LaceyUnderall

Diggers: http://digg.com/d319xII

Dr. Siegel did one last week and it was us asking him questions via chat and then his response via phone over the internet. I am not sure how this one exactly will go, but last weeks worked really well.

The electronic cigarette can really be traced back to 1930 patents... however, the first patent to really come out that is almost perfect in comparison to our current PV's was originally filed in 1963 and the patent was granted in 1965. A fun post about the history of the ecig as we know it today. New Invention of 1963 - The Smokeless Non-Tobacco Cigarette Herbert A. Gilbert also took his Smokeless Non-Tobacco Cigarette to the Senate Committee on Commerce in 1967 (which I am trying to find original documentation of what occurred), but also made the Guinness Book of World Records for it in 1966!!! So needless to say, the ecig is far from new

ECA President, Matt Salmon, will be doing a live chat on www.vapersplace.com on Sunday, November 8th at 7pm EST. Come with your questions!!!

Agreed. Your toothpaste analogy is a good one The other issue with the "addiction" argument is differentiating between what is actually the addiction and what is the behavior. We contacted the CDC regarding this: http://www.e-cig.org/2009/08/27/the-legal-argument-about-why-the-electronic-cigarette-is-not-an-nrt/ The slippery slope here is when using the phrase "Quit Smoking", are you treating the disease, which is the addiction to nicotine, or are you modifying behavior? For instance, if the behavior of smoking is a behavior and not a disease (according to the CDC), wouldn't the correct phrase be "Quit Nicotine"? If not, then someone could easily come out with products that modify all types of behaviors they deem as "bad" behaviors including same sex interaction. The slippery slope being that if the action of smoking is deemed as the addiction, which to many is an unacceptable behavior, then the door is wide open to include any "deviant" behavior as treatable. And please, I do not think being homosexual is a deviant behavior, choice, etc., however, then, we could see a launch of pills on the market that if you take this pill, you will no longer be homosexual. This could be true for nose pickers, hair twirlers and so on. I guess what I am trying to say is that the ecig as a "quit smoking device" just seems like an oxy-moron because you aren't quitting the action of smoking and it certainly isn't a "quit nicotine device" if you are still using nicotine. Technically, if you are using an ecig with nicotine, you are still smoking and you haven't really quit. You may have quit "combustionable smoking", but that isn't treating a disease, that's simply changing your product choice.

http://www.ecassoc.org/interview-with-james-watt-electronic-cigarette-association-vice-chair/ Here is a condensed version with just the interview.

One thing to ask yourself is how do you define "quitting"? Do you see quitting in terms of "I haven't smoked a tobacco cigarette for two weeks so I must have quit" Or do you see yourself after a year of not having a tobacco cigarette saying "I haven't had the urge for a tobacco cigarette in over a year so therefor, I quit". We can get into a semantics debate regarding whether one actually quits if they are still participating in the action and the nicotine, both or one, but we won't do that today For me... I have "quit" enough times to know that I go 4 months... tops. That's not quitting... that's a pause. And even with the ecig... I smoked cigarettes and used an ecig... didn't smoke any cigarettes for 4 months... smoked both for the summer and now find myself winding down again to probably smoke no tobacco because it's just too cold to suffer outside. For you nurses out there, I know an RN who has an amazing way of introducing the ecig to smokers with COPD, emphysema, etc and how she goes about getting the word out... and if you are interested I would certainly be happy to connect you. Please feel free to PM me.

I can't disagree with any of this. I know where all of it stems... I know that money is the deciding factor. I know there isn't much logic, if any, guiding these decisions. I know this is not about public health. I know this. I fight it every day with every blog post, smoking ban, article, comment, etc. But I do also know this: From discussions with these different organizations and discussions with public health persons who are on our side, there is a rift that is occurring. There are people within certain organizations who are very upset that their original mission to help people stop burning tobacco, which is the dangerous part of nicotine use, has transitioned into an all or nothing campaign. They are afraid to stand up because they KNOW that there are 3 people in line for their jobs as it is. These people can be reached... and level headed, non-conspiracy, fact driven discussions hounding the same message over and over *might* bring them around. These people don't realize that while their current job might be no more IF there is a solution to the burning tobacco problem, thousands of jobs will open up to begin researching the long term effects of vaping. That said, everyone should choose to use their voice in the way they are most comfortable and the way they see fit. There are also circumstances surrounding those voices that may or may not allow someone to be vocal regarding conspiracies. I know these conspiracies exist. I have researched enough to know exactly what is going on, who is involved with whom, and why they are doing what they are doing. As an American consumer I am outraged and disgusted. As a supplier in the electronic cigarette industry, it is best I keep my conspiracies to my conversations with my friends on the forums... and to keep hounding out the clear message that the ecig has great potential for fixing a public health problem.

Kmel - There isn't anything that I can disagree with that you have written. Logic is not on the table for many of these legislators and anti-smokers... but in order for average consumers to get their message across, they have to continue their focus in a logical and scientific manner so that they don't look like whining drug addicts... which vapers are not. I am very aware that these anti-smoking groups are not happy that a "solution to the problem" is on the table. If they accept this solution, then they are all out of jobs. But another interesting thing I am working on is looking further into this idea that the MSA is what actually keeps the tobacco industry from getting involved in electronic cigarettes. As it isn't a tobacco product, they can't sell or market it... Now what do you suppose is going to happen with the ecig if it does become a tobacco product? If anything we need to figure out how to "scare" these legislators into believing the truth which is... you think these are marketed to kids now... just wait!!! Get behind the ecig industry... let them stand and fight against tobacco!

http://a1135.g.akamai.net/f/1135/18227/1h/cchannel.download.akamai.com/18227/podcast/CINCINNATI-OH/WLW-AM/091026_1_WILLIE.mp3?CPROG=PCAST&MARKET=CINCINNATI-OH&NG_FORMAT=newstalk&SITE_ID=1209&STATION_ID=WLW-AM&PCAST_AUTHOR=700WLW&PCAST_CAT=Talk_Radio&PCAST_TITLE=Bill_Cunningham_On_Demand scroll about half way... you will hear football talk and then discussion about an incident at a daycare and then the ECA segment. James Watt, Vice Chair of the ECA, did a great job!!! But then again, I am very partial to James

Today at 12:30 est, the ECA will be doing a 15 minute interview with Bill Cunningham LIVE!!!! Listen In! 700WLW - THE BIG ONE 700WLW - THE BIG ONE

Kmel - One thing is for certain from this, Corbett is completely under the impression that the electronic cigarette is coming from the Tobacco Industry. If we wish to help her understand, we must continue writing letters to her that explain: A. The electronic cigarette is not from the tobacco industry, but a new industry that is willing, actually demanding, the same mistakes not be made. Examples of this would be the ECA's efforts in Congress to have something actually set in stone that the ecig not be sold to minors across the board AND that guidance from anyone regarding what regulations should be in place is greatly appreciated. B. There is a difference between combustion and vaporization. Combustion is the most harmful component of tobacco cigarettes and vaporization eliminates the harmful by-products of combustion. Smoke and vapor are not one in the same. C. It isn't the nicotine that is most harmful in cigarettes and as many users are finding, it isn't the true "addictive" nature of the habit. It is the ritual of the habit. People have different rituals to relieve stress. Some go shopping. Some have a cup of coffee. Some have sex. Some sit down to have a cigarette. In all cases, it is up to good legislation to ensure that the adult engaging in such behavior has the most responsible way of fulfilling their desired action. Whether that be a sheltered environment for purchasing their merchandise, a ceramic coffee mug instead of a styrofoam cup (which heat from coffee leaches chemicals from the styrofoam), a condom, or a non-combustable method for the hand to mouth action of smoking.

It's my understanding that SB400 was originally a bill to give credits to those who purchased Green Cars. At the same time, Corbett had SJR 8 going. Then they eliminated all of the wording for SB400, and pulled the wording over from SJR 8, changing it to be sales towards minors... and then, changed it all back to the original wording of SJR 8 but under SB 400. It's no wonder that people can't stay on top of what their legislators are doing. However, that said, I don't believe that SJR 8 is a threat going forward for this year. I do believe we will see this issue arise in their next session though... of course depending on whether or not we hear a ruling from Judge Leon. We should definitely keep an eye on what Corbett is doing as it is apparent that she is on a mission to not see good legislation regarding the ecig (ie no sales to minors), but a full out ban.

You bet your musical arse!!! I am ready to go... sent in the info to the CAC... going to a meeting tomorrow to find out how the business owners in the area feel and what steps they plan on taking... showing them all an ecig... Going Wednesday to the Public Hearing to answer questions they may have... SHOW them how an ecig works and actually USE it in their committee room (with permission of course...) We are set and ready to go!!!

Keenan - I was most impressed with what the Governor had to say as well. It was logical, well thought out and rational. It noted that adults are adults and should have freedom to choose. I feel like I haven't seen this type of talk since HR1256... which was the way our government should have gone towards tobacco regulation and tobacco harm reduction. I do hope that the statement from the Governor is the first step towards an overall change in philosophy. The Quit or Die philosophy... must simply be put to rest.

For Immediate Release Contact: Matt Salmon 202.841.6729 msalmon@policyimpact.com Governor Schwarzenegger Protects Adult Consumers’ Access to E-Cigarettes Industry hails veto of anti-smoking alternative bill as victory for consumers, common sense Washington, D.C. – October 12, 2009 | Matt Salmon, president of the Electronic Cigarette Association (ECA), today praised California Governor Schwarzenegger’s wise decision to veto Senate Bill 400, which would have banned electronic cigarette sales in the state, protecting adult consumers’ access to these alternative smoking devices. “This is not just a victory for consumers and common sense but is smart public policy as well,” said Salmon. “Rejecting this bill is the right step and should serve as a model for other states to follow.” In his veto message, Governor Schwarzenegger reiterated the stance of the ECA that strongly supports restricting access of electronic cigarettes to children under the age of 18. “We agree with the original intent of SB 400 to ban sales to those under the legal smoking age. And we support that on a national level as well,” added Salmon. The Governor affirmed that this restriction should not apply to adult consumers: “If adults want to purchase and consume these products with an understanding of the associated health risks, they should be able to do so unless and until federal law changes the legal status of these tobacco products.” The ECA actively communicated to the Governor its members’ concerns about the bill and the fact that banning these electronic cigarettes would disenfranchise thousands of California adult smokers who have difficulty quitting but want an alternative to combustible cigarettes without the host of carcinogens and harmful chemicals. Salmon credited this legislative victory to the efforts of thousands of consumers and ECA members who appealed directly to Governor Schwarzenegger to protect their rights. “While we know that combustible tobacco smoking kills over 400,000 Americans annually, and the percentage of smokers that quit every year is dismally low, we ought to be looking for more alternatives to traditional combustible tobacco products,” said Salmon. Electronic cigarette kits usually include the electronic cigarette, a replaceable cartridge pack (that may or may not contain nicotine), rechargeable lithium batteries, and a charger. There is some variation between different companies in what is included in their starter kit, but all components are listed on their Web sites. While ECA members do not market these devices as a healthy alternative or smoking cessation device, it is clear that they do not contain the harmful tars and hundreds of carcinogens that consumers get from combustible tobacco products. “We look forward to working with all government agencies, including the FDA, to ensure that consumers who want an alternative to combustible tobacco products have access to e-cigarettes that contain fewer harmful substances and produce no secondhand smoke,” concluded Salmon. ### About the Electronic Cigarette Association The ECA (www.ecassoc.org) is an association of private sector companies engaged in electronic cigarette technologies. Its mission is to provide the tools and information necessary for policy-makers, opinion leaders, media, and private sector companies worldwide to make informed decisions about the management and use of electronic cigarette technologies. The association institutes and promotes industry-wide standards and a code of conduct, works to maintain sound professional practices, educates the public and policy-makers on the industry’s activities and potential, and works to ensure the ethical use of electronic cigarette technologies.

This is HUGE!

http://gov.ca.gov/pdf/press/2009bills/SB400_Corbett_Veto_Message.pdf Get out the champagne and your favorite flavor of liquid because this is GOOOOOOOOD NEWS!!!! Congrats to EVERYONE who sent a letter, made a phone call... Awesome! Just awesome!

String - I got your letter... responded via PM... THANK YOU! I will certainly include it and have actually been to several other forums asking non-Marion county yet Indiana residents, to do the same... as eventually, what happens in Indy will filter throughout the state. Blah. Thank you for the offer on the website as well. Today, we are working on getting in contact with some of the Committee members. One, happens to be one of the sponsors/authors/introducers. I am most wanting to talk to him to see what he knows about the ecig and why it was applied to the ordinance. Right now, the info from the Indy.gov website doesn't tell us anything in regards to the ecig other than they are under the impression that it produces smoke?!? I did add you to my email list... so you can follow along with what is happening. Let me know if this is NOT ok... but you can respond to emails, not respond... whatever works for you. I have another person on the list who isn't even from Indiana, but is going through the same thing and wants to follow along to see how we handle it so they have a what to do or what not to do example when we get through this mess I wish someone would draw a map. This would be so much easier LOL

Well... that may be so... IMO, if it weren't for the fact that these were called "cigarettes", they would have been labeled as NRT's immediately, and you are totally right... we wouldn't be having this issue at all. Because frankly, if you didn't have your NRT prior to January of 2009... then most wouldn't have even known what an electronic cigarette was. That said, Hoosiers are more than welcome to help in any way they can...

Do you live in Marion County Indiana? Do you frequent any establishment that currently allows smoking? Have you been to Broad Ripple to enjoy a night out with friends? Those days are looking to be over. Tonight, the City-County Council introduced Proposal No 371. http://www.fox59.com/news/wxin-smoking-ban-debate-reignites-100209,0,6339949.story So tonight you can watch the city council meeting at: http://www.indy.gov/eGov/Cable/Gov_T..._schedule.aspx Tonight at 7pm EST. The proposal is: NO 371 and can be found here: http://www.indy.gov/eGov/Council/Pro...ages/home.aspx From the proposal here is where ecigs are specifically noted: Page 2: (j) "Smoking" means the carrying or holding of a lighted cigarette, cigar, pipe, or any other lighted smoking equipment, the use of an electronic cigarette (also known as an e-cigarette), or the inhalation or exhalation of smoke from any lighted smoking equipment. "Smoking" does not include the burning of incense. The only places exempt from the ban are private residences that are not licensed child care, adult day care, or health care facilities, and any vehicle used by an employee while in the service of an employer when the vehicle is occupied only by that employee, and the vehicle is not used by other employees at any other time. Also: Smoking shall be prohibited within twenty-five feet of an entrance or opening to an enclosed space where smoking is prohibited. What does that mean: That means that as all of the businesses in the Broad Ripple area are within 25 feet of each other, smoking will most likely be prohibited unless you are standing on the street, in traffic. (I would put an LOL here but it kind of isn't that funny!) Upon adoption this ban goes into full effect immediately. They plan to vote Monday, October 22nd. Public Hearing is October 14th. Here are some other things to note: Councillors Hunter, Mansfield, Malone and Evans have introduced this ordinance. What is actually very interesting is that in 2005, Angela Mansfield co-authored and co-sponsored Indianapolis' first "Smokefree Air Ordinance". Thus far, I cannot find anything further on Evans, Hunter, and Malone regarding smoking. Still looking. This ordinance would ammend her original "Smokefree Air Ordinance" to include the ecig AND to go back and eliminate all of the establishments like bars, bowling alleys, etc that were exempted in the first ordinance. Also to note: Evans and Mansfield are both Dems and Malone and Hunger are both Republicans. Interesting. The city council consists of 15 republicans, 13 democrats and 1 libertarian. So! If you live in Marion County and would like to help me... please feel free to PM. I have already contacted the Indiana Alcohol Beverage Commission, who opposes this ban. I am in the process of watching tonights City-County Council meeting and thus far, there has been no discussion. Here is what I am planning: I am going to put together a letter and several pertinent studies to make it very clear that including the electronic cigarette as a product that emits smoke is not correct. If you would like to include a letter within this packet, which I will hand deliver to each of the 29 Councillors, please PM so I can forward you my email address so you can send your letter. If you would prefer to send the letter yourself, that's great! But I would be happy to include whatever with mine.

The fact you know so much about your wifey-poos clothes is amazing.

awe... the sniffing of the mallow is the best! How cute... Kids are awesome. Are you ready for this Chris?

gtjecig - Welcome! Your blog looks good! Keep it up! - Oh and the article regarding The FDA Running Extortion Racket.. I would say I am not shocked... but I am disgusted. The more I read, the more I believe the FDA has some serious issues and it might be time for it to go. (And I do believe there is a NEED for this kind of an agency... just not the one we have) Keenan - That's awesome and what a great idea. Could you imagine being a Governor and getting not only a letter from a constituent that states why the ecig is so great, but an attached letter from the constituents doctor noting that there IS a difference in their patient and this product is great?!? Powerful. Suggest that where ever you hang out online. It's great!

This is a great idea! If you have non-smoking friends who think the ecig is wonderful because of their first hand knowledge of what it has done for loved ones... This would make a great impact IMHO. Put yourself in the position of the Governor, getting a letter from someone saying they are a non-smoker and the ecig has done A. B. and C. for them. Powerful. Awhile back on another forum, a mother posted a letter that her 13-16? year old child had written and it was beautiful. How this young kid knew that smoking was bad and was so thankful Mom had finally found something that allowed her to continue a habit she enjoyed, which wasn't bad, but it didn't have all of the other stuff. Honestly, I teared up. You could tell that this child, and the writing style was definitely that of a child, was so happy and proud of his mom. It was wonderful. We all have someone in our lives who thinks smoking is horrid and tells us every chance they get that it is... if they are open minded and like your ecig... ask them to write a letter.