Tag: e-cigarettes

Golden, Colorado has First-Ever Fund for Shop Owners

Welcome to Golden sign along Washington street in Golden, Colorado (Credit: PaBrady63)
Lawmakers in Golden, Colorado, dropped the hammer on more than two dozen retail outlets last year when they banned the sales of all flavored tobacco and nicotine products in the city.
The move is costing the businesses thousands of dollars in revenue.
Now, this city on the western edge of the Denver metro area is setting up a one-time $100,000 relief fund for smoke and vape shops, gas stations, and convenience stores to soften the financial hit they’ve taken since Golden’s prohibition went into effect on Jan. 1, according to media reports.
The City Council earlier this month directed staff to create a competitive grant program for businesses to apply for funds. No single store can receive more than $10,000, and the money must be allocated before the end of the year.
About 30 businesses in Golden are affected by the city’s prohibition.
“The City Council is trying to say they’ve heard the concerns of local businesses and they want to be responsive to local businesses that were impacted by an ordinance they weren’t anticipating,” said Rick Muriby, Golden’s community development director.
While several Colorado municipalities, including Boulder, Aspen, Glenwood Springs, and Edgewater, have passed similar flavored tobacco sales bans in recent years to combat youth nicotine product consumption, Golden appears to be the first willing to backfill revenues lost to a law it passed.
Muriby said the $100,000 figure wasn’t based on sales data from city businesses but was a figure the council and city manager “felt was a reasonable amount for the city to spend.” While Golden wants to ensure its businesses remain healthy, he said, it has no intention of taking a second look at its flavored nicotine ban.
In March, for the second time in the last three sessions, a bill to regulate flavored nicotine products has died in Colorado’s General Assembly.
August 22, 2024
Brazil Considers Legalizing Vaping Products, Again

VV Archives
The Brazilian Senate’s Economic Committee was set to vote on Tuesday on a bill that would legalize e-cigarettes in the country. Currently, e-cigarettes are prohibited in the country for manufacture, import, marketing, distribution, storage, transportation, and advertising.
The vote on the text has been repeatedly postponed due to a lack of consensus among legislators, according to media reports.
Although the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) banned them in Brazil in 2009, the products are still on the market and are sold illegally.
In a joint statement led by the Brazilian Medical Association (AMB) and the Brazilian Society of Pulmonology and Tisiology (SBPT), the medical entities unequivocally reiterate their stance against any changes to the regulation of electronic cigarettes, also known as vapes, “without any reservations.”
Ricardo Meirelles, coordinator of the AMB Anti-Smoking Commission, argues, “This project is a disservice to the Brazilian population because it intends to release a product that causes a lot of harm to health.”
In April, the board of directors for the Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) voted unanimously on April 19 to maintain a ban on the sale of e-cigarettes and other vaping products.
August 22, 2024
VPR: $1.77 Million in Revenue, Down From $1.9 Million
VPR Brands reported revenues of $1.77 million for the second quarter of 2024, down from $1.9 million in the comparable 2023 quarter. Gross profit was $451,469, compared with $1.1 million in the second quarter of 2023.
“While the second quarter presented some challenges, we are encouraged by the solid growth in our product sales and the positive trajectory of our business,” said VPR Brands CEO Kevin Frija.
“Our ability to generate consistent revenue, coupled with our strategic investments, positions us well for future success. We are committed to driving innovation and expanding our market presence, and we believe that our focus on quality and customer satisfaction will continue to deliver value to our shareholders.”
Looking ahead, VPR Brands says it remains focused on expanding its product lines and enhancing its market footprint. “With a solid balance sheet and a dedicated team, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the electronic cigarette and vaporizer markets,” the company wrote in a press note.

Photo: crizzystudio
August 22, 2024
Thailand: Police Seize $300,000 in Illegal Vapes

Credit: Natanaelginting.
Police conducted a raid on a warehouse owned by a major online e-cigarette dealer in northern Thailand, YAI VAPE, confiscating 30,000 items valued at 10 million baht ($291,000).
The police discovered e-cigarettes disguised as toys to evade detection. The Ministry of Public Health is advocating for legislative changes to close legal loopholes, according to media reports.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Nirundorn disclosed that the inquiry commenced with the discovery of the website yaivapeth.com, which promoted e-cigarettes and related items and offered nationwide delivery services.
Earlier this week, child health and rights experts in the country began calling for more awareness of the dangers of vaping around children, claiming exposure to secondhand vapor from vaping at home could be seen as a violation of Thailand’s child protection laws.
August 21, 2024
Czech Health Ministry Wants Ban on Flavored Vapes

Credit: Piotr
The Czech Health Ministry is drafting an amendment to a decree that could significantly impact the e-cigarette industry. The proposed changes would prohibit all flavors except tobacco, as well as sweeteners and other additives commonly used in e-liquids.
These regulations would apply solely to vaping products, leaving traditional cigarettes and other nicotine alternatives unaffected. Industry representatives have responded with alarm, warning that this move could lead to the collapse of the entire sector.
“We are stunned. Without any prior consultation, the ministry is essentially planning to ban e-cigarettes in the Czech Republic,” said Robert Hrdlička, chairman of the Chamber of Electronic Vaping (KEVAP).
He argued that without the now-banned ingredients, tobacco-flavored e-liquids would be unsellable. “The ministry is imposing an amateurish and uninformed view on what tobacco should taste like,” Hrdlička added.
In addition, a new excise tax on e-cigarettes is set to take effect in September, with further increases planned in the coming years, according to media reports. “The government’s approach is entirely illogical. First, they encourage e-cigarettes as a tool to reduce smoking, and now they’re essentially banning them,” Hrdlička criticized.
Experts in the e-cigarette field warn that such a ban could push users back to conventional cigarettes or encourage smuggling of e-liquids from abroad.
August 21, 2024
Burbidge Joins Global Action to End Smoking

Global Action to End Smoking appointed Cole Burbidge as a new director of programs. With a distinguished career in advancing public health in underserved communities, Burbidge brings a wealth of experience that will support the organization’s grantmaking work, according to the organization.
Burbidge is a physician by training and a strong advocate for patient-centered care, understanding firsthand the gaps between idealized healthcare models and the reality faced by patients. His career has been dedicated to improving health outcomes for recreational substance users and high-risk patients.
At Global Action, Burbidge’s main roles will be developing requests for grant proposals and evaluating prospective research projects. He will also be supporting the communications team as it disseminates relevant information to people who smoke. He will report to Erik Augustson, vice president of programs.
“I’m excited to continue my work in improving public health through my new role at Global Action,” said Burbidge in a statement. “I am deeply passionate about meeting individuals where they are to make sure that a healthier lifestyle is effective and accessible.”
Burbidge’s experience spans consulting roles with healthcare organizations, pharmaceutical companies and risk-reduction advocacy groups as well as leadership positions in industry, where he oversaw teams in scientific and regulatory affairs.
“Dr. Cole Burbidge is a strong addition to our team at Global Action,” said Augustson. “His expertise and passion for patient-centered care will be invaluable as we continue our mission to end smoking. Dr. Burbidge’s focus on innovative, data-driven solutions aligns perfectly with our goals, and we look forward to the impact he will have on our programs.”
August 21, 2024
Registry Rules in Kentucky Decimating Vape Shops

Credit: Zoran Milic
A leading figure in the retail vaping industry in Kentucky has stated that businesses statewide are experiencing a decline. A new law that affects most vaping product outlets will come into effect this January.
Tony Florence owns six vape stores in Kentucky and a manufacturing facility. He said his father died from lung cancer and his interest in the business has been to provide an avenue to help people quit smoking cigarettes. Florence said open-system vaping devices can work to that end.
“If it got to the point where 20 years from now, I went out of business because there were no more people smoking and no more people vaping, mission accomplished. I’m good with that,” said Florence, according to media reports.
But Florence predicts a vast majority of vape shops in Kentucky will be closing in the months ahead. He said HB 11, passed earlier this year, limits legal sales to relatively few products. Florence said disposable vape devices often do have higher nicotine levels, which can foster continued use.
Florence said he’s seen a trend since April when lawmakers passed the legislation.
“More and more stores just going out of business. They are not renewing leases. I mean, from a manufacturing-distribution standpoint, I’m down 80 percent since April. Because stores are just … they’re either not buying new product because they’re selling off the old or they’re going out of business,” said Florence.
August 20, 2024
VooPoo Launches Doric 60 Pro System in France

VooPoo launches its latest vaping system, the DORIC 60 Pro, in the French market. The innovative round-rod pod mod promises to “:reshape the vaping experience” with its state-of-the-art features and improved design, according to a release.
“Central to DORIC 60 Pro is the PnP X atomization technology, which offers remarkable enhancements in flavor, durability, and protection against leaks. This advanced technology signifies a major leap forward, ensuring a superior experience for our meticulous customers,” the release states. “Moreover, the addition of a replaceable 510 thread drip tip permits more customization and adaptability, accommodating both DTL (direct-to-lung) and MTL (mouth-to-lung) vaping needs.”
DORIC 60 Pro has been substantially upgraded to boost its performance and user satisfaction. The introduction of PnP X enhances atomization technology, providing better flavor, prolonged longevity, and improved 4-layer leak-proof technology, according to VooPoo.
Additionally, the device’s aesthetics have been sharpened with a smaller size and broader color selection, amplifying its visual charm and user appeal. Different vape modes, adjustable via the 510 thread tip, enable easy switching between DTL and MTL modes, tailoring to individual preferences.
“Adding to these developments, Doric 60 Pro has a practical rotary lock switch at its base. The inventive feature ensures effortless and secure locking, providing users with a prompt, safe, and smooth experience,” the release states.
August 20, 2024
Illinois Bans ‘Highlighter’ Looking Vaping Devices

Credit: High Light Vape
Illinois lawmakers have decisively passed a law that forbids vaping companies from targeting teens with their advertising, particularly by promoting electronic cigarettes that resemble school supplies such as highlighters, markers, or erasers.
The changes come at a time when lawmakers from both sides of the aisle in Springfield have been bombarded with complaints about students bringing vapes into schools that could easily be mistaken for such common items, according to media.
Seilback argues that none of the deception should come as a surprise.
“The industry is always needing to replace those that quit using their products,” he adds. “They’re always looking for the next generation. They’re going to keep saying what they say and we need to make sure that our elected officials stand with the public health community.”
The new law will be enforced by the Illinois Department of Revenue, the Attorney General’s office, and local law enforcement. At the same time, Senate Bill 3098, which will ban electronic cigarette companies from allowing anyone under 21 to order vaping products online or by mail, is also slated to soon take effect.
Illinois Senate Bill 3098, signed into law Aug. 9, prohibits e-cigarettes purchased by mail, online or through other remote sale methods from being shipped to anyone in the state other than a distributor or retailer. Senate Bill 3098 goes into effect Jan. 1, 2025.
August 20, 2024
Smoore Reports Half-Year Revenue of $705.4 Million

Photo:TacoTuinstra
Smoore International Holdings reported revenue of RMB5.04 billion ($705,4 million) for the six months that ended June 30, down 1.7 percent from the comparable 2023 period. Gross profit rose 3.2 percent to RMB1.91 billion while pretax profit was up by 1.9 percent to RMB811.56 million.
The group’s branded business grew by 71.9 percent to RMB1.12 billion in the first half of 2024, boosted by the company’s digital marketing operations, which enabled the company to respond rapidly to consumer preferences. The group’s Vaporesso brand continued to increase its market share in the open system product segment and has become the leading brand in this category.
Smoore’s corporate client sales meanwhile, declined by 12.3 percent to RMB3.92 billion in the first six months of 2024, reflecting different sales performances in different markets around the world.
In the U.S., Smoore faced competition from noncompliant vaping products. However, the company said it was encouraged by clarifications of the regulatory framework and the strengthening of enforcement in that market, pointing to creation of a federal multi-agency task force to combat the illicit market, among other developments.
Increasing regulation of the vaping market in Europe, meanwhile, has impacted demand for traditional disposable products, causing the group’s revenue from single-use vapes to decline by approximately 18.9 percent year-on-year to approximately RMB1.22 billion.
Smoore said it has successfully launched a number of new closed system products in the international market in the first half of the year, and it is confident that this will translate into stronger orders in the second half of the year.
In China, where the group’s corporate client oriented business centers on closed system electronic vaping products, Smoore reported sales revenue of RMB87.78 million, representing an increase of approximately 41.4 percent as compared to the same period last year.
August 20, 2024