This site is intended for adults 19 years and older. If you are not legally able to purchase tobacco products in your province, please do not enter this site.

Please select your birthdate to confirm you are at least 19 years of age.

Exit

Canada Vapes

Tag: vaping

  • B.C. Legislation proposed to hike taxes on Vaping products & limit nicotine levels to 20mg/ml

    B.C. Legislation proposed to hike taxes on Vaping products & limit nicotine levels to 20mg/ml

    Health Minister Adrian Dix is planning to introduce new legislation this month that will increase the British Columbia sales tax from 7% to 20% on vaping products.

    ARTICLE BULLET POINTS:

    • B.C. Legislation proposed to hike taxes on Vaping products & limit nicotine levels to 20mg/ml
    • Raise taxes on vaping products from 7% to 20%
    • Allow flavours outside of tobacco flavours to be sold only in specialty vaping stores
    • Increase funding for youth vaping awareness program
    • Cap level of nicotine in e-liquid to 20 mg/ml

     

    If passed, this new tax rate will start January 1, 2020. According to estimates, this tax will generate approximately $10 million a year to the provincial government.

    The justification for this tax is as follows: “We know that youth are particularly price-sensitive, so when you make a product more expensive and harder to access, users will decline.”

    In addition to the vaping tax, the government of British Columbia is proposing a 20 mg/ml cap for e-liquid sold in the province. At this time the only legal restriction on nicotine strength in e-liquid is 66 mg/ml. The European Union has a similar 20 mg/ml of e-liquid sold in Europe.  Health professionals in Europe suggest this level encourages smoking cessation.

    Advocates of vaping, including the Vaping Industry Trade Association, believe increasing the prices of vaping products through taxes could lead customers into the black market. This would reduce the safety of vaping products in British Columbia. They state that these restrictions could “undermine the switching rates of smokers towards less harmful alternatives.”

    In British Columbia, there are an estimated 90,000 businesses currently selling vaping products. Of those, the vast majority are convenience stores and gas stations.

    Since 2015 it is been illegal to sell vaping products to anyone under the age of 19 in B.C. Legislation. This has been the only vaping restriction in British Columbia until this proposed legislation.

    There will be additional restrictions on any business selling vaping products that are not dedicated vaping stores. These restrictions would ban these locations from selling any e-liquid outside of regular tobacco flavours. Only dedicated vaping shops in British Columbia, of which there are approximately 150, would be allowed to sell all flavors of e-liquid.

    This proposed regulation will not ban any specific flavours, however, in the conversation is an increased awareness plan to educate the youth in B.C. Legislation on vaping.  Todd Stone, the opposition Liberal in BC is welcoming government legislation. He wants to see all additional taxes gained from this proposed legislation be allocated to the education of youth in British Columbia.

    There are many things I like about this proposal as a vape shop owner in Ontario. I do believe that vape products should be sold only in regulated vaping retail locations where IDs are checked at the door. In gas stations and convenience stores where youth have access to enter the premises without restriction, vaping products should simply not be sold at all.

    I do not think increasing taxes specifically on vaping products will have any net positive result in reducing youth vaping in British Columbia. Vape product costs rising from $30-$34 would have very few youths suddenly become unable to purchase the products. By reducing the areas where these vaping products can be purchased, it would be much easier to ensure that these 150 stores are correctly turning away minors, compared with policing 90,000+ gas stations and convenience stores.

    I very much support the idea of increased education for youth. This education should be allocated to all adult-centered products and services legally accessible to Canadian adults, including gambling, alcohol use, marijuana, and vaping.

    We at Canada Vapes strongly push back at the idea that any vaping products are geared toward selling to minors. It simply doesn’t make sense for any reputable vaping company to promote or advertise their products to customers who cannot legally purchase the product. We are interested only in promoting our products to adult smokers in Canada who are unable to quit smoking cigarettes and are looking for an alternative.

    Adults enjoy sweet candy flavors, in their alcoholic drinks, at the supermarket checkout, in their cereal selections, and in many other areas of life. By using this argument it will be suggested that Tim Horton’s is targeting youth when they create succulent donuts and pastries covered in chocolate, maple, and other sweet and delicious flavours. The same argument could be made against Starbucks when promoting their holiday drinks.  Adults enjoy sweet candy and dessert flavours and these flavour choices are what make vaping effective for adults transitioning away from tobacco cigarettes.

    Information for this article was received from the Vancouver Sun.

  • Proposed bill in Saskatchewan will increase restrictions on vaping

    Proposed bill in Saskatchewan will increase restrictions on vaping

    Jim Reiter, the Health Minister of Saskatchewan has introduced a bill proposing changes to the Tobacco Control Act.

    The legal age for smoking in Saskatchewan will remain at 18; however, the majority of current tobacco regulations and laws will now be emulated to vaping products. The proposed restrictions will mirror those currently in place for tobacco in advertising and displays.

    Reiter states “If you walk into a convenience store, the vaping products are going to have to be behind the screen. They can’t have advertising when you walk in.  the same restrictions as tobacco on where you can vape,  it’s the same as we can smoke. I would say, very broadly speaking, what you’re seeing is it being treated exactly like tobacco”.

    This is a great supporting argument to limit the sale of vaping products to regulated vape stores.  This way, patrons will be required to show government identification on entering the location as opposed to gas stations and convenience stores, where anyone can enter. Unfortunately, it looks like this is not the way the Saskatchewan government will regulate vaping products.

    Reiter noted that this is a complex issue because smokers use vaping products as a smoking cessation tool.

    If this Proposed bill in Saskatchewan is passed, the first stages of this bill would ban displays of any vaping and e-cigarette products in any areas that young people have access to such as convenience stores, gas stations, etc. The bill would also ban sales of vaping products at amusement parks, arcades, and theatres. The ban would also include prohibiting vaping in and around public buildings such as schools.

    From our perspective, regulating vaping products is a much better plan than outright banning them. E-cigarettes have their place and are saving lives across Canada. By adding restrictions that should reduce the youth’s access to vapes in Saskatchewan, we believe this to be a good overall step.

    Information for this article was provided by Regina Leader Post.

     

    Howie,

    Founder, CanadaVapes.com

     

  • Richmond British Columbia bans promotional advertisements for vaping on city property

    Richmond British Columbia bans promotional advertisements for vaping on city property

    City Council voted unanimously against advertisements for vaping products on any city property throughout Richmond British Columbia.

    Clay Adams, who is the spokesperson for the city of Richmond, states “vaping is a significant health issue. All the evidence suggests that, and this is the at least one thing that we can do. We hope others will follow suit and do similar.”

    I disagree with this concept that promoting any adult recreational activities or harm reducing activities should be banned across Canada. If this is going to the stance of our government, we should be banning all alcohol and gambling related advertisements in any public places. These activities both have the potential to do great harm to the youth in our Country.

    What I’d rather see, is to require any vaping advertisements to come with it additional risks and information similar to the responsible gambling rules required for promotion of gambling. To my understanding, there are no required warnings on alcohol advertisements in Canada.

    Almost everything we do carries with it a degree of risk. Unless we want to see Canada become either a nanny state, or worse some sort of socialist – communist society, there needs to be some sort of free market capabilities and grace for various products and services that are for adults.

  • California suggests their residence to put E-cigarettes down

    California suggests their residence to put E-cigarettes down

    In one of the most aggressive and polarizing statements made by any government agency anywhere in the United States, the California Department of Public Health [CDPH] stated this: “refrain from vaping, no matter the substance or source”.

    This is an incredible and ignorant step outside of any conceived rationality, and for that matter any scientific evidence currently available on this topic. If you suggest current nicotine vapors to stop using vaping products, you are sending them back to cigarettes as the only effective source to receive their nicotine fix. We are all aware of the incredible damage smoking cigarettes causes and for government to recommend this action is nothing short of a catastrophic misguided statement from ignorant overzealous political figures.

    Even the Center for disease control has made the statement “to date, national and state data suggest that products containing THC, particularly those obtained off the street or from other informal sources are linked to most of the cases and play a major role in the outbreak”.(Citation)Nanny State

    The CDC also states “if you are an adult using E cigarettes, or vaping, products, to quit smoking, do not return to smoking cigarettes.” (Citation)

    It feels like the California government is protecting the legalization of marijuana while ignoring the obvious fact that THC pods are the primary source for the illnesses taking place in the United States. It is estimated by Forbes magazine that California has total sales of recreational marijuana products in the neighborhood of $2.75 billion dollars. They have a lot of skin in the game regarding marijuana products.

    Dr. Charity Dean, who is the acting state public health officer stated: “there are numerous unknown factors at this time, and due to the uncertainty of the exact cause, it is our recommendation that consumers refrain from vaping until the investigation has concluded.”

    Vaping nicotine E–liquid has been around the United States for over a decade and has caused no known acute lung illnesses since its inception. Yet it is now recommended by the California government to stop due to an uncorrelated and unsubstantiated piece of information. The E-cigarettes themselves are not the culprit, but rather specific products being used inside the devices.

    Hopefully cooler heads will prevail, as California has always been the most dramatically socialist state in the United States and more controlling than any other state.

    Review original article here.

  • CDC Report – Significant Decline in Young Adult Smokers Disproves ‘Gateway Effect’ of Vaping

    CDC Report – Significant Decline in Young Adult Smokers Disproves ‘Gateway Effect’ of Vaping

    CDC’s Findings

    A recent study released by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention presents intriguing data. The CDC reports that between 2014 and 2018, the percentage of young adults aged 18-24 who currently smoke cigarettes in the United States has dropped from 16.7% to 7.8%. This represents an overall reduction of over 50% in smokers aged 18-24, indicating no ‘gateway effect’ of vaping.

    Increase in E-Cigarette Usage

    During the same period, the percentage of adults in this group who currently use electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has risen from 5.1% to 7.6%, an increase of 33%.

    Debunking the ‘Gateway Effect’

    The notion that an increase in the use of e-cigarettes will lead to an increase in adult smokers seems to be unfounded based on this CDC information. In contrast, the number of young adult smokers has seen a significant reduction over the past 5 years.

    The Net Result

    The overall net result is a 50% decrease in young adults smoking cigarettes, and an overall increase in non-smokers aged 18-24 from 78.2% to 84.6%.

     

  • Toronto Ontario considering mandatory licences for local vape shops

    Toronto Ontario considering mandatory licences for local vape shops

    This Monday, October 7th, 2019, the General Government & Licensing Committee signed off on a new recommendation.  This vaping regulation would require businesses that sell vape products in Toronto to buy a license from the city.

    If this proposal continues it could come into place by the end of October.

    Toronto Ontario considering mandatory licences for local vape shops

    Its estimated in the Toronto area to be 78 specialty vape shops, and up to 1,400 gas stations and variety stores selling vape products.

    The proposal would cost vape shop owners an estimated $645 initial fee, and annual fees of $315.

    From my perspective, being a vape shop owner, I’m all for vaping regulations across Canada.  The problem is this:  “…of the roughly 1,400 locations in the city that sell vape products, including gas stations and tobacco shops, Grant said will be a different process.  The locations that already have licenses to sell tobacco will be required to register with the city that they are selling vape products at no additional cost.” (citation)

    What this means is, of the 1,478 businesses actively selling vaping products in Toronto, 1,400 of them will not have to pay any additional fee to be allowed to sell vaping products, and 78 of them will.  This will specifically target stand alone vape shops in Toronto.  I am all for regulation, but it needs to be fair and balanced.  Targeting the 0.55% of stores that specialize in vape shops with licensing fees, and allowing the 1,400+ gas stations and grocery stores to pay nothing, is unfair.

    Lumping tobacco products and vape products is a dangerous precedent.  Vaping products need to be separated from tobacco products in the eyes of the world, and lumping them all together, and forcing vape shops alone to incur additional fees is unreasonable.

    What is needed (in my humble opinion) is regulation on the quality of the products, and not just not selling vaping products to minors.  If all that is needed to sell vape products is a license, but the quality of the products remains unregulated, concern will still remain about the safety of vaping products.

    What we need is a regulation similar to current regulations we have for selling and manufacturing food products, which has specific requirements, including expiry dates, ingredient lists, and a host of other processing and producing regulations.  This protects the public from low quality food products in our grocery stores.

    When you visit a grocery store, you have an expectation of safe food products, and when you visit a vape shop, you should have these same expectations.  With properly imposed government regulations this would be the case when purchasing vaping products.

    We recommend you purchase you vape products only from recognized and long-standing vape companies.  Don’t purchase vape products from convenience stores, pop up locations at carnivals, kiosks at malls, or farmers markets, and never buy an e-liquid without the ingredients listed, and an expiry date or manufactured date on the bottle.

     Original article can be found here.

  • USA made product linked to London, Ontario Vaping illness

    USA made product linked to London, Ontario Vaping illness

    On September 18th, an unnamed teenage male was hospitalized in London, Ontario, for a ‘vaping-related illness.’ Despite a lack of details regarding the specific product(s) used by the individual, Canadian media outlets hastily sounded the alarm, branding all vaping products as dangerous and advising the public to avoid them altogether.

    Revealing Details:

    After weeks of sensationalized reporting, Dr. Chris Mackie from the Middlesex London health unit shed light on the product involved in the illness. According to Dr. Mackie, the product in question was purchased online, not from a Canadian store.

    Clarification on THC Pods:

    Recent evidence suggests that many illnesses in the United States are linked to illicit THC vape pods containing Vitamin E Acetate, rather than nicotine-based e-liquids. Immediate disclosure of this fact by Dr. Mackie could have prevented vapers from reverting to smoking out of unsubstantiated health concerns.

    Missed Opportunity for Clarity:

    In my view, Dr. Mackie missed an opportunity to provide crucial information. He instead used this incident to promote his anti-vaping stance. By promptly revealing the truth about the American-purchased THC product causing the illness, lives could have been saved.

    Delayed Disclosure and CDC Recommendations:

    Weeks later, the CDC issued warnings about specific THC pods in the US. This information could have been shared with Canadians much earlier, potentially preventing further illnesses. If one teen in Canada is buying THC pods online from the US, it’s likely that hundreds more are doing the same nationwide. Prompt disclosure could have significantly mitigated the risk.

    Comparative Scenario:

    Imagine if a specific drug or food product caused a severe illness in Canada. Delayed disclosure of the product’s origin and illness details by a health practitioner would undoubtedly spark outrage.

    Conclusion:

    This incident underscores the importance of timely and transparent communication from health authorities. Prompt disclosure of pertinent information could prevent unnecessary panic and safeguard public health.

    Original article can be found here.

  • 86.7 Million years of live saved if American smokers switched to vaping

    86.7 Million years of live saved if American smokers switched to vaping

    Potential Lifespan Gains if American Smokers Switched to Vaping

    The Potential of Vaping

    A recent article published in Tobacco Control estimates that up to 6.6 million premature deaths could be prevented, equating to 86.7 million years of life saved, if current smokers in the U.S. switched to vaping.

    The Study by Dr. David Levy

    Dr. David Levy, at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington DC, conducted a study with two scenarios; an optimistic scenario where smoking falls to 5% over the next 10 years, and a pessimistic scenario where it falls to 10%. This study explored the potential outcomes if a large number of cigarette smokers switched to e-cigarettes and vaping.

    The Optimistic Scenario

    In the optimistic scenario, the researchers used similar patterns of vaping use and currently published evaluations of likely harm reduction. If smoking was reduced to 5% across the United States, 6.6 million fewer premature deaths would occur, and 86.7 million years of life would be saved. This is a remarkable real-world study, potentially saving tens of millions of years of life across a country.

    The Pessimistic Scenario

    In the pessimistic scenario, the researchers repeated the results in a ‘worst-case’ scenario. In this scenario, more young people initiated e-cigarette use and the risks of e-cigarettes (vaping) are on the higher end of suggested estimates. Even in this worst-case scenario, it’s estimated by researchers that 1.6 million premature deaths would be averted, and 20.8 million fewer life years lost.

    The Unexplored Impact of Secondhand Smoke

    The most fascinating thing about this study is that it does not even delve into the damage and disease caused by secondhand smoke, decline in health, and increased disability that many smokers experience in the years before death. With this additional information, the benefits of e-cigarettes versus traditional cigarettes are even greater.

    The Aim of the Research

    The aim of the research is to ‘help the (US) Surgeon General and the Public Health Community develop a strategy to reach the ‘endgame’ for cigarette smoking’. Could you imagine a smoke-free America? Where vaping and e-cigarettes have completely abolished smoking in the United States? Where there would be no secondhand smoke illnesses, no more dirty cigarette butts on our sidewalks, and no more stinky cigarette smoke lingering in the air.

    Commentary by Dr. Marita Hefler

    In additional commentary provided by Dr. Marita Hefler from the Menzies School of Health Research in Australia, she suggests it’s time to consider banning the sale of combustible tobacco products. Until e-cigarettes, no other products could match the efficiency of nicotine delivery. Without vaping as an alternative, an overall ban would be a non-viable option. Dr. Hefler states that the ongoing availability of combustible tobacco products is an “historical anomaly” as it is a legal consumer product that kills 2/3 of its users; an unfathomable deviation from consumer safety regulations.

    Dr. Hefler’s Conclusion

    Dr. Hefler concludes, “The new continuum of nicotine products presents an opportunity to end the exceptionalism of combustible tobacco, and allow the most dangerous end of the nicotine product continuum to be rapidly, and completely phased out.”

    The Great Opportunity with Vaping Products

    What a great opportunity we have with vaping products! Eradicate smoking completely and save tens of millions of lives. We hope that our politicians and government agencies will listen to reason and not attempt to ban this life-saving alternative to cigarettes. Cigarettes are called cancer sticks for a reason; they give you cancer and cause death. Every smoker-turned-vaper is a huge net-positive resulting in longer lives, fewer health conditions, and a healthier society for everyone.

    Link to Study can be found here.

    Link to Commentary can be found here.

  • Setting the record straight: Canada Vapes response to recent media.

    Setting the record straight: Canada Vapes response to recent media.

    RE: Health related vaping news:

    Over the past several weeks, there have been a great deal of news articles, reports, and social media posts surrounding vaping related illnesses and deaths in the United States, and more recently in Canada.  

    At Canada Vapes, we believe that knowledge is power.  We would like to take this opportunity to share the facts about this developing situation, as well as share our own stance relating to our customer’s safety and our responsibility as a Canadian vape  business. This allows us to clarify what we have done and are continuing to do to ensure that our customer’s health and well-being are at the forefront of our guiding principles.

    Verifiable information regarding the illness in the United States is somewhat sparse, but from what we do know the most likely reason for these illnesses has been linked to an agent being added to black market THC oil infused vape pens (source).  When THC distillate is created, it is very thick (similar to pine sap) and must be modified in order to be used in a vaping device.  It is believed by some experts that a manufacturer, or several manufacturers are using Vitamin E acetate to modify the THC distillate for use in their THC vape pens (source).  This may be the primary reason for these illnesses.  We must re-state that this is the preliminary evidence provided by many news sources, however, it is important to understand the difference between a THC infused vaping pen and the products that are sold at Canada Vapes.

    Canada Vapes does not sell THC oils, pens, or pods.  Canada Vapes has always been very transparent in the ingredients of our e-liquid, and do not and have never used Vitamin E acetate.   No products manufactured or sold by Canada Vapes have been linked to any known health issues. Information on our e-liquid manufacturing process can be found here.

    We have a strong desire to see those involved with the production of these dangerous and potentially lethal THC vape pens shut down immediately and brought to justice.  

    When a situation such as this arises, it is important for our government and our media to be as specific as possible.  The information provided by our media has been very generalized and should instead provide specific information regarding the particular product(s) being used that are causing this harm.  Similar to the food industry, if a particular brand and type of meat were to be contaminated, we suggest our government force a recall and post a warning against consuming that product, and not recommend we stop eating altogether.

    We are confident at Canada Vapes that the facts and details relating to these illnesses will vindicate the lawful vape companies who are safely producing and selling vaping products.  We encourage all of those concerned to take a deep-dive into the information available and use critical thinking and common sense in order to make an informed decision regarding nicotine vaping and its potential benefits to your health and wellness.

    We want to see improved consumer safety in the vaping industry as a top priority.  Vague misleading news headlines such as this cause confusion within the general public.  This could potentially lead to a reduction in smokers considering vaping as a harm reducing alternative compared to combustible cigarettes. 

    Canada Vapes supports vaping regulations, and we welcome additional government regulation requiring high safety standards in the vaping industry in Canada.  We strictly adhere to our own high set of production standards, such as:

    • Clear list of ingredients & warning labels on each bottle
    • Clean laboratory environment & production facility
    • Regular quality testing all nicotine base to ensure accurate nicotine levels
    • Use of USP and food grade ingredients approved and tested by Health Canada
    • Childproof & tamper evident caps
    • Lot numbers & Expiry dates on all e-liquid products

    Canada Vapes strongly agrees with the recommendations of the CDC that individuals immediately stop THC infused vape pens purchased on the streets or by individuals not from a long standing reputable manufacture (source).  Individuals vaping THC oils are taking an enormous risk using products that are not regulated and only available on the black market as these items have no safety or quality standards.

    RE: Concerns about the rise in vaping among youth:

    There has been news in Canada related to the increase in youth vaping numbers, and the availability of vaping products to youth.  It has been suggested by some media outlets that vaping companies are actively attempting to influence youth into purchasing vape product through advertising and promotion of flavoured e-liquids.  It has been suggested that banning flavours in e-liquid is the answer to this problem and would reduce youth vaping.

    Canada Vapes makes every effort to keep vaping products, services, and marketing material out of the hands of minors.  We take this responsibility to our community very seriously and have a comprehensive set of policies & mechanisms in place for both our online and retail environments.  All customers in our retail store are ID checked in the same way as those visiting a beer or liquor store. Our retail staff have been trained by the Tobacco Enforcement Municipality (source) to correctly and accurately ID check every patron in our retail store on entering the premises.  All first time customer orders are ID checked by Canada Post.  Our website is age restricted.  We will continue to explore additional ways to improve our business to further reduce any chance of underage individuals using our products. 

    Canada Vapes continues to support and work with industry leaders such as the Canadian Vaping Association, and legislators to shut down any vaping companies who would look to target our youth with advertising or promotions, or who sell vape products to those under the age of 19.

    On many occasions we have been visited by the local Middlesex Health Unit (source) and can assure you that the Ontario Government is strictly policing the activities of vape shops to ensure they are not selling vape products to minors.  The punishment for such infractions is severe in Ontario, starting at up to $20,000 fines for first time offences, with the potential to have your business banned from selling vape products with a second offence (source).  We would like to make this clear:  Canada Vapes has no interest in promoting or selling any of our vaping products to minors.

    Parental discussions with children at a young age about healthy lifestyle choices, and dangers of addiction, should be prevalent in our society. Canada Vapes fully supports the recent addition of vaping awareness to the public school curriculum for empowering our Canadian youth to choose to live healthy lives. We further support the restrictions around public schools which do not allow vaping within 20 meters of any public schools (source).  We support parents being the biggest & loudest voice in their child or teen’s life when discussing any adult activity or lifestyle choice.

    We believe that adult vapers enjoy, and often prefer sweet and fruity flavours in their e-liquids.  Having many flavour choices helps current smokers transition away from cigarettes to a harm reducing vaping product. We believe that limiting or banning these flavours would reduce the effectiveness of vaping to current smokers, thus turning many of them back to cigarettes which has been shown to  be 95% more dangerous than vaping (source).   Similarly to our liquor stores that offer adults a choice of fruity and sweet choices in their alcohol, including alcohol infused root beers and lemonades, tropical fruity drinks, and sweet candy liquors, we believe adult Canadian vapers deserve these same product choices.

    Canada Vapes products are designed for adult smokers only.  They are not designed for non-smokers, or anyone under the age of 19.  If you are under the age of 19, and/or not a current smoker, please do not use any vaping products.  Canada Vapes products are a risk reduction product, and are not considered safe to use. They are safer than and reduce the risk of those currently smoking traditional tobacco cigarettes, pipes, and cigars. 

    Our mission at Canada Vapes is to assist adult, smokers’ transition to less-harmful vaping products as an alternative to smoking tobacco cigarettes as they pursue their personal health & lifestyle goals.  Canada Vapes recognizes that our products, resources, and services are no substitute for qualified medical advice and recommend vapers should discuss all options with their doctor before considering vaping.  In addition, Canada Vapes has and will continue to work in coordination with regulators, legislators, and industry groups including the Canadian Vaping Association to manufacture, promote, and sell vaping products in an ethical & responsible way.  

    Thank you,

    Canada Vapes ownership & staff

     

    This article was posted on September 24th, 2019.  To the best of our knowledge It is accurate as of this date, and as information and results from CDC, Health Canada, and other community sources become more available this information may be changed or updated.

  • Vaping related deaths in the United States – What you need to know.

    Vaping related deaths in the United States – What you need to know.

    Over the past week, the media has had a field day with articles about Vaping related deaths in US.  I put vaping in quotations as the term vaping is being used loosely by the media referring to any electric device being used to consume anything in vapor form.

    Here is what you need to know about these news reports:

    • The term ‘vaping’ has in the past referred to using an e-cigarette (a vape) with e-liquid containing nicotine.  There have been zero cases of injury or death in the US reported that have been a result of using the traditional nicotine ‘vaping’ products.
    • The press has combined the use of illegal THC-infused ‘vape pens’ together with ‘e-cigarettes’ to create an all-encompassing & misleading term, ‘vaping’.
    • The Vaping-related deaths that have occurred in the United States due to vaping are very likely linked to a THC-infused vape pen (Source).
    • “The serious lung illness affecting hundreds of people in the U.S. who vaped cannabis-based oil.”  These devices are often unregulated & illegal and are made by an unregistered individual or company.
    • While there have been no official reports from the CDC, initial suggestions are that “some researchers suspect vitamin E acetate, which recently has been used as a thickener.”  THC distillate is most commonly used as an additive in marijuana vape pens & pods as THC distillate is very thick.  It is theorized that in the process of thinning out the THC distillate, some individuals or companies are using ingredients that are toxic to humans and very unsafe for inhalation.  These ingredients could include vitamin E Acetate which is not safe to inhale.
    • Traditional vaping (using an e-cigarette/vape with e-liquid with nicotine) has been around for over 12 years, and there have been no deaths or significant injuries reported as a direct result of using these traditional vaping products.  On the contrary, these devices have been studied and found to be 95-96% safer than cigarette smoking by several governments, (Source) and recommended for use by several governments around the world.

    What the media is effectively doing is lumping in a specific sub-sector of ‘vaping’, specifically illegal drug-infused vape pens & pods, in with traditional nicotine e-cigarettes and causing fear, confusion, and doubt about vaping.

    Let’s say that a new unregulated car manufacturer started making cars that ran on jet fuel and started illegally selling these cars, and then people who bought these cars were being hurt or killed, would you start worrying about your Ford Escape or Toyota Prius?  Would you want our government to ban the use of all vehicles?  Would you want our media to suggest it is now as dangerous to drive your traditional vehicle as it is to drive a black market rocket car?

    There are currently an estimated 10 million people using traditional vaping products (e-liquid with nicotine with a vaping/e-cigarette device) worldwide, and many have been using them without issue for years.  If there were a serious health risk associated with this type of vaping, it would have surfaced very long ago.

    What should you do?

    Knowledge is power.  The first suggestion I would have is to only purchase your vaping products from a trusted and well-recognized business.  Canada Vapes (shameless plug coming) has been selling vaping products since 2010.  We only work with the best e-cigarette manufacturers who produce their products using strict quality control and adhere to strict manufacturing procedures.

    Secondly, we recommend you only purchase your e-liquids from businesses that are reputable, and that have their ingredients listed on the bottle.  Know what is in your e-liquids.

    Lastly, listen to your body!  For me personally, when I transitioned from cigarette smoking to vaping, my body said “YES”.  My breathing improved, my smoker’s cough went away, and my taste buds started tasting food again.  If you listen to your body it will let you know if you are having any issues with vaping.  A small percentage of vapours transitioning away from cigarettes can have some negative effects from vaping nicotine e-liquid including dry mouth, headaches, and a sensitivity to different flavours.  Most of these negative effects will go away within a few days of transitioning, but it is important to listen to your body and stop vaping if it is causing you any distress.

    At the end of the day, this seems to be nothing more than media hype followed by a significant overreaction by many States and even government heads (Donald Trump) with very little knowledge or understanding of A) the problem at hand B) the steps required to resolve the problem.  Banning all vaping, or even banning flavoured e-liquids, would do nothing to prevent the current issues regarding THC-infused illegal vape pens being manufactured & sold.  What we need from our government is regulation and not prohibition.  We need to force all vaping companies, as well as all marijuana companies to a stricter manufacturing process and ensure quality control within the industry.

    Howie