Best PRODUCT Exporter

The leading New Zealand tobacco harm reduction advocacy organisation is telling the government’s smokefree supporters to get vape regulation right and is asking vapers to get involved and have their say on the Ministry of Health’s latest draft vaping regulations. Aotearoa Vapers Community Advocacy (AVCA) says forging the correct approach on vaping is “absolutely critical”.AVCA co-director Nancy Loucas said: “Regulations are necessary, but they need to be proportionate. Restricting the choices, access, and visibility of vaping - which is a much safer option for smokers - will only add harm. Hence, we are urging the Ministry of Health to tread with caution.”Last year Parliament passed the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Vaping) Amendment Act 2020, and the public consultation will close on 15 March. AVCA is concerned about matters under consideration such as the display of vaping products in retail stores and on websites.“The display of vaping products should not be restricted the same as tobacco products. They are not the same, nor should they be treated the same. The fact is, we do not have a youth vaping epidemic in this country, and we won't have one if we continue to treat safer nicotine products as adult products rather than taboo,” Ms Loucas added.On the use of harm reduction statements, AVCA says it does not support limiting information about vaping products in retail premises and on retailers’ websites to written authorised statements from the government. It is also keen to ensure its advocacy work as a health education charity continues, saying the importance of community and peer support is key in getting Kiwis to quit smoking via vaping.The government is looking to restrict oral communications and support to be carried out by a "suitably qualified health worker” or under their supervision. This effectively means de facto ban on advocacy from organisations such as AVCA yet the organisation believes its peer support efforts, “have been the driving engine behind the rise of vaping among former smokers.”Ms Loucas says she thinks consumers and advocates have much more understanding of the situation than a "suitably qualified health worker" who may not have made the same journey to become smokefree with vape.“Frankly, it smacks of medicalisation via the backdoor, as well as restricts freedom of speech. It is quite disheartening that the Vaping Regulatory Authority does not recognise the work of the community itself in providing support and information to smokers and mentoring them through their journey to smokefree."I am hoping this is an oversight on their part, as they have not consulted with the community on this regulation until this point. We trust they will see the error of these restrictions when reviewing all the feedback.”AVCA is also taking the opportunity to oppose the proposed flavour restrictions, set to come into effect in August for general retailers who will be permitted to sell just three (menthol, mint, and tobacco).Loucas continued: “Rural and provincial towns not serviced by a specialist vape shop are disproportionately punished by the flavour restrictions proposed for general retailers, so there should be an exemption in this case.“Shortly the Government will release its draft smokefree action plan, but alongside that it’s absolutely critical we get these vaping regulations right. It’s hard enough for people to quit cigarettes. Let’s not make it any harder.”Submission can be made to the government by 5pm on 15th March using the link below.Related:Aotearoa Vapers Community Advocacy – [link]Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990 - Proposals for regulations – [link]

Last Tuesday, Dutch vapers took to the streets and buildings of the Dutch political capital, the Hague, to protest against State Secretary Blokhuis’ draft law to ban vape flavours. The protest included a light installation to ram the point home to politicians and the public that flavours play a role in vaping working for smokers and ex-smokers and are essential.Organised by the World Vapers’ Alliance (WVA), a COVID-friendly lightshow was projected onto landmark buildings in the Hague, starting at 18.00 and ending before curfew.Spurred on by what WVA Director Michael Landl has called an “incredible public consultation response”, Dutch vapers delivered a vital message to country’s lawmakers based in the Hague:“The flavour ban will only serve to drive 260,000 Dutch vapers back into smoking”“Vaping is 95% safer than smoking”“Saving vape flavours will save lives!”The installation was organised in light of a public consultation on the proposed flavour ban, which has already seen more than 800 submissions, 98% of them in opposition to the ban and in support of vaping flavours. The huge public interest for the matter forced the government to extend the consultation by two weeks.In response to the success of the consultation, Michael Landl said: “The passion expressed by the Dutch vaping community through the consultation process has been incredible. The vast majority of submissions explicitly state that vaping helped them quit smoking or that taking away flavours would drive them back to cigarettes. The government must listen to these stories and drop this ridiculous legislation.”The WVA says it amplifies the voice of vapers and empowers them to make a difference for their communities. Its members are vapers associations as well as individual vapers from all over the world.The organisation says: “The proposed ban on all vape flavours other than tobacco is of great concern to the World Vapers’ Alliance. The Netherlands has always been regarded as a liberal economy that has approached novel products with healthy pragmatism. Therefore, such a blanket ban makes little sense within the greater framework of Dutch policy. In the Netherlands, 3.1%1 of adults use an e-cigarette. Any policy advocating for bans, particularly on flavours, would discourage people from switching from smoking to vaping and it would put nearly 260,0002 Dutch vapers at risk of returning to smoking.”The organisation has submitted a document to the Dutch authorities and highlighted:Vaping is a less harmful alternative to smoking, citing the findings of Public Health EnglandVaping with flavours is important for it to work as a cessation tool, again using research evidence to support the argumentVaping is not a gateway into smokingVaping is not linked with increased youth use“The international evidence is clear,” the WVA adds, “flavoured vaping is not the problem. In the fight towards a smoke free generation by 2040, vaping can serve as a tool that must be embraced by the Dutch government.“We hope that the number of submissions to this consultation and the power of their collective testimony will force a reconsideration amongst supporters of this ban.”Related:WVA – [link]IEVA Slams Dutch Ban – [link]

What is vaping?The definition of vaping is the act of inhaling smoke-looking vapor from an electronic cigarette or vape device. Vaping simulates smoking but in a less harmful manner.A flavored nicotine liquid called vape juice (e-juice) is what’s in a vape, but not all vapes contain nicotine. The user decides the flavor and amount of nicotine they wish to use if any at all.What is a vape?Vapes are handheld electronic devices for adults that produce inhalable fog-like vapor, often with nicotine and various flavors.The first retail vape was an electronic cigarette designed to look like a tobacco cigarette. Created by Hon Lik, the e-cigarette was released by the China-based company, Ruyan, in the early 2000s. Then to Europe and America around 2007. Now different types of vapes range in design, power, and vapor-making ability. The basics of their functions and usage are the same as the first one made.How does a vape work?All vapes work on the same premise: a battery source (vape mod) powers a heating element (coil) that vaporizes e-juice in a small chamber (atomizer). The user then inhales the vapor through a small mouthpiece.A vape works as a complete system. No one component is the vape, it’s what you have when it all comes together. Many experienced users shop a la carte for mixing and matching vape parts, but beginners are advised to stick to pre-packaged kits with everything included to ensure appropriate compatibility.The power sourceThe vape mod is a battery device, normally using lithium-ion batteries. These devices can come in many forms and sizes. They’re named accordingly, like box mods, vape pens, tube mods, to small designs called pod vapes and e-cigarettes. The term “mod” is a nod to the early days of vaping when users modified devices for more power.Nowadays, vape mods have a broad range in electronic features and power limits. Some are more advanced and can be adjustable in watts (variable wattage mods) or even controlled in temperature (temperature control mods); others have no adjustability and require no technological understanding from the user.The levels of power in a vape mod generally dictate the ease of use, as well as the experience required to safely operate them.Low power: pod vapes, vape pens, e-cigarettes, AIOs (all-in-ones)No experience requiredSmall rechargeable battery (unless it’s a disposable e-cig)Normally without adjustable powerConcealable; ultra-portableMedium power: AIOs (all-in-ones), tube mods, box modsSome experience requiredBattery safety knowledge recommendedMedium size rechargeable battery built-in or replaceableOften with adjustable power (up to 100 watts)Pocketable (though rarely concealable)High power: box mods, mechanical modsExperience is a mustMultiple replaceable batteries (rarely built-in)Requires battery safety knowledgePocketable (but heavy and bulky)Normally with adjustable power (up to 200+ watts)The replaceable batteries in vapes most frequently used in vape mods are 18650, 20700, 21700 sizes. These cells are much more powerful than your average remote controller batteries and require a firm understanding of battery safety. That’s why, it is strongly advised that new users purchase devices with built-in, non-removable batteries that can be charged directly in the device from a USB port.The vapor sourceVapor is made in what’s called a vape atomizer, sometimes called a vape tank. It’s a self-contained chamber electrically connected to the vape mod. It houses a resistance heating element—ususally a metal coil—and an absorbent wick saturated with e-juice (containing similar base ingredients to theatre “smoke”). When the user takes a hit, the coil heats the liquid from the wick, instantly making smoke-looking vapor.All atomizers hold e-juice (mL), though some hold more than others. Many are designed for simplicity, and others are far more complex and suited for hobbyists. In order of ease of use, the four main categories are:Prefilled: single-use; non-replaceable coils; disposablePods, cartridges, cartomizersRefillable: multi-use; non-replaceable coils; disposablePods, cartridges, cartomizersRefillable with replaceable coils: indefinitely reusableSub ohm tanks, clearomizersRebuildable: user-installed wicks and coils; indefinitely reusableAny atomizer written as an acronym beginning with “R”, like RDA, RTA, RDTA, etc.Just like with vape mods, there’s a lot of variation to atomizers. The key thing to remember that they need to be compatible with the vape mod. Not all will physically fit on all vape mods, and some aren’t appropriate due to their coil resistance and the power they may require to function properly.The coils in atomizers come in various resistance ranges (ohms/Ω). Some coils make voluminous clouds (low resistance; less than 1.0 ohm) and others make more discreet vapor (high resistance; near or above 1.0 ohm). Regardless of the resistance, or type of atomizer, all coils are discarded after time. They don’t die like the filament in a light bulb, but flavor and vapor will decline after prolonged usage. This can range from a couple days to a week or longer.How to vapeThe best chance at success is to keep it simple with the device you buy. Simple vapes are in no way inferior to advanced devices, they’re just easier to use.Step 1: Get a basic vape starter kit. No matter the look, they all make vapor in the same way. These devices range in price from about $20 to about $60. There are four major categories for these kinds of vape kits for you to choose from.Pod vapes: prefilled or refillable; disposable cartridgesAIOs: refillable; replaceable coilE-cigarettes: prefilled or refillable; disposable cartridgesDisposable e-cigarettes: prefilled; the entire device is disposableAll vape kits come with some sort of instructions. Since nearly all the devices are made in China, the wording may be a bit broken in the instruction manual. However, the instructions will explain how best to use your specific kit and will typically have useful diagrams for clarification.Aside from prefilled kits, all vapes will need to be filled by the user with vape juice. If you find yourself needing more help, do a Google search for a review of the kit you have, in the off-chance your instruction manual doesn’t tell you how to fill your device.Step 2: Get the best vape juice for the kit type. Choose a flavor that appeals to you, then choose a nicotine level. High nicotine vape juice typically comes in smaller bottles (30 mL or less), and bottles of lower nicotine juice will typically come in larger bottles (30 mL or more). Nicotine preference depends on the user, but there are general recommendations for the best experience with different devices:Higher nicotine: 12 mg to 60 mg; best with lower powerMedium nicotine: 6 mg to 12 mg; best with low to medium powerLower nicotine: 0 mg to 6 mg; best with higher powerIf you don’t know what specific nicotine level is right for you, determine for yourself which bracket you think you’ll appreciate more. Are you a heavy, light, or recreational smoker? Extra high levels of nicotine (often sold as nicotine salt vape juice) can be felt fastest, and can be a more intense experience. Lower nicotine takes a bit longer to feel, and is normally a less intense experience.Once you determine whether you want to try low, medium or high nicotine, start at the lowest levels in that range and assess from there—and make sure the power of the device is suited to that level of nicotine.How to inhale a vapeWhen you vape for the first time, the way you inhale can make or break the experience. This is extremely important! If you inhale incorrectly, it could lead to coughing or an unpleasant rush of nicotine.There are basically two types of inhalation techniques: mouth-to-lung and a direct-lung draw. The ideal inhalation technique depends on the vape you want to use.Mouth-to-lungMTL hits will normally work best in smaller vapes with high resistance coils, using high nicotine. When you take a drag from these devices, no matter the size of the device, it should feel like sucking air through a coffee straw. It should be tight! This type of draw makes low vapor and feels like the act of smoking, providing a similar type of hit to the throat that many smokers crave. It’s a simple technique.Slowly draw vapor into your mouth for a few secondsHold the vapor in your closed mouth for a second or twoOpen mouth and breathe in the vapor to your lungs (not a “swallow”)Exhale after vapor is in lungsDirect lungThe DL hit is mostly ideal for larger vapes with low resistance coils, using low nicotine. Taking a drag on one of these devices will usually feel like sucking air through a milkshake straw. This type of draw makes the most vapor and feels like taking a “bong hit,” though it’s considered smooth and easy since it’s used mostly with low or zero nicotine.Quickly draw vapor directly to the lungsExhale vapor almost immediatelyIf you can’t figure out the best draw for your vape, or if your device has adjustable airflow, the nicotine content is the best gauge for how to inhale it. As a rule of thumb, high nicotine (12 mg – 60 mg) is better suited for MTL, and low nicotine (0 mg – 6 mg) is best for direct lung inhales. Medium nicotine (6 mg – 12 mg) can be okay for both types of inhaling, but typically 6 mg is the cut-off for direct lung inhales.Cigar puffSome users opt out of inhaling to the lungs and puff on the vape like a cigar. Although not technically inhaling, the cigar puff can be used with high power (similar to DL) or low power devices (similar to MTL). This kind technique still works to consume nicotine because it gets absorbed in mucus membranes. Some would even argue that inhaling to the lungs is unnecessary.What can you vape?Although cannabis concentrates and cannabis flowers (weed) can be vaped, they have their own style of vaporizers to handle vaporizing herbs or thick waxes. Do not buy a vape designed for vape juice to use with cannabis products unless it’s sold as multi-use. The one exception for cannabis products is CBD since it’s available in non-nicotine vape juice.No other products, solutions, or chemicals should be vaped. Nothing from your kitchen, like cooking oils or syrups. Although vape juice feels like an oil, it’s not. The base ingredients of vape juice are water soluble, but that doesn’t mean either that you can vape something like soda. Vaping is made for vape juice! Even if you’ve seen someone doing something crazy on YouTube, do not attempt to vaporize non-vaping products.Should you start vaping?The decision to start vaping is a personal choice for adults to make, usually to combat an addiction to smoking. Vapes are not wellness or smoking cessation products, though they have helped many people become tobacco and smoke-free. Vaping has its fair share of pros and cons, but the act of vaping is considered harm reduction – particularly when the only alternative is smoking.

If you have thought about trying to kick a smoking habit, you’re not alone. Nearly 7 of 10 smokers say they want to stop. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health — smoking harms nearly every organ in your body, including your heart. Nearly one-third of deaths from heart disease are the result of smoking and secondhand smoke.You might be tempted to turn to electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes, vape pens, and other vaping devices) as a way to ease the transition from traditional cigarettes to not smoking at all. But is smoking e-cigarettes (also called vaping) better for you than using tobacco products? Can e-cigarettes help you to stop smoking once and for all? Michael Blaha, M.D., M.P.H., director of clinical research at the Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Heart Disease, shares health information about vaping.1: Vaping Is Less Harmful Than Smoking, but It’s Still Not SafeE-cigarettes heat nicotine (extracted from tobacco), flavorings and other chemicals to create an aerosol that you inhale. Regular tobacco cigarettes contain 7,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic. While we don’t know exactly what chemicals are in e-cigarettes, Blaha says “there’s almost no doubt that they expose you to fewer toxic chemicals than traditional cigarettes.”However, there has also been an outbreak of lung injuries and deaths associated with vaping. As of Jan. 21, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed 60 deaths in patients with e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury (EVALI).“These cases appear to predominantly affect people who modify their vaping devices or use black market modified e-liquids. This is especially true for vaping products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC),” explains Blaha.The CDC has identified vitamin E acetate as a chemical of concern among people with EVALI. Vitamin E acetate is a thickening agent often used in THC vaping products, and it was found in all lung fluid samples of EVALI patients examined by the CDC.The CDC recommends that people:Do not use THC-containing e-cigarette, or vaping, productsAvoid using informal sources, such as friends, family or online dealers to obtain a vaping device.Do not modify or add any substances to a vaping device that are not intended by the manufacturer.2: Research Suggests Vaping Is Bad for Your Heart and LungsNicotine is the primary agent in both regular cigarettes and e-cigarettes, and it is highly addictive. It causes you to crave a smoke and suffer withdrawal symptoms if you ignore the craving. Nicotine is also a toxic substance. It raises your blood pressure and spikes your adrenaline, which increases your heart rate and the likelihood of having a heart attack.Is vaping bad for you? There are many unknowns about vaping, including what chemicals make up the vapor and how they affect physical health over the long term. “People need to understand that e-cigarettes are potentially dangerous to your health,” says Blaha. “Emerging data suggests links to chronic lung disease and asthma, and associations between dual use of e-cigarettes and smoking with cardiovascular disease. You’re exposing yourself to all kinds of chemicals that we don’t yet understand and that are probably not safe.”3: Electronic Cigarettes Are Just As Addictive As Traditional OnesBoth e-cigarettes and regular cigarettes contain nicotine, which research suggests may be as addictive as heroin and cocaine. What’s worse, says Blaha, many e-cigarette users get even more nicotine than they would from a tobacco product — you can buy extra-strength cartridges, which have a higher concentration of nicotine, or you can increase the e-cigarette’s voltage to get a greater hit of the substance.4: Electronic Cigarettes Aren’t the Best Smoking Cessation ToolAlthough they’ve been marketed as an aid to help you quit smoking, e-cigarettes have not received Food and Drug Administration approval as smoking cessation devices. A recent study found that most people who intended to use e-cigarettes to kick the nicotine habit ended up continuing to smoke both traditional and e-cigarettes.In the light of the EVALI outbreak, the CDC advises adults who use e-cigarettes for smoking cessation to weigh the risks and benefits and consider use of other FDA-approved smoking cessation options.5: A New Generation Is Getting Hooked on NicotineAmong youth, e-cigarettes are more popular than any traditional tobacco product. In 2015, the U.S. surgeon general reported that e-cigarette use among high school students had increased by 900%, and 40% of young e-cigarette users had never smoked regular tobacco.According to Blaha, there are three reasons e-cigarettes may be particularly enticing to young people. First, many teens believe that vaping is less harmful than smoking. Second, e-cigarettes have a lower per-use cost than traditional cigarettes. Finally, vape cartridges are often formulated with flavorings such as apple pie and watermelon that appeal to younger users.Both youths and adults find the lack of smoke appealing. With no smell, e-cigarettes reduce the stigma of smoking.“What I find most concerning about the rise of vaping is that people who would’ve never smoked otherwise, especially youth, are taking up the habit,” says Blaha. “It’s one thing if you convert from cigarette smoking to vaping. It’s quite another thing to start up nicotine use with vaping. And, it often leads to using traditional tobacco products down the road.”Want to Quit Smoking?There’s a strong link between smoking and cardiovascular disease, and between smoking and cancer. But the sooner you quit, the quicker your body can rebound and repair itself. Talk to your doctor about what smoking cessation program or tools would be best for you.