keep adult vapers away from returning to deadly cigarettes.

Director of the World Vapers’ Alliance, Michael Landl said: “In the fight against smoking, Sweden had previously shown they understood the concept of harm reduction - namely, less dangerous alternatives to smoking need to be allowed and promoted to get smoking rates down.

“However, we were stunned to learn about the plans to completely ban vaping flavours.

“Data shows that banning flavours could result in up to 150,000 Swedes turning back to smoking. Politicians are about to create a public health disaster.

“We are raising our voices because we risk losing decades of progress in smoking rate reductions. If vaping flavours are banned for adults, we might see a return of smoking rates like those of decades ago.”

The ‘Flavours Matter’ protest’s next stop was to The Hague in the Netherlands where politicians there are also considering similar bans.

The VWA said increasingly vapers were being put under ‘immense pressure’ by politicians who wanted to restrict their access to less harmful smoking alternatives.

Many activists find it bizarre how politicians can support measures which would drive vapers back to smoking while, at the same time, setting ambitious ‘smoke-free’ deadlines for their countries and cities.

We are raising our voices because we risk losing decades of progress in smoking rate reductions.

COMPANY SPOTLIGHT: Decadent Vapours

In this feature we turn the spotlight on South Wales-based vaping manufacturer Decadent Vapours which prides itself in creating unique and top-quality flavours.

It was established in 2009 and retains the same passion for vaping and customer service as when they first started.

What inspired the start of Decadent Vapours?

The company was started by founder Peter Cole in his garage in Swansea and has grown from strength to strength since then.

When designing a new e-liquid, what sort of planning goes into the development process?

We firstly come up with the flavour profile and look at current trends in the food industry as well as the vaping industry to meet everyone’s cravings.

We use social media and our extensive database of customers to gain feedback on our proposed flavours.

We will then either use our portfolio of flavours or start from scratch in our lab where we mix, taste and repeat until we perfect the flavour we want. This process can take six months to complete.

We use our team of testers in the factory and also send samples out to our lovely customers to try.

Only once it has passed the many quality tests do we begin designing the labels and promotional material. Then we send the completed flavours to all our wholesale customers first before we launch on our website.

What does Decadent Vapours do that sets it apart from the competition?

Our knowledge and attention to detail sets us apart. We don’t look for a quick buck and are in it for the long run. Our customers always come first, so only the finest ingredients are used.

We believe in quality over quantity and it shows with our customer base who have stayed with us since the beginning.

In the past year has Decadent Vapours faced any challenges and how did the business adapt to overcome this?

Our bottle sales dropped over the last year due to the popularity of disposable vapes.

We have thought long and hard about launching our own disposable vape product but there are many questions about sustainability and value for money for the consumer.

We have really worked hard the past year to spread the message of non-disposable vape products and the value for money for the consumer.

We never say never on launching a disposable but it would need to be of the highest quality and best value for money for our customers.

Is there a product/service from Decadent Vapours that you are most proud of?

We are most proud of our flavour development service.

We have created thousands of flavours since the beginning and we really enjoy the process in helping our customers create unique and top-quality flavours for their brands as well as our own.

Are there any customer favourites featured on the site?

Our top reviewed and commented on product is our award winning Crème Anglaise e-liquid.

As well as general consumers, does Decadent Vapours offer bulk wholesale opportunities for businesses?

Wholesale is the biggest part of our business. Some people say we are vaping’s best kept secret.

We sell our bulk aromas worldwide to top brands and offer OEM services, flavour development, bulk concentrates and many other services to wholesale customers.

What has been one of the standout moments at Decadent Vapours?

This would be how our team has pulled together over the last two years.

It has been very difficult navigating in the pandemic but every member of our team worked hard when we were short-staffed or had issues with supply chains and the team spirit was very impressive. We have come together stronger and each day we strive to be better.

OF YOUR OWN CREATION

How a US state’s vape flavour ban fuelled a ‘meteoric’ rise in black market products and cost an estimated $10M in lost tax revenue.

Words: Patrick Griffin

t has been over two years since Massachusetts imposed America’s ‘toughest ever ban’ on the sale of flavoured vaping and tobacco products. Not only did the November 2019 Tobacco Control Law ban all flavours it also imposed a punitive 75 percent excise tax on the few products left untouched.

Both the American Cancer Society and the Campaign for TobaccoFree Kids enthusiastically supported the first US permanent statewide flavour ban, but harm reduction advocates saw the dangers ahead.

Tony Abboud, executive director of the Vapor Technology Association, unsuccessfully challenged the ban in court and warned: “Bans don’t work; they never have.”

It may come as little surprise, but Tony was right. The black market in contraband vape products is booming like never before and last year alone, a record 200,000 e-cigarette products were confiscated.

It has been estimated that Massachusetts has lost $10 million in tax revenue as a result of the new black market in vape products.

Americans for Tax Reform, which campaigns for lower, simpler and more transparent taxation, described the increase in bootleg vape products as ‘meteoric’.

Writing on the ATR website, Garrett Smith said: “These laws were passed in denial of scientific studies proving that electronic cigarettes are 95 percent less harmful than traditional combustible cigarettes and are the most effective method of getting smokers to quit.

“Massachusetts state legislators also ignored data which shows that regulation on tobacco products is directly correlated with increased rates of tobacco smuggling – a black market industry which the United States Department of Defense has called ‘a threat to national security.’

Americans for Tax Reform has called for Massachusetts to scrap the Tobacco Control Law but said legislators had opted to ‘double down’ on anti-vape laws instead. Smith added: “Instead of admitting defeat the state of Massachusetts has decided to enact authoritarian measures to enforce a ridiculous law.

“While the effort to crack down on illicit trade is commendable, Massachusetts officials are ultimately being forced to respond to a crisis they themselves created.

“A new law has declared that anyone caught smuggling ENDS from out of state can be fined up to $25,000 and be subject to seizure of vehicles used in smuggling procedures.”

Dating back from the days of Prohibition in the 1920s, there has been clear evidence that bans are not an effective way of modifying behaviour. Many anti-vaping measures in the US (and elsewhere) are often enacted to help prevent youth vaping.

However, youth smoking rates more than doubled in San Francisco when the city imposed a vape flavour ban in 2019. Cigarette sales also increased in New England when the states there imposed flavour bans

Smith wrote: “While legislators may suffer a hit to their pride, it is in the interest of public health, safety and the state budget that Massachusetts repeal this disastrous prohibition.”

Instead of admitting defeat the state of Massachusetts has decided to enact authoritarian measures to enforce a ridiculous law.

WARNING - THIS PRODUCT MAY CONTAIN NICOTINE WHICH IS A HIGHLY ADDICTIVE SUBSTANCE

WHY FLAVOUR BANS JUST DON’T WORK

When regulators ban flavoured vaping products, they may be well meaning but the reality is that they push up smoking rates.

Words: Patrick Griffin

Two things are certain about the importance of e-liquid flavours in e-cigarettes…they help smokers quit and keep them from returning to cigarettes.

However, this does not stop an increasing number of countries around the world banning flavours which is putting millions of lives at risk. Now the World Vapers’ Alliance has highlighted countries where flavour bans are actively being perused and has called for consumers and industry leaders to show their opposition.

It said: “Several countries around the world are on the verge of making a grave mistake by banning vaping flavours.

“This puts millions of lives at risk and is nothing more than negligence on the part of legislators who are meant to listen to the people and have their best interests at heart.”

Flavour bans are a clear sign that politicians don’t know enough about vaping. This misguided fight against flavours must end

WORLD VAPERS’ ALLIANCE DIRECTOR MICHAEL LANDL TOLD VAPOUROUND:

“This is a worrisome trend around the globe. Flavour bans are a clear sign that politicians don’t know enough about vaping.

“Flavours are integral for the success of vaping as a smoking cessation aid. Science and the experience of millions of vapers have proven this.

“Unless governments want to force thousands of former smokers back to smoking, they need to reconsider these plans to prevent a public health crisis.

“While they might be well-meaning, prohibition never works and creates negative consequences.

“Research shows vapers are more than twice as likely to quit with flavours. Politicians need to start listening. This misguided fight against flavours must end.”

PROPOSED FLAVOUR BAN HOTSPOTS

SWEDEN

The World Vapers’ Alliance said the ban could force 150,000 Swedish vapers back to smoking. WVA Director Michael Landl said: “This would be a major setback in the fight against smoking and its related illnesses.

It is worrying that a country like Sweden, famed for its pragmatism, is taking such a heavy-handed approach towards vaping.

Politicians have lost their common sense and it is vapers and smokers who will suffer.

Unless the Swedish government wants to force thousands of former smokers back to smoking, they need to reconsider their plans on a liquid flavour ban to prevent a public health crisis.

SPAIN

The Spanish government published its ‘Smoking Prevention and Control Plan’ in December which would impose a raft of new measures including a ban on all flavours except tobacco. The WVA described the ‘Integral Plan for Smoking Prevention and Control 2021-2025’ as ‘biased against vaping, citing one-sided studies on the adverse effects of vaping.’ Joint research from the Consumer Choice Center and the World Vapers’ Alliance, estimated that more than two million lives could be saved by Spanish smokers switching to vaping instead. The WVA said: “The Spanish government wants to severely limit the sale and distribution of vaping products, including banning online sales and allowing vaping sales only in specialised stores.

The next steps in this draft death sentence to Spanish vaping include banning all flavours except tobacco and plain packaging for vaping liquids and devices.

The World Vapers’ Alliance said Spain’s proposals also include plans for a new tax on vape products or an increase of existing ones. Spain could also increaase the number of vape-free public places, to counter the ‘harm’ caused by the aerosols produced by vaping, despite evidence that ‘passive vaping’ does not exist.

What this actually means is that the government wants to make it harder to vape than to smoke. In a nutshell, this is absurd!

Public health is the clear and main loser in this situation.

CANADA

Ontario politician France Gélinas has proposed a new bill which would ban all flavours apart from tobacco. Critics of the MPP’s bill - ‘Smoke-Free Ontario Amendment Act (Vaping Is Not For Kids)’ –says it contravenes the legal rights of the province’s citizens. Maria Papaioannoy, from Canadian advocacy group Rights 4 Vapers, has sent an open letter to the politician asking her to rethink the move. She wrote: “We are disappointed that the New Democratic Party choose not to engage with consumers of vaping products and continues to perpetuate the systemic exclusion of smokers from the tobacco harm reduction conversation.

This would leave deadly cigarettes as the only option for those who smoke, those who use vaping flavoured nicotine products or those inclined to become smokers.

MPP Gélinas, with all due respect, what do you have against people addicted to nicotine and why do you not value tobacco harm reduction?

The proposed bill is far-reaching and will only continue the myth that nicotine vaping products are as dangerous or more dangerous than tobacco cigarettes.

A flavour ban does not help heavy smokers switch, nor does it help the current vaper, who uses flavoured vaping products to remain smoke-free.

The push that vape shops would only be allowed to operate if they met approval by the region’s health board would mean that most, if not all, vape shops will be forced to close.

IRELAND

The Irish Parliament is currently in the process of passing a Public Health (Tobacco and Inhaling Products) Bill 2022, which could potentially include a flavour ban.

As reported in the news section of this issue, Irish vaping advocates appeared before a parliamentary committee to oppose the move. They argued that a flavour ban would have a negative impact on the nation’s health, damage consumer choice and setback the country’s goals on tobacco harm reduction.

Politicians were told that there was no evidence that flavours made vaping products more attractive to children. However, they were also told that there was clear evidence that flavours were vital for adult vapers to stop them switching back to cigarettes.

An Independent European Vape Alliance survey found that around 65 percent of Irish vapers used fruit or sweet e-liquids every day. Currently there is no age limit for vape sales in Ireland and the Bill proposes new measures to restrict sales to over 18’s, a move supported by industry advocates.

USA

We have reported elsewhere in this issue of the massive negative impact that America’s first state-wide flavour ban had in Massachusetts. It has fuelled a ‘meteoric’ rise in black market products and cost an estimated $10M in lost tax revenue. See our story ‘Crisis of your own creation’ for more details.

California added vaping to its smoke-free laws in 2016 and a number of other states have imposed similar bans. There are several vape flavour bans in effect throughout the USA including New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and San Francisco. Public health officials in San Francisco welcomed ban on the assumption that it would reduce youth nicotine use.

However, a Yale School of Public Health study found that youth smoking rates doubled after the ban was introduced. Study author Abigail Friedman said: “These findings suggest a need for caution. Even if it is well-intentioned, a law that increases youth smoking could pose a threat to public health.

Some kids who vape choose e-cigarettes over combustible tobacco products because of the flavours.

For these individuals as well as would-be vapers with similar preferences, banning flavours may remove their primary motivation for choosing vaping over smoking, pushing some of them back toward conventional cigarettes.

At the time of writing new flavour bans have been proposed for Hawaii, Colorado and Maine.

TM

IS BACK…

…the 2022 campaign will be bigger than ever before and aims to inspire and encourage UK smokers to switch to vaping.

VApril is the vaping industry’s flagship opportunity to come together and demonstrate our unity and togetherness when it comes to vaping advocacy.

VApril, the world’s largest campaign to help smokers switch to vaping, is well underway.

Now in its fifth year, it is more important than ever that smokers discover the facts about vaping to help counter act so much ‘fake news’ out there.

There are currently seven million smokers in the UK and many are unaware that vaping has been shown to be the best method to help them quit and stay off cigarettes.

VApril is the annual awareness campaign from the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) and it has already been proven to work.

A recent One Poll survey of nearly 2,000 adults showed that 72 percent of smokers who were aware of VApril said that the campaign had influenced them to make the switch to vaping.

UKVIA Director General John Dunne said: “This year we are teaming up with Smoke Free App to educate smokers on how best to transition from smoking to vaping and height

en the chances of a successful quit.

“The last 18 months has seen a massive groundswell of support from the medical and political worlds, underlining how vital vaping is towards helping people to quit smoking and the overall health of the nation.”

A VApril social media campaign will highlight the vital role specialist vape shops play in helping smokers switch.

Doug Mutter a director at VPZ, the UK’s largest independ ent chain of vape shops, said: “For well over a decade now vaping has helped hundreds of thousands of adult smokers to quit for good and the evidence supporting its use is mounting all the time.

“What’s really remarkable is that the private sector has been the main advocate for this in the shape of the many specialist vape businesses who have offered expert guid ance and support to help smokers to find the best way to give up cigarettes through vaping.

“That’s what makes VApril so vital; it is the vaping indus try’s flagship opportunity to come together and demon strate our unity and togetherness when it comes to vaping advocacy.”

For more information visit the campaign website –www.vapril.org

Words: Patrick Griffin

DON’T GIVE UP ON SMOKERS–

A retired anaesthesiologist explains why much more must be done to help persuade smokers to switch to vaping.

Words: Patrick Griffin

A retired anaesthesiologist is now devoting his life to promoting vaping as an overlooked method of smoking cessation in the USA and Canada.

Dr John Oyston says his long career in cancer and vascular surgery has led him to become strongly anti-smoking.

He said he is appalled how influential bodies such as the World Health Organization and America’s Centres for Disease Control and Prevention fail to promote vaping as a quit smoking tool.

The Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto is now a vocal advocate for vaping and uses social media and his web page - Dr John’s Blog - to get his message across.

In a recent post – ‘A disruptive technology could finally put an end to tobacco smoking’ – he wrote: “I spent 40 years working as an anesthesiologist.

“Too much of that time was spent caring for smokers while they underwent horrible, disfiguring and disabling operations, such as removing part of a lung or an amputation.

“These operations were only necessary because my patients began to smoke as teenagers and were unable to quit in

middle age when tobacco smoking started to cause irreversible damage to their bodies.”

He knows first-hand the personal tragedies that lie behind the country’s smoking statistics – 15 percent of Canadians still smoke and 48,000 die each year as a result.

The doctor accused Health Canada of having ‘given up’ on helping people quit smoking and said their current efforts only succeeded to ‘chip away at the edges of the problem.’

Dr Oyston wrote: “Since the 1970’s scientists have known that nicotine gives smokers a buzz and often makes them dependent on smoking.

“But it is the carbon monoxide and thousands of other chemicals produced by burning tobacco leaves that cause cancer, lung disease, heart attacks and strokes.”

He said vaping allowed smokers to enjoy the nicotine they crave without the poisons present in tobacco smoke and added: “Vaping is a disruptive technology that could wipe out smoking the way that Netflix wiped out Blockbuster.”

Dr Oyston wrote: “Scientists have calculated that if all American smokers switched to vaping, this could save 6.6

million lives.

“Parents should not be worried that teenage vaping will lead to more teenage smoking.

“Teen smoking rates have declined even more rapidly as some teens have switched to vaping as a safer alternative.”

He pointed out that we already know more about the long-term safety of vaping than the long-term safety of COVID vaccines but added that both can help us avoid millions of unnecessary deaths.

Dr Oyston said: “Instead of supporting vaping as a safer choice for adult smokers, governments are making it more expensive (with taxes), less effective (with low nicotine limits) and less enjoyable (with flavour bans).

“The science proves that it is a safe and effective alternative to tobacco use but physicians are not using it as a method to help people quit smoking, health organizations are not recommending it and many smokers are not aware that vaping is a safer option for them.”

You can check out his blog at https://oyston.com/blog/ or his Twitter account @JohnOyston

Vaping is a disruptive technology that could wipe out smoking the way that Netflix wiped out Blockbuster.

We made this device micro small, yet mighty, as this device features a 2mL tank that will deliver approx 800 puffs.

The cotton coil adds incredible stability to your flavor experience by improving the device performance and increasing the longevity of your coil.

GETTING THE OUT

Vape companies and advocates are jumping on the current Wordle craze to get their messages out there about the reduced risk alternative to smoking.

Word-les: Patrick Griffin

There is little doubt that daily-word game

Wordle has taken the world by storm.

It is instantly recognisable by its green, yellow and grey boxes and has exploded in popularity in just a few months.

Players must guess a random five-letter word each day and have six chances to get the right answer.

Its amazing popularity is down to the fact that there is only one puzzle per day and everybody gets the same word to guess.

Social media feeds are full of people posting how they reached the correct answer and there are now scores of websites and blogs posting tips and tricks to help people solve the puzzles.

That’s all very well and good,- but what is the relevance of this to a vaping magazine?

Well, the vaping industry has always been quick to jump on new trends and it seems that the phenomenal popularity of this daily word game is no exception.

Consumer advocacy group the World Vapers’ Alliance has twice been inspired by Wordle to get its message across. Using its BackVapingStopSmoking hashtag, it used Word le-like grids to spell out ‘Vapes Save Lives’ and ‘Proud To Vape’

Riot Eliquid used a similar theme to draw attention to its new QBAR pod system. It tweeted: “So who else is on the Wordle hype? Try and guess our QBAR Wordle in the comments below!”

Chinese vape company UWELL also sought inspiration from the New York Times-owned daily puzzle for an online promotion and was rewarded by Wordle fans competing to guess the correct answer.

GLAM, GLITZ AND A GRAND VAPING CELEBRATION

As we prepare to roll out the red carpet for our seventh annual Vapouround Awards show, we give a hint at what you can expect from our highly anticipated event.

Words: Jordan Millar

Every major industry has its own prestigious award show; a time to throw on your best outfit, grab a drink and raise a glass to talent and innovation.

Musicians have the Grammys, television stars have the Emmys, the Oscars are a celebration of all things film and, of course, vaping has the Vapouround Awards.

Established seven years ago, our must-attend event has become a beacon of glam and high-end revelry for the industry. Brands and personalities from across the globe travel air, land and sea for a seat at our show and many hope to walk away with a trophy in hand.

Vapouround CEO Paul Caplin said: “The impressive journey that our awards show has undergone over just seven short years never fails to amaze me.

“And the number of brands and individuals who are vying for a place on our podium – all of whom exemplify the immeasurable passion and dedication of the industry – is astounding.”

He added: “The international success of our annual event is proof that the vape industry is, first and foremost, a community of likeminded people…and I can’t wait to honour their commitment to our lifesaving cause.”

This year, we wanted to honour our roots and celebrate not only the best and brightest of the international industry, but also the humble beginnings of our prestigious event.

Which is why we are taking our globe-trotting show to Birmingham – the stomping ground of the Vapouround Awards.

Taking place on Friday May 27 at the National Conference Centre, our seventh annual show promises to be packed with laughs, drinks and incredible entertainment.

No award show would be complete without it’s charming and charismatic hosts, which is why we handpicked two of the best in the business. Returning to the stage once again is seasoned Vapouround Awards host Ashley Hansen, who will be joined by superstar entertainer Nigel Mead.

Together, the pair are sure to lead a grand night of high-end entertainment and help get our awards guests in the party spirit.

There has never been a greater focus on protecting the environment and saving our climate from the brink of disaster.

And with harm reduction – for both people and the planet - at the core of Vapouround’s ethos, we knew we had to do something to promote a more green-minded industry.

That’s why we are launching a brand-new award at this year’s show – Best Sustainable Initiative – which encourages brands to reduce their impact on the environment.

Paul added: “This new award is a testament to the forward-thinking nature of our industry and Vapouround’s unwavering commitment to harm reduction…I couldn’t be prouder.

“I hope this new title inspires companies across the globe to pursue more green conscious practices and encourages the world’s 80 million e-cigarette users to vape a little greener.”

For more information on the awards show, how to vote and where to purchase your tickets, visit our website www.awards.vapouround. co.uk or reach out to our team at +44 (0)1332 650 239.

The impressive journey that our awards show has undergone over just seven short years never fails to amaze me.

VAPOUROUND AWARDS 2022 Platinum Sponsor

As we prepare for yet another spectacular Vapouround Awards ceremony, we catch up with Vampire Vape, one of the giants of the industry, to see what they have been up to recently.

Q. The Vapouround Awards are just around the corner so – as the Platinum Sponsor for the show – how excited are you for our not-to-be-missed event?

A. We are super excited for this year’s event, it’s always great to see the whole industry together, giving us opportunities to network and catch up with friends and customers. And it’s interesting to see who wins what awards as well.

Q. You walked away with a number of titles and trophies at last year’s award show, are you hoping this event will mark another win for Vampire Vape?

A. Well, it’s always nice to win, but we see the event as bigger than just collecting awards.

Q. For this year’s event we are heading to the stomping grounds of our awards, with that in mind, why don’t you give us a quick insight into the early days of Vampire Vape and its journey to become an industry leader?

A. Challenging, exciting, scary, hard work, sleepless nights and some mistakes all immediately come to mind. However, we always kept on going and made lots of progress so that eventually we got to having the brand and the business we have today.

Q. After the awards have been and gone, what’s next on the cards for Vampire Vape…are you cooking up any exciting new projects or campaigns?

A. Always. We’ve got an extensive new product development plan for 2022, we can’t wait to share that with everyone this year. And of course, there’s the tenyear anniversary, there’s lots of buzz happening around that.

Q. The UK vape industry has recently made some amazing strides – including opening up an avenue for e-cigarettes on the NHS – what are your thoughts on the nation’s world leading approach?

Vampire Vape are amongst the regulars at our annual showcase event and we are delighted to welcome them as our Platinum Sponsors for this year’s celebrations. This is what they had to say:

A. It’s brilliant to see and we are exceptionally lucky to be supported so well within our domestic market. It’s a stark comparison to what we see in certain markets that appear very anti-vaping at a political level. Education is key, we hope and trust the example set within our market is followed internationally.

Q. New data suggests that the global vaping population has sky-rocketed to 82 million people…what is Vampire Vape doing to help even more smokers ditch cigarettes and make the switch?

A. Our focus remains smoking cessation. We actively seek to reduce the barriers for smokers to benefit from vaping and we are working hard to ensure products are available through multi-channel retailing, delivering innovative retailing solutions whilst also working to develop hardware solutions.

Q. After ending 2021 on a high, how has this year played out for you so far...is 2022 looking to be another victory for Vampire Vape?

A. The year has started strongly, much more so than 2021 with the challenges around retailing and COVID. Beyond that, many of the infrastructure and supply chain investments we made in the last 12 -18 months

are helping improve our business and the service we can offer our customer and consumers.

Q. As always, is there anything you would like to say to all those Vampire Vape fans out there and to all those smokers who are still unsure about switching to vaping?

A. If you haven’t tried vaping to help you quit, start with something simple, find an e-liquid you love and then you can start experimenting more with styles.

As always, a huge thank you to our followers and Vampire Vape customers who continue to support us and love our flavours.

We wouldn’t be where we are without you, and we can’t wait to share some more fantastic flavours with you this year.

See you there!

GOLD SPONSOR

VOOPOO is a truly international brand providing products and services to 35 million global vape users in 70 different countries and regions.

It has four research centres, six manufacturing plants and invests 20 percent of overall sales in R&D, with plans to increase this to 30 percent.

VOOPOO has a 600-strong R&D team and more than 60 percent of them hold advanced academic degrees from medicine, chemistry, food engineering and other related fields.

We caught up with them ahead of the 2022 Vapouround Awards and this is what they had to say:

Firstly, our GENE CHIP is the most recognized gene chip in the vaping industry. It has three series: GENE.Fan, GENE. AI, and GENE.TT. Each chip series is designed specifically to support different product specifications.

Secondly, the pod mod vape category, introduced by VOOPOO to the vaping industry, complements mod, pod and disposable vape categories to form a more comprehensive category identification system.

Thirdly, our GENE TREE atomization technology provides a powder-free solution to our consumers to ensure a safe and abundant vaping taste experience at the same time.

Our flagship Drag series will have a new product coming which embodies our latest technology and we will unveil all the details with our upcoming official product release!

The most exciting product is Drag S, the industry’s firstever ‘pod mod’ and we are very proud to have created this category in the vaping industry by launching this very first product.

Drag I is also a great product which featured the fastest ignition speed record and helped us quickly gain recognition among the vaping community.

VOOPOO's four product series (Drag, Argus, Vinci and V) will launch a variety of new products, each equipped with new technology. Stay tuned for further details.

Vapouround Magazine is one of the most respected magazines and the Vapouround Awards is one of the most recognized awards in the vaping industry.

The Vapouround Awards encourages manufacturers, retailers, distributors and e-juice producers to produce better and more satisfying products and services for vapers.

The awards night itself allows industry players to meet in person and to learn and form alliances and partnerships with each other to create win-win situations.

The vape market is developing at a stunning speed so it is inevitable that traditional cigarettes will be slowly replaced by vaping products.

Joint efforts from key industry players can provide a safer, healthier and eco-friendly vaping environment for vapers.

Three things that can bring the industry to new heights are: alliances in raising health awareness, advancing atomization technology and launching eco-friendly initiatives.

What responsibility do manufacturers have to improve product quality to help smokers quit?

Vaping manufacturers have the responsibility to keep up to date with global vaping policies and regulations.

We aim to expand our market share globally and introduce our products to every corner of the globe to benefit more and more cigarette smokers adopt a healthier lifestyle.

We also want to be a positive influence on the industry and society at large, not only by adopting biodegradable materials to make our vape devices but also by engaging in eco-friendly initiatives to lead a green momentum in the industry.

We also must always provide high quality and reliable products so that smokers have an alternative to cigarettes and have the opportunity to lead a healthier lifestyle.

Finally, we must all shoulder corporate social responsibility to improve the lives of others. For example, in October VOOPOO teamed up with distributor Vapor Beast and its online sales channel Direct Vapor, to offer a $1 donation for each VOOPOO product sold, aiming to prevent and treat breast cancer in the United States.

How do you continue to push the boundaries and develop new technologies?

How important do you think the Vapouround Awards are for the success of the industry?

What do you hope to achieve in the next 10 years?

What past or future VOOPOO product releases are you the most excited about?

How can vape manufacturers, distributors, retailers and advocates take the market to new heights?

THE PAST

Before we crown our newest Vapouround Awards winners, we are taking a look back at some of the brands and personalities who took the top spot at last year’s event.

Words: Jordan Millar

Whether it’s world-changing innovators, tireless advocates or the store owners who sit on the front lines of harm reduction, the vape community is bursting with greatness.

Over the past few years, we at Vapouround have been lucky enough to have the honour of celebrating the very best that the international industry has to offer.

Through our 23 highly sought-after awards, we can acknowledge some of the most prominent names from every sector of vaping, including distributors, wholesalers, reviewers and retailers.

And our must-attend events allow us to bring together likeminded people from all corners of the world, acting as hubs of industry comradery and a catalyst for thriving new partnerships.

However, while there are still so many more vaping stars who deserve our praise and applause, we also think it’s important to remember those whose have already been recognised for their passion and innovation. So, as we quickly approach our seventh annual prestigious award show, we decided to pay tribute to some of last year’s winners and shine a light on just a few of the names that have made vaping what it is today.

SOME OF OUR HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE VAPOUROUND AWARDS 2021

BEST UP AND COMING BRAND –XTRA MINI

This award honours those new kids on the block who’ve carved out their own space in the vape industry and made considerable strides in the last year.

VAPER OF THE YEAR –MO HASSAN (DR. VAPES)

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE VAPE INDUSTRY

– NASTY JUICE

This is a title given to those who have helped push the industry to new heights and had a significant impact in the fight to help smokers make the switch.

INDUSTRY LEADER –CLOUDY O FUNKY

The vape sector is full of forward-thinking brands and this award is dedicated to those true trailblazers who lead the industry in exciting new directions.

VAPE SHOP OF THE YEAR –VAPE MONKEY

Vape shops are truly the life blood of the industry, often being the first contact for smokers looking to ditch cigarettes. This award acknowledges the vigilance and importance of brick-and-mortar stores.

REVIEWER OF THE YEAR –VAPING WITH VIC

This award celebrates those reviewers who act as a bridge between consumers and the industry, keeping vapers up to date with the latest advances and products.

VAPOUROUND HALL OF FAME –LEMON TART

BY DINNER LADY

There are some products and vaping innovations that are simply game-changers for the industry. This award recognizes those that are so iconic and well-loved that they will forever be remembered in the vape history books.

E-LIQUID OF THE YEAR –CUSH MAN MANGO (NASTY JUICE)

There is a sea of e-liquids out there with thousands of flavour combinations and taste options lining the shelves of vape stores…this award highlights the juice that managed to win the hearts of vapers and stand out from the crowd.

Here we take a look at some of the hot topics for the international vaping community, as reported on our pages of two and five years ago.

In this selection of stories, we cover some familiar ground including flavour bans, excessive regulation, vaping scare stories and some good news stories too.

So please hop into the DeLorean, as we fire up the flux capacitor and explore the world of vaping in years gone by.

Compiled by: Oliver Smith

EVERY FOUR MINUTES SEES A NEW BRITISH VAPER

This report published by Ernst Young showed how vaping was taking Europe by storm with the UK at the forefront of this exciting new revolution.

The research showed that since 2013, one British smoker switched over to e-cigarettes every four minutes.

The article praised the UK’s ‘progressive’ approach to vaping regulation which encouraged smokers to switch to a far less harmful alternative.

As vaping rates continue to climb in the UK, our regulatory framework continues to be held up as the ‘gold standard’ for other countries to follow.

DECISIONS MADE IN POOR TASTE

At the time it seemed crazy that legislators should want to ban flavours.

However, New Jersey wanted to outlaw all e-liquid flavours except tobacco, menthol and clove.

Advocates counselled that such measures would ‘push countless individuals back towards conventional cigarettes’ and, sadly, that warning has gone unheeded every year since then.

And with data in from many jurisdictions where flavour bans have been imposed, we can say for sure that these measures do drive vapers back to deadly cigarettes.

VAPOUROUND MINI AWARDS 2017

We were clearly in the mood to honour the best in the industry this year because we had two awards events.

There was, of course, the glitzy sit-down ceremony in May but we held a Mini Awards event to get people in the mood for the main awards evening.

We had three mini-awards categories:

Best Dessert – won by ‘Compulsion’ from Heidi Heisenberg’s Fetish Gourmet Elixirs

Best Drink/Cocktail – won by ‘Rio Pina Collada’ from Jack Rabbit Vapes

Best Fruit – won by ‘Cool Granise’ from Drip Drops.

Talking of awards, be sure to check out our preview for Vapouround Awards 2022 in this issue.

THE DATA IS IN…VAPING IS HEALTHIER THAN SMOKING

A study funded by Cancer Research UK showed that e-cigarettes and vaping products were far superior for both short and long-term health outcomes in former smokers.

Many in the industry thought the never-ending debate had finally reached a conclusion following the newly-published data.

However, five years on and the vaping industry still faces huge stigma and misinformation surrounding the health impacts of the proven reduced-risk alternative.

EVALI LATEST RESEARCH

One of the most controversial and talked about subjects in the world of vaping was the EVALI crisis in North America, with oftenyounger vapers being admitted into hospital with lung issues.

This feature focused on the study by the American Academy of Paediatrics, which highlighted black market THC vapes containing vitamin E acetate as the real cause of the lung damage.

Although countless research has pointed to finger at vitamin E acetate as the causes, EVALI is still used by those who campaign against vaping.

WORLD VAPE DAY 2020

After starting in 2012, the annual World Vape Day came around once again and we were very happy to feature it in our pages.

The event saw vapers from around the world highlight the unfairness of excessive regulations and vape flavour bans.

World Vape Day helps raise awareness of the power for good that vaping is and allows former smokers a platform to tell the world how it has changed their lives for the better.

VAPING DOWN UNDER

Here we turned the spotlight on Australia where we focused on the controversial misconception that vaping is a gateway to youth smoking.

Two Australian studies concluded that this was simply not the case – in fact as vaping rates increased, smoking rates were seen to fall.

Many more studies have since shown the same trend but the ‘youth gateway effect’ is still bring used to justify vaping flavour bans and other restrictions.

WHO DO THEY THINK THEY ARE?

It is fair to say that we have written a lot about the World Health Orgnaization over the years and this issue was no exception.

Despite testimony from former smokers from around the world that vaping has transformed their lives and finally got them to quit cigarettes, the WHO remains unashamedly anti vaping.

The WHO refused to acknowledge that vaping was less harmful than smoking and concluded that e-cigarettes ‘increase the risk of heart disease and lung disorders.’

Sadly, the WHO is still ignoring the science when it comes to the benefits of vaping as a quit-smoking tool.

leading e-cigarettes brand in Indonesia and beyond.

FOOM Lab's mission to aid adult smokers move away from combustible smoking and encourage people to shift to a safer way of consuming nicotine. foom.id

FOOM Lab's mission to aid adult smokers move away from combustible smoking and encourage people to shift to a safer way of consuming nicotine. foom.id

WHAT EVERY SMOKER SHOULD KNOW…

…dual use may help you quit but switching exclusively to vaping is necessary to maximise the harm reduction benefits of e-cigarettes.

Words: Patrick Griffin

Ask any vaper who has successfully switched from smoking if the change has improved their health and the answer will sure to be a resounding ‘yes’.

In fact, the desire to become healthier is one of the most frequent reasons cited by smokers for wanting to quit.

Now research by a team of scientists led by Professor Hongying Dai from the University of Nebraska Medical Center has confirmed what vapers have known for years.

The study’s starting point was a simple question:

Does exposure to tobacco-related toxicants change when users transition between cigarette, e-cigarette, dual use, and no use?

They examined urine samples from smokers for a range of harmful biomarkers and compared them to those who had exclusively switched to vaping, those who both smoked and vaped (dual users) and those who neither smoked nor vaped.

These findings may inform regulatory strategies and public health policies to guide tobacco users toward harm reduction transition patterns.

MAIN FINDINGS:

Smokers who used vaping to cut down on the number of cigarettes smoked (dual users) – no decrease in levels of toxicant biomarkers.

Smokers who transitioned from dual use to vaping only or no use – a decrease in toxicant biomarkers.

Vapers who switched to smoking or dual use – an increase in levels of toxicant biomarkers.

SMOKING V VAPING :

The researchers said: “E-cigarettes heat liquids containing nicotine, glycerol, and propylene glycol to create an aerosol for users to inhale and those aerosols generally contain substantially lower concentrations of toxic chemicals than combustible cigarettes.”

WORDS OF WARNING:

The researchers said better public health messaging could encourage more smokers or dual users to switch to vaping in order to achieve potential harm reduction benefits.

They said: “Our study shows that only a small percentage of baseline exclusive cigarette smokers and dual users transitioned to exclusive e-cigarette use at follow-up (1.2% and 5.6%, respectively).

“This could limit benefits in moving combustible cigarette smokers to less hazardous, noncombustible e-cigarettes.”

CONCLUSIONS:

“This national cohort study provides evidence on the potential harm reduction associated with transitioning from exclusive cigarette use or dual use to exclusive e-cigarette use.

“Switching completely from combustible cigarettes to e-cigarettes may provide meaningful health benefits for current smokers, especially those who could not quit as the result of severe nicotine dependence, withdrawal symptoms, or mental illness.

“These findings

inform regulatory strategies and public health policies

guide tobacco users toward harm reduction transition patterns.”

The study – ‘Exposure to Toxicants Associated With Use and Transitions Between Cigarettes, E-cigarettes, and No Tobacco’ - is published on the internatonal, peer-reviewed, general medical platform JAMA Network Open.

THEY SAID MORE SMOKERS MAY NOT HAVE SWITCHED TO EXCLUSIVE E-CIGARETTE USE BECAUSE OF:

The low effectiveness in early generations of e-cigarettes in delivering nicotine,

Lack of knowledge among cigarette users to distinguish harmful effects between dual use and exclusive e-cigarette use or

The effects of negative public health messaging.

may

to

ON TOUR

TPE Las Vegas. January 26-28, 2022.

Words: Paul Caplin

It has certainly been a while.

After just under two years the USA has opened its borders once again, so it was great to be able to jump on a plane to attend the TPE in Las Vegas.

I was thrilled to return to one of Vapouround’s favourite expo destinations for the TPE which was held at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

We arrived in Vegas with a new excitement about us, in fact the trip was approached with the same sort of enthusiasm we had when we first came to the USA for vape events.

It didn’t take us long to get back into the swing of things and everything was just as I had remembered…the long lines to check in and the hustle and bustle of loads of people trying to get their entry passes.

TPE has a very nice check-in process, especially if you pre-register, and within around 15 minutes we had our media accreditation all sorted out and we were good to go.

We were offered a large welcome bag with the usual contents; a show guide and map, promotional material from sponsors and some samples from exhibitors.

Once inside the main hall, all the memories came flooding back. Within seconds

familiar faces that we hadn’t seen for so long were greeting us with hugs and big smiles.

Vendors were hard at work promoting their products and brands. It was almost like COVID wasn’t a thing and we had stepped back into 2019.

It was really good to see that this industry was returning to a time when things made sense.

We walked the show for all three days, meeting old friends, speaking to potential clients and there was a huge buzz about the place.

Everyone seemed to have this new energy

about them, almost like the two-year break from expos was much needed for everyone.

From the vaping perspective there were a few negatives to report.

Firstly, the TPE stands for Tobacco Plus Expo. As the name suggests, this is an expo dedicated to tobacco products in the widest possible sense of the word.

As well as vaping products there were cigarettes, cigars, CBD, kratom, pre-rolls and all the associated things connected to these products.

So, the first major negative for me was that vape and tobacco were in the same expo…

but once you get over that, the next major negative was the smell.

There was a pungent smell of cigar and cigarette smoke which, combined with vape and pre-rolls, could get very overpowering for people who don’t smoke.

In previous years the vape booths had their own section in the expo, but this year they seemed to be scattered around the entire expo, which I thought didn’t really work as well from a vape perspective.

Overall, the TPE delivers exactly what it promises to do. It is a very professionally run, large expo that attracts buyers and companies from across the globe.

The organisers know what they are doing and very rarely do you hear any complaints from anyone.

The footfall was good and companies tell me that they always do good business at TPE.

From an exhibitor point of view, it is definitely one that should be on your radar.

If you’re an avid vaper or someone who has switched from cigarettes to vape, I’m not sure that this is the show for you because of the massive tobacco influence at this expo.

WHITE LABEL WORLD EXPO, LONDON

Words:

In the face of tube strikes and international crisis, the globe-trotting White Label World Expo recently landed in London…and it brought a few familiar faces along with it.

Amongst the hundreds of exhibitors and wave of visitors who flocked to the two-day event were a handful of vaperelated brands.

As expected, seasoned expo exhibitor and British packaging giant Cap Coder was in attendance.

The event had also attracted some recognisable faces from the world of vaping, including harm reduction titan and UKVIA director-general John Dunne.

I was very relieved to be able to attend this expo without having to talk from behind a face mask, which is something that I have found can be quite difficult when trying to communicate with people.

There was a very friendly atmosphere across the entire expo, with busy exhibitor stands and large audiences gathering for masterclasses and keynote talks.

There was an especially great roster of speakers at the event, with the program boasting experts from Everpeaks, Tik Tok and even Amazon.

The talks covered everything from marketing in a new ‘digital age’ to how to ‘survive and thrive in any economy’, offering invaluable insights and knowledge to visitors.

All in all, this was wonderful show for businesses to make valuable networking opportunities and there were endless white label opportunities for brands wanting to launch in the heath sector.

We look forward to their next White Label event this May in Las Vegas!

It’s fair to say that the recent White Label Expo in London was a roaring success and here we touch on just a few of the highlights from the show.

Katie Loomes

Could very-low-nicotine cigarettes become new competition for vapour?

Low-nicotine cigarettes were recently launched in the US and South Korea and the vape industry would be wise to keep an eye on their market performance, says ECigIntelligence

The news (reported on our sister site TobaccoIntelligence) that 22nd Century Group is looking to launch its very-low-nicotine cigarettes (VLNCs) in Chicago and South Korea seems on the surface to have little to do with vaping.

VLNCs – combustible cigarettes containing almost no nicotine – are, after all, virtually the opposite of e-cigs.

But how they are received is worth watching for the vape industry, and all the more so if the category takes off. (So far, 22nd Century’s VLNC – itself branded VLN, and recently accepted as a modified-risk tobacco product by the US Food and Drug Administration – is the only one being launched commercially.)

From a rational point of view, if VLNCs provide smokers with a pathway to permanent cessation, then great: that makes them at least as good as e-cigarettes, and conceivably even better.

However, if users treat VLNCs as long-term substitutes for higher-nicotine cigarettes, their contribution to harm reduction will be negligible. In that scenario, VLNCs would be the “lights” of our time, seemingly healthier but in practice hardly less risky than full-strength cigarettes. And this could even be exacerbated if, as many critics assume, users of VLNCs will indulge in risk compensation by smoking far more in order to obtain the same level of nicotine, in the process also consuming much greater quantities of potentially toxic by-products.

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To be fair, there is at least tentative evidence that smokers actually don’t compensate in this way even if nicotine yields are dramatically reduced. And, of course, if one subscribes to the school of thought that smoking habits are more behaviourally than chemically driven, that makes sense.

None of this will necessarily come to pass: it is more than possible that smokers simply won’t take up VLNCs in the first place.

For those who don’t care about reducing risk, or not enough or not yet, there’s no strong motivation to switch combustible brand anyway.

And for those who do want to reduce their risk, it’s very difficult objectively to see that VLNCs offer any benefit at all over vaping: you still get combustion by-products, you still get odour, you still get ash, and you don’t get the nicotine, which was at least part of the point of smoking in the first place. (Admittedly, you do get the sensory experience of smoking rather than vaping’s facsimile.)

But – and this is potentially a significant but for the vape sector – this assumes the perfectly rational consumers beloved by economists.

What if real, live consumers believe that reducing their nicotine intake in itself substantially reduces their risk? There is plenty of survey evidence from recent years suggesting that many believe exactly that, implying they might well opt for VLNCs in preference to vapour products that would almost certainly be less risky for long-term use, as opposed to a short-term cessation process.

This gulf between the perception of nicotine and the reality of where smoking risks lie is the threat that VLNCs pose to vapour. For now, it’s early days, and it’s a small issue. But it is one to watch, especially if regulators or medical professionals make the same assumption.

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THE LARGEST EVENT OF ITS KIND IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Experts are forecasting that 64 million people will be using vaping devices by 2022. Part of this projected rise will be driven in the United Arab Emirates. The World Vape Show, launched in September 2021, was the first international vape expo and conference in the UAE, that provided global manufacturers and suppliers a unique opportunity to showcase hundreds of products to thousands of international retailers, wholesalers, distributors and consumers. Now, in 2022, the annual flagship event returns, but this time, 50% bigger (and better) than before. Join us!

Preview: World Vape Show Dubai 2022

After hosting the first ever international vape expo in the UAE last year, the World Vape Show team are coming back again in June.

Words: Oliver Smith

The three-day event at Dubai’s World Trade Centre was a long time coming, having been postponed due to COVID, but it was very well received.

Many exhibitors were so thrilled at the event that they signed up for the 2022 expo even before the dates had been confirmed.

But the dates are now known and the international vaping community is looking forward to the show which will be held on June 16-18.

It will be bigger than the inaugural event with more exhibitors, more floorspace and everything points to more visitors.

We had such a great time there in September that we can’t wait to return and we look forward to chatting to everyone who drops by the Vapouround stand over the three days.

A WVS Dubai spokesperson said:

The World Vape Show launched in September 2021 and proved to be a huge hit so we are gearing up for yet another blockbuster event in June.

“World Vape Show Dubai provides global manufacturers and suppliers a unique opportunity to showcase hundreds of products to thousands of international retailers, wholesalers, distributors and consumers.”

It is fair to say that the World Vape Show in Dubai last year was a resounding success.

More than 7,500 total attendees across three days

A packed conference programme with talks from more than 30 expert speakers

Twelve hours of conference content spread over eight sessions

Attendees came from 66 countries

In excess of 250 exhibitors from the world’s leading suppliers and manufactures

The show will be 50 percent bigger than last year

Thousands of global brands and products represented

Several thousand industry professionals and vape enthusiasts expected to attend

An increased focus on the B2B sector with a number of new initiatives being introduced to help create further opportunities for business and growth.

There will also be live music, tricks, DJs, special guest appearances, giveaways and more.

You can find out more information about the event at the expo website www.worldvapeshow.com

C M Y CM MY CY CMY K

E-LIQUID

VAPOUROUND REVIEWS

Please note: All hardwa re and e-liquid reviews a re reviewed by external reviewers a

nd do not necessarily represent the opinion of Vapouround Magazine. All e-liquids are reviewed at a 3 mg nicotine level. Mod reviews a re rated on specific criteria depending on the style of products received.

CORE PRO DISPOSABLES

SPECIFICATIONS:

300mAh battery

1.6ml e-liquid capacity - 5.5 watts - 4.2 volts 1.2Ω coil resistance - 10mg of smooth salt nicotine

Words: Peach Atkinson

The well-designed Core Pro kits not only offer strong flavours, ease of use, a low price point and a powerful throat hit, but they also utilise the brand new FEELM technology.

With each device equating to roughly 40 cigarettes, having around 350 puffs and costing just under £5, it’s a much more affordable option, especially for smokers looking to try out vaping for the first time.

These kits come in a multitude of delicious flavours, including the following, all in 10mg nicotine strength, that I will be looking at today:

As a vaper who doesn’t usually prefer mint-based e-liquids, I was a little sceptical about trying this flavour but that scepticism was soon blown away by a smooth and creamy peppermint.

Peppermint can often come across as sharp or a little brash and I found that the minty notes were most prominent to begin with but they also carried an element of sweetness to them.

The subtle, but complementary creaminess, gave the mint a softening edge that enhanced the overall flavour in a tasty and satisfying manner which left me thoroughly impressed.

Grape Ice

A classic flavour profile amongst many, Grape Ice is a simple and uncomplicated taste that will appeal to fans of fruity and cold vapes.

The grape in itself is robust and juicy and closely resembles that of a grape candy or beverage.

I also noted a subtle fizzy sensation when vaping this flavour and this certainly made an already enjoyable taste even better.

As the name suggests, there was a powerful yet refreshing iciness added to the grape that brought out and exaggerated the fruity nature of the flavour, all combining to create a wonderful summertime vape.

Strawberry Burst

Strongly resembling that of a strawberry flavoured candy, Strawberry Burst was just that.

The fruity notes came across as rather complex and gave me the impression of strawberry bubblegum mixed with a soft drink.

Strawberry flavours can cover a vast array of different e-liquids within the vaping industry - ranging from milkshakes to icy flavours to tropical blends.

This one, however, managed to encapsulate one of the freshest and most well-rounded tastes I have tried to date.

There is the most minute touch of coldness to this flavour, but I personally found this happened to bring out the strawberry tones even further.

Menthol

A straight up, uncomplicated taste, this e-liquid managed to properly execute an accurate and satisfying menthol flavour. I’m not one who usually vapes plain menthol flavours, but I

could appreciate the simplicity and precise depiction that this flavour carried.

A sharp, biting menthol is most obvious when vaping and it invoked a strong resemblance to a menthol cough sweet.

Adding to the menthol taste, there were also powerful undertones of koolada, bringing the minty/icy flavour to a completely new level.

The combination of 10mg nicotine salts and the cold taste will give you a satisfying throat hit.

If you are a vaper (or smoker looking to quit) who enjoys menthols, I strongly feel that you will get along well with this flavour.

Peach Ice

Peach, for me, is the ultimate spring/summertime flavourespecially when paired up with a cooling undertone.

The peach found in this e-liquid boasts a juicy, sweet and wellrounded feel to it, managing to incorporate fresh and sunny vibes.

As with many others in this line, there is a blast of coldness that you will experience predominantly upon exhaling.

This further accentuates the powerful and revitalising nature of this flavour, creating a simple but rewarding vaping sensation.

I personally enjoyed the freshness of this peach, particularly in comparison to peach-based dessert flavours which can become a little sickly.

Overall, the flavour constituents combined together to produce a delightful and easy to vape disposable.

Mango Ice

Flavours such as mango are a staple within the vape community and therefore can vary greatly.

The mango notes in this e-liquid boast an uber-realistic taste to them and offers up a complex, but well concocted, set of flavours.

I found that there were several types of mango involved in this e-liquid, ranging from a sour and slightly tart green mango to a ripe and juicy mango as well as a subdued but almost effervescent mango.

The combination of mango tastes is then compounded by a smooth but powerful icy undertone that brings about an even stronger feeling that you are sat on a sunny beach on a tropical island sipping away on a freshly-blended mango smoothie.

WARNINGTHIS PRODUCT MAY CONTAIN NICOTINE WHICH IS A HIGHLY ADDICTIVE SUBSTANCE

ELEAF IORE PRIME

SPECIFICATIONS:

Size - 94.6mm x 26.5mm x 16mm

Weight - 69g Battery capacity - 900mAh

Tank/Pod capacity - 2ml Output wattage - up to 15W Charging - 5V/1A USB-C

Words: Peach Atkinson

As a massive fan of pod systems, I was previously lucky enough to have reviewed the Eleaf IORE Lite so I was expecting great things from the new and improved Eleaf IORE Prime.

The IORE Lite was an already stellar piece of kit but the Prime has marked improvements in both performance and style. This device is poised and ready to impress.

Weighing in at a chunky 69g (not including e-liquid) the hefty feel of this kit enhanced a strong sense of quality that is very apparent when vaping.

Despite its heavy nature, the IORE Prime is the very definition of palm sized, it fits snugly in your hand as well as in most pockets.

I really liked the portability of this device and it makes a massive change when out and about in comparison to larger, clunkier dual battery kits.

The IORE Prime is rectangular and rather stubby in height, coming in a multitude of attractive colours and finishes.

One of the more noticeable features of this kit is the complete lack of buttons or screens, it instead utilises an auto-draw function that makes this an absolute doddle to use.

It comes with two variations of coil resistances, although the coils themselves are not changeable, the pods are.

Personally, I prefer replaceable coils over replaceable pods, however, this is subjective and depends on the user.

The 0.8 Ohm pod offers a warm and flavourful inhale and gives a surprising amount of vapour production for such a small pod system. The 1.2 Ohm mesh coil is a little cooler to inhale but works great alongside 20mg nicotine salt e-liquids.

I felt that you could get away with 60 percent VG e-liquids in the 0.8 Ohm pod - however, the coils themselves may not last quite as long when compared with a 50/50 e-liquid.

With both resistance options, you can expect a strong and satisfying throat hit.

Filling the included pods was just about as simple as it gets, saving you time and hassle.

The mouthpiece is straightforward to remove and allows you to fill the pod via a small rubber gasket.

The way that this pod was designed gave me absolutely no leakage nor any condensation throughout my time using it - something I could really appreciate.

Airflow can be easily controlled by sliding a little gauge on the side of the device and caters for a tight direct-to-lung, perfect for medium to high strength nicotine e-liquids.

The 900mAH built in battery lasts quite a fair while and is charged

back up in no time, making this kit an ideal choice for when you are out and about.

Battery life is indicated by small coloured lights near the bottom of the device itself, 60-100 percent is green, 20-59 percent is blue and less than 20 percent is red.

Due to the extremely straightforward nature of the IORE Prime, new vapers, as well as experienced vapers, will enjoy this kit.

I felt that the way this device works, as well as its capability to handle a wide range of e-liquids, makes it a clear choice for someone who is looking to ditch cigarettes and move on to an easy and inexpensive alternative.

Speaking of inexpensive, the Eleaf IORE Prime will retail for around the £20 mark and replaceable pods coming in at about £8 for two, something that is found amongst other similar set ups.

Overall, it is safe to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this kit.

Not only was it super easy to operate, but the warm and powerful throat hit was second to none.

Whether you are new to vaping, or you’re looking for a no nonsense but reliable device to add to your arsenal, then you are going to want to have a look at the Eleaf IORE Prime.

PROS

Simple to use Impressive throat hit Decent vapour production when using the 0.8 ohm pod Small size

CONS

I would personally prefer replaceable coils instead of replaceable pods

POWER BAR DISPOSABLES

SPECIFICATIONS:

Pre-filled disposable vape device

600 puffs

2 ml capacity

20mg salt nicotine

Compact, sleek design

Words:

Alex Shenker

Today I am sampling four Power Bar disposables. Produced by Juice N Power, these bars feature the same incredible level of flavour as their e-liquids.

They contain 20mg salt nicotine and last for approximately 600 puffs so let’s see what they’re all about!

Citrus

The initial flavour I pick up on is orange, followed by lemon, hints of grapefruit and a few other notes I can’t quite put my finger on but which definitely add some complex layers to the overall flavour.

I found this to be an extremely moreish flavour and I kept returning to it so I could try and pick out each individual fruit on offer.

It is expertly blended with each citrusy fruit complementing the other. My only complaint would be that I needed more after the 600 puffs were over. I recommend Citrus to any fruit lovers out there.

Passion Fruit

Sometimes the simplest flavours can be the best and as I’m sure you can guess, this bar features the majestic passion fruit. It’s extremely fresh tasting, perfectly replicating the sweet, yet sour, aromatic flavour of the tropical fruit.

Each puff felt like a mouthful of the most luxurious, fresh passion fruit I’ve ever tasted. This flavour truly needs to be tasted to be believed. I recommend this bar to everyone, even if you think you won’t like it, trust me you will!

Classic Menthol

It’s a simple but very effective bar, featuring the much-loved flavour of menthol.

Those of you who enjoy a good icy menthol flavour will love this but it probably won’t be changing your opinion if you don’t.

I, for one, enjoy a good menthol so therefore I had a very pleasant time vaping this one.

Each puff gave me that icy cold, refreshing feeling in my mouth that I crave from time to time.

It’s probably not going to turn many heads but Classic Menthol is classic for good reason.

Watermelon Ice

Watermelon Ice is an extremely popular flavour at the moment, especially in disposables.

Most manufacturers of bars have tried their hand at this flavour and I had a feeling I’d be in good hands with Juice N Power. I wasn’t wrong. The watermelon flavour that immediately hits you hard in the tastebuds with every puff is fresh and incredibly accurate as it perfectly hits all of the sweet and sour, tangy notes of a real slice of watermelon.

It also blends perfectly with the cool icy notes in the background. This is an absolute triumph of a flavour that I would happily vape all day.

Kudos to Juice N Power for taking a flavour that everyone is trying their hand at and really nailing it. Recommended to absolutely everyone.

FRUNK BAR DISPOSABLE VAPES

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Pre-filled disposable vape device • Inhale activation • 400mAh battery • 600 puffs • 2ml capacity • 20mg salt nicotine

These Frunk Bar devices are about as simple as you get to use. Just put them to your lips and inhale the vapour. There are no buttons to press or any settings to change which is a feature of these types of disposable vape devices. Frunk Bar is one of the hottest disposable brands on the market and his particular product comes pre-filled with 20mg of salt nicotine and lasts for approximately 600 puffs. They come in a range of unique flavours and having tried some of their awesome flavours before I knew I was in for a treat.

These are the flavours I tried this time round:

Words: Alex Shenker

Mint Mania

The name doesn’t leave much up to the imagination but nicely sums up what the flavour will be.

As you’d expect, Mint Mania is a cool blend of several different mints such as spearmint and peppermint with an icy cold menthol.

The initial hit is a seriously cool customer, immediately freezing your tastebuds with the heady mint mix and it’s soon joined by a strong menthol that mingles excellently with the mint.

The overall effect is extremely refreshing and it made me feel like I was standing on top of a freezing cold mountain on a winter day.

I definitely recommend Mint Mania for any minty or menthol lovers out there, or for anyone looking for something really fresh tasting.

Energy Burst

I’m not someone who usually drinks energy drinks but I really like the flavour of them, so Energy Burst is the perfect alternative to picking up a drink that gives you wings.

It’s a difficult flavour to explain to someone that’s never tried it. It’s equal parts sweet and fizzy with a tangy, almost metallic taste that I think people will either love or hate.

I personally love it and eagerly got through all 600 puffs in record time. It’s an extremely accurate energy flavour and I have to commend Frunk on their ability to mix this to perfection.

If you like these types of flavours, then I highly recommend Energy Burst.

HIIT NICOTINE POUCHES

Words: Peach Atkinson

Emerging rapidly within the vape industry, nicotine pouches are quickly taking the world by storm due to their easy, practical and inexpensive features.

These qualities are all exhibited beautifully by hiit, a premium nicotine pouch manufacturer.

Designed using pharma-grade nicotine, these pouches offer a satisfying nicotine hit, without any tobacco, smoke or vapour. I find them to be a perfect substitute to vaping, in situations where vaping is impractical or not allowed.

Each circular container has 20 small, white pouches that are made to be disposable, and each pouch will last the user roughly 30 minutes, delivering a steady hit of nicotine throughout that time.

Nicotine pouches fit snugly between your gums and lips - I personally prefer to place mine near to the top of my gums.

You will probably notice a subtle tingling sensation, which basically means that your body is receiving nicotine.

These pouches come in an array of strengths and flavours, three of which I will be taking a look at today.

Zesty Lemon

Strength: 6mg/medium

An unequivocally sharp lemon flavour, this pouch is as tasty as it is satisfying.

The lemon offers a refreshing and effervescent edge that does not dissipate over time.

Rather simple in terms of flavour constituents, this pouch can reach

a wide range of users regardless of their e-liquid flavour preferences. Having said that, people who prefer fruity flavoured vapes will find that this taste is particularly impressive.

To me, the Zesty Lemon was revitalising and gave me just the hit I needed to go about my day.

Mint Freeze

Strength: 6mg/medium

A classic ‘go to’ for a vast majority of vapers, this flavour manages to re-create the icy, minty flavour found in vapes - but in nicotine pouch form.

An obvious note of peppermint is noticed first but is then compounded by a subtle element of menthol, leaving the user with a cold and fresh sensation in their mouth.

To me, it tasted rather akin to a stick of my favourite chewing gum. As with all of the pouches I have tried from hiit, the nicotine delivery system is reliable, consistent and extremely satisfying.

Tangy Mango

Strength: 6mg/medium

A clear favourite of mine, the mango depicted in this flavour boasts a sharp and sour initial taste, causing my mouth to water.

As with the Zesty Lemon pouch, the fruity flavours were incredibly crisp and well rounded.

The mango flavouring used in these pouches gave off a lip puckering taste that vaguely reminded me of a sour candy.

With an ensemble of fruity elements, all vying for your attention, this is the ideal flavour for people who enjoy tart, juicy tastes.

BAKER’S FOG E-LIQUID FROM LUMO

Words: Peach Atkinson

Mango Tart

VG/PG: 70/30

I was both excited and intrigued to try out this e-liquid from Baker’s Fog and initially the most noticeable taste to me was a fruity and gooey mango-based jam.

In stark comparison to 99 per cent of the mango flavours out there, this one seamlessly manages to convey the contrast between both the sharp and sugary notes of this incredible mango flavour.

Next was a flaky, buttery and deep pastry that seemed to envelop the brighter notes of mango.

I felt that the combination between the subdued pastry and the more prominent fruitier elements seemed to work together in harmony and thus created a warming and flavourful e-liquid. Overall an unexpected but delightful creation.

Strawberry Doughnut Ice Cream

VG/PG: 70/30

An amalgamation of dessert favourites, there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that this will appeal to fans of sweet e-liquids.

The strawberry is both rich, complex and creamy - all in equal measure. This is compounded by a crispy, freshly-fried doughnut that emanates a fulfilling and moreish vibe.

Smooth and supremely velvety ice cream encapsulates the overall group of flavours and gives a softening edge on which the strawberry particularly flourishes.

Despite its rich flavour profile, I didn’t feel it became too sweet which is a huge positive as there’s nothing worse than being overwhelmed by an exaggerated sweetness.

The decadent and dulcet tones of this e-liquid will impress sweet toothed vapers and perhaps even become your new favourite.

Custard Tart

VG/PG: 70/30

Hands down, my favourite of the three, Custard Tart is a simple but effectively created flavour which is loved by many.

It manages to accurately depict the classic and much appreciated bakery delight, enjoyed year-round.

Deep notes of vanilla bean bring about a warming feeling and are soft but ubiquitous.

Similar to the tart elements in the mango flavour I reviewed earlier, it was both crumbly and gave off a realistic aura.

I really liked how the creamy custard and the flaky tart managed to coexist and yet still complemented one another. This flavour soon became my go to, due to its palatable and rich nature.

This is a life-like and satisfying profile that will have you running down to your local bakery in search of the real life equivalent.