Month: October 2021

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FDA OKs first e-cigarette, Vuse, a vaping device from RJ Reynolds, citing benefit to smokers

Story Highlights

  • Tuesday’s decision only applies to Vuse’s Solo e-cigarette and its tobacco-flavored nicotine cartridges.
  • Launched in 2013, Vuse Solo is a rechargeable metallic device that’s shaped like a traditional cigarette.
  • Vuse is the No. 2 vaping brand in the U.S. behind Juul, accounting for about a third of all retail sales.

WASHINGTON — For the first time, the Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday authorized an electronic cigarette, saying the vaping device from R.J. Reynolds can help smokers cut back on conventional cigarettes.

E-cigarettes have been sold in the U.S. for more than a decade with minimal government oversight or research. Facing a court deadline, the FDA has been conducting a sweeping review of vaping products to determine which ones should be allowed to remain on the market.

The agency said in September it had rejected applications for more than a million e-cigarettes and related products, mainly due to their potential appeal to underage teens. But regulators delayed making decisions on most of the major vaping companies, including market leader Juul, which is still pending.

Tuesday’s decision only applies to Vuse’s Solo e-cigarette and its tobacco-flavored nicotine cartridges. The agency said data from the company showed the e-cigarette helped smokers significantly reduce their exposure to the harmful chemicals in traditional cigarettes.

While the products can now be legally sold in the U.S., the FDA stressed they are neither safe nor “FDA approved,” and that people who don’t smoke shouldn’t use them.

Launched in 2013, Vuse Solo is a rechargeable metallic device that’s shaped like a traditional cigarette. The FDA said it rejected 10 other requests from the company for other flavored products. The agency is still reviewing the company’s request to sell a menthol-flavored nicotine formula.

“Today’s authorizations are an important step toward ensuring all new tobacco products undergo the FDA’s robust, scientific premarket evaluation,” said Mitch Zeller, director of the FDA’s tobacco center, in a statement. “The manufacturer’s data demonstrates its tobacco-flavored products could benefit addicted adult smokers who switch to these products – either completely or with a significant reduction in cigarette consumption.”

E-cigarettes first appeared in the U.S. around 2007 with the promise of providing smokers with a less harmful alternative to smoking traditional tobacco cigarettes. The devices heat a nicotine solution into a vapor that’s inhaled.

But there has been little rigorous study of whether e-cigarettes truly help smokers quit. And efforts by the FDA to begin vetting vaping products and their claims were repeatedly slowed by industry lobbying and competing political interests.

In recent years, the vaping market grew to include hundreds of companies selling an array of devices and nicotine solutions in various flavors and strengths. But the vast majority of the market is controlled by a few companies including Juul Labs, which is partially owned by Altria, and Vuse.

Vuse is the No. 2 vaping brand in the U.S. behind Juul, accounting for about a third of all retail sales. Its parent company R.J. Reynolds sells Newport, Camel and other leading cigarettes.

A company spokesperson said in a statement that the FDA decision confirms “that Vuse Solo products are appropriate for the protection of the public health, underscoring years of scientific study and research.”

To stay on the market, companies must show that their products benefit public health. In practice, that means proving that adult smokers who use the products are likely to quit or reduce their smoking, while teens are unlikely to get hooked on them.

Kenneth Warner, a tobacco expert at the University of Michigan’s school of public health, said the news was a positive step for reducing the harms of smoking. But he lamented that only a vaping device backed by a Big Tobacco company was able to win the FDA’s endorsement.

“The demands the FDA places on companies filing these applications are so extraordinary difficult to meet that only those with huge resources and personnel – in terms of scientists, lawyers, researchers – are able to file successfully,” said Warner.

He said smaller companies and vape shops should have a separate path to get their products authorized.

The FDA declared underage vaping an “epidemic” in 2018 and has taken a series of measures aimed at the small cartridge-based devices that first sparked the problem, including limiting their flavors to tobacco and menthol. Separately, Congress raised the purchase age for all tobacco and vaping products to 21.

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How to Get the Best Cannabis Packaging & Design for your Brand

Custom cannabis packaging made by skilled designers is just as vital as product quality in emphasizing your product’s identity. Great packaging communicates to the market what you represent, helps people identify your branding, and assists potential buyers in determining whether your products are suited for them. All of this is communicated through color, form, and other design components in packaging. Discovering beautiful tag design concepts and trending in product package design is essential for selling more items and increasing brand awareness. In this essay, we will learn about the significance and specifics of the best cannabis packaging technique.

 

Importance of Attractive Packaging

 

The best dispensary packaging must be elegant, but it must also be consistent with the company’s natural sense. For example, if you’re a prime firm with a nice, unique vibe, your packaging should represent that. Everything must be in order to convey to the buyer who you are and who you stood for. On the other hand, if your business is more lively, you may be a little more playful with your layout concept. Buyers want to be capable of identifying your brand as soon as they view it. They will be dissatisfied with a corporation whose ideas are inconsistent.

 

Importance of Strong Packaging

 

Packaging must be long-lasting and suit its function. Customers will need to be able to store their pack in a backpack easily. Paper wrapping should be sturdy and, ideally, waterproof so that the buyer can keep the original packing as a storage alternative. It would help if you didn’t want your clients to be concerned about the bag’s contents falling out.

 

Proper Marijuana Packaging Examples

 

Cannabis and marijuana use is increasing on a daily basis. More companies are entering the industry. More businesses are realizing that they must compete and demonstrate to clients that they are the best alternative. Cannabis packing and marijuana packaging come in a variety of packaging and design types.

 

Paper cannabis packaging

 

Paper cannabis packaging is mainly seen in pouch form. This is a waterproof, almost waxy type of material that keeps the flower dry and fresh, and it has that resealable strip across the top that we mentioned before. These come in various sizes, depending on the goods contained within the packaging itself. This type of packaging gives the user easy storage.

 

Glass container

 

This sort of packaging provides better security. Of course, this is a packaging that is commonly applied with CBD oil for added safety and protection. This is the most excellent cannabis packing for preserving freshness and safety. It also provides an alternative storage option to the standard packing. We realize that conventional cardboard is often damaged when wet, but the glass case will preserve the goods securely. The packing in this example is mainly for marketing and keeping the glass safe throughout shipping and sale.

 

Airtight Container

 

It is perfect for storing but may also be given as a gift. The basic packaging is ideal for preserving the flower while also keeping it fresh and secure. These jars work well for a colorful, eye-catching design. The vivid colors and jazzy mood are eye-catching, yet the overall effect is modest. Like the plastic container within a small box, the airtight jar is an excellent technique to preserve the plant from harm during transportation.

 

The idea is to meet customers where they are today and where they will be in the coming future. The distinctive packaging designs of 2021 are focused on delivering a new, more comprehensive branding impression. Always ensure cannabis packaging and labeling regulations protect public and consumer health and safety.

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E-cigarettes could be prescribed on the NHS in world first

  • Medical regulator to work with manufacturers to assess safety and effectiveness of products
  • Move supports government ambition for England to be smoke-free by 2030 and to reduce stark health disparities in smoking rates

E-cigarettes could be prescribed on the NHS in England to help people stop smoking tobacco products, as Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid welcomed the latest step forward in the licensing process for manufacturers.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is publishing updated guidance that paves the way for medicinally licensed e-cigarette products to be prescribed for tobacco smokers who wish to quit smoking.

Manufacturers can approach the MHRA to submit their products to go through the same regulatory approvals process as other medicines available on the health service.

This could mean England becomes the first country in the world to prescribe e-cigarettes licensed as a medical product.

If a product receives MHRA approval, clinicians could then decide on a case-by-case basis whether it would be appropriate to prescribe an e-cigarette to NHS patients to help them quit smoking. It remains the case that non-smokers and children are strongly advised against using e-cigarettes.

E-cigarettes contain nicotine and are not risk free, but expert reviews from the UK and US have been clear that the regulated e-cigarettes are less harmful than smoking. A medicinally licensed e-cigarette would have to pass even more rigorous safety checks.

Smoking remains the leading preventable cause of premature death and while rates are at record low levels in the UK, there are still around 6.1 million smokers in England. There are also stark differences in rates across the country, with smoking rates in Blackpool (23.4%) and Kingston upon Hull (22.2%) poles apart from rates in wealthier areas such as Richmond upon Thames (8%).

E-cigarettes were the most popular aid used by smokers trying to quit in England in 2020. E-cigarettes have been shown to be highly effective in supporting those trying to quit, with 27.2% of smokers using them compared with 18.2% using nicotine replacement therapy products such as patches and gum.

Some of the highest success rates of those trying to quit smoking are among people using an e-cigarette to kick their addiction alongside local Stop Smoking services, with up to 68 % successfully quitting in 2020 -2021.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Sajid Javid said:

This country continues to be a global leader on healthcare, whether it’s our COVID-19 vaccine rollout saving lives or our innovative public health measures reducing people’s risk of serious illness.

Opening the door to a licensed e-cigarette prescribed on the NHS has the potential to tackle the stark disparities in smoking rates across the country, helping people stop smoking wherever they live and whatever their background.

Almost 64,000 people died from smoking in England in 2019 and the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) is supporting efforts to level up public health and ensure communities across the country have equal health outcomes.

Reducing health disparities – including in smoking rates – and keeping people in better health for longer is good for the individual, families, society, the economy and NHS. To achieve this overall ambition, the OHID will work collaboratively at national, regional and local levels as well as with the NHS, academia, the third sector, scientists, researchers and industry.

The government will soon publish a new Tobacco Control Plan which will set out the roadmap for achieving a smoke-free England by 2030.

Notes to editors:

  • The NHS can only prescribe e-cigarettes when NICE recommends them for use
  • Smoking death rates for 2019 in England can be found here.
  • Data on products used to support smokers trying to quit can be found here.
  • Success rates alongside local stop smoking services can be found here.
  • The international study on e-cigarette safety and effectiveness can be found here
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Former health execs join clamor to junk vape bill

Stressing that it is a huge step backward in protecting the health of Filipinos, health experts, youth groups, and other non-government organizations (NGOs) have called on the Senate to listen to the people and to junk the vape bill now.

Vapes and e-cigarettes are common names for electronic nicotine and non-nicotine delivery systems (ENDS/ENNDS) and heated tobacco products (HTPs), which are covered by the Vape Bill or the proposed Vaporized Nicotine Products Regulation Act (SBN 2239), authored by Sen. Ralph Recto.

The latest Pulse Asia survey showed that 62 percent of adult Filipinos will support a proposed bill that will ban the availability and accessibility of e-cigarette or vape flavors that appeal to children and youth.

Conducted from September 6 to 11, 2021, the nationwide survey, which was based on face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adult Filipinos or those aged 18 and above, also showed, 96 percent do not use e-cigarettes or vaping devices. The survey used a ± 3 percent error margin.

Survey results

In the National Capital Region (NCR), 95 percent (using a ± 6 percent error margin and 300 respondents) do not use e-cigarettes and vapes, 98 percent in Balance Luzon, 88 percent in Visayas, and 98 percent in Mindanao. There are 0.4 percent who are former daily users, 1 percent occasional users (less that daily), 5 percent used or tried it sometime while 89 percent never tried e-cigarettes or vaping devices.

Sixty-eight percent in the NCR will support a proposed bill that will ban the availability and accessibility of e-cigarette or vape flavors that appeal to children and the youth like cotton candy and fruit flavors, 61 percent in Balance Luzon, 43 percent in Visayas, and 75 percent in Mindanao.

Four percent of the 1,200 respondents are current e-cigarette or vaping device users, 3 percent daily users, 1 percent occasional (formerly daily), and 1 percent occasional (never daily).

Of those (or four percent) who were surveyed who used e-cigarettes or vaping devices, 66 percent said they would support a proposed bill that will ban e-cigarette or flavored vapes, 54 percent truly support, 12 percent somewhat support, 15 percent cannot say if supporting or not, 19 percent will not support, 16 percent somewhat support, and three percent will truly not support.

Support for bill

Meanwhile, of those (96 percent) who do not use e-cigarettes or vaping devices, 62 percent said that they will support such a bill, 46 percent will truly support, 15 percent will somewhat support, 17 percent undecided, 20 percent will not support, 8 percent somewhat not support, and 12 percent will truly not support.

On policy restrictions in the accessibility to e-cigarettes or vapes at 21 years old and above, it got 70 percent support, 51 percent truly support, 19 percent somewhat support, 14 percent undecided, 15 percent not supporting, 7 percent somewhat not to support, and 8 percent will not truly support.

The survey also showed that 77 percent are aware of the serious health hazards of e-cigarettes or vapes, 15 percent are aware of minor hazards, 2 percent believe that there are no health hazards at all, while 6 percent don’t know/refused.

Seventy-four percent have expressed support of a 100 percent e-cigarette or vape-free policy in public places.

Calls to junk the Vape Bill

Medical groups, youth groups and NGOs like HealthJustice Philippines are strongly against the lowering of the age limit for the sale of smoking devices from 21 years old to 18 years old and to allow vaping in public places, schools, and other business establishments.

They are also against the easing of restrictions on the use of flavorings on vapes as well as the deregulation from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Likewise, seven former health secretaries have the joined calls for the Senate to junk the Vape Bill.

“The Vape Bill is a huge step backward in protecting Filipinos’ health. It is a danger, especially in a pandemic,” according to former health secretaries Dr. Alfredo Bengzon, Dr. Esperanza Cabral, Dr. Manuel Dayrit, Dr. Enrique Ona, Dr. Carmencita Reodica, Dr. Paulyn Ubial, and Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan.

Relaxes provisions

The former health secretaries noted that the Vape Bill relaxes the provisions of RA 11467, an existing law that strictly regulates the said products. The bill lowers the age of access to vapes and e-cigarettes from 21 to 18 and transfers regulatory jurisdiction from the FDA to DTI. The bill also reverses a ban on flavors (except menthol and tobacco) and allows sales online.

“By lowering the age of access from 21 to 18, the Vape Bill exposes more of our youth, those who are still in senior high or about to enter college, to HTPs and e-cigarettes,” said Galvez-Tan.

Galvez-Tan, a trustee of HealthJustice Philippines, asked, “Why are we exposing them to this risk when under our laws, we are already protecting them?”

For her part, Reodica said that the senators should listen to health experts “at this crucial time.” “The medical community already explained that nicotine exposure at a young age impairs maximum development of the brain, making the youth vulnerable to engaging in harmful habits that are hard to break,” Reodica added.

Data support

Meanwhile, Ubial said that “data on the use of vapes and e-cigarettes among the youth show that we should be strengthening, and not relaxing our policies on these products.”

Ubial cited the results of the 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey, which show that one in seven Filipino students aged 13 to 15 use e-cigarettes. The GYTS also shows that one in eight Filipino students aged 13 to 15 currently use tobacco products.

“If our Senators pass this Vape Bill, it shows that they are gambling with the lives of our youth and children, and would rather prioritize the interests of the vape and tobacco industry rather than the health of our people during a pandemic,” Ubial said.

For his part, Dayrit also hit the bill’s reversal of the ban on flavors.

“Allowing more flavors for these harmful products does not make sense,” he said.

“There are around 16,000 vape and e-cigarette flavors on the market right now, and we know children and youth are more attracted to flavors. Regulations should aim to make these harmful products less appealing, not more enticing,” he added.

Cessation tools

Bengzon, meanwhile said: “If the industry is sincere in promoting these products as supposed ‘cessation tools’ for smoking, then why do the provisions of the Vape Bill treat these products as normal consumer products? Why not treat these the same way as other cessation tools, treated as medical and pharmaceutical products under the jurisdiction of the FDA?”

“The best way to curb smoking is still to quit, not shift,” said Ona.

Echoing the calls of medical groups, Ona stressed that smokers should not replace one addiction with another addiction, especially in the context of CAovid-19.

“Let’s not forget that the first case of EVALI [e-cigarette and vape associated lung injury] was already reported in the Philippines. Passing the Vape Bill will only increase our public health burdens,” he said.

Cabral, on the other hand, stressed, “We do not need a harmful Vape Bill to be passed in a pandemic. We do not need this Bill. We urge our Senators to junk this Vape Bill and prioritize other far more urgent health measures.”

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ALD was awarded 2021 Shenzhen Intellectual Property Superior Unit

Recently, the Shenzhen Intellectual Property Office carried out the identification of Shenzhen’s superior intellectual property units. Through on-site inspections, expert review, and online publicity, ALD successfully won the 2021 Shenzhen Intellectual Property Superior Units, and won a special government project. 200,000 yuan subsidy.

This time, 20 high-tech companies including Tencent Music, OnePlus Technology, etc. have been recognized on the list. ALD is the only vape manufacturer company to receive this award, indicating the recognization from Shenzhen Municipal Government to ALD who has been deeply involved in the electronic atomization field for many years sparing no efforts to scientific research innovation and affirmation of intellectual property protection.

ALD was awarded 2021 Shenzhen Intellectual Property Superior Unit
Intellectual property superior enterprises refer to enterprises that have independent intellectual property rights in important industrial fields, actively carry out the protection and use of intellectual property rights, and can undertake major and key industrial development projects. ALD attaches great importance to technology research and development, and the annual research and development investment accounts for more than 8% of total revenue. Now it has formed an independent research and development team of more than 200 people, including more than ten doctors with high academic standards and strong scientific research capabilities; successively invested more than 15 million yuan in hardware facilities, built a CNAS certified high-standard electronic atomization professional laboratory, and achieved industry-leading research and development results one after another. These results have passed the advanced IPD product development system and are widely used in product design, manufacturing and testing.

ALD was awarded 2021 Shenzhen Intellectual Property Superior Unit

In addition, ALD is well aware that intellectual property is the basis and measurement index for independent innovation of enterprises, and is the support and guarantee for maintaining core competitiveness. Therefore, it has always attached great importance to the implementation of intellectual property strategies and formulated a long-term “ALD Intellectual Property Plan” and specific measures. The implementation of the “ALD Patent Quality and Quantity Improvement Plan” has established its own patent “moat” step by step in a planned way, which provides a powerful way for the company to create technical barriers, increase product added value, and maintain industry leadership in the international market competition.

ALD was awarded 2021 Shenzhen Intellectual Property Superior Unit
In September this year, the State Council issued the “Outline for Building a Powerful Country with Intellectual Property Rights (2021-2035)”, which outlined China’s grand blueprint for accelerating the building of a strong country with intellectual property rights. The award of “Shenzhen Intellectual Property Superior Unit” this time is an honor and a spur to ALD. In the near future, ALD will actively respond to the call of national policies, further increase R&D investment, adhere to innovation-driven, and comprehensively enhance intellectual property strength, continue to promote intellectual property strategic planning, and contribute to the building of a strong country in intellectual property rights.

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Egypt lifts e-cigarette ban

Last month, the Egyptian authorities abolished the ban on the sales, import and marketing of e-cigarettes since 2015.

This decision will undoubtedly pave the way for the enactment of appropriate regulations to curb the illegal trade of electronic cigarette devices and tools, which will help eliminate the growing crisis in Egypt due to such illegal trade.

Egypt is now aligned with the global and Middle Eastern markets, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, all of which have legalized the marketing and consumption of e-cigarettes.

In addition, with the cancellation of the ban, and with the implementation of more relevant laws, higher production standards and strict control measures to ensure quality, health and safety will be realized. Adult smokers will be able to obtain the highest quality alternatives to traditional cigarettes and have an extraordinary experience.

The decision to lift the ban has been well received by the largest and most important manufacturers and consumers. By encouraging small and medium-sized enterprises, this will greatly benefit Egypt’s overall investment environment and manufacturers’ investment, opening new stores, and importing rechargeable e-cigarette devices and tools into the market, thereby creating new job opportunities.

It is also certain that the Egyptian treasury will generate additional tax revenue in a stable manner because it blocks the way for illegal businessmen who evade import taxes.

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What’s Sweet About CO2 Honey Oil?

There is a wide variety of extraction used to produce cannabis concentrates. One of them is the CO2 extraction. This kind of extraction produces Co2 Honey oil. The CO2 Honey oil, also known as CO2 Hash or Cannabis oil, refers to the cannabis concentrate made using CO2 or carbon dioxide as the solvent. There is a wide variety under the umbrella of CO2 oil, but all of them are classified as CO2 Cannabis or Hash oil. As long as the process of making the concentrate uses carbon dioxide as the solvent for extraction, it is considered a CO2 oil.

How to make the CO2 Honey Oil?

The CO2 Honey Oil derived its name from the process by which it is extracted and produced through the use of carbon dioxide as the solvent for extraction. The first step in extracting the CO2 Honey oil is the manipulation of pressure and temperature to turn the carbon dioxide into a liquid. The raw cannabis material is then soaked to the liquid carbon dioxide until the compounds separate from the plant material. The cannabinoids and terpene compounds are stripped off the raw plant material by soaking the raw plant material into the carbon dioxide solvent. When the main compounds have already separated from the plant and settled at the bottom of the container, pressure and temperature are manipulated again to turn the carbon dioxide liquid back into gas. And when the gas evaporates, the main compounds are left, which are then separated from the raw plant material. The compound is what is mainly used to make the honey-like CO2 cannabis oil.

How to use CO2 Honey oil?

The  Co2 Honey oil, hash oil, or cannabis oil is primarily consumed through vaporization. This type of cannabis concentrate is often consumed in a vape pen with a pre-filled cartridge. On the other hand, other forms of CO2 concentrate like CO2 wax and CO2 THC extract are primarily consumed through dabbing. You can smoke the CO2 honey oil through a portable vape or a vape pen, while for CO2 dabs, you have to put the concentrate in the dab nail, and when it vaporizes, you can smoke it through a pipe. The CO2 honey oil is highly potent because it is made up of pure cannabinoids and terpene compounds directly extracted from the raw cannabis plant.

What is Supercritical CO2 Extraction?

A CO2 honey oil can also be produced through supercritical extraction. In this type of cannabis extraction, the CO2 is compressed beyond its critical point until it reaches the supercritical point. It results in a supercritical fluid that is used to extract the main cannabis compounds, the cannabinoids and terpenes. The same process is applied. The supercritical fluid is then turned back to gas through the manipulation of temperature and pressure.

Supercritical extraction is known for producing high-quality CO2 honey oil because its process of extraction goes beyond the typical ‘critical point’ of the carbon dioxide solvent. The process of reaching the supercritical point of the carbon dioxide liquid produced well-harvested cannabinoids and terpenes that are not damaged by the process of beyond critical extraction.

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Global pressure mounts ahead of COP9 conference

Just two weeks out from the World Health Organization’s COP9 conference on tobacco control, pressure is mounting on delegates from 182 member countries to push for a positive stance on Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR).

The calls come as a significant round-the-clock global broadcasting event has been announced to take place during COP9. Dubbed ‘sCOPe’, the five-day livestream will see THR experts and consumers, from around the world, challenge and scrutinise the key conference.

The Ninth Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP9) to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) starts on Monday, 8 November. Involving 182 parties, or countries, it will be held online and behind closed doors.

Now, an open letter from 100 global experts slamming the WHO’s misguided and unscientific anti-vaping stance is receiving considerable international media coverage and commentary.

In the letter, addressed to the FCTC member countries’ heads of delegation, the nicotine science and policy experts criticise the WHO for stubbornly ‘rejecting a public health strategy that could avoid millions of smoking-related deaths.’ Making six recommendations, they call on the FCTC to ‘modernise’ its approach to tobacco policy.

“The world’s leading THR experts will not be silenced, nor will consumers. That’s why sCOPe will broadcast the whole time COP9 is on. It’s long overdue for delegates to stand up to the WHO’s outrageously arrogant attitude and blatantly wrong advice towards safer nicotine products.sCOPe will prove that it’s money, not science, that’s driving the WHO’s anti-vape crusade,” says Nancy Loucas, sCOPe event organiser.

To be simulcast on YouTube and Facebook, sCOPe is a co-operative effort by THR consumer organisations globally. Totally excluded from COP9 despite being the main stakeholders, vapers and other safer nicotine consumers are being called to promote and mobilise around sCOPe.

“The 100 global THR experts are right to blast the WHO for being completely dismissive of the potential to transform the tobacco market from high-risk to low-risk products. As well as that open letter adding to the precariousness of the WHO’s increasingly untenable position, we’re seeing the drums beating louder for those countries supportive of vaping to sing their successes at COP9,” says Ms Loucas.

Following New Zealand legalising and regulating vaping last year, the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union (NZTU) is now calling on Ministry of Health delegates to use COP9 to promote the country’s THR strategy which has helped achieve record low smoking rates. NZTU is also pressuringAssociate Health Minister Ayesha Verrall to support the formation of an inter-sessional working group to examine evidence on vaping as a harm reduction tool at COP9.

Meanwhile, The International Network of Nicotine Consumer Organisations (INNCO) has announced an ‘Everyone Deserves Harm Reduction Rally’ at London’s Parliament Square at 10.00am on 8 November. INNCO praises the UK government for its ‘valiant support for safer nicotine alternatives that save lives’. Its well-timed rally, however, is aimed at alerting the public to COP9 and to encourage the UK government and others to play a pivotal role.

Ms Loucas says the growing stress on November’s COP9 also includes some massive news just out of the United States.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates medical products in the US, approved an e-cigarette for sale for the first time.Authorising the marketing of three products, the FDA concluded that the benefit to adults trying to quit smoking outweighs the risk of teenagers becoming hooked.

“We’re witnessing loudening calls from global experts and organisations. We’ve seen the FDA just announce an historic e-cigarette approval, and now consumers from around the world are coming together to broadcast a significant livestream event to counter COP9.

“Yet, despite all this pressure, the WHO will continue to totally undermine vaping. Not to be silenced, sCOPe will join many others from across the globe demanding delegates at COP9 stand up for science. Every adult has the right to be fully informed and have access to safer nicotine options,” says Nancy Loucas.

sCOPe will be simulcast on YouTube at https://bit.ly/3aWBPxi

For a free digital media repository on tobacco harm reduction in Asia Pacific – including media releases, images and graphics – please visithttps://apthrmedia.org

About sCOPe

sCOPe is a round-the-clock international broadcasting event taking place throughout COP9. The five-day livestream, from 8 to 12 November, will feature world-leading THR experts and consumer advocates for safer nicotine products. sCOPe will be simulcast on YouTube and Facebook. Despite being shut out of COP9, vapers have vowed they will not be silenced.

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Medicinal cannabis summit moved to February 2022

With local products now coming on stream, New Zealand’s largest medicinal cannabis summit comes at an exciting time. Next year will see New Zealand’s burgeoning medicinal cannabis industry well into its delivery phase, says Dr Zahra Champion, Executive Director of BioTechNZ and MedCan Summit 2022 organiser.

MedCan was scheduled to take place in the middle of October this year. However, due to Covid-19 lockdowns and restrictions, the industry summit will now take place on 10 and 11 February next year at Auckland’s Cordis hotel.

“Recently, Helius had two locally manufactured products verified which are now available on prescription, while in September Rua Bioscience was the second Kiwi business to receive its GMP Licence to Manufacture Medicines. These are fantastic developments for our industry and for patients across New Zealand,” says Dr Champion.

Focused on ‘a new frontier of care’, the well-timed summit will connect industry leaders, researchers, health professionals, scientists, and business owners.

“This has been a long journey. It’s nearly three years since the enabling legislation was passed in Parliament and over 18 months since New Zealand’s Medicinal Cannabis Scheme took effect. The local industry is starting to roll-out high quality and affordable products for Kiwi patients, but there’s still so much more to come,” she says.

Dr Champion says despite moving the event to February, the summit has gathered momentum with additional sponsors, exhibitors and speakers joining. An updated two-day programme is now available on MedCan’s website www.medcansummit.co.nz. It details the Industry and Science streams, as well as the Healthcare Professionals Forum.

Medicinal cannabis summit moved to February 2022

The Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand has accredited the health professional sessions, with the summit endorsed by The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP).

Over 500 attendees are expected to attend in person and digitally. The more than 30 international and local speakers include scientists, medical experts, clinicians, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers.

“We have a number of doctors attending which we’re thrilled about. Prescribers, after all, are key to patients accessing medicinal cannabis. We’ve really ramped up the programme for healthcare professionals. MedCan will provide the best opportunity for them to better equip themselves with all the necessary knowledge for prescribing medicinal cannabis,” she says.

Despite the great numbers already secured, MedCan 2022’s early bird discount has now been extended to 17 December. Discounts are also available for BioTechNZ and Tech Alliance members, with people encouraged to register early given last year’s event sold out.

Organisers are pleased to confirm Foundation Sponsor Helius Therapeutics continues its support and welcome new Gold Sponsor Eqalis as well as new Silver Sponsors Eylsian and Cannacare, while Puro, Callaghan Innovation and Shimadzu join as Bronze Sponsors.

The two-day summit will also feature a MedCan Exhibition showcasing medicinal cannabis companies, suppliers, supporters, and start-ups from across the industry.

“Next year Kiwis will see more local products on the market and businesses like Helius unleashing their exporting strategies. MedCan is an incredibly important annual summit for our sector and never more so than now. We’ve been proud to sponsor it from day one. MedCan extends education, enables collaboration, and encourages innovation – all important deliverables for us,” says Carmen Doran, Chief Executive of Helius Therapeutics.

Dr Champion says despite some frustrations this year over standards and patient access, it’s important the industry now comes together with one voice and collective mission.

“MedCan Summit 2022 comes at an exciting yet critical time. If New Zealand is to maximise the $100 million-plus already invested, we need to continue to work together. The good news is collectively everyone is primed and passionate about achieving this goal,” says Dr Zahra Champion.

For more information on the summit, please email info@medcansummit.co.nz or visit www.medcansummit.co.nz

MedCan Summit 2021 is organised by NZTech and BioTechNZ – a not for profit, membership-funded organisation with the goal of maximising New Zealand’s bioscience and technology capability to create a strong New Zealand bioeconomy. BioTechNZ is part of the New Zealand Tech Alliance.

www.medcansummit.co.nz

Ends

Contact: Dr Zahra Champion, Executive Director, BioTechNZ – 021 899 732

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What You Should Know About CBD Juul Pods

Hempzilla CBD offers a high-quality line of CBD Juul pods is crafted from high-quality, natural ingredients to provide a highly effective CBD experience. Be sure to check out their entire line of pods to find the perfect one for you.

These CBD vape pods are the newest product from a company committed to offering products that allow you to switch from cigarettes. Packed with organic broad-spectrum hemp extract and designed to be compatible with Juul electronic cigarette batteries, these pods also provide a flavorful experience. The CBD levels in each pod are close to the 0.5% amount found in medical marijuana.

All of our CBD pods contain exactly what you want and nothing you don’t. You get full-spectrum, lab-tested, CO2 extracted CBD live resin that delivers the full effects of this incredibly beneficial cannabinoid with no additives or preservatives.

Each CBD pod for Juul is filled with just 1.25ml of a premium product, not nearly enough to get you high. Put your trust in only the best CBD products by shopping with us today!

Can I get high from a CBD JUUL Pod?

Hempzilla CBD Juul Pods contain 100% Tobacco Free Nicotine and they come in six different flavored pods. We use a broad-spectrum product that has gone through an extraction process to remove THC. Therefore, our pods will not get you high.

Can you still buy Juul pods online?

Juul pods are the most popular way of using Cannabidiol (CBD) to vaporize your e-liquid. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant.

We carry CBD Juul pods for sale in multiple different types, including refillable Juul pods and, compatible Juul pods.

Is CBD Juuls safe?

The Hempzilla CBD vape pen is a convenient way to enjoy the health and wellness benefits of CBD-rich full spectrum hemp extract.

Cruelty-free manufacturing with no harmful side effects, safe for both vaping veterans and newbies. Utilizing a proprietary blend of plant cannabinoids from organic hemp plants grown in the United States, this product is vegan friendly.

Do Juul CBD pods have nicotine?

CBD is an alternative form of relief that can give you the benefits of medical marijuana without the mind-altering effects. This vaporizer gives you the option of 20 different strengths of CBD, so start at a lower dose and work your way up until you find what dosage works best for you.

Will CBD show on a drug test?

CBD is derived from hemp plants, which are not considered to be marijuana under federal law, regardless of the THC content. Some CBD products may contain THC, however, the amount is small enough that it will not show up in a drug test if one is administered.

Are CBD Juul pods legit?

Hempzilla CBD JUUL Pods is a great option for those who are hesitant to vape on a non-nicotine device. The pods come with 20mg of CBD which is a low dose but perfect for those who are not used to vaping of any kind. Each pod contains 10mg of CBD and 0mg of nicotine.

Do Zilla pods fit in JUUL?

The JUUL Compatible CBD Cartridge contains 300mg of lab-tested, 99.9% pure CBD isolate. This cartridge is compatible with all JUUL devices and can be vaped to give you a smooth, refreshing inhale.

Hempzilla CBD cartridges are made with natural flavorings and PG/VG for a mouth-watering experience.