Expert Summary: AVCA - Rights and Responsibilities

Published on October 4, 2021, this article emphasizes the fundamental human right to health, as recognized by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which asserts the right to adequate living standards, including access to medical care. In the context of smoking and vaping in the Asia Pacific, the article advocates for proper regulation and informed decision-making for smokers and vapers. While avoiding nicotine products entirely is ideal, switching to regulated vaping products is a significantly safer alternative to smoking.

The combustion of tobacco, not nicotine or vapor inhalation, is identified as the primary cause of smoking-related illnesses. Tobacco-related deaths claim one million lives annually in the Asia Pacific region, with smoking being the leading contributor. E-cigarettes, which are 95% less harmful than smoking according to Public Health England, offer smokers a safer way to quit. Millions have successfully transitioned from smoking to vaping, proving the potential of e-cigarettes as a harm-reduction tool.

The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control advocates for a comprehensive approach to tobacco control, including harm reduction strategies. Rather than banning e-cigarettes, the article calls for regulation, as bans often protect the cigarette industry and hinder public health progress. Concerns that vaping could entice youth or act as a gateway to smoking are contradicted by evidence showing a decline in youth smoking alongside the rise of vaping.

In conclusion, promoting safer alternatives like vaping can significantly improve public health and should be encouraged by governments rather than suppressed. Countries like New Zealand must avoid policies that inadvertently protect cigarette and pharmaceutical industries, ensuring smokers are provided with better, safer alternatives. Nancy Loucas, CEO/Director of AVCA, leads these advocacy efforts with a strong background in scientific, medical, and community advocacy, focusing on the rights of smokers and the promotion of vaping as a harm-reduction strategy.

Australian Senate Moves to Ban Imported Nicotine E-Liquid

 

In late February, the Australian senate passed a motion with broad support across all parties, expressing the collective opinion that the

Experts reveal the truth behind vaping-related lung injuries. CDC points to illicit THC products, not nicotine vapes. Learn why accurate messaging is crucial for public safety.”

Expert Summary: Bias Against the Vaping Industry in NZ Media

The article addresses the growing bias and misinformation against the vaping industry within New Zealand media. It connects the problem to the broader decline of traditional media's financial health, which has made these outlets susceptible to influence by larger conglomerates and corporate interests. As traditional media struggles to maintain revenue, they often adopt practices similar to social media companies, such as sensationalist headlines, a focus on emotional responses, and reliance on advertising revenue. This situation results in an erosion of journalistic integrity and the spread of misinformation.

Key Points:

1. Media Ownership and Influence: A significant portion of New Zealand's media outlets are owned by foreign conglomerates, which makes them vulnerable to the influence of corporations that benefit from the negative portrayal of vaping, such as Big Tobacco and Big Pharma.

2. Misinformation Campaigns: The article points out examples of how NZ media outlets have misreported the causes of vaping-related lung illnesses in the U.S., often failing to distinguish between illegal THC products and nicotine e-liquids. This has contributed to public confusion and fear surrounding vaping.

3. Impact on Public Perception: Due to biased reporting, there is a growing negative perception of vaping, despite its potential as a harm-reduction tool for smokers. This misinformation could lead to unjustified bans or strict regulations on vaping, which primarily benefit the interests of traditional tobacco and pharmaceutical companies.

4. Call to Action: The article encourages readers to become critical consumers of news, to question potential conflicts of interest within media reports, and to educate others about the pervasiveness of media manipulation. It emphasizes that the vaping community must actively fight misinformation to protect their rights and promote harm-reduction alternatives.

Overall, the article argues that the bias against vaping in New Zealand media is a result of the decline of independent journalism, influenced by corporate interests, and it calls for increased public awareness and skepticism when consuming news.

Boutique Vape Shop in Greerton, Tauranga

Our Boutique vape shop

A new vape shopping Experience for discerning vapers

When choosing nicotine salt vape juice, it’s crucial to consider a few key factors: your current nicotine needs, the type of device you’re using, and your preferences for flavour variety and cost. Here’s some expert advice to guide your decision-making process:

1. Match Nicotine Strength to Your Habits: If you are a current smoker transitioning to vaping, a higher nicotine strength (around 50 mg) in a nicotine salt e-liquid will more effectively mimic the experience of smoking, helping to satisfy cravings. However, if you’ve been vaping for some time with lower nicotine levels, opt for a lower-strength nicotine salt (around 25 mg) to prevent unnecessary increases in nicotine intake.

2. Choose the Right Device: For beginners, pre-filled pod systems offer simplicity and ease of use. They’re an excellent starting point if you want to quit smoking without much hassle. On the other hand, refillable pod systems provide flexibility in flavour choice and can save you money in the long run. They are ideal for vapers looking for variety and those who want to experiment with different e-liquids.

3. Be Mindful of Usage: Nicotine salt e-liquids are designed for low-wattage, mouth-to-lung (MTL) devices, such as pod systems. Using them in high-powered sub-ohm devices could result in excessive nicotine consumption and an overly harsh experience. Always ensure that your device is compatible with nicotine salts for the best vaping experience.

4. Monitor Your Nicotine Intake: Although nicotine salts provide a smoother hit, they also deliver nicotine to the body more efficiently. This can sometimes lead to higher nicotine consumption without realising it. Stay mindful of your intake, especially if you’re transitioning from smoking or using high-strength nicotine salt e-liquids.

5. Experiment with Flavours: With refillable pod systems, explore the diverse range of nicotine salt flavours available. Finding flavours you enjoy can make the transition from smoking to vaping more satisfying and reduce the temptation to revert to traditional cigarettes.

In summary, nicotine salt e-liquids offer a smooth, satisfying vaping experience, especially for those new to vaping. By selecting the right nicotine strength and device, you can maximise the benefits of nicotine salts and make the switch to vaping more successful. Always prioritise your comfort, preferences, and needs when choosing your vaping setup.

Vaping presents a unique regulatory challenge for governments worldwide. While it’s widely acknowledged as less harmful than smoking, concerns about youth vaping, unknown long-term health effects, and loss of tobacco tax revenue have led to inconsistent regulations. This article explores a balanced approach to vaping regulation, suggesting measures like marketing restrictions, clear messaging, ongoing compliance monitoring, and creating a separate legal definition for vaping products. By focusing on common sense and scientific data, governments can protect public health without resorting to outright bans.

This guide provides a step-by-step approach to transitioning from smoking to nicotine-free vaping and eventually quitting vaping altogether. It emphasizes the importance of fully switching to vaping before reducing nicotine levels, starting with pre-filled pod systems and then transitioning to refillable vape devices for finer control. Gradual reductions in nicotine strength are key, and using a vape pen with a puff counter helps prevent compensatory overuse. For the final step, creating custom low-nicotine e-liquids allows an easier transition to nicotine-free vaping. The guide encourages users to listen to their bodies and decide when they’re ready to quit vaping entirely.