Tag: news

VooPoo Launches Latest Argus Pod and Drag Q Devices
After launching the Argus GT 2 in April, VooPoo released two new kits this month. The popular Argus POD was released on May 23rd and Drag Q was released on May 26th.
The Drag Q boasts a 25W max output that intelligently adjusts based on the pod used and a long, narrow drip tip. With its 1250mAh internal battery the device can last all day on a single charge, according to a press release.
For those looking for a more compact vape, the new Argus Pod combines the more traditional pod mod shape with the power and versatility of the Argus range. The Argus Pod features GENE AI 1.2 technology, which automatically adjusts power between 5W and 20W. A built-in 800mAh battery guarantees a lengthy charge, which you’ll always be on top of, thanks to the 0.69-inch OLED screen display.
“We’re excited to release not one but two new products to our iconic VooPoo ranges,” a VooPoo spokesperson stated in the release. “It was our goal to give MTL vapers more variety, so with the pocket-friendly Argus Pod and pod-style Drag Q, vapers can choose the right vape for them.”
May 29, 2022
US FDA Warns Four for Illegally Selling CBD Products
Credit: Anankkml
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yesterday issued warning letters to four companies illegally selling unapproved animal drugs containing cannabidiol (CBD) that are intended for use in food-producing animals. The companies include Haniel Concepts dba Free State Oils, Hope Botanicals, Plantacea LLC dba Kahm CBD and Kingdom Harvest.
“While the FDA does not know the current extent of CBD use in food-producing animals, the agency is taking steps regarding these unapproved and potentially unsafe products now to help protect animals and the safety of the food supply,” a press release states. “After a food-producing animal is treated with a drug, residues of that drug may be present in the milk, eggs, or meat if the animal is milked, eggs are collected, or the animal is sent to slaughter before the drug is completely out of its system.”
The FDA has not approved any human or animal products containing CBD other than one prescription drug product to treat rare, severe forms of epilepsy in children. The regulatory agency states all other CBD products intended for use as a drug (i.e. making medical claims) are considered unapproved drugs and are illegal to sell.
Some of the claims made by the companies in the warning letters refer to helping “farm animals with stress, anxiety, pain, inflammation, injuries…” and providing “support to help manage normal stress, promote a calming effect, maintain a healthy gut, maintain a normal and balanced behavior, maintain healthy joints, maintain a normal inflammatory response….” These claims, among others, establish the intended use of the products as drugs, according to FDA.
The FDA has requested responses from the companies within 15 working days stating how they will address these violations and prevent their recurrence. Failure to promptly address the violations may result in legal action, including product seizure and/or injunction.
May 27, 2022
First Ceramic Coil Disposable Debuts at Vape Expo U.K.

As the popularity of disposable vapes grows, more users are calling for a disposable that includes a ceramic coil. Many vapers believe that ceramic coils provide more flavor and a significantly better vaping experience. Today, FEELM, the flagship atomization brand for Smoore International, showcased the industry’s first ceramic coil disposable pod solution series, the FEELM Max, series during the Vapor Expo U.K. 2022 in Birmingham.
In a press release, the company states that almost all the existing disposable vapes are equipped with cotton coil, which produces relatively large aerosol particles leading to inefficient deposition of inhaled particles in the lungs. This results in low nicotine delivery and satisfaction, as well as harshness in throat.
Soft cotton coils are unable to form a stable structure, which causes a high leakage rate and an unpleasant burnt taste. The uneven heating of cotton coils could also cause a weak flavor consistency, so that vaping the experience will fade gradually over time. Moreover, the selling points of most disposable vapes currently focus on large-mouth puff count (the huge number of puffs that the disposable will provide).
The FEELM Max has largely improved e-liquid utilization by virtue of a cotton-free structure and microporous ceramic coil, according to FEELM. The Max’s puff number is increased by 25 percent with the same e-liquid volume compared with traditional cotton coil disposable vapes.
Credit: Timothy S. Donahue
“Besides, it can provide an unprecedented silky-smooth vaping experience, thanks to the ceramic coil, which generates smaller vaporized aerosol particles, thereby minimizing residue in throat,” the release states. “In contrast to cotton coil disposable vapes, the smoothness is improved also by 30 percent. This innovation also boasts extraordinary flavor consistency of over 95 percent since a ceramic coil can guarantee constant vapor production that brings the same strong and great taste till the last puff.”
FEELM Max also features a 46 percent increase in overall harm reduction performance compared with cotton coil vapes, and an ultra-low vaping leakage rate of less than 0.03 percent because FEELM’s Maze Leakage-proof Technology. “The smaller vaporized aerosol particles generated by FEELM ceramic coil tend to deposit more in the lung bringing greater and faster satisfaction,” the release states. “Meanwhile, FEELM’s patented Flavor-Lock technology can bring tailored flavor release with terraced temperature zones.”
At Vaper Expo UK 2022, FEELM also showcased other industry-leading, pioneering disposable vaping solutions, for example, eco-friendly non-nicotine disposable e-cigarette and anti-dust mouthpiece hygienic e-cigarette. These two have been awarded Red Dot Awards for Product Design 2022 for their green product concepts and avant-garde design.
“Unlike traditional disposable e-cigarettes made of plastic, the external structure of eco-friendly non-nicotine disposable e-cigarette is composed of recyclable and reusable paper and aluminum foil while anti-dust mouthpiece hygienic e-cigarette features a twist nozzle to prevent the contact of mouthpiece with something unclean, with the product concept originated from lipsticks,” the release states.
Another award-winning solution displayed at the event is FEELM Air, the world’s thinnest ceramic coil vape pod solution. In collaboration with its global clients, FEELM has demonstrated a series of vaping products of regional leading brands that adopt FEELM Air solution. Moreover, it will announce the 2022 timeline of commercial launch of FEELM Air on a global scale at a later date.
May 27, 2022
Hong Kong Smoking Rate Drops to Single Digits

Photo: sezerozger
Hong Kong’s smoking rate dropped to 9.5 percent in 2021, for the first time hitting single-digits, reports The Standard, citing a survey by the city’s Census and Statistics Department. In 2019, 10.2 percent of Hong Kong’s population smoked.
The survey results showed that there were some 581,500 daily conventional cigarette smokers in 2021, accounting for 9.5 percent of all persons aged 15 and over in Hong Kong.
The survey also found daily conventional cigarette smokers consumed on average about 13 sticks of conventional cigarettes a day, the same as that in 2019.
Despite the drop in overall tobacco use, the number of people using e-cigarettes surged from 7,200 in 2019 to 17,500 last year.
The number of people using alternative smoking products is likely to decrease in the wake of Hong Kong’s ban on the import, manufacturing, sale and distribution of electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco items, which took effect April 30.
Health secretary Sophia Chan Siu-chee said that Hong Kong aims to lower the smoking rate to 7.8 percent by 2025. To achieve this, the government is considering expanding statutory nonsmoking areas, reducing the overall attractiveness of tobacco products and preventing young people from developing smoking habits.
May 27, 2022
Group Urges Swedish Lawmakers to Stop Flavor Ban
Credit: Anette Andersen
The global vaping advocacy group World Vapers Alliance this week delivered an open letter to the Swedish parliament urging policymakers to stop the flavor ban.
World Vapers’ Alliance held another protest yesterday to stand against the ban on vape flavors. The group marched in front of the Parliament with the slogan “Flavors help smokers quit” during parliament’s session and delivered an open letter to members of parliament to urge them to vote against the ban, according to a press release.
Earlier this year, the Swedish government introduced a bill that would prohibit all non-tobacco vape flavours in nicotine and non-nicotine products. If approved, the bill is set to enter into force on 1 January 2023.
“I benefited first hand from vaping and managed to stay smoke free for the last few years,” said Michael Landl, Director of the World Vapers’ Alliance. “Like most other smokers, I tried to find a way out of cigarettes – but nothing worked for me, the patches, the gums, the inhalers. Vaping – and especially combined with flavors – was my savior. And like me there are millions around the world who are healthier and lead a better life because of vaping.”
May 26, 2022
Rhode Island Becomes 19th State to Legalize Cannabis

Credit: Yul
Rhode Island is now the 19th state to have legalized cannabis. The new law will give courts until July 1, 2024, to automatically expunge past convictions, and those who want their expungement sooner may request it.
Governor Dan McKee yesterday signed into law the Rhode Island Cannabis Act, legalizing and safely regulating recreational adult-use cannabis in the state, according to McKee’s office. The Act includes automatic expungement of prior civil or criminal marijuana possession charges, a key provision in the Governor’s original cannabis proposal to the General Assembly.
Under the new law, possession and home-growing of cannabis is now legal for adults age 21 and older, and in-store sales may begin as soon as December 1. The law also establishes a framework for common-sense adult use cannabis regulation with a strong emphasis on public health and public safety.
“This bill successfully incorporates our priorities of making sure cannabis legalization is equitable, controlled, and safe,” said Governor McKee. “In addition, it creates a process for the automatic expungement of past cannabis convictions. My Administration’s original legalization plan also included such a provision and I am thrilled that the Assembly recognized the importance of this particular issue. The end result is a win for our state both socially and economically.”
The legislation calls for a 20 percent tax rate, split up into the 7 percent sales tax, a new 10 percent cannabis tax, and a 3 percent tax by the municipality where the marijuana is sold. In addition, the legislation makes numerous investments in the creation of an equitable, accessible cannabis retail market through the set-aside of certain application fee revenues and the reservation of a portion of new licenses for social equity applicants and worker-owned cooperatives.
May 26, 2022
Oregon E-Cig Tax Smokes Revenue Projections by 300%
Credit: Nomad Soul
In its quarterly revenue forecast Oregon state economists released last week is an eye-popping number: revenues from a new tax on nicotine-based e-cigarettes and vaping products.
“Inhalant delivery [vaping] revenues, a new tax in 2021, continue to come in significantly above initial expectations,” the economists wrote. “Over the first year of the tax, actual collections have been three times as large as expected.”
Prior to 2020, the state didn’t collect any taxes on e-cigarettes.
That changed with Measure 108 in 2020 that included a suite of new policies aimed at reducing the harmful effects of tobacco use—most notably a $2 tax increase on every pack of smokes, according to Willamette Week.
The measure, which passed 66% to 34%, also included a tax of 65% of the wholesale price of vaping products.
In October 2020, right before the general election, the Legislative Revenue Office prepared an estimate of how much the new vape tax would raise and estimated revenues to be an estimated $10 million a year.
In 2021, the first full year of collections, the state took in nearly $30 million.
It’s not unusual for projected revenues from a new tax to be significantly low, especially if they deal with new products such as vapes or newly legal products such as recreational cannabis, which also significantly overperformed in the early years.
May 25, 2022
FEELM Wins 4 Red Dot Awards for Product Design
Four Red Dot Awards for Product Design 2022 have been garnered by FEELM, the flagship atomization technology brand belonging to Smoore International.
The innovative atomization products include the world’s thinnest ceramic coil vape pod solution FEELM Air, an eco-friendly non-nicotine disposable e-cigarette, and an anti-dust mouthpiece hygienic e-cigarette.
The FEELM Air is known as the world’s thinnest vape pod solution with ceramic coil. As the latest vape pod solution of FEELM, the thickness of FEELM Air is reduced by 25 percent, compared with the last generation, to only 7.8 mm.
In addition, FEELM also demonstrates its environmental awareness with the eco-friendly non-nicotine disposable e-cigarette.
Unlike traditional disposable e-cigarettes made of plastic, the external structure of the product is composed of recyclable and reusable paper and aluminum foil.
The other award-winning FEELM atomization product is the anti-dust mouthpiece hygienic e-cigarette, which features a twist nozzle to prevent dust falling on the mouthpiece.
Users can hide the mouthpiece into the device to avoid contact with something unclean, as they are more concerned with personal hygiene during COVID-19 pandemic.
“In the coming summer, FEELM will launch an innovative disposable e-cigarette series with anti-dust mouthpiece hygienic design, to provide users with a healthier vaping experience,” said Totom Lu, director of the FEELM Design Team. “In the near future, we also intend to introduce eco-friendly disposable e-cigarettes made of green materials, to reduce environmental impacts and carbon emissions of FEELM products.”
Committed to sustainable product designs, FEELM Design Team has been working on replacement of traditional plastic with biodegradable materials, such as paper and bagasse.
It is also exploring the application of highly reusable materials, including aluminum, in e-cigarettes. Moreover, FEELM Design Team attempts to make batteries easy to disassemble, encouraging the recycling of disposable vapes.
“FEELM has been aware that currently most disposable vapes are very similar in design and appearance, and appeal to consumers with diverse flavors,” said Lu. “The two award-winning products illustrate FEELM’s development roadmap for disposable vapes. FEELM will design eco-friendlier and more pioneering products, and has already developed nicotine-free disposable vape to address increasing harm reduction requirements.”
May 25, 2022
U.S. FDA, NIH Release Latest PATH Study Data Files
Photo: Tobacco Reporter Archive
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Tobacco Products and the National Institute of Health’s National Institute on Drug Abuse announced the availability and location of newly released and updated data files from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study, including the following:
New data sets:
Wave 5.5 Special Collection Restricted-Use File (SCRUF)
PATH Study Adult Telephone Survey (PATH-ATS) SCRUF
Updated datasets:
PATH Study Restricted-Use Files: Ever/Never Reference Data
Master Linkage Files (MLF)
The Wave 5.5 Special Collection data were collected from youth participants ages 13 to 19 between July and December 2020. Data in the PATH-ATS were collected between September and December 2020 from a subsample of adult participants ages 20 and older, complementing the Wave 5.5 Special Collection. Additionally, Restricted-Use Files have been updated to include Wave 5 Ever/Never Reference Data, and the Restricted-Use and Public-Use Master Linkage Files have been updated.
Questions about the collection, content, weighting, documentation, or structure of PATH Study data (this excludes questions on statistical analysis or analytic guidance) may be submitted to PATHDataUserQuestions@Westat.com.
May 25, 2022
Gov. Vetoes Delaware Cannabis Bill, Lawmakers may Override
The governor of Delaware announced on Tuesday that he has vetoed a bill to legalize marijuana that the legislature sent to his desk earlier this month. Gov. John Carney said the law wasn’t in “the best interest of the state” despite the issue’s popularity within his own party.
In a statement, the Carney said that he supports allowing people to access cannabis for medical purposes and feels that “individuals should not be imprisoned solely for the possession and private use of a small amount of marijuana.” But he doesn’t believe Delaware should go beyond its current policies, according to Marijuana Moment.
“I do not believe that promoting or expanding the use of recreational marijuana is in the best interests of the state of Delaware, especially our young people,” he said. “Questions about the long-term health and economic impacts of recreational marijuana use, as well as serious law enforcement concerns, remain unresolved.”
The legislature could still override the governor’s veto of HB 371, which is sponsored by Rep. Ed Osienski, as it’s already received more than three-fifths of the vote in both chambers that would be required to overrule Carney’s decision.
May 25, 2022