PMTA update

Industry Update

CA Flavor Ban Imminent

California is the latest to be in the crosshairs of a flavor ban (again).The California Senate Health committee passed SB 793 today which would restrict access to flavored tobacco products of all kinds and even addresses loop holes by banning things like “flavor enhancers” that could be potentially mixed to create flavored ejuice. Even with Coronavirus concerns dominating headlines truth still comes out and we need to defend it. The FDA reported there is no evidence linking vaping to having increased risk for Coronavirus infections or exacerbating symptoms.

San Francisco’s study on the flavor ban impacts, the increase in black market dealings (which was were all the contaminated THC cartridges came from that were responsible for the lung illness breakouts) and the impact you as a vapor have seen on your own life by switching from smoking.

Continue advocacy

For each of these states that successfully enacts a flavor ban others will look to join. Just because it hasn’t happened yet to your state doesn’t mean it isn’t coming to yours. We are still at war. Times are hard now more than ever but every day and every state matters. Keep the fire alive and continue to advocate for the industry by reaching out to your local representatives and banning together even with your competitors. Nobody wins if this continues. Except big tobacco. 

Updated CDC language towards vaping post EVALI breakout linked to THC cartridges 

From the CDC’s website: “Adults using nicotine-containing e-cigarette, or vaping, products as an alternative to cigarettes should not go back to smoking; they should weigh all available information and consider using FDA-approved smoking cessation medications. If they choose to use e-cigarettes as an alternative to cigarettes, they should completely switch from cigarettes to e-cigarettes and not partake in an extended period of dual use of both products that delays quitting smoking completely.” The CDC along with the mainstream media have caused tremendous damage to the public perception of vapor products as an alternative to traditional tobacco cigarettes. As small and under-reported as the new statement like this may be, it could give way to future acknowledgement of our industry as we have sparked heated debate and curiosity from parties that otherwise wouldn’t get involved in the industry. PMTAs, as horrible as they are, will force government officials to review well intentioned studies, impacts, and scientific data that should play to our advantage.

Supply Chains Still Disrupted

Supplies from manufacturers are still not quite where they need to be to fill the current demand in terms of coils, devices, glass etc. Many juice manufacturers (particularly lines that are copacked from another source) are still running a bit behind along with distributors who are seeing increased order capacity with less staff available due to workforce restrictions and other problems that have caused delays. Suppliers as well as distributors across the country thank you for your patience and understanding with everything going on. All of us are blessed to be in the vape industry and unlike many other industries we are still operational and maintaining business better than those directly impacted by COVID-19 restrictions or lack of demand/customers. Stores are reopening across the country and business is returning strongly.

Industry Update:

Marina Vape announced this week they plan to discontinue all other ejuices they produce besides Aqua in preparation for PMTAs

In preparation for PMTA, Marina will be discontinuing their Alternativ, Marina Classics, Alpha Vape and Crème de la Crème brands. The remaining stock we have available will continue to deplete. It’s possible they could come back, but at this time no new production runs are forecasted. If you have customers who regularly buy any flavors from these lines, now is the time to order what is left and inform customers of the change.