Issue 29

LETTER FROM THE

At last we are finally getting back to normal, even if none of us really know what ‘normal’ is any more.

Vape shops are open once more – they should never have closed in the first place – and have been welcoming back vapers who need to stock up on supplies and smokers who want to change to something less harmful.

The vape landscape looks a lot different and shops are generally not the places to hang out and relax as they once were, but they are back and that is the main thing.

Not unexpectedly, we heard many examples of vapers returning to smoking when the shops closed down and we all hope that they can switch back just as easily. We know that the government made mistakes during this pandemic but, on balance, I think they got a lot a heck of a lot more right than they got wrong - but closing vape shops was wrong.

If, God forbid, we actually do suffer a second wave of COVID-19 in the winter, then I have a suggestion for the government.

This time round ban cigarette sales but keep the vape shops open. That way we can recognise the essential service that vape stores really are while also encouraging more smokers to switch to e-cigarettes instead.

Forcing vapers back to smoking makes no sense. We have done it once but let’s not do it again. The price of doing so is a death sentence for many and that is too much of a costly mistake to make a second time. This crisis has once again demonstrated how resilient the vape industry is and how it can quickly adapt and evolve as change is necessary.

One thing we all miss are the live expos around the world and we can’t wait to see their return on a massive scale. We are also delighted to add our virtual yearlong expo – VOXPO – into the mix as a way of complementing traditional expos while also opening up a new trading platform for the vape and CBD industries. Finally let’s all hope that the second half of the year is a lot better than the first as we move forward with a new sense of cautious hope and optimism.

individuals under

Short Fills

You Have Been Warned Lesser of two evils

EVALI latest research Coronavirus smoking blow COVID quit boost Australian vape import ban delayed six months Smoke free is not good enough. Dutch flavour ban We won’t be bossed about

NEWS FEATURES

Vaping Entrepreneur Diary of a Vaper Cover story - Premium Labs Victor Mullin Column

58 62 64 68 72 76 80 84 86 90 94 100 106 110 112

WHO do they think they are? Surviving COVID-19 Back in business - vape shops will have to change to survive Meet CraicBoyMental from Cork RATED PG - Vaping and Hollywood VOXPO Q&A with David Turner Michigan flavour ban Quazzistellar - New music project from Jeff ‘Innevape’ Connell Vaping down under The nicotine and Coronavirus saga Nicotine and Coronavirus: evidence by country This is not helping anyone California study calls for ban on vaping in rental properties Canada cracks down on nicotine World Vape Day 2020

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Spotlight on Vapouround Vape Lounge We’re back. JAC Vapour reopening story

Joker with a Heart of Gold Global Forum on Nicotine overview Global Forum on Nicotine and vaping Coronavirus and me

REVIEWS

Innokin Ares 2 D22

Wotofo Cog RTA

Dotmod DotAIO SE

Voopoo Drag S

Asvape HITA

Hotcig Sniper

Joyetech Exceed Grip Pro

Lush Vapor

Vaporesso Target PM30

Voopoo Navi

ALD / Upends Uppen

Vaporesso Xtra

Innokin Coolfire Z50

ZYN Nicotine Pouches

Supergood

Flavour Art UK

Zeus Juice Apollo

CORNER

High End Review - Atmizoo DotShell Meet the designer: Matt From SMM Interview with photographer/artist nik_shotz

Short Fills

Three pages filled with short vape-related stories and research making news from around the world.

FOLLOW OUR LEAD

More than 200 million smokers could switch to vaping by following the UK’s approach, according to the Consumer Choice Center. The CCC said the UK’s approach to regulation was an example that the rest of the world should follow. Managing director Fred Roeder said: “We used the UK’s progressive tobacco harm reduction policies as a reference point and estimated how many current smokers could be helped to switch by having a more permissive vaping framework. “In China 76 million people could switch. The US (6 million) and Germany (4 million) would also see huge public health benefits by emulating the UK’s approach.”

EXTEND PUB SMOKING BAN

The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland wants all outdoor areas in pubs to become non-smoking zones when they re-open as the lockdown eases. Professor Des Cox said there was “no risk-free level of secondhand smoke and we need to protect the general public and in particular bar staff from the well-recognised health implications of secondhand smoke.” He wrote to the Minister for Health

CALIFORNIA TARGETS FLAVOURS

The California State Senate has approved a bill to ban the sale of flavoured tobacco products within the state.

The move would prohibit a retailer from selling or possessing any flavoured tobacco product or flavour enhancer and would apply to cigarettes, e-cigarettes and products such as chewing tobacco and snuff.

All flavours and aromas beyond that of tobacco would be prohibited and violators would be subject to a fine of $250 for each occurrence. Cities and counties would be free to impose stricter penalties than those provided by the state law.

The bill now moves to the California Assembly for debate.

saying: “If outdoor areas are to be used to facilitate social distancing when bars open up again, then smoking should be prohibited from all areas of all pubs when they reopen.”

JUUL QUITS SOUTH KOREA

JUUL Labs will cease operations in South Korea after a year in which it failed to gain traction in the market. The company said it had been undertaking a restructuring process since January, aimed a re-establishing a viable business in South Korea. This had involved both significantly reducing costs and making changes to its products. JUUL said: “These innovations will not be available as anticipated and as a result, we intend to cease our operations in South Korea.” In October, South Korea’s health ministry advised people to stop vaping because of growing health concerns, prompting convenience stores and duty free shops to suspend the sale of flavoured liquid e-cigarettes, including those made by Juul Labs.

WE QUIT

Half a million British smokers said they will quit smoking as a direct result of the menthol ban. Online retailer Vape Club said four-in-ten menthol smokers said the new law would see them give up tobacco, based on a survey of 1,000 menthol users. The survey also found that 18 percent of UK menthol smokers plan to switch to vaping instead while 10 percent will try going ‘cold turkey’ and five percent will use nicotine replacement therapies instead. Sadly, 56 percent of menthol smokers said they would switch to regular cigarettes or rolling tobacco.

CARRY ON VAPING

MAKES NO SENSE

MORE HELP NEEDED

UK vapers are largely reassured by current e-cigarette regulations, but some have turned to the black market to get stronger hits, says a new study. The University of East Anglia researchers warned that future regulation should not further restrict nicotine strengths, tank volumes or bottle sizes. Prof Caitlin Notley, from UEA’s Norwich Medical School, said: “The most worrying thing that we found was that the restrictions caused some people to buy higher strength e-liquids and prohibited components on the black market. “Public health bodies, stop smoking services, and healthcare professionals should consider raising awareness about the regulations to smokers, to offer reassurance about vaping products and e-liquid ingredients. This could help more smokers switch to vaping.”

The World Health Organization’s attitude to e-cigarettes has been described as ‘hostile’ and ‘exasperating’ by an international group of independent experts. Professor David Abrams from New York University, said: “We know beyond reasonable doubt that vaping and other smoke-free nicotine products are very much less risky than smoking. Yet the WHO continues to promote the outright prohibition or extreme regulation of these products. How can it make sense to ban the much safer product when cigarettes are available everywhere?” Professor John Britton, director, UK Centre for Tobacco and Alcohol Studies, said: “WHO’s ‘quit or die’ approach to smokers and opposition to harm reduction makes no sense.”

JOHN DUNNE JOINS ARCUS

Consumer groups have welcomed a U-turn by the Hong Kong government over plans to impose a vaping ban following widespread opposition to the proposal. Critics had urged the government to think again, citing scientific studies which showed that e-cigarettes and other new-generation products had much lower levels of toxicants compared to combustible cigarettes. The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates said smokefree products such as e-cigarettes were vital alternatives to cigarettes. A CAPHRA spokesperson said: “We are pleased that the impending ban on heated tobacco products has been abandoned in favour of a pragmatic, science-based approach to tobacco harm reduction.”

John Dunne, the Director and lead spokesperson for the UK Vaping Industry Association, has been appointed as a new NonExecutive Director for Arcus Compliance Ltd.

Mr Dunne has wide commercial, management and board-level experience both in the UK and internationally and is a regular speaker at high profile industry conferences.

He said: “I see pressure for sensible regulatory change throughout the world and I hope my skills and experience in the industry will help the Arcus board continue to develop the best in class tools to keep the industry on the right track.”

BANKRUPTCY MOVE

The first Big Tobacco company to join the hemp and marijuana industries has filed for bankruptcy protection. Pyxus International, one of the world’s largest tobacco suppliers, plans to cut $400 million in debt and hand control to junior bondholders. The North Carolina-based company was hard hit by declining tobacco consumption and supply disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The company’s Canadian marijuana operations, Figr Brands, aren’t part of the bankruptcy filing, an executive said.

BAT’S COVID PROGRESS

British American Tobacco says its potential COVID-19 vaccine has been shown to produce a positive immune response and is poised to move to the next testing phase. In April BAT announced that its biotech subsidiary, Kentucky BioProcessing, was developing a potential vaccine for COVID-19. BAT said: “We are pleased to report the potential vaccine has been shown to produce a positive immune response. As such, the vaccine candidate is now poised to progress to the next stage which will be Phase 1 human clinical trials pending FDA authorisation.”

The clinical trials were ready to start in June, pending the responses from relevant health bodies.

VAPE SALES SOAR

Demand for e-cigarettes has surged more than elevenfold since COVID-19 and the UK ban on menthol tobacco cigarettes. Every Cloud Vape Shop said sales increased by 1,150% during the three months of lockdown, between March and May, compared to the previous three months. It also reported a 69% month-onmonth increase in sales of menthol vapes and vape oils in May.

Operations manager Jon Humphrey said: “Thousands of smokers who have only ever used menthol tobacco cigarettes are now likely finding giving up smoking an unexpected challenge.”

NHS SMOKERS QUIT

More NHS staff are quitting smoking than ever before, according to data compiled by the UK’s largest vaping retailer VPZ.

It said the COVID-19 pandemic had brought a sharp focus on lung health and many smokers were using the lockdown as a pivotal moment to begin their quit journey. VPZ said that in the last month alone, over 1,100 NHS staff had used their discount scheme to access products to help them stamp out cigarettes for good. VPZ director Doug Mutter said: “We know that smoking and COVID is a lethal combination and NHS staff are more acutely aware of this than anyone.”

DINNER LADY JOBS BOOST

Vape Dinner Lady has created 24 new jobs by repurposing one of its production lines to make hand sanitiser during and beyond the coronavirus pandemic. It has also donated 10,000 bottles of hand sanitiser to staff working in care homes and providing care in the community. Dinner Lady has also launched new Pink Berry and Fresh Menthol flavour disposable e-cigarettes in 350 ASDA stores across the UK and online. ASDA will also stock the full range of five Dinner Lady e-cigarettes, including Blue Menthol, Smooth Tobacco and the company’s flagship Lemon Tart flavour.

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED

Words: Patrick Griffin

The US FDA has warned ten vape retailers and manufacturers for “illegally selling or producing vape products which could appeal to children.”

It sent letters to businesses marketing ‘unauthorised products’ including a backpack and sweatshirt designed with stealth pockets to hold and conceal an e-cigarette, and vape devices “that resemble smartwatches, or devices appearing as children’s toys such as a portable video game system or fidget spinner.”

Warning letters were also issued to companies marketing e-liquids that imitate packaging for food products that often are marketed and appeal to youth, such as candy, or feature cartoon characters like SpongeBob SquarePants. Those targeted by the agency include manufacturers, online retailers and importers. The FDA said if the warnings were ignored it would take additional action such as injunctions, seizure and/or civil money penalty actions.

The FDA said all the products they had highlighted were designed or labelled in a way which would make them appealing to young people.

It highlighted certain “pullover and backpack products” which hold pod systems that deliver vapor through hosing discreetly woven through hidden pockets, saying: “This design allows the products to be used for vaping without raising the attention of parents, teachers or other adults.”

It also highlighted mods and pods which looked like products that are popular with kids, such as smartwatches, video game systems and fidget spinners, which could “be carried or worn without revealing they are tobacco products.”

The FDA has also issued warning letters to 73 brickand-mortar retailers for selling unauthorized flavoured, cartridge-based ENDS products.

These warning letters notify the retailers and manufacturers that new ENDS products without a marketing authorization order are adulterated and misbranded and selling or distributing these products to customers in the U.S. is prohibited.

The FDA has also issued import alerts for unauthorised tobacco products, including certain unauthorized ENDS

FDA targets unauthorised, flavoured e-cigarettes that appeal to youth

products, imported into the U.S. Mitch Zeller, director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products, said: “The FDA is especially disturbed by new products being marketed to children and teens by promoting the ease with which they can be used to conceal product use, which appeals to kids because it allows them to conceal tobacco product use from parents, teachers, law enforcement or other adults.

“Even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have not lost our focus on protecting youth against the dangers of e-cigarettes and will do everything we can to take action. These warning letters should send a clear message to all tobacco product manufacturers and retailers that the FDA is keeping a close watch on the marketplace. If you’re marketing or selling these products to youth, the FDA will not tolerate it.”

The Agency said: “Ultimately, manufacturers that intend to continue marketing any deemed, new tobacco product on the market as of Aug. 8, 2016—including ENDS products— must submit an application to the FDA by Sept. 9, 2020 that demonstrates that the product meets the applicable

standard in the law, such as whether the product is appropriate for the protection of the public health.

“The FDA continues to monitor youth use of all e-cigarette products and will continue to expand its public education efforts and use the agency’s regulatory authority— changing course as necessary—to further ensure all tobacco products, and e-cigarette products in particular, are not marketed to, sold to, or used by youth.”

Even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have not lost our focus on protecting youth against the dangers of e-cigarettes.”

LESSER OF TWO EVILS?

Keep flavours but lower nic strength to deter youth vaping in Canada

Words: Gordon Stribling

The Canadian Vaping Association (CVA) has come under fire from advocacy groups and the harm reduction community for calling for the e-liquid nicotine cap to be reduced to 20mg.

The organisation, which represents more than 300 online and retail businesses in Canada, was responding to headlines that youth vaping rates had doubled to just under 17 percent in two years.

The cited figure applies to 16 to 19-year-olds who had vaped at least once within the previous 20 days.

Darryl Tempest of the CVA argued that capping nicotine at 20mg was preferable to restricting flavours as a means to reduce youth access while enabling adult smokers to switch.

He said: "Time and again, the data supports that banning flavours has no effect on youth vaping and only harms adult smokers looking to vape products for harm reduction.

"Nicotine strength, not flavours, is the difference between those markets that have high youth uptake versus those that don’t."

The comment sparked a war of words with a number of prominent voices, including American Vaping Association president, Greg Conley, who, in a series of scathing tweets, called the CVA 'wusses.' Conley said that he understood that the CVA would 'feel your back

is against the wall on flavours and endorse a nic limit.' However, he argued that the EU's TPD limit was too restrictive.

He said: "Two percent is too low and even if it wasn't, starting negotiations at 20 mg/ml is just bad strategy.

"Tie yourself to the EU nicotine limit and you've implicitly endorsed whatever nonsense is in the next EU TPD as it relates to vaping."

The CVA has laid the blame on high-nicotine, Big Tobacco pods such as JUUL for youth uptake. The devices are widely available in Canadian and American convenience stores but capped at 20mg in the UK where youth use remains very low.

Tempest cited David Hammond, a public health professor at the University of Waterloo who led the youth study. Hammond said the youth vaping phenomenon was 'probably driven by JUUL and the type of product and nicotine concentration in JUUL.'

However, former ASH UK director Clive Bates argued that the CVA's strategy undermined the role JUUL has played in introducing smokers to e-cigarettes.

He said: "Wow, [advocating for 20mg is] a reckless move from “vape advocates.” Juul etc. have helped millions of smokers.

"It isn’t pro-vape shop, if that’s your reasoning: it is anti-category, anti-

consumer and anti-competitive.

"Do this and don’t be surprised when regulators come for your favourite thing."

The debate was sparked by research published in the journal JAMA Paediatrics, which used data from more than 12,000 16 to 19-yearolds to track changes in vaping habits.

While past month prevalence more than doubled over the two-year window, regular e-cigarette use among young people remained low.

Just 5.7 percent of respondents reported vaping more than 20 days over the previous month, though this is a significant increase on the 1.8 percent reported in 2017.

While rising youth e-cigarette use continues to alarm health and anti-tobacco groups, the study also revealed that youth smoking numbers are on the decline.

Youth ever-smoker rates dropped from 11.9 percent to 7.4 percent while the past month smoker rate dropped from 6.7 percent to 3.8 percent.

The findings suggest that some youth smokers are switching to what regulator Health Canada acknowledges to be a less-harmful alternative for adult smokers.

The federal agency is taking steps to reduce youth vaping numbers following the lead of a number of provinces.

Nova Scotia signed off a 20mg nicotine cap on May 11. The regulation will take effect on September 1.

Mohammed Al-Hamdani, director of health initiatives for the Lung Association of Nova Scotia, welcomed the move, saying that the current 60mg limit was far too high.

He said: "You're basically having a product that is essentially almost like a crack nicotine.

"When youth use these products, they are in a very high prospect for getting addicted to it."

"Nicotine strength, not flavours, is the difference between those markets that have high youth uptake versus those that don’t."

STUDY BACKS UP THC EVALI LINK

Cannabis compound found in 100% of samples

Words: Gordon Stribling

The vast majority of young people hospitalised with serious vape-related lung injury at a Dallas hospital vaped cannabis, not nicotine, a recent study has revealed.

The study, published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, analysed the characteristics of 13 patients hospitalised with e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury, also known as EVALI.

Vaping THC was reported by 92 percent of patients while just one claimed to have exclusively used nicotine. However, the caregiver of this individual had a suspicion that they were using other substances, though a drug screening was not conducted.

All of the 11 patients who were screened were found to have THC in their system.

The findings suggest that teens hospitalised with the condition were not honest about past or current drug use.

UT Southwestern Medical Center paediatric pulmonologist Devika Rao, who led the study, said: “In taking care of hospitalized teens with EVALI, we found that they were very hesitant to disclose their vaping habits.

“A multidisciplinary effort – discussion among emergency medicine physicians, hospital medicine physicians, pulmonologists, toxicologists, behavioural medicine specialists, and intensivists – is key to successful treatment of these patients.”

A previous diagnosis of substance use disorder was present in

just over a third of patients and over half had other ‘psychosocial risk domains’ such as home environment, academic problems and mental health issues.

The study also looked at the demographics of hospitalised EVALI patients.

The mean age was 16 years old, with 54 percent female and 46 percent of the 13 patients Hispanic.

The findings suggest that young people in these groups may be more susceptible to risky behaviours than previously thought.

Rao said: “This serves as a reminder to clinicians that a teen with EVALI is not necessarily always going to be white and male.”

The study mirrors the latest figures from the CDC, which found THC to be overwhelmingly implicated in EVALI hospitalisations.

An overwhelming 82 percent of hospitalised patients reported using THC products, though the Dallas study suggests that the real figure may be under reported.

Lab tests revealed vitamin E acetate to be strongly linked to the outbreak.

The additive was widely used in black market THC products and was the primary intoxicant in the lung samples of EVALI patients in a CDC-cited study.

Vitamin E acetate is not used in commercial e-liquids, which overwhelmingly use PG and VG as a carrier.

While the CDC has acknowledged vitamin E acetate to be largely to blame for the EVALI outbreak, nicotine vape products continue to be implicated.

A World Health Organization (WHO) press release maintains that ‘there is growing evidence that ENDS could be associated with lung injuries and in recent times e-cigarette and vaping have been linked to an outbreak of lung injury in the USA.’

The document also refuses to acknowledge that e-cigarettes are considerably less harmful than combustible tobacco.

The WHO also maintains that governments should scale up free tobacco support phone lines before encouraging smokers to use reduced-risk nicotine products like e-cigarettes.

The WHO’s comments were criticised by UK experts who support e-cigarettes for tobacco harm reduction.

Peter Hajek, director of the Tobacco Dependence Research Unit at Queen Mary University of London, said: “The WHO has a history of anti-vaping activism that is damaging their reputation. This document is particularly malign.”

The organisation remains highly critical of e-cigarettes despite supporting other harm reduction initiatives, such as HIV prevention.

WHO policy states: “Harm reduction is a set of policies, programmes, services and actions that aim to reduce the harm to individuals, communities and society related to drugs, including HIV infection.

“WHO/Europe actively promotes scaling-up comprehensive harm reduction services to effectively address the HIV epidemic among PWIDs and their sexual partners.”

“Teens were very hesitant to disclose their vaping habits”

CORONAVIRUS SMOKING BLOW

Words: Patrick Griffin

Millions of bored Brits are smoking more ‘for something to do’ as the lockdown leaves them with more time on their hands than they know what to do with.

A YouGov survey of 2,000 people from April 30 to May 13 revealed that 2.2 million people in the UK may be smoking more than usual as a direct result of the coronavirus lockdown.

This data, combined with the lack of access to vape shops, will surely make it even harder for the government to hit its 2030 smoke-free target for England and impact badly on the future health of the nation.

A separate study among Guardian readers found that “heightened anxiety and stress due to the lockdown and the impact of Covid-19” were reasons respondents gave for smoking more.

In addition, many of those working from home said the increased freedom of not being in an office – which may have strict smoking policies – made it easier for them to light up more.

Worryingly, one Guardian reader said they had put off trying to quit after reading reports that smokers may be less likely to require hospital treatment for COVID-19.

Ajay Sharma, 45, from London, told the newspaper: “I have had a 60-a-day habit for 30 years. Initially I attempted to drastically cut down or even stop smoking due to COVID. Then I read a story in The Economist that only five percent of French coronavirus patients in hospital were smokers and decided to put this off.”

However, health professionals warn that smokers

should try to quit whenever possible and surveys show that while nicotine may offer some protection from developing COVID-19, smokers are more likely to develop severe symptoms than non-smokers if they do contract the disease.

Another smoker from Glasgow said she had doubled her smoking rate to 40-a-day due to ‘anxiety and lockdown boredom.’ The 41-year-old added: “It’s embarrassing, after having double-pneumonia in January, I really want to stop smoking.”

Noel Baxter, a GP and a medical adviser to the British Lung Foundation, told the Guardian: “Quitting smoking now is one of the best ways to protect yourself from viral infections, including coronavirus.”

The survey was not all bad news though, as it is believed that more than 300,000 people in the UK have managed to quit cigarettes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ben Robinson, 32, from Birmingham, said: “I stopped smoking entirely when the lockdown began. It seemed a great opportunity to finally commit. I had smoked constantly since the age of 14 and the damage was beginning to show. I feel in control now.”

Millions of bored Brits light up more as they have less to distract them during lockdown

“Anxiety and lockdown boredom mean I’m constantly relighting. It’s embarrassing because I really want to stop smoking.”

COVID quit boost

Coronavirus fears prompted 300,000 British smokers to give up

Words: Patrick Griffin

More than 300,000 Brits gave up smoking during the lockdown according to a YouGov survey.

Smokers were quizzed about their smoking habits after the lockdown fully kicked in and two per cent of those polled said they had stopped due to COVID-19 fears.

YouGov estimated that when scaled up to reflect the entire UK population, around 300,000 smokers could have quit tobacco amid fears that cigarettes could put them at risk of developing potentially severe COVID-19 complications.

Smoking has been long known to cause many fatal diseases such as pneumonia, emphysema and lung cancer and smokers have worse overall lung health than non-smokers.

It seems that the fears of contracting a new and unpredictable lung disease has been the push that many have needed to finally give up.

The new smoking survey also found that more than half a million (eight per cent) have tried to curb the addiction, 2.4 million (36 per cent) have cut down, and 27 per cent said they were now more likely to quit.

One in four ex-smokers said they were now less likely to resume smoking, although four per cent said the stress of the pandemic had made them more likely to relapse.

ASH chairman Dr Nick Hopkinson said: “Evidence is growing that smoking is associated with worse

coronavirus pandemic.”

outcomes in those admitted to hospital with Covid-19.

“Quitting smoking also rapidly reduces people’s risk of other health problems such as heart attacks and strokes so preventing them is especially important at a time like now when everyone is keen to stay out of hospital.”

Ruth Tennant, the tobacco lead for the Association of Directors of Public Health, said: “There are so many reasons to quit smoking but never a more important time than right now during the coronavirus pandemic.”

Meanwhile #QuitforCOVID campaign founder Dr Charlie Kenward urged smokers to continue to give up during the coronavirus pandemic and beyond. He said: “Stopping smoking remains the single biggest thing people can do to improve their overall health.

“It will improve heart and lung health as well as reducing the chances of developing cancer and even improve wound healing after surgery. There has never been a better time to quit.”

“There are so many reasons to quit smoking but never a more important time than right now during the

CARRY ON VAPING AT LEAST FOR NOW

Australian U-turn sees vape import ban delayed until 2021

Words: Patrick Griffin

An Australian import ban on nicotine-based e-cigarettes has been postponed for six months after a furious outcry from vape advocates across the country.

The ban was to have come into force from July 1 and carried massive fines of up to AUD $222,000 (£110,000) but it has been put back until January 1, 2021.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said the ban was needed to prevent non-smokers becoming addicted to nicotine but accepted that there “was a group of people who have used these e-cigarettes with nicotine … to end their cigarette smoking.”

Under the ban, the import of vaporiser nicotine and e-cigarettes would only be approved with a doctor’s prescription.

E-cigarettes containing nicotine, and nicotine refills are already banned from sale within Australia.

Mr Hunt said he had decided to provide additional time to implement the change “by establishing a streamlined process for patients obtaining prescriptions through their GP.

“This will give patients time to talk with the GP, discuss the best way to give up smoking, such as using other products including patches or sprays, and if still required, will be able to gain a prescription.”

Australian vaping groups welcomed the delay and said it was now more urgent than ever to fight before the ban became law

in January. Advocacy group Legalise Vaping Australia said the ban would push vapers back to smokers and insisted it needed to be stopped.

Spokeswoman Emilie Dye said: “Federal policymakers heard our voices causing the Health Minister to delay this deadly policy. “We now have an opportunity to fight for the legalisation and regulation of nicotine vaping in Australia.”

Queensland senator Matt Canavan said he had received thousands of calls and emails from vapers who want the ban overturned for good.

He said: “I believe we should have a safe and regulated market without barriers that are more onerous than smokes, which after all are much more dangerous.”

Under Australian law, nicotine is classified as a poison, except when it is used as an aid to withdraw from tobacco smoking.

The ban was supported by the Royal Australia College of General Practitioners, which said that vaping should be a “last resort” for those trying to quit smoking.

“We now have an opportunity to fight for the legalisation and regulation of nicotine vaping in Australia.”

IS NOT ENOUGH

Words: Patrick Griffin

Flavoured e-cigarettes will be banned in The Netherlands from next year in order to discourage young people from smoking and vaping.

The government is worried that flavours such as ‘strawberry ice cream’ and ‘mango and chocolate’, are particularly appealing to young people and will encourage them to experiment with vaping.

The measures were outlined in a briefing to parliament and are part of a series of government plans to make smoking less attractive to youngsters.

Deputy health minister Paul Blokhuis said: "There is no place for all these tempting, exotic flavours.

“It is unacceptable that 20,000 people die every year in our country from the effects of smoking and that every day around 75 kids start smoking.

Smoke free “

"The smoke-free generation we see coming also needs to be free of electronic cigarettes."

The government said it will amend existing tobacco legislation to make the change which is due to take effect by spring 2021.

Once the law comes into force, Dutch vapers will be restricted to tobacco flavours only but critics

say that without flavours many smokers will not want to quit and current vapers will be more inclined to return to smoking.

A 2017 Dutch government report said that over a quarter of people aged 12-16 said they had tried vaping at least once.

Electronic cigarettes and water pipes have been banned in the Netherlands for anyone under the age of 18 since 2016.

Smoking is to be banned in all school playgrounds from the start of the next academic year and from October 1, cigarettes and rolling tobacco can only be sold in neutral packaging.

Dutch to ban flavoured e-liquids to help achieve smoke and vape-free generation

The smoke-free generation we see coming also needs to be free of electronic cigarettes.

WE WON’T BE BOSSED ABOUT

Defiant UK vape company wins four-year legal battle against fashion giant Hugo Boss

UK e-liquid company Flavour Boss has won a four-year legal battle to keep its name and top selling product line ‘Boss Shots.’

The family-run business was served with a ‘cease and desist’ notice from German fashion giant Hugo Boss in 2017, which demanded that it rename the company and the ‘Boss Shots’ line.

While it was tempting to give in to the demands of the much larger global brand, CEO Rob Hackin decided to defend the action in a move which has cost tens of thousands of pounds in legal fees.

Hugo Boss had a net income of €236m when the legal challenge was launched and operated 435 stores in 128 countries, while Flavour Boss was a start-up company in Bolton, Greater Manchester. Now, after a protracted and costly legal battle, the European Union Intellectual Property Office has ruled that Flavour Boss can keep its company name and continue selling and marketing Boss Shots.

A delighted Rob said: “It’s been a long and treacherous battle, but we are delighted to

announce that we have received confirmation that EUIPO’s Second Board of Appeal has rejected both of Hugo Boss’ appeals in EU opposition proceedings.

“We were only in our infancy back then, but we had put our heart and soul into building the company and knew we had to fight – our very livelihood was at stake.

“Each month we were getting invoices for about €2,000. The legal fees were just astronomical. The amount of money that solicitors get paid to write a letter or to take a phone call, is huge and you get charged for every single one of them.”

Flavour Boss Account Manager Kelly Singleton said: “We felt so strongly about it because we were initially awarded damages of €850 which is nowhere near what we spent. It was just the principal at that point, we had to carry on and ultimately we were successful and now that this is behind us is quite a relief.”

Hugo Boss could not be reached for comment.

We were only in our infancy back then, but we had put our heart and soul into building the company and knew we had to fight.

Words: Caroline Barry

Vaping w

Words: Gordon Stribling

We hear a lot of different stories about how people got into vaping. And while many are inspiring, they do tend to follow a similar formula. Person starts smoking at an alarmingly early age, struggles to quit cold turkey or with nicotine replacement therapy, eventually finds vaping and then switches for good.

But then there’s Innevape’s Jeff Connell.

A man with an unbridled passion for music, Jeff was destined to be a creator. While life initially got in the way of his music career, he would find profitable outlets for his creativity.

“My investor had a couple of telemarketing companies. He knew that I had ability as a writer so he suggested I put a couple of scripts together.

“I immediately started making a lot of money. I took over the place and started managing it.”

Within a couple of years, Jeff had started his own company. He travelled around North America training, setting up telemarketing and trying out new scripts. Meanwhile, he channelled his creativity through a novel and the self-help book, Guiding Light for Consumers (GLC).

“I ended up putting that together and I sold that to ATC broadband and made a couple million dollars off of it. I thought okay this is my answer.”

Now with financial security, Jeff could plough $1.8million into a home studio that would allow him to record after hours while also taking care of his kids. He recorded some videos, performed some live shows. But, before he knew it, his money was drained.

“I screwed up because I was supposed to update GLC but

I was distracted by the music stuff. I dropped the ball and lost the contract. “I went from a couple million dollars in my bank thinking that everything was gonna be great forever and then next thing you know I turned around and I had 30 grand in my bank.

“It was just enough to leave the place and go back down to Florida and start all over.”

He spent the next few years doing sales and other projects. It was during this time that Jeff started a screenwriting class. Through the class he was hooked up with a manager who helped him land some screenwriting and ghostwriting gigs, including working on a script with Lost actor, Matthew Fox.

One night after spending the evening doing rewrites and chain-smoking, it started to feel like his big break had finally come.

“I thought, ‘man this is it, I made it. I’m gonna have a movie.’

“I went and laid down and I couldn’t breathe. About an hour later, I look up and my wife is yelling on the phone. I can’t even hear what she’s saying. The next thing I remember, I’m in the hospital bed with a mask on my face and they’re telling me that I’d stopped breathing and died and they brought me back around.

“And so, from that day, I never never smoked another cigarette”

And so began his vaping journey. But Jeff being Jeff, making do with the meagre products available at the time wasn’t an option. He needed to do it right if he was to succeed and survive. The ever-present fear that a single slip up could kill him was forever on his mind.

Vaping became Jeff’s new obsession.

“I got psycho into vaping. 3am, watching German videos about guys building tube mods.

“I didn’t understand what they were saying but I was watching it desperately ‘cause I had to know how to make it work.”

A period of creativity followed, where Jeff brewed his own e-liquids which he would then give to smokers at the construction company where he worked. One of those people inspired by Jeff’s enthusiasm would go on to become his partner and launch a vape company with him. But they needed a name. Something catchy that captured what the brand was all about.

Jeff churned through literally hundreds of names but nothing was clicking. That is, until an email arrived with the subject ‘Re. In Escape’ - the title of a script he was working on.

In Escape… Innevape. He had it.

It worked because, after all, this was about innovation. But it was also about the arts that feed into Jeff’s creative process.

“I put heavy thought process behind what I do. All of our liquids are either cinematic or musical.

“Everything themed is out of my soul so it’s either cinema, you know, writing for screenplays, or it’s music or television.”

Television like Breaking Bad: the inspiration for Heisenberg. The now-iconic e-liquid changed the game for Jeff as a vaping entrepreneur. Now, with the security of a global vape brand, his musical aspirations can now once again take centre stage.

“I’m in the hospital bed with a mask on my face and they’re telling me that I’d stopped breathing and died”

Diary OF A VAPER

With Habib Rahman , 28, from London.

I started vaping maybe three to four years ago because I wasn’t enjoying cigarettes anymore and didn’t see the need to smoke, but I needed an alternative to take away the craving. I’d already been vaping but only for the flavour; I was using it with zero nic and wasn’t taking it seriously as a smoking alternative. So, I started vaping with nicotine and used my vape to satisfy my cravings instead of just for leisure and a week down the line I realised it was working, so I’ve carried on using it ever since.

In the beginning, I challenged myself to take it one day at a time; so could I go one day without cigarettes? Could I then go two days? Three days? Four days? That worked for a week, then it was a month and then it had been three months since I’d had a cigarette and I thought: “Wow, this has actually worked!” That was in 2016.

I’d been smoking for around 10 years when I quit, I started in my teens. Back then I’d not really thought anything of it; I didn’t consider the addiction side of it at all, I knew it was bad, but I just thought that I’d be able to quit at any time. It was only when I was in my 20s that I realised I was smoking a ridiculous amount and wasn’t sure I’d be able to stop.

The most dramatic change in my health was during the first year of vaping, because I felt healthier, so I used that momentum to make a conscious choice to be healthier in general. Now, I can’t imagine myself smoking again and where I’ve had the odd cigarette here or there it makes me feel really sick and the next morning my chest will feel heavy. I just can’t believe I used to smoke 30 to 40 of them a day.

It was a sub-Ohm device that got me off the cigarettes and then I got into my dual battery devices and slowly got into rebuildables. Vaping became a hobby for me and I was all about finding new devices, new flavours, new stores and meeting new people in the stores. I’ve made a lot of friends in stores and ended up getting a job in a store in London, where I worked for a year.

I love attending The Vaper Expo UK because everyone comes together and showcases everything, plus it’s a good place to come and meet up in one spot. It is great to meet like-minded people and share stories about vaping.

“ In the beginning, I challenged myself to take it one day at a time; so could I go one day without cigarettes? Could I then go two days? ”

How have you managed to build such a successful e-juice brand?

My main focus was always making sure that I had a top-quality product. With that, my goal was to be a household name. I knew that I would achieve that by selling premium products. The difference between my company and most is that I am the founder and the lead mixologist on every single flavour that Premium Labs has released since day one.

In my opinion, most e-juice companies exist for capital gain whereas I feel that my products are created with the best intentions. It seems that a lot of juice out there in the current market comes from a select few labs. Every single bottle of my juice comes directly from my lab and runs through a rigorous quality test before it goes to market.

How has the industry changed since you started?

A lot has changed. Since the increase in competition, a lot of the original companies have disappeared from the market. This is due to a variety of new products plus some well-executed marketing strategies. I have noticed that a lot more smaller companies do not break through beyond their surrounding areas. I think it is a lot more difficult for companies to acquire an international status. Nic salts and pod systems have made quite an impact but you adapt and evolve, or you will not make it. I have also seen an increase in companies with poor-quality juices trying to make a quick buck which just causes static for companies that are established and make a good product.

How has working in the industry changed your life?

It has given me some grey hairs, that is for sure! I have learned a lot as an entrepreneur and as I still continue to learn. My end goal is to eventually give back and make the world a better place.

Would you ever make juice for other companies?

I have not only considered it, but I have been asked many times. I have also been reached out to multiple times by other labs asking me to help them perfect their recipes. The truth is, Premium Labs is just too busy and I cannot afford to commit any of my time to helping other companies. Maybe it is something to consider for the future, although I have never worked with a scientist before!

How does it feel to be the most award-winning e-juice manufacturer in the United Kingdom?

It’s important to me that every flavour has what I would call, ‘the full story,’ which hits every angle of your palate. Being the most award-winning e-juice manufacturer in the United Kingdom demonstrates my philosophy of creating top quality products that people love. I started my business to help myself and others quit smoking and that was not obtainable with the products available on the market six years ago.

It is a surreal feeling. I never thought in a million years that I would be this naturally talented at creating these amazing concoctions. Picasso did not take painting lessons…LOL!

What’s new with Premium Labs in 2020?

First off, we have managed to secure a new master distribution with Tony Stuart at Vaping 101. Tony is a fantastic character who knows what good juice is. We have no doubt that Tony will be able to propel our company to the next level in the United Kingdom.

Tony started off with our juice years ago as a huge supporter of everything we do. And like any other distributor that we work with who is really behind our product, he has excelled his own business at an astronomical speed of growth. Tony runs one of the UK’s top websites and also owns the UK’s largest vape shop.

I’m sure you’ll agree if you watch his ‘Vaping 101’ video on the Vaping 101 Aberdeen YouTube channel. There is no other like it! Vaping 101 hopes to do something with the shop in 2020 and bring in the Dr Fog touch. If other distributors had Tony’s work ethic and

drive and had seen the golden ticket with our juice, they would be in the same prosperous situation. How can you fail with the most award-winning product that is made entirely with passion and perfection?

What challenges have you faced over the past six years?

First off, I would like to take my hat off to my team who stuck with me through thick and thin. It has been hard to find an executive team that constantly helps me get to the next level. It was a real stress to develop and grow the company on an international level on my own over the first five years. But over the past 12 months this team has really helped relieve some of the pressure and put the company in a great position to continue to grow and meet the demand with a little more ease.

The stress that comes along with building a successfully international company single-handedly in five years – most people don’t believe it!

How have you weathered the coronavirus storm?

Thankfully, here in Vancouver, we were not impacted as much as other parts of the world. We were able to keep all our staff employed and our operations going. We also started helping the Canadian community by manufacturing and donating hand sanitisers to those who needed it. We have also expanded the operations to offer branded hand sanitisers to local businesses in Canada for their employees.

What advice would you give to vape businesses as the world starts to open up again?

To the ones that were affected negatively, keep your heads up. Things will pick back up and you can get back to helping people get off cigarettes.

What can we expect from Premium Labs next?

There is so much going on. It has been crazy busy these past few months. We are expanding manufacturing in the Middle East to make it more accessible to our customer base there, along with a few other ventures that will be announced shortly. For now, we are releasing our Top 15 salt nics to the UK market. We have decided to use five Decoded flavours, five Dr Fog flavours and a blend of five different menthol-infused (with fruit) flavours.

It was a tough decision to just introduce 15 flavours but we chose which ones that we felt would be the best fit to get going in the UK market.

Anything else you would like to add?

I, Sammy Fog and everyone at Premium Labs would just like to thank all our customers worldwide.We would not be in the position we are in today without you and we look forward to creating more amazing juices for all of you in the future so we can continue to help people quit smoking.

An Affordable Anti-dust Vape Pen

THE FUTURE OF THE Indy Vape Shop

aftermath may highlight vital role of vape shops in stop smoking efforts

Words: Victor Mullin

Well, for me the question of the future impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has on the industry is one that I have been chatting about with a few local(ish) vape shop owners for several weeks now.

It is no surprise to anyone that the lockdowns have had a huge impact on the entire e-cig industry in those countries where they have been taking place. The UK, EU, the US, Canada and other places where vape shops have been shuttered has had a rolling impact on not only the shop, but the wholesalers, distros, vape shop owners and their staff.

The large chain stores, like VPZ and Totally Wicked have the capital to keep themselves afloat at times like this, especially with their large online presence, but what I want to concentrate on for this article is the small one or two-staffed independent stores.

You will have seen these stores on your local high street or on a side street leading up to it. These small stores with one owner and maybe one or two staff are the bedrock of what keeps this industry afloat.

It is these small independent vape businesses that hold the larger chain stores to account for the rest of us, and it’s what keeps the vape shop side of the industry in check, not only to keep prices stable, but to keep vapers, well, vaping.

Right now, it is no exaggeration to say that many of these small shops are struggling to survive. Even with government grants available, for a lot of them their landlords are still demanding rent money for their shop which had to close for months with no money coming in.

They have had to struggle with the fact that not only are they not getting paid, but their staff (if they have staff) are not getting paid either. On top of that is the worry of paying their landlords, rates, and everything else that goes along with running a small business.

The far-reaching consequences of COVID-19 will not only impact the future, it is impacting vapers right now, especially one set of vapers who a lot of us don’t notice…the new vaper. I am referring here to those smokers who quit cigarettes a week or two before the

COVID-19

lockdown hit. Where are they getting their liquids from now? Are they even still vaping? Have they switched back to smoking?

These are questions which will be answered when some sort of normality resumes later this year, but there’s no doubt that some of those small independent vape shops will not be returning at all and the huge worry here is for villages and small towns where the only vape shop was that small independent one.

The vapers who are there will be cut off from vaping and be forced to go online for their orders, and for people who have no internet access, or have no PC, well, it means they will probably go back to smoking.

The back half of 2020 will be a trying time for the entire industry, especially as lockdowns ease and the true state of the vape scene in the UK, EU and US is revealed.

I just hope the damage to the independent sector of the shop side of things is not a permanent one. Some

“

The far-reaching consequences of COVID-19 will not only impact the future, it is impacting vapers right now, especially the new vaper.

countries in the EU decided to mark vape shops as “essential services” and in those countries, vape shops remained open, but for the vast majority of countries, vape shops were all forced to close.

The decision by various governments not to mark vape shops as “essential” will have a damning impact on their stop smoking rates at the end of this summer, and, with any luck, new questions will be asked on the role that vape shops SHOULD have with regards to stop smoking services.

WHO DO THEY THINK THEY ARE?

Trump/WHO spat may have knock-on effect on global vape policy

Words: Gordon Stribling

On May 18, all 194 World Health Organization member states agreed at a virtual assembly meeting to conduct an inquiry into the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The resolution includes provisions to investigate the WHO’s own role in handling the pandemic.

The global health body has faced significant criticism for its response from the Trump Administration. Previously the WHO’s largest donor, the country threatened to cut all funding following a public spat between President Trump and WHO director general, Tedros Adhanom.

US health secretary Alex Azar told the Assembly: “We must be frank about one of the primary reasons this outbreak spun out of control: there was a failure by this organisation to obtain the information that the world needed, and that failure cost many lives.”

The WHO has also received criticism from the UK and Europe. However, European Commission spokeswoman Virginie BattuHenriksson urged EU nations to support it and not get wrapped up in US vs China politics.

“This is the time for solidarity,” she said. “It is not the time for fingerpointing or undermining multilateral cooperation.” The WHO has been able to defend itself from many of the charges levelled at it by President Trump. But regardless of the findings of the inquiry, many nations will now likely take a more critical stance about the organisation’s advice on other matters, such as vaping.

Global vaping policy is perhaps more fractured than it has ever been despite the overwhelming evidence supporting vaping for tobacco harm reduction.

Fears about youth uptake, largely driven by disputed data from North America, have negatively influenced policy in South America, Asia and even parts of Europe, where the much-heralded Tobacco Products Directive can be adapted by member states.

Nonetheless, President Trump remains a popular figure for US advocates after speaking up for the industry last year. The WHO remains a highly influential presence on global vaping policy, thanks, in no small part, to its Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), created to end the global tobacco epidemic.

The FCTC includes provisions to regulate tobacco products, raise awareness of the harms associated with tobacco and protect from exposure to tobacco smoke.

But while member nations such as the UK have embraced e-cigarettes to reduce the harms associated with tobacco, the WHO continues to assert that they are dangerous and that the evidence supporting their use to help people quit smoking is ‘inconclusive.’

In advice issued in January, the WHO said: “E-cigarettes increase the risk of heart disease and lung disorders.

“They pose significant risks as they can damage the growing foetus. They also expose non-smokers to nicotine and other harmful chemicals.” It also refused to acknowledge that e-cigarettes are

less harmful that combustible cigarettes, saying: “This depends on a range of factors, including the amount of nicotine and other toxicants in the heated liquids, but we know that e-cigarettes pose clear health risks and are by no means safe.”

The WHO’s reluctance to embrace vaping’s harm reduction potential has been repeatedly challenged over the years. However, it refuses to engage with the ‘tobacco’, i.e. ‘vaping’ industry as a matter of policy.

A number of harm reduction proponents were either thrown out of, or refused entry to, last year’s Conference of the Parties (COP) event.

Dr. Vera Luiza da Costa e Silva, Head of the Convention Secretariat, said: “Vaping is a treacherous and flavoured camouflage of a health disaster yet to happen if no action is taken now.”

Fed up with the WHO’s refusal to engage, a New Zealand advocacy group is urging its government to fight back in the name of public health.

The Aotearoa Vapers Community Advocacy (AVCA) has written to associate health minister Jenny Salesa, calling on her to embrace global scientific evidence supporting vaping instead of the WHO’s position. The Ministry of Health will present at the COP9 event in The Hague in November.

AVCA director Nancy Loucas said that consumers had been excluded by the FCTC, which meant that it’s up to the government to represent the public. The organisation argued that the WHO’s policy was

influenced by vested interests, such as the pharmaceutical industry and Bloomberg Philanthropies.

The AVCA wrote: “The WHO is lying to you to protect their own financial interests and keep their private donors happy.

“They are not objective. They are not focused on their own mandate under the FCTC to promote the health of the people and their right to have information to make informed choices regarding their health.” The New Zealand government is unlikely to be the only one urged to speak out against the WHO’s vaping policy at the COP9 event. And as current events and President Trump’s war of words stoke further criticism of the organisation’s influence and funding, it’s influence on the global vaping stage may be under threat like never before.

“There was a failure by the World Health Organization to obtain the information that the world needed, and that failure cost many lives.”

SURVIVING COVID-19

What steps should the vape industry be taking as we learn to survive the current crisis?

Words: Gordon Stribling

We’ve been hearing a lot about the ‘new normal’ over the past couple of months. Prior to lockdown, few of us really anticipated how different things could be as the world prepared for an uncertain future. And until a vaccine is found, approved and mass-produced, the vape industry, like everything else, is going to have to adapt to survive. So what steps should we be taking in the weeks and months to come? And how might these decisions shape the industry of the future?

Delivery

It’s no exaggeration to say that vape shops have become the backbone of the British high street. While many shops are on th e decline, vape shops have proliferated all over the country and you can often find several competing for customers on a single street.

Many advocates argued that vape shops should have remained open during lockdown. After all, people rely on them to keep them from tobacco. And while many were unable to operate at all, some vape shops adapted to provide same or next-day delivery. Even once most of us are back at work, there will remain thousands of vulnerable people stuck at home and unable to visit vape shops for supplies. Shops that can support their communities with a delivery service will be in demand.

Hygiene

It’s Saturday afternoon, you’re kind of bored and fancy seeing some friendly faces. Why not head to your local vape shop?

This may have seemed reasonable in the past, but until the world gets a handle on this virus, there will likely be less gathering in vape shops. Maybe a handful of customers in a shop at a time, two metres apart if at all possible, and hand-washing enforced on entry.

The real challenge will be testing e-liquids due to the risk of contracting COVID-19 from popping a rubber drip tip on a tank.

One way around this would be to pop a few drops of liquid straight into the customer’s own tank.

Expos

These have all stopped during this pandemic and while there are a number scheduled for later this year, we don’t know for certain what is going to happen. For example, we have no idea how international travel will look once the airlines start up again.

Maybe this will be a launching point for smaller, local events, again, boosting the local community.

That said, expos are an essential for international trade so we are likely to see a further growth in online conferencing and events.

With that in mind, don’t miss out on VOXPO, brought to you by Vapouround and The Cannavist. This virtual event will run for a year and feature many of the biggest brands from all around the world.

Behind the scenes

Vape shops and expos are very much the face of the vape industry, but so much work goes on behind the scenes that the average vaper would never think about.

Along with cross-company business meetings in offices around the country, there are the business lunches and networking

events that are both productive and also sometimes a great way to unwind.

But as we rebuild, we can expect video conferencing to do the lion’s share of this work. And within companies, there will likely be more working from home while those at the office are spread across the site with increased hygiene measures enforced.

Stay alert

The only way for us to get through this is by operating sensibly and co-operatively. This virus isn’t going away any time soon and we can’t risk a second peak. So if we are to survive and thrive, we need to ensure that appropriate measures are in place to ensure the safety of one another and our customers.

BACK IN Business

Words: Caroline

Vape shops are back in business. After being deemed ‘nonessential’ in March they all had to close, but finally they are open once more.

Things look quite different now and the post-lockdown vape shop experience is not the same as it was before (but then again virtually nothing is exactly the same as it was before).

But with change comes opportunity and for vape shops the opportunity is to get back to basics and be the go-to place for smokers who want to switch.

It can be a daunting time for smokers who want to try something new and the vape shop can offer this necessary ‘hand holding’ to make switching to e-cigarettes work, but without the physical contact, obviously.

UKVIA Director John Dunne said it was vital that shop owners move quickly to re-establish consumer confidence that vape shops are safe places to visit and that will inevitably mean doing things a bit differently.

He said: “While vape shops will be doing everything they can to reassure people about the safety of their products, I think it’s going to take time for consumers to start coming back into stores.”

One likely change is cutting down the time spent with customers, especially regular customers who know exactly what they want. For them John believes the ‘click and collect’ model may work well.

“My thoughts would be, regular consumers who know what they want, could call ahead and have their order ready for pickup. So they just have to pay for it when they arrive, but it would be ready for them to go.”

The benefit of this approach is that it would free up more time to deal with new clients and this will set the specialist vape stores apart from the supermarkets, convenience stores and petrol

stations. John added: “I think the stores really need to focus that one-to-one time on the new user, especially with the recent menthol ban. There will be a lot of new people out there, potentially switching to vaping. And they’re not going to know what they want. That’s been what’s been missing from the vaping sector for the last two months is that education. Convenience stores really can’t compensate for that.”

Shelf space is always a prime commodity for supermarkets and convenience stores so they tend to carry limited vape stock without a varied selection. Smokers are generally left to work out for themselves which device will work best for them, whereas the specialist vape shop can talk them through their options and getting this message across will be vital.

John said he was really impressed at how vape shops adapted to the enforced closures by ramping up their online operations and says they will also be quick to adapt to new safety and hygiene

Vape shops are now more valuable than ever in helping smokers switch

Barry

requirements in their stores.

The changes will cover everything from stock replenishment, dealing with returns, the sanitisation of surfaces and products and social distancing procedures.

Also expect to see changes on how we handle goods inside vape shops and sanitisation stations with gloves and masks for all employees may be commonplace.

John added: “I think one thing we are going to see is social distancing and the amount of people that will be let into a store at any one time will reduce. Speaking with our members and looking at the government guidance, you’re looking at two people at a time in the store. Obviously the use of any testing equipment is going to be prohibited. Talking to our members, they know this is going to be the case for the foreseeable future.

“Having a good, regular cleaning routine to ensure all surfaces are kept clean will also be vital. I think it will also mean no vaping in the store, even if it is the customer’s own device. I think it’s just common sense more than anything.”

“Stores really need to focus one-to-one time on the new user, especially with the recent menthol ban.”

HAVING THE CRAIC BOI

West Cork rapper Craic Boi Mental explains how comedy and vaping can help to get a more serious message out there.

Words: Caroline Barry

Ireland is not the first place that people think of when they picture a vibrant or emerging hip hop scene but that’s slowly starting to change. The Irish hip hop scene has had a surge in popularity due to the success of artists such as Dublin-based Kojaque, Limerick duo The Rubberbandits and now Cork-based, Craic Boi Mental with songs ranging from serious subjects to lighthearted takes on Irish politics

The seriously lighthearted takes now include vaping. Craic Boi Mental’s track, ‘Vape Till The Year 3000’ examines the Irish housing crisis and, erm, vaping. The Irish housing market has seen a 90 percent price increase in Dublin and 80 percent increase throughout the country which has effectively priced a generation of young people out of home ownership. The song makes reference to this as Craic Boi Mental highlights the indifference of politicians towards change or the lack of movement on public housing lists. “Gonna vape till the year 3000 or until they figure out public housing,” he sings as he highlights social inequality in Ireland.

Craic Boi Mental got his start through posting videos and songs online, much the same way that generation of Irish comedians and rappers have. “I started making music back in 2012 as a hip hop beat maker. Then I started making songs around 2014 which were just funny tracks that I’d put on Soundcloud and YouTube. They built a bit of a cult following after popular YouTubers like

Ricegum and Leafyishere featured him in their videos.

Fans took note of his lyrics, infectious hooks and also, songs about vaping, tobacco and polo mints. By developing multiple personas such as Yung Ghowl and Sulk Boi, he has been able to create and produce a large volume of work.

He name is actually a collection of these personas and how they all come together to make the music.

Does he actually vape or is it all for show as part of his many personas? He said: “I started vaping as a hobby. I guess when I saw the character Viper was into vaping on the show Hardy Bucks back in the day and I had a few friends trying to give up cigarettes so I got into it with them. I like blackcurrant flavours a lot but don’t vape as much as I used to.”

He hopes that by using comedy, he can draw attention to the more serious issues in his songs. “In my opinion, if you want to get people to take note of your message then the best way to go about it is through comedy.”

He has also turned his attention to tobacco and smoking with the track, ‘Ná Caitheamh Tobac’ (Don’t smoke tobacco) which appears on his recent album, Cork City Anthems. He was inspired to write it after watching friends quit smoking. “I’m not a fan of cigarettes. I started making music and realised that I never really liked cigarettes anyway so vaping was the better option for me.” Vaping has become big business within the music industry. A

study conducted by Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice and Johns Hopkins University in 2018 revealed that brand placement increased from zero percent of videos with combustible products in 2013 to 9.9 percent in 2017, this also increased from 25 percent in 2013 to 87.5 percent in 2017 for music videos with electronic products.

Several rappers and musicians now have their own vaping lines including Action Bronson, A$ap Rocky and Professor Green. The Weeknd also partnered with PAX Labs in 2015 to make an e-cigerette that commemorated his 2015 North American Tour.

Craic Boi is now observing the same social distancing rules as the rest of us and has had a series of cancelled gigs across Ireland and in London due to the coronavirus. He said: “If I get to Cork City before the end of the year at this rate I’ll be happy.”

“I started vaping as just a hobby. I had a few friends who were trying to give up cigarettes so I got into it with them.”

RATED PG

Words: Caroline Barry

Hollywood has been associated with smoking for decades, from Audrey Hepburn’s famous long cigarette holder in Breakfast at Tiffany’s to the Silk Cut obsession of Bridget Jones. It was even rumoured that tobacco companies would have their leading ladies (and men) under contract to only smoke certain brands.

Now that cigarettes are falling out of favour with celebrities and are not being featured prominently in films due to health concerns, vaping has stepped up to fill the smoke-free void.

Although the inclusion of e-cigarettes has slowed down since 2015, there are many examples where our favourite movie stars are seen vaping and not smoking.

There are now many forums and subreddits dedicated to highlighting whenever someone vapes on the big screen, that we thought we would check out a selection of movie vape moments. How many of these have you seen?

The Tourist 2010

The Tourist stars Johnny Depp as Frank Tupelo who meets Elise Clifton-Ward (Angelina Jolie) on an Italian train. The two meet while Depp is reading a spy novel while holding an e-cigarette. At the start of the film, the e-cigarette is perhaps a sign of the character’s risk adverse personality but, to

the disappointment of vape forums, he has returned to tobacco towards the end. The movie went on to take £278.3 million at the box office with three Golden Globe nominations and it’s also been praised by vapers for the positive way it portrays e-cigarettes

Map to the Stars 2014

John Cusack is another real-life vaper who also appears in several of his films holding an e-cigarette. His character in this film, Benjie, may be another Hollywood cliché, but it’s nice to see vaping given another casual appearance.

Bad Neighbours 2014

Zac Efron stars as a fraternity brother who moves in next to Seth Rogan before starting a comedy war. Efron is seen enjoying an e-cigarette at different stages of the movie. Bad Neighbours took $207 million at the box office which amounts to a good amount of vaping publicity.

Anarchy 2014

Despite a long list of male actors holding e-cigarettes in scenes, there are few women vaping on screen. Mila Jovovich holds an e-cigarette in a scene in Anarchy 2014 and Rachel McAdams also vapes in the second series of TV’s True Detective.

With cigarettes disappearing from films due to pressure from health organisations and new social norms, e-cigarettes are beginning to take their place.

Dirty Grandpa 2016

Zac Efron as Jason Kelly, travels with his party-loving grandpa, Dick, to Florida. Efron is seen vaping as he attends a party and clearly enjoys the experience. He takes a huge lungful of vapour and delights in exhaling huge clouds as he enjoys the flavour of the e-liquid.

Ingrid Goes West 2017

O’Shea Jackson Jr. plays Dan Pinto to Aubrey Plaza’s Ingrid in this comedy about true happiness in a social media age. Dan is seen holding an e-cigerette at times in the movie and it feels like a natural addition to his character.

American Gods: (an honourable TV mention)

The TV show written by Neil Gaiman on Amazon Prime features a war between the old gods such as Spring and the new gods, such as technology which represent the changes in the human belief system.

Technology Boy, the character is presented as a collection of technology breakthroughs such as social media, the digital age and of, course, he is a vaper. His preferred e-liquid is not for the faint of heart as it is apparently a synthetic toad-skin flavour. I can’t really see that being anyone else’s all-day-vape any time soon!

While e-cigarettes may not be as prominently featured now as they were in 2015, it’s clear that they will continue to feature on the big screen.

More actors are being photographed off screen holding their devices (Tom Hardy, Samuel L. Jackson and Norman Reedus to name but three) and Leonardo DiCaprio was pictured publicly enjoying his vape at the Screen Actor Guild Awards to the delight of vapers on movie forums everywhere.

Not only that, but with the 2020 Oscars offering 24 carat gold e-cigs from Hollowtips in their goodie bags, it’s difficult to see vaping fading away anytime soon.

Although the inclusion of e-cigarettes has slowed down since 2015, there are many examples where our favourite movie stars are seen vaping and not smoking.

“

WELCOME TO

As we get ready to welcome VOXPO – our virtual online vape and CBD expo into the world – we thought we would answer some of the most frequently asked questions we have had about this exciting new event.

Here Vapouround director David Turner explains what VOXPO is all about and why there is such a buzz of anticipation about its imminent launch.

Q. What exactly is VOXPO?

VOXPO is essentially an expo which you can attend and exhibit at without having to travel anywhere at all. There are no flight costs, no hotel costs, no hassles in getting your stock to an event and no worries with overzealous customs officials. Whether you’re a vape or a CBD company, it’s a vehicle to get your brand out there globally and generate new business and leads.

Q. So it’s completely virtual then?

Exactly. Everything from exhibiting to attending can be done online and you can access it from the comfort of your own home or office.

Everything you need to know about the new virtual expo everyone is talking about

Q. Are you worried that some people might find it too technical?

Not at all. You don’t need to download anything special to access VOXPO. It’s all done via one simple URL that you access in exactly the same way you access any other website. If you’re an exhibitor, then you get your own unique URL to help you build your booth with a simple custom editor. There’s nothing about the experience for anyone that should deter or confuse people. We’ve tested the platform with various members of staff here, all with differing levels of technical knowledge and we had a 100% positive feedback rate on its ease of use.

Q. How did VOXPO come about?

This is something we’ve had on our radar since the back end of last year. We always have a schedule of upcoming products and initiatives and we like to keep everything fresh and evolving. VOXPO is one of many things we have planned but we pushed it forward due to the terrible things happening around the world with COVID-19 and its effect on physical travel. Over the past five years we’ve met a lot of people and made a lot of friends in the vape and CBD industries and we felt VOXPO was something that could also help their businesses through a difficult time if we brought it forward.

Q. How does VOXPO work for visitors?

We have worked hard to keep the entire experience nice and simple. Firstly you register to attend. There’s no charge at all for attending. When you access the expo you’ll see both a vape and a CBD hall, plus an auditorium. Let’s say you head into the vape hall. As you would with a physical expo, you’ll then have a large selection of booths to visit. When you visit a booth, you’ll have various options such as video presentations, brochures, catalogues, spec sheets – essentially anything you might need to find out more about their products. If you like what you see, you’ll be able to link to their online e-commerce presence and buy. If you want further information, then there will be various ways to get in touch with the exhibitors.

Q. Will you be able to talk to the exhibitors like you can at a physical expo?

Yes. The VOXPO platform will be live for 365 days but within that period we will have four “live expos”, each lasting for three days where all the exhibitors will have members of staff in their offices or home offices sitting ready to answer any questions you might have.

Q. How are you getting around the fact that people won’t be able to sample products?

There’s a two-fold way of looking at that. Firstly, in the current climate and with social distancing and hygiene, do you really think that many

people, even if given the chance, would feel totally comfortable sampling products at a physical expo? Secondly, you’ve got to think about VOXPO in terms of its length and duration. At a physical expo you’ve got two to three days to push a deal over the line – that’s your window. At VOXPO you’ve got the full year. There’s time to engage fully with any contacts you make there. Time to send the samples and then follow up.

Q. Do you see this replacing physical expos?

Absolutely not. Physical expos are a cornerstone of the industry and as media partners to many of them we can’t wait for them to get up and running again. The ultimate aim of VOXPO is to complement physical expos and not to replace them. There’s more than enough room for both physical and virtual expos.

Q. You mentioned an auditorium. What happens there?

The auditorium will form a key part of VOXPO. This is the place where you can find some fantastic guest speakers covering topics on both the vape and CBD side of things. There’ll be something there for everyone whether you are an expert, beginner or just curious.

Q. What exactly is the target audience for the event?

Plain and simple, this is an event for everyone. If you’re a business owner there’ll be new products and brands for you to consider. If you’re a vaping or CBD lover then it is the same for you. If you’re a smoker looking to quit or considering using CBD to aid you with some particular aspect of your life, then come along – we’ve got you all covered.

Q. How has the response from the industries been?

In a word - phenomenal. We’ve got over 100 brands exhibiting already. For the exhibitors it’s an incredibly competitive price for what is a full years’ worth of global exposure and there is a huge level of excitement of what VOXPO can achieve.

Q. Sounds good. When does it go live?

It will go live on July 31.

Q. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I’d just like to reiterate that there’s something there for everyone. For us this is a massively exciting project to work on. We see this as the next logical step for a pair of industries known for their innovation and a step that we feel people are going to thoroughly enjoy and get massive benefit from.

“VOXPO has something for everyone. For us this is a massively exciting project and the next logical step for two industries known for their innovation.”

Flavour OUT OF

Flavour bans and PMTA deadline put US vapers at risk of relapse

Words: Gordon Stribling

America’s ongoing war on flavours is a frustrating battleground for the vape advocate. Vaping adversaries want to ban the sweet flavours that help adults quit smoking while, at the same time, claiming to be anti-tobacco.

Michigan’s vape community is all too familiar with this story.

On September 18, 2019, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued an emergency rule banning the sale of flavoured nicotine vape products. Whitmer cited state chief medical executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, who said that high youth vaping rates amounted to a public health emergency.

Two vape shop owners sued on the grounds that the ban would create irreparable harm and on October 15 a preliminary injunction was granted.

health, welfare or safety.” The flavour ban had been something of a personal crusade of Whitmer in the months before the rule was signed off. The judges noted that Witmer was ‘entitled to due deference’ but not ‘complete capitulation’ from the court process when ruling on what constitutes an ‘emergency.’

Judge Mark T. Boonstra questioned whether Whitmer’s actions amounted to totalitarianism, saying: “This case highlights for me a growing concern about governmental overreach, both in this case specifically and also more generally, and because sometimes we as Americans need a wake-up call.”

The ruling was some much-needed good news for Michigan’s embattled vape industry, which has been hit especially hard by the twin forces of flavour bans and coronavirus lockdown.

But while Michigan’s vapers have been granted a reprieve, the same cannot be said for New York.

In May this year, a three-judge panel of the Michigan Court of Appeals upheld the injunction. Judge Jane E. Markey wrote: “Bluntly stated, the defendants did not produce evidence that an emergency situation existed such that a period of delay would make any relevant difference in preserving the public’s

Two new laws restricting tobacco product sales came into effect on May 18. The first prohibits the sale of nicotine and tobacco products in pharmacies and the second outlaws the sale of all flavoured e-liquids.

Flavourless and tobacco-flavoured e-liquids were not affected,

though these only account for a fraction of the market and are far less popular among smokers transitioning to vaping. While the flavour ban was ostensibly brought in to prevent young people from being lured into vaping and smoking, such restrictions can actually be a win for the tobacco industry itself.

Albany retailer Mike Kruger said that the ban cost him $32,000 and will lead people back to tobacco.

He said: “You can walk into any gas station in New York State and you can get yourself a pack of Newport’s, Campbell’s or Marlboro’s, but you can’t get your favourite vape flavour today.”

The vape businesses that have managed to survive coronavirus and sweeping flavour bans now face an even greater threat.

From September, all vape products will require a valid Premarket Tobacco Product Application in order to be sold in the US. Each application will cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, with manufacturers required to prove that their products are in the interests of public health.

Many of the small businesses that are the foundation of the industry will be lost. And, yet again, it will likely be the billiondollar tobacco industry that has the capital to prevail.

Reynolds American has now submitted three PMTAs for its Vuse range. The applications cover multiple flavour variations for each product.

Executive Vice President and Head of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs, Dr. James Figlar, said: "We are optimistic that we will receive a favourable marketing order for all of our applications, which would enable us to provide adult tobacco consumers with multiple acceptable alternatives to cigarettes."

Ongoing PMTAs are confidential, so what Reynolds considered to be an ‘acceptable alternative’ remains to be seen. However, it’s unlikely that many of the so-called ‘kid-friendly’ flavours that have helped millions of smokers around the US quit will be around for much longer.

“Sometimes we as Americans need a wake-up call.”

Water LIKE

Innevape's Jeff Connell is finally able to pursue his life-long passion of music

Words: Gordon Stribling

Dreams of music stardom are just part and parcel of growing up for many young people. But few rock wannabes can say that they came as tantalisingly close as Innevape's Jeff Conell.

Inseparable from his guitar from a young age, Jeff was playing bluegrass festivals with his dad before he'd even reached his teens.

He said: "Learning on an acoustic is like running with weights on and then you take the weights off when you go to electric, you fly.”

Jeff describes his childhood as 'tumultuous' and just before his 16th birthday he headed to California to take his first steps towards a music career.

His band Baddax spent a couple of years in California, generating buzz and catching the ear of a New York record label owner along the way. Soon they moved to New York where they started gigging and a record label contract soon followed. By 1991 they put out their first CD, 'Somethin' New'.

The six-track EP opened doors and Baddax performed opening slots for national acts and took part in the MTV Headbangers Ball Foundations Forum in 1995. But the period was a turning point for rock music. The long hair and axe-shredding of the past decade gave way to a slower, more downbeat sound made famous by Nirvana: grunge. With musical appetites changing, the label began exploring alternative paths for Baddax to follow. Then, out of the blue, the label announced that they would be sending the band to Japan to build some heat. But Jeff couldn't do it. He had a baby on the way.

"We were driving back from California to Florida when I broke the news. My drummer, who was a big trunk redneck, ends up getting drunk on the tour bus. Just bitching, bitching, bitching. We pulled into a rest area and he just beat the hell out of me."

Jeff was now entering a new reality, one that was not conducive to late nights and scraps on the tour bus. Things had to change if he was to be the best man he could be for his family. He put his guitar down, cut his long hair and killed off his rockstar persona.

"I was 30 years old. I'd never had a bank account. I'd never had a driver's licence, a car, or a place to rent.

"From 18 I had been on the road with a band and a manager handling everything. But now I pretty much had to learn how to live like an adult and pay my own bills." Family life and the ensuing success of Innevape seemed to spell the end of Jeff's rock music journey. He was comfortable but very busy and with little time to even think about creating new music.

But then he was asked to play the Star Spangled Banner at a July 4 convention and caught the bug again. And so he built another studio and started recording again and uploading tracks to Soundcloud as Quazzistellar, which is also the name of his new YouTube channel.

"My eldest son said, 'you are a stellar guitarist but right now you're just not bothered by 'stellar' because you need to get back. It was a joke. And so then he comes up with this amazing logo that I just had to run with."

Jeff's skills and passion are clearly resonating with the YouTube

community. He hopes that, through this interaction, he will be able to put together a new album and reward contributors who inspire him along the way with huge giveaways of guitars, amps and more.

"I'm determined that at the level I'm at right now maturity wise, financially and everything else that I have the wherewithal to make this the most beautiful project that I've ever recorded." The YouTube project was inspired by Jeff's recent discovery of singer/songwriter Paul Gilbert and in particular his song, 'I Own a Building'. The song moved him to tears from the first listen. There were no lyrics, just a man channelling his emotions through his guitar.

"Something just told me I had to just let it flow. I thought to myself, 'this is like water, like I'm just washing myself off.' So I went in and I immediately wrote the song, 'Like Water.'

Now, he hopes, Quazzistellar will have an equally transformative effect on his viewers. The project is as much a collaboration as it is a personal project. Through the section 'You Too', where viewers can send in their own videos which Jeff can then put on his channel and share with the community.

"It's a 10-song album and the tenth song is going to be a community song. We're going to construct it together and then I'm going to have guest musicians send them their clips and then all mix their clips into the song.

"I just need my soul to realise that all these years that I put in my whole family sacrifice for music and everything else is not for all for nothing and that I get to share this with other people."

"I have the wherewithal to make this the most beautiful project that I've ever recorded"

EFFECT’

a doctor’s prescription. Aussie vapers rely on imports which are something of a grey area and very in legality across the various states.

But now a new evidence review by two Australian scientists may have debunked one of the most prominent arguments against vaping: the gateway effect.

Words: Gordon Stribling

You’re probably familiar with the idea: vaping gives you a taste for nicotine and that leads you to trying combustible tobacco. It’s today’s equivalent of trying cannabis a few times in your teens and ending up as a heroin addict on the street.

But vape advocates still face an uphill battle

The gateway effect has been used to justify bans across the US, particularly with regards to flavours and nicotine content.

Co-authors Colin Mendelsohn and Wayne Hall asked a straightforward question: ‘Does the gateway theory justify a ban on nicotine vaping in Australia?’

Gateway theory suggests that e-cigarette use leads to tobacco use. However, the authors argued that the link could instead be explained by a common liability model.

It’s pretty straightforward. Think back to your school days and the kids your parents warned you about. Big Barry at the bike sheds wasn’t just smoking cigarettes. He was drinking down the park with his mates at weekends and engaging in some light vandalism, too. He was just more of a risk-taker.

The researchers wrote: “Regular vaping by never-smokers is rare and the association is more plausibly explained by a common liability model.

“If there is a gateway effect, it is small at the population level because smoking prevalence has continued to decline despite an increased uptake of vaping in countries that allow it.”

The vaping to smoking gateway effect only makes sense if young people are vaping nicotine e-liquid. However, research cited in the evidence review found that many teen vapers used nicotinefree e-liquid or vaped other things such as cannabis which could not fairly be labelled as ‘vaping’ in this context.

But the big takeaway from the review is that vaping is far more likely to be a gateway out of smoking than into it.

Mendelsohn and Hall cite a 2017 survey, which found that twothirds of 12 to 17-year-olds who had ever vaped tried cigarettes first. Meanwhile, the 2013-2016 US Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) study found that 85 percent of current smokers aged 12 to 15 had not vaped before they tried cigarettes.

Meanwhile, youth smoking rates have declined since vaping became popular in 2014.

A 2019 study published in the journal Tobacco Control aggregated smoking data from five different countries. It found that the decline in past 30-day tobacco-use accelerated as much as four-fold in teens and young adults.

In England which supports vaping for harm reduction, smoking prevalence among 16 and 17-year-olds fell by 60 percent between 2015 and 2019, according to the cited Smoking Toolkit Study from 2019.

Mendelsohn and Hall concluded: “Even if the evidence for a gateway hypothesis were stronger, it would not justify a ban on the sale of nicotine vaping products to adults.

“More proportionate regulatory policies could minimise youth uptake while allowing adult smokers to access these products for cessation or as a lower risk substitute for cigarette smoking.”

Regardless of what the experts say, Aussie vaping advocates still face an uphill battle. The country’s historic distrust of the tobacco industry has created scepticism of harm reduction initiatives coming from adjacent industries.

The vaping gateway effect has been debunked by numerous European experts. But if the US situation has taught us anything it’s that expertise from within a nation’s own borders carries the most weight when it comes to public policy.

“Even if the evidence for a gateway hypothesis were stronger, it would not justify a ban on the sale of nicotine vaping products to adults”

ARTLU S ONICVAPINGTECH N YGOLO

WAR OF

Words

The nicotine/smoking and COVID-19 debate rages on

Words: Gordon Stribling

No one could have imagined that smokers would be at a lower risk of contracting COVID-19. But as much as some people in the tobacco control field refuse to believe it, mounting evidence suggests that there may be some truth to this thanks to nicotine. It's understandably a hugely divisive issue and the debate rages on from both sides.

Known worldwide for it’s unique one of a kind flavor. The Berg is consistantly the topseller in almost every vape store. Also available in Menthol version. A cotton candy mystery eliquid like no other.

A cotton candy mystery eliquid with an icey cool touch.

SAYING THE

Unsayable

More and more evidence suggests that nicotine may help prevent COVID-19

Words: Gordon Stribling

Moments of hope have been few and far between during this pandemic. Even as infections steadily decline the ever-present fear of a second peak is never far from our minds, especially in the UK, which has one of the highest COVID-19 mortality rates in the world.

But one unlikely ally in the fight against coronavirus emerged relatively early in the coronavirus saga: smoking (or, more precisely, nicotine).

The idea that a deadly habit that's responsible for numerous respiratory conditions could make you less likely to contract COVID-19 is, shall we say, an uncomfortable one.

But it's vital to emphasise that it is the nicotine, not the tobacco itself, that has shown promise. So what is going on here?

ACE2 receptor

ACE2 receptors are found on the surface of many cells and serve as an entry point to allow the coronavirus to enter and infect cells.

Some scientists have speculated that nicotine lowers ACE-2 expression, which makes it harder for the virus to enter cells and cause infection.

However, this conflicts with studies that found that nicotine enhances the action of the ACE-2 receptor, which suggests that smokers and nicotine consumers could be at higher risk of contracting COVID-19.

In a paper published on May 9, Dr Konstantinos Farsalinos of the University of West Attica, Greece, said: "Up-regulation of ACE2, though seemingly paradoxical, may in fact protect patients from severe disease and lung injury."

Cytokine storm

When the body detects an infection, one of the natural responses is to produce biological chemicals called cytokines which signal the immune system to kick in and fight the infection.

However sometimes the body’s cytokines production runs out of control (a cytokine storm) to the extent that it produces serious inflammation and cell damage which can cause serious injury or death.

Excessive cytokine production is thought to be a factor in many of the more severe cases of COVID-19 and as nicotine has been shown to inhibit cytokines, it could theoretically help prevent COVID-19.

Dr Farsalinis wrote in the journal Internal and Emergency Medicine:

"Nicotine has effects on the immune system that could be beneficial in reducing the intensity of the cytokine storm.

"The potential benefits of nicotine.... could explain, at least in part, the increased severity or adverse outcome among smokers hospitalized for COVID-19 since these patients inevitably experience abrupt cessation of nicotine intake during hospitalization.

"This may be feasible through repurposing already approved pharmaceutical nicotine products such as nicotine patches." What the studies show:

China

UCL reviewed 22 studies conducted at hospitals in China. Between 3.8 and 17.6 percent of COVID-19 patients were current smokers and fewer than five percent were former smokers. More than half of the country's adult male population smoke, according to a 2018 study.

Italy

Fewer than five percent of 441 COVID-19 patients admitted to a hospital in Parma were smokers. The scientists said that the number was 'very low', as almost a quarter of the population are regular smokers. However, the hospitalised smokers had a 50/50 survival rate while a third of the non-smokers died.

Israel

More than 3 million adults were included in this study. Of those who tested positive for COVID-19, 9.8 percent were current smokers compared to 19 percent of the overall population. Meanwhile, 11.7 percent of those who tested positive were former smokers compared to 13.9 percent in the overall population.

The study also found no evidence that smokers were at greater risk of worsening symptoms. The researchers wrote: "The magnitude of association observed for current smoking, with odds of infection reduced by about a half in smokers, suggests a genuine protective effect of smoking on the risk of COVID-19."

Mexico

Adult smokers are 23 percent less likely to contract COVID-19. The data of almost 9,000 patients with the disease also revealed that smokers who caught it were no more likely to end up on a ventilator or die.

UK

A UCL study of UK patients in international hospitals found that five percent of COVID-19 patients were smokers. Meanwhile, an Imperial College London study, using data from a symptom tracker app found that 11 percent of people who reported symptoms were smokers. However, of those who had never been tested for coronavirus, current smokers were 14 percent more likely to develop fever, persistent cough and shortness of breath. They were also 50 percent more likely to develop 10 or more symptoms, such as diarrhoea and loss of appetite.

USA

Just 1.3 percent of 7,000 people who tested positive for coronavirus were smokers. Smokers were also at no greater risk of suffering from complications and ending up in hospital. Meanwhile, a study conducted in New York City found that just 5.1 percent of COVID-19 patients were smokers.

"Nicotine has effects on the immune system that could be beneficial"

THIS IS NOT HELPINGAnyone

Anti-vaping ideology is hindering COVID-19 progress

Words: Gordon Stribling

It might be considered trite to say that COVID-19 has put the EVALI 'epidemic' into perspective. But to those of us on the inside of 2019's mass hysteria about lung injury, the current, palpable threat to everyone from all walks of life makes last year's anti-vaping panic seem even more misplaced.

But if we've learned anything from the past few years it's this: anti-vape groups will always find an angle with which to rally against 'tobacco' - even to the potential detriment to those they are supposedly trying to help.

There is perhaps no more frustrating example of this than The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK), which has naturally redirected its campaign during COVID-19.

CTFK is, of course, against the reopening of vape shops that supply less harmful alternatives to the widely available tobacco you would assume they are trying to eradicate. A shame, because it is well-established that tobacco makes COVID-19 symptoms worse.

CFTK President Matthew L Myers said: "It is highly irresponsible to argue e-cigarettes should be considered essential when they could well put users at greater risk for serious complications from COVID-19. They are addicting our kids, and they have not been proven to help smokers quit."

While few would refute their supposed MO of keeping vape and actual tobacco products away from kids, the ongoing discussion around the potential preventative effect of nicotine against COVID-19 suggests that ideology trumps the need to prevent the spread of a disease that has killed upwards of 500,000 people worldwide, and claims more lives with every passing day.

The idea that tobacco (or more precisely, the nicotine within it) may help prevent COVID-19 is an uncomfortable one for some. But as we'll explore more throughout the magazine, it's not a half-baked idea, nor is it part of a Big Tobacco plot to airdrop JUUL starter kits from army supply planes. However, CTFK continues to peddle the line that 'there is no evidence to suggest smokers are protected from COVID-19'

despite the ongoing studies and ample evidence to the contrary. (Scientists are reporting that smokers appear to be under-represented in COVID-19 statistics, but if they do become infected they may be more likely to become seriously ill or die compared to non-smokers.)

Meanwhile, Truth Initiative, fondly remembered for its nicotine brain worms video, has used COVID-19 and its 'misunderstanding' of the differences between smoking and vaping to criticise the FDA's PMTA deadline extension. The carefully chosen language is certainly on-message to these 'unprecedented times.'

CEO and vice president, Robin Koval said: "Youth and young adults continue to use e-cigarettes at epidemic levels. Now is not the time to leave these products on the market with zero review of their health impact.

"Tobacco companies cannot be allowed to use this public health emergency to continue avoiding their legal obligation and put profits before public health.”

Perhaps the most egregious example of ideology potentially killing people has been the reaction to Big Tobacco's COVID-19 efforts. Many vapers have expressed scepticism of anything tied to tobacco companies and question the

motives of everything they do. However humanity is in urgent need of a vaccine if we are to ever return to some approximation of normality.

On May 15, British American Tobacco announced that its promising tobacco-based vaccine could begin human trials by the end of June.

However, the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control prohibits members from engaging with the industry at all, which could be a huge barrier if the vaccine is to make it to market.

The WHO said in April: "Partnership with the tobacco industry undermines governments’ credibility in protecting population health as there is ‘a fundamental and irreconcilable conflict between the tobacco industry’s interests and public health policy interests’.”

Communities around the world have really come together during this difficult time. Mutual aid groups and rent freezes have shown that we can work together and get through this.

And while it may be naive to expect ideologically opposed industries, experts and NGOs to step off their respective soapboxes, history will not be kind to some of those who insisted on toeing the party line.

It is highly irresponsible to argue that e-cigarettes should be considered essential

“

LA Not OK?

Support for apartment vape bans is at odds with the science

Words: Gordon Stribling

In some parts of the US, it would be fair to say that public health concerns have taken second fiddle to fears that certain liberties are under threat.

Compulsory mask-wearing and the denial of the right to earn a wage doesn’t sit well with many in a country that identifies so strongly with the concept of ‘freedom’.

But what about rights and freedoms within your own home, such as the right to consume a legal vape product? A new study suggests that this may also be under threat.

The UCLA Center for Health and Policy Research conducted a study of 4,800 tenants and 176 landlords in multi-unit apartment buildings in Los Angeles. They aimed to find out to what extent they were exposed to second-hand tobacco, cannabis smoke and e-cigarette vapour and what regulations they supported.

The researchers found that 49 percent of tenants reported exposure to what they broadly termed ‘SHS’ (second-hand smoke): 39 percent were exposed to tobacco, 36 percent to cannabis smoke and nine percent to e-cigarette vapour.

There was a lot of support for bans on vaping in these private spaces. 62 percent of landlords enforced e-cigarette restrictions and 86 percent of tenants who vaped supported such restrictions.

The question is, why?

The risk of being harmed by second-hand tobacco smoke is a very real one. Along with short-term effects like coughing and eye irritation, long-term effects include an increased risk of heart disease, lung cancer and stroke, according to NHS Inform.

But what of e-cigarette vapour? The researchers seem to think it’s harmful, saying: “The less perceptible e-cigarette vapour is actually an aerosol that contains ultrafine particles, which are easily inhaled.

“The particles can worsen respiratory ailments, such as asthma, and they can also cause arteries to constrict, potentially triggering a heart attack.”

In a recent blog titled ‘8 things to know about e-cigarettes’ Public Health England’s John Britton addressed the issue of so-called ‘passive vaping’.

He wrote: “Unlike cigarettes, there is no side-

stream vapour emitted by an e-cigarette into the atmosphere, just the exhaled aerosol.

“Our 2018 report found there have been no identified health risks of passive vaping to bystanders and our 2022 report will review the evidence again.”

Britton did note that people with certain respiratory issues could be sensitive to certain ‘environmental irritants.’ However, the blog was written with the workplace in mind, not private apartments separated by walls.

Interestingly, just nine percent of respondents whose family member had a chronic condition reported exposure to e-cigarette vapour in the UCLA study, well below the 46 percent tobacco figure.

While the difference in smoking and vaping prevalence would likely have contributed to this, it could also be related to how vape clouds dissipate and permeate surfaces less easily. Also, not all vapers blow ‘fat clouds’. It’s much harder to control tobacco smoke.

The authors do differentiate between types of ‘smoke’ in some parts of the study, but not when it comes to controlling harmful particles, stating: “Second-hand smoke cannot be controlled in buildings, because the toxic fumes and particulates it contains drift throughout a property.”

Grouping tobacco and marijuana smoke with e-cigarette vapour in this way is unhelpful because they behave differently and are not equally harmful.

Landlords do have a difficult balance to maintain. After all, does my right to vape in my own home trump your right to be free of the ‘nuisance’ that is e-cigarette vapour?

Even if it doesn’t, the real challenge is enforcement and this bears out in the research. Many owners just didn’t want the responsibility of enforcing anti ‘smoking’ policies, some fearing that they may be fined if they failed to do so.

A guarantee of support from city government did not assuage all concerns, either. Some were sceptical that the city could devote the resources to enforce such policies effectively.

Yet it is surprising that a population hell-bent on personal liberty would be so open to restrictions that may not stand up to the science.

CANADA CRACKS DOWN on nicotine

But could

Words: Gordon Stribling

Smoking kills an estimated 8 million people every year. But while mounting evidence demonstrates the huge role vaping has played in bringing smoker numbers down, governments around the world continue to bring in measures to make it harder for smokers to switch, all in the name of reducing youth use. Canada’s Tobacco and Vaping Products Act (TVPA) was lauded when it was introduced in 2018. The balanced measures included provisions to encourage adult smokers to switch while discouraging youth use.

But the findings from a recent study reveal just how far behind the UK Canada and neighbouring America are when it comes to controlling youth use.

The survey, published in the journal JAMA Paediatrics, revealed a significant increase in vaping use among more than 12,000 16 to 19-year-olds. Past-month vaping more than doubled from 8.4 percent in 2017 to 17.8 percent in 2019. While the past-month figure could be dismissed as experimentation, the survey also found that the number of young people who vape for more than 20 days of the previous month increased from 1.8 percent to 5.7 percent.

Still well below what some detractors have called an ‘epidemic’. Nonetheless, these valid concerns have reignited the nicotine debate. Health Canada caps nicotine content at 66 milligrams per millilitre - more than treble that of the UK, where youth use remains much lower.

A spokesperson for the regulator said: “Health Canada is

considering taking further action to reduce the appeal of these products to young Canadians, including further restricting nicotine concentration and flavours, as well as other possible measures described in the April 2019 consultation.”

David Hammond, a public health professor at the University of Waterloo who led the youth study, implicated the likes of highnicotine JUUL pods for the increase in youth use. The products are widely available in convenience stores and gas stations around the country.

He said: “We’ve seen increases in the use of Juul and Juul-like products among kids to the same extent in Canada as the U.S., so that’s why we think that that probably is the main reason that explains why England has not seen the same increases.”

While some of the provinces have already introduced strict regulatory changes to address the problem, Ontario’s new approach could provide a template for the rest of the world to follow.

Early in May, the Ministry of Health wrote to industry stakeholders to inform them of amendments to its vaping regulation aimed at reducing youth uptake.

And unlike America’s outright ban on flavours that the government believed would appeal to youth users, the amended regulations are set to be a huge win for the independent industry as vapers are given an incentive to visit specialty vape shops.

The provisions are as follows:

The full range of flavoured products will be restricted to vape

new Ontario e-cig rules become a template for the world to follow?

shops and licensed cannabis retailers while retail stores will only be allowed to sell tobacco, mint and menthol;

High nicotine products (concentrations of more than 20mg/ml) will also be restricted to vape shops.

Displays that are visible outside of the shop will be prohibited. The amendments will take effect on July 1.

A spokesperson for Dash Vapes, Canada’s largest independent vape retailer, said:

“This is a solid approach that will drastically reduce youth access while still allowing adults to access these products.

“It is certainly great news for specialty vape stores.”

The new measures put further pressure on beleaguered JUUL, whose pod system was, for many, the entry point for vaping. Its 50ml pods will have to be pulled from hundreds of convenience store shelves.

The Dash Vapes spokesperson said: “It’s much easier to enforce 100 vape shops to ensure that they’re not selling to minors than it is 10,000 gas stations/convenience stores who are the most egregious offenders.”

JUUL may be hoping to claw back some credibility now that former Canadian health minister Rona Ambrose is on the board of directors.

In 2015, Ambrose helped draft regulations that prohibited the marketing of flavoured e-liquid that appealed to teens.

JUUL CEO K.C. Crosthwaite said that the appointment would help the company “work to earn the trust of our shareholders.” But it may be too little, too late, in Ontario at least.

”

This is a solid approach that will drastically reduce youth access while still allowing adults to access these products

Celebrating Success:

WORLD VAPE DAY 2020

Vapers across the world used World Vape Day to highlight the unfairness of bans and to expose misinformation.

Words: Caroline Barry

May saw two back-to-back days of interest to the vape community – World Vape Day on May 30 and World Tobacco Free Day immediately after.

The first World Vape Day took place in 2012 to raise awareness of e-cigarettes as potential harm-reducing tools for smokers. The organisers, a collection of grassroots organisations, also used it to highlight flavour bans and called for the removal of regulations in countries that impose total bans, such as Thailand. The World Vape Day (WVD) website is keen to differentiate itself from the more general No Tobacco Day which, it says, has moved away from highlighting the harms caused by smoking.

It says: “World No Tobacco Day has increasingly focused not on smoking – the most dangerous form of nicotine consumption – but, rather, on demonising low-risk alternatives to smoking. Thus, World Vape Day is not only an opportunity for us to celebrate our choice to make the switch to a healthier, smoke-free lifestyle, it is also an opportunity for us to share with the world our success stories.”

Nancy Loucas, Executive Director of the Coalition of AsiaPacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA), is

one of the lead organisers of World Vape Day 2020. She said: "Safer nicotine products, such as e-cigarettes, are the most disruptive influence on smoking in decades and have the potential to save millions of lives globally.” Vapers shared #worldvapeday alongside their stories of quitting smoking and urged governments to reconsider flavour or vaping bans. The day was organised by a number of worldwide consumer organisations including Acvoda (Netherlands), The Association of Vapers India (AVI) , vapers.org.uk (UK) and Vapers Finland among many others.

Each country celebrated the day differently to reflect local concerns and issues. In India, for example, where the production, import and sale of vaping products has been banned since September, there were video campaigns protesting the ban and email templates to allow vapers to express their concerns directly to politicians. The Association of Vapers India says the ban has forced a lot of vapers back to cigarettes and said it was important that politicians were aware of the consequences of their restrictions.

Nearly a million people die every year in India due to smoking, with the country’s tobacco crisis costing the economy $22 billion each year. World Vape Day has never before faced a challenge like the coronavirus lockdown and, for the first time, everything took place online. Julie

Woessner, President of the board of INNCO - International Network of Nicotine Consumer Organisations said: “I felt overwhelming pride at our community as I watched the tweets come in. It’s a lot to ask of people right now as things are so dominated with the pandemic yet they still managed this.

“This was truly an organic grassroots movement and we look forward to doing it bigger and better next year.” Meanwhile for World No Tobacco Day, The World Health Organization (WHO) made protecting children and young people from exploitation by the tobacco industry their focus for 2020, introducing classroom kits for teachers to discuss tobacco harm. However, much to the dismay of vapers and vape organisations, the WHO included e-cigarettes in a list of products they said introduced children to nicotine as a ‘new generation of smokers.’ Vapers hit back using #WHOExposed instead of the #TobaccoExposed branding as suggested by WHO. They accused the organisation of misrepresenting the facts and not playing fair.

Vaper @mkasera summed up the feelings of many by tweeting: “It's 'NO TOBACCO' day. Focus on tobacco. Vapes are not tobacco products. They exist to eliminate tobacco. If you played fair, you would realise that we are on the same team.”

SAME BUT Different

with all staff wearing face masks at all times.

Meanwhile, there can be no more than two customers in the shop at any given time and, of course, there’s lots of hand sanitiser available.

“We have sanitisers all along the counter tops for customer use and for ourselves as well.

“We get through a lot every day when handling products. There are restrictions on what staff and customers can do now but there are safe workarounds.”

One major change is that the e-liquid testing stations have had to be taken down, so the staff have had to be creative, either giving their own verdict from personal experience or finding descriptions online to help customers make the best choice.

Once a customer is happy, a staff member simply wipes the bottle down and hands it over.

The coronavirus will, no doubt, have convinced countless smokers that now is the time to give vaping a go so it’s more important than ever that expert vape shop staff can show them the ropes.

Vapers and smokers can’t test mods but the Vapouround staff can set them up and explain how they work.

Kelli added: “I’m happy to set them up, wipe them down, rebox them and bag them again so the customer experience may be different but the high levels of service remain unchanged. “If anyone needs help replacing coils, it would be the same. I would wipe them down, put them on, wipe them down again and put them in the bag.”

Social media has played a massive role in keeping vapers connected to their go-to vape companies. And now that lockdown has eased, customers are being rewarded and can finally head to the shops to get their hands on some goodies.

“To celebrate the reopening, we gave free USONICIG starter kits to anyone who followed @USONICIG and @ vapouroundloungederby and came into the store.

“We’ve still got a free USONICIG offer along with more giveaways and offers in-store and on Instagram.”

As well as the more specialist products like Asguard Mini and Odin Mini now in stock, the shop can now boast the entire Ace of Vapez juice line, which is already proving a huge hit with customers.

And for those new smokers looking to make the switch, a Caliburn starter kit with two nic salts for £25 offers a great introduction to vaping.

It’s been a challenging few months for the industry and while vape shops have had to adapt just like the rest of us, the harm reduction message has never been more important, for smokers, vapers and everyone else.

Everyone has been perfectly understanding about all the rules, they’re just happy to have their vape stores open again after all this time.

RISING TO THE

Challenge

For Scottish vape company JAC Vapour, the pandemic has brought highs and lows

Words: Caroline Barry

As vape shops reopen after three months, we spoke to Emma Logan, Managing Director of JAC Vapour, who describes how the coronavirus pandemic has impacted their business.

Emma said: “Our full head office team started working remotely a week before the official lockdown date and because we already had our systems in place, this was an easy transition.

“It’s been more awkward for our product design team as we have had to physically receive product prototypes but it’s been manageable though.”

While physical stores were forced to shut from March to June, the company saw a 30 percent increase in online sales, initially driven by panic buying but then settling down into a more regular buying pattern. JAC Vapour has also reported a “significant rise” in new customers each month since lockdown.

Shipping delays and increased prices for raw materials were another factor they had to contend with. Emma said: “As we are one of the only independent mass manufacturers based in the EU, our situation has meant we are able to control our own supply chain.

“However, we are also subject to other influences such as material costs, exchange rates, freight rates and

availability. All of these costs have varied wildly. Lithiumion batteries have seen increased lead times, moving from 60 to 90 days and we’ve seen freight charges increase by up to 300 percent in some cases.

“With uncertainty and fluctuating exchange rates on a daily basis, it’s been a challenging time to keep stock on shelves and available to customers, but we have managed bar a few small hiccups.”

Emma remains optimistic about the future. She said she was heartened to see that many UK vapers were actively looking to buy from British companies during this difficult time.

JOKER WITH A HEART OF

Gold

Recently, we received the tragic news that Ray, AKA @pixelvaper on Instagram, has passed away. Ray was an absolute credit to the vaping community. We had the pleasure of meeting him near the start of 2019, in the run up to our annual awards, where he was selected as a judge for his expertise.

After initially getting to know Ray during the judging process, we were fortunate enough to meet him at several industry events, where we were able to see firsthand the community that he fostered, ranging from recent ex-smokers, to fellow content creators and leading businesses.

Ray was an extraordinarily kind and patient person, always willing to help new members of the community, share tips on creating photography, and advocate for people's right to vape. We are devasted about this news and our thoughts, prayers and best wishes go out to his family at this hard time. Ray will live on in the collective memory of our community and will be remembered for his kindness and love.

Daniel Hall, better known as @uk_ vapour_shaper, who was also a judge alongside Ray at last year’s Vapouround Awards, summed up the feelings of the industry when he said: “Ray was a great man, he was always ready to help, he was always smiling, always happy and joking making everyone laugh. “He was a key player in the vape community, a top photographer and also had the gift of influencing. Ray was an all-round great guy. I'm blessed to have served with Ray for several days during the Vapouround Awards judging. He was such a joker with a heart of gold. You will be missed Ray.”

In memory of Ray (@pixelvaper)

With stores closed, vapers turn to online sellers

An increase in online sales has been one of the most notable consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak for the vaping industry across Europe, with the sector battling market disruptions and shop closures.

In the UK, online shopping quickly became a solution for e-cigarette users during the lockdown, which began on 23rd March.

“My business has seen online traffic increase by as much as 200%, as people find new ways to access their vaping products. Similar rises are taking place around the industry,” Dan Merchant, managing director of UK internet retailer Vape Club, told ECigIntelligence.

Merchant, who is also a spokesperson for the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA), believes that web shops have become a “lifeline” for vapers in these difficult times.

A similar trend in online trading was seen across the vaping industry in Italy, one of the countries worst affected by the coronavirus.

But the vaping supply chain in Europe has also suffered the effects of reduced availability of supplies coming from China.

“Disruption in China was severe at the beginning of the outbreak.

“China is a crucial manufacturing hub for the

About ECigIntelligence

vaping market and accessing hardware and devices has not been easy for many UK firms,” Merchant said.

The British vaping industry believes that as things return to normal in China the situation will stabilise, although some delays might be expected in the supply chain for some time.

“We are seeing supply normalise once again, but problems cannot be solved overnight,” Merchant added. “Vaping manufacturers operate to such exacting standards of quality and safety that staff in isolation cannot be as easily replaced as those in other industries.”

Still, there are promising signs that Chinese production is improving and product is being shipped.

Merchant is optimistic. “In the short term there will be disruption in the industry, as there will be in all others, but vaping is well placed to bounce back strongly,” he said, adding that there could be a possible benefit for the European vaping industry if the crisis encourages smokers to switch, which would be “a real coup for public health”.

In the US, meanwhile, some stores were forced to close while others responded in novel ways to government restrictions.

In the state of Washington, some vape stores remained open by reclassifying themselves as convenience stores, which were deemed essential.

“We’ve always sold Red Bull as a convenience to the customer,” the owner of one vape shop told ECigIntelligence. “So we went out and got some snacks and we’re a convenience store.”

ECigIntelligence is the leading provider of detailed global market and regulatory analysis, legal tracking, and quantitative data for the e-cigarette, heated tobacco and combustiblealternatives sector worldwide. Customised research and consultancy are also available.

We offer tools to navigate the complex market and regulatory landscape through independent, analytical and actionable data insights, in-depth country reports, regulatory trackers and legal analysis. We also publish CBD-Intel.com for the European CBD sector, and our new launch TobaccoIntelligence covers products such as heated tobacco and snus.

GLOBAL FORUM ON NICOTINE GOES ONLINE FOR 2020

The conference united health care professionals, vaping advocates, scientists and business organisations across the world.

Words:

The annual Global Forum on Nicotine (GFN) has gone online to host a number of talks from health experts and scientists on public health, vaping and tobacco control.

The conference normally takes place in Warsaw, Poland, but this year organisers chose to hold the event online due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown.

The event examined the need for the 1.1 billion smokers to gain easier access to safer, regulated nicotine products such as e-cigarettes, snus and other products which offer a better alternative to smoking. It is the only international conference focused on reduced risk nicotine products and their role in reducing smoking-related harm.

The conference has trebled in size since it began in 2014 with 200 attendees from 26 countries. The event recorded 600 attendees

Caroline Barry

in 2019 representing 70 countries.

During the online event, discussions included a number of vapefocused talks from professionals and included topics such as the misattribution of the EVALI lung crisis to nicotine vaping instead of illicit THC. There was also a focus on the moral panic of low youth vaping rates taking priority over the health of a million adult smokers.

Organisers hoped to bring together the many professionals who work in the unique area of nicotine harm reduction by encouraging the participation of consumer advocacy organisations alongside manufacturers and scientists. They felt the groups were often excluded from other international meetings and events despite playing a critical role in informing and shaping debates concerning safer nicotine products and tobacco harm reduction.

“

Professor David Sweanor, of the Centre for Health Law, Policy and Ethics at the University of Ottawa, was a speaker at GFN. As a lawyer, he was involved in the regulation of tobacco products and in lawsuits against tobacco companies.

He said: “Consumers in many countries including Sweden, Norway, Iceland and now Japan have shown they move to alternatives to cigarettes when they get an option to do so.

“Imagine what would happen if people get access to a broad range of low-risk alternatives to cigarettes, if they get information on relative risk, and if they’re nudged toward those options through intelligent, risk-proportionate regulation?

“The opportunity we have is to fundamentally change the course of public health history, relegating cigarettes to history’s ashtray.”

There were a number of positive vape discussions including Louise Ross who managed the Leicester Stop Smoking Service from 2004 to 2018. She spoke about her initial resistance to accept vaping as a health care professional and explained how she came to realise the huge potential benefit in embracing the new technology.

Her team subsequently rebranded themselves as the first e-cigarette-friendly stop smoking service and she now challenges those who work against tobacco harm reduction. Her speech, ‘Pragmatism versus dogma: freeing the inner vaper in smokers’ called for increased government and general practitioner support for e-cigarettes and for service providers to monitor the use of smoking-related language around vaping.

Italian tobacco harm reduction advocate Riccardo Polosa gave a talk entitled: ‘Smoking, Vaping and COVID-19: what does the science tell us?’ Polosa successfully lobbied the Italian government at the start of lockdown to keep vape stores in Italy open during the pandemic to avoid Italian e-cigarette users switching back to cigarettes. His talk highlighted the science behind smokers being reportedly more susceptible to the disease and if the available medical data confirmed this.

Tim Philips, managing director of Tamarind Intelligence from Spain spoke about ‘How the 2019 US developments will impact the global vape market for many years to come’ and Marina Foltea, founder of Trade Pacts investment consultancy from Switzerland gave a talk entitled ‘Demystifying the right to health in the context of e-vapour markets regulation.’

GFN is usually funded by registration fees but this year the organisers bore the costs and opered an open door policy.

Consumers, policymakers, academics, scientists and public health experts all took part alongside manufacturers and distributors of safer nicotine products. The organisers believe that fostering discussion and engagement of all stakeholders involved in tobacco and nicotine use, control and production it is the best way to enact true, sustainable change both to the industry practices and public health outcomes.

“The opportunity we have is to fundamentally change the course of public health history, relegating cigarettes to history’s ashtray.”

GLOBAL FORUM ON NICOTINE 2020

What they said about vaping

Words: Caroline Barry

The Global Forum on Nicotine (GFN) 2020 had an array of interesting discussions for vapers and vape store owners. We examine a selection of the vape-related talks at the virtual event.

Tim Philips, Spain, Managing Director of Tamarind Intelligence, publisher of business intelligence services ECigIntelligence‘How the 2019 US developments will impact the global vape market for many years to come.’

The discussion started with an overview of the EVALI crisis with an emphasis on the long-term repercussions for the US and global markets. Philips stressed that he has been hearing from industry professionals that the market has been affected more by EVALI than COVID-19 however they are reevaluating their market predictions for the year ahead.

His company, ECigIntelligence has reduced its expected figures by 15 percent but will have to reduce these further, pending the outcome of lockdown.

He compared this to the cannabis vape market which appeared to be barely hit by the EVALI scare and he predicts that there will be an increase in teens switching to vaping cannabis rather than nicotine.

The outcomes of the EVALI crisis have been clear to vapers for some time as flavour bans and restrictions increase across the globe. While the hope, according to Philips, is that the delays to the bans may cause them to die out, the likelihood is that this will not be the case and it will get worse. He is not confident about

this. ‘In terms of regulations, I think, the vape industry is really going backwards compared to this time last year.” He also expects the re-negotiation of the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) to start later this year if not 2021.

He said the future of the industry was bright with the introduction of new products and consumers showing no signs of wanting to move away from the vaping industry which allows the industry space for growth.

Spike Babaian, USA, Founder of 1st consumer group for Vapers and owner of the VapeNY stores - ‘Untapped potential: vape shops as a health resource.’

Babaian describes the average vape shop experience in her discussion on vape stores as a health resource. She stresses that bar or lounge-style shops are more effective at getting smokers to quit because they encourage the user to stay longer therefore increasing the likelihood of their finding the right product. The better the match of product to the new user, the more likely they are to be successful with stopping. However, we do not know how this will work post lockdown.

She touched on COVID-19 lockdown restrictions for vapers in the US stating that users had returned to cigarettes as stores failed to be considered essential and were closed but smokers could access cigarettes.

She also used her access as a vape store owner to bring in a vaper to share their personal experience of how they used vaping to quit.

The vaper, Mark Diaz, stressed that he would consider returning to cigarettes if flavour bans were to be introduced.

The video finished with a reminder to vapers that it is possible to make a difference by staying informed about vaping and to use their vote wisely for 2020 candidates who understand and support the vape industry.

Will Godfrey, USA, Founding Editor in Chief of Filter Magazine

- ‘Holding the media to account’ Godfrey starts by raising the point that the American media have a long history of raising ‘moral panics’ and that their distrust of tobacco harm reduction as an emerging industry is nothing new. He compares this to the harm done by the media during the crack epidemic of the 1980s before highlighting the change to the cannabis industry as a sign that change can happen because the ‘negative media and government feedback loop fuels policies that ruin lives.’

‘Alarmism’ he says, sells copy and drives clicks meaning positive media stories can often be overlooked. ’Drugs, vapes and other lurid depictions of carnage constantly out-perform balanced realistic portrayals,’ he says.

He also calls out the lack of diversity in the media as an issue. In the US, the high proportion of white, middle class journalists keep their white, middle class readers in a constant state of fear of the high proportion of smokers who benefit from harm reduction tools such as those with mental health issues, LGBT+,

low income workers and also those living in poverty who have higher use statistics.

The portrayal of vaping in the media is not of those groups who are dying from smoking-related illnesses but rather of the white, middle class teenagers suffering lung issues who echo their readers. These teens are in smaller numbers then the smokingrelated victims. Innocent victims sell newspapers after all.

So what are our options according to Godfrey? He asks us to embrace the fragmented state of the media by taking to social media to discuss positive stories or facts where possible and to engage with journalists in a factual way that gives them an alternative source. He also highlights the need for journalism as a whole to diversify to ensure marginalised voices are heard. He ends on a positive note stressing that this has worked for the cannabis industry and could work for us too.

“In terms of regulations, I think, the vape industry is really going backwards compared to this time last year.”

CORONAVIRUS AND ME

One man’s account of his encounter with COVID-19 and his road to recovery

Words: Caroline Barry

Dutch vaper Hans Molenaar has spoken movingly about his encounter with coronavirus.

Hans, a board member with the vaping advocacy group Acvoda, is recovering from COVID-19, and here he explains what the disease was like for him.

Like most people who became ill, he cannot be sure how he contracted the disease but has some theories. He said: “My wife was sent home after travelling internationally when her boss became sick, so it could have been that or I could have got it from a colleague who had it as I travelled in his car.”

Unlike the UK there was no general lockdown in Holland with the Dutch government advising the public against travelling to and from restricted areas in order to minimise the spread of the disease.

Vape stores were also allowed to remain open while respecting a 1.5 metre social distancing rule and people were encouraged to stay home and selfisolate if they felt unwell.

Hans said his symptoms began with a fever and aching muscles before progressing to exhaustion.

He told Vapouround: “I was lying under three blankets yet my legs were still freezing and hurting like crazy. Then one day I woke up with a fever and realised I was sick. I was exhausted getting out of bed to do little things like go to the bathroom.”

Hans carried on vaping throughout his illness and added: “During the first weeks I found I vaped less as I didn’t have the energy but I have no intention of stopping vaping because I like it so

much. “For me, it was painful trying to get to sleep and I had trouble breathing as I couldn’t get enough oxygen.”

When he sought medical advice, Hans said he was surprised that he was not asked whether he smoked. “My doctor hasn’t asked me any questions regarding smoking. In fact, I asked a nurse why they didn’t ask me. She said some doctors do but they don’t have to report it so they don’t ask.

“From what I understand, smoking makes Covid-19 worse whereas vaping is low and snus is lower again. It’s not just nicotine but how it’s delivered.”

Recovery time has been slow but Hans is finally on the mend. “I’m exhausted but I’m recovering slowly. It’s been three weeks of lying in bed doing nothing. It’s going to be a long recovery process. They haven’t said anything about long-term complications but I’m doing physiotherapy at the moment.”

Hans started vaping when he became interested in e-liquid flavours after a work colleague introduced him to an e-liquid flavoured like Red Bull, his favourite energy drink. He said: “It tasted so much better than smoking so I began vaping and soon realised that my smoking was drastically reduced.

“I started to think maybe I can do it with just three cigarettes a day. So every night, I rolled three cigarettes for the next day and then one day, I put my hand in my pocket and found a load of unsmoked cigarettes. I had completely forgotten to smoke them.”

Hans is also critical of the way his government is handling the coronavirus pandemic and is worried that the country

is opening up far too quickly.

He said: “Yesterday, we saw 50 percent of the beaches reopening. Once it’s sunny, everyone is going to go to the ones that are open. It’s a disaster.

“The only stores that closed were hairdresser shops, cafes and restaurants but everything else was open. We didn’t have a full lockdown here. Vape shops are open but had to enforce their own customer limits and social distancing.”

I vaped a lot less as I didn’t have the energy. It was painful trying to get to sleep and I had trouble breathing as I couldn’t get any oxygen.”

Hardware

VAPOUROUND REVIEWS E-liquids

Please note: All hardware and e-liquids are reviewed by external reviewers and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Vapouround Magazine. All e-liquids are reviewed at 3mg nicotine level. Hardware reviews are rated on specific criteria depending on the style of products received.

INNOKIN ARES

PROS

specifications

Materials: Stainless steel, polycarbonate

Diameter: 22mm (24mm model also available)

E-liquid capacity: 2ml

By Benedict Jones

Innokin is one of the largest manufacturers in vaping and has always focused on new users. As a result, rebuildable releases are few and far between but now we finally have the Ares 2, a sequel to the original Ares, which was released all the way back in 2017. Is it worth checking out?

Construction, fit and finish of the Ares 2 are good. This tank has quite a few moving parts, but they’re all machined nicely and have great tolerances. Several chunky seals on the top and bottom of this tank ensure that leakage is nigh on impossible and overall, it feels well put together. Small details, such as the detents on the airflow control ring have been executed properly, resulting in a satisfying click between each selection.

When it comes to user experience, it’s clear that Innokin has spent a lot of time thinking about new users and this perspective has paid off. The build deck is extremely simple, with two side mounted Phillips head screw posts. Just drop a coil in, tighten up the leads and you’re pretty much good to go. The simplicity of this build deck takes much of the frustration out of building for those with less experience and speeds up the process for veterans.

Wicking the Ares 2 is also a breeze. I found that regardless of build, cutting my wicks so they are just caught in the wicking wells would always result in a fully saturated vape, to the last drop. Walls on the side of the deck make it hard for excess e-liquid to pool around the airflow, which mitigates the risk of flooding and makes wicking more forgiving.

Once you’re ready to fill, the Ares 2 has a simple sliding topfill mechanism, with a sealed membrane. I’ve had no issues with this, though due to the small capacity of the 22mm model, I recommend filling slowly.

Normally I don’t talk about accessories but in this case, I have to. The Ares 2 is packaged with two pre-made spaced coils, 1m of 26g kanthal, cotton, two coiling rods, a screwdriver, plenty of spares and a tool to wrap your own spaced coils. Aside from wire snips, this is pretty much everything a new builder could need, and that’s fantastic. The airflow system is perhaps the biggest change from the original Ares to this new model. It has two separate points of

control, which allow a level of fine tuning that should satisfy even the pickiest of MTL vapers. First, there’s an external control ring, which allows you to select from individual inlets, all the way down to 0.8mm, or several at the same time, using a slot. In addition, there’s an internal airflow controller, situated underneath the coil. Innokin describes this as a “cross airflow control”, or CAFC. This is a small wheel, that can open or close a slot under the coil, as much or as little as you prefer. It can be adjusted on the fly with a small screwdriver, without removing your build. How you configure the CAFC places a hard limit on the amount of air fed to the coil, so experimenting with this is key to finding your preferred draw.

In terms of performance, I’m thoroughly impressed with the tank. I found my preferred draw by closing the CAFC to approximately half and then selecting the second largest inlet on the airflow control ring. Airflow is incredibly smooth throughout the range of options and flavour output is comparable to my favourite MTL atomisers, when using my “benchmark” 26g MTL build.

In summary, the Ares 2 is a fantastic MTL RTA and Innokin has done a great job of making rebuilding less intimidating for those who want to give it a try. New users may need to experiment with the CAFC to find a draw that suits them but this is not a steep learning curve and can be adjusted easily. A fantastic option for MTL vapers who are interested in RTAs.

CONS

-

Dimensions: 22mm*34mm

E-liquid capacity: 3ml/2ml (TPD edition)

Materials: Stainless steel, PCTG

Airflow: 0.8mm, 1mm, 1.2mm, 1.4mm, 1.6mm rotating inlets

By Benedict Jones

For a number of years, MTL vaping was becoming less and less popular among enthusiasts. Since 2018 it’s been steadily on the rise, though, and releases like the Kayfun Lite 2019 helped spark this trend. Manufacturers Wotofo and prolific YouTuber Matt from SMM collaborated for their latest release, the Cog MTL RTA. The goal with the Cog was to create smooth airflow, with true adjustment under the coil so has this design philosophy paid off?

COG RTA specifications

Construction, fit and finish of the Cog are excellent. Due to the PCTG elements, this is a fairly light tank but tolerances and machining are both spot on, with smooth threads and nice finishing. The tank section feels very secure when assembled and all my favourite 510 drip tips sit snugly when installed.

This is a rebuildable tank, so it’s not aimed at total newcomers to vaping but with that said, I do think it’s a great option for MTL vapers who want to give building a try. The build deck is rather spacious, with a convenient springloaded clamp system to secure the leads of your coil.

The clamps allow for a lot of versatility with builds and I had no trouble installing a range of coils, from tiny 28g micro coils all the way up to more exotic MTL Fused Claptons. Adjusting the height of your coil to alter the throat hit or further restrict airflow is nice and easy too, since those clamps really lock the coil down and don’t allow it to slip when making changes.

Wicking can be a sticking point with certain MTL tanks but that’s not the case here. The Cog features GTA-style wicking, which we’ve seen many times before. I’ve found that cutting the wicks so they’re just long enough to get caught in the well always results in a good experience when using standard MTL builds. For particularly low wattage builds, such as a 28g 2.5mm coil, a slightly longer wick might be more appropriate though.

The top-fill design is simple and while I haven’t had any problems with it, I can see how some users may find it a little fiddly. The top cap itself is very short, which means you’ll need to remove your drip tip to thread it back on after a refill.

The landmark feature of the Cog is its airflow design. An intricate gear system in the base of the tanks allows you to choose from one of five airflow diameters under the coil, on the fly. This is important because no matter what you change about the airflow on the outside of the tank, what is fed directly to the coil will have the biggest impact.

I’m happy to report that this system has been executed perfectly. The 0.8mm, 1mm, 1.2mm, 1.4mm and 1.6mm inlets which are all available here, cover the whole spectrum of MTL vaping. 0.8mm is a super tight draw that old school MTL purists will love. 1.6mm is substantially more open, which should cater to those who enjoy exotic MTL coils and slightly higher wattages. Airflow is extremely smooth regardless of setting and which one you use will be entirely down to personal preference. I find myself hovering between the 1.2mm and 1.4mm settings, since my MTL build of choice is 26g round wire.

In terms of flavour, the Cog performs fantastically. My standard 2.5mm 26g 7 wrap build provides the same level of flavour here as I get from my Kayfun, which for a long time, has been the king of MTL RTAs in my book. This is a huge achievement, likely made possible by a super smooth draw, combined with a condensed chimney and fairly short design.

In summary the Cog is a triumphant return to RTAs for Matt from SMM and Wotofo. With a slick aesthetic, easy build deck and great performance, I think we are looking at one of the best budget MTL RTAs available today.”

PROS

By Benedict Jones

AIOs are officially the market mover of 2020 and as someone who’s tested hundreds of vaping devices, I couldn’t be happier. Pod systems certainly have their place but an AIO can provide vastly improved battery life, more headroom for power output and increased coil versatility, while still remaining pocket friendly. Dotmod launched its first AIO in the middle of 2019 with the DotAIO and the DotAIO SE is a very similar device, with a lower price point and different aesthetic.

Construction, fit and finish of the SE are fantastic. With an RRP that’s almost half of the original model, I had honestly expected some corners to be cut for this edition but Dotmod has been clever with the manufacturing. In lieu of the original’s milled aluminium body and panels, the SE is cast from zinc alloy, with polycarbonate panels, keeping costs down. As a result, the SE is actually heavier than its more expensive sibling and this increase in weight is something I enjoy. The internals are very clean, buttons have a satisfying click and the two panels snap into place securely. This device feels very premium and looks elegant. In short, I think it’s the prettiest mainstream AIO on the market right now, with a clean, minimalist style and beautifully engraved doors. Small details like the laseretched internals only add to this. It’s also the smallest 18650 AIO that I’m aware of.

In terms of user experience, the DotAIO SE is simple but provides a good level of user adjustment. You can toggle through four levels of power adjustment with a small button towards the bottom of the device. The specific power outputs will change depending on the resistance of your coil, which is a nice touch. The 2.7ml internal tank is easy to remove and so are the press-fit coils. A large fill port on the side of the tank means re-fills are mess free and quick. The device is supplied with two coils as standard. The first is a 0.7Ohm mesh build. This coil could be used for MTL or RDL vaping, though I feel it really shines as an MTL coil. I enjoyed it most with the airflow turned all the way down and the power set to “medium” which, in this case, corresponds to 18W. With these parameters, the result is a smooth,

Materials: Zinc alloy, polycarbonate

Dimensions: 78mm*43mm*22.5mm

Battery capacity: 1x external 18650

E-liquid capacity: 2.7ml/2ml (TPD edition)

Power output: 4 variable levels

Charging: USB-C

DOTAIO SE specifications

flavourful and restricted MTL vape that competes with the best MTL stock coil tanks on the market. Coil longevity is notable too, as I was able to run 35mls of moderately sweet nicotine salt e-liquid through the coil before it needed to be replaced, which translates to approximately two weeks of use in my case.

The second coil is a 0.3Ohm mesh build. With a wider bore and higher power ceiling, this coil is better suited to restricted direct lung vaping. I enjoyed this coil most with the airflow set to 2/3 open and the power set to “strong” which uses the maximum 35W the device is capable of for this coil. With these settings, the DotAIO SE produces a warm, flavourful RDL vape that competes well with smaller subohm tanks, such as the Uwell Nunchaku.

In addition to the coils supplied with the device, there’s also an Aspire Nautilus adapter in the box. This means you will never be hard pressed to find a compatible coil for the DotAIO SE and I’m very glad that this decision was made because it’s very consumer-friendly and allows you to choose from the wide variety of Nautlius coils currently available.

Enthusiasts need not worry either, since there are currently two RBAs for the device, including Dotmod’s DotRBA and Atmizoo’s Dotshell. We will be covering the Dotshell in a separate review, since it has plenty of features but restassured it’s a worthy addition.

In summary, I thoroughly recommend the DotAIO SE to anyone looking for a compact all-in-one device. It ticks all the boxes, with great build quality, aesthetics, functionality and aftermarket RBAs all while being substantially less expensive than the original model. At the time of writing, there’s also a huge variety of custom panels, buttons and tips, so you can really personalise this device. This might be Dotmod’s best device to date.

PROS

By Benedict Jones

Construction, fit and finish of the Drag S are fantastic. Voopoo has always excelled in this category and the Drag S is its best built AIO to date. It has improved ergonomics compared to previous full-sized Vinci models, with a solid zinc alloy chassis and leather-style grip, that sits comfortably in the hand. The buttons have a nice tactile click and the magnetised pod connection is very strong, keeping everything firmly in place. The Drag S looks and feels like a premium device.

In terms of user experience, the Drag S does well for the most part, but does hit a couple of stumbling blocks. The pod/tank is filled via a rubber seal at the bottom and though there is quite a large opening, it doesn’t do well with large nozzles.

The new Gene chipset is simple but a little quirky. Five clicks of the fire button powers the device on/off and from here, three clicks cycles between the modes, including standard, P+A and RBA. P+A mode activates the draw-to-fire functionality, which works consistently but doesn’t ramp up quite as quickly as using the fire button. RBA mode simply unlocks the wattage control, removing pre-defined power limits based on the resistance of your installed coil.

Pressing the + and – buttons together accesses the puff counter display, which tracks your use of the device over a 14-day period. I like this feature, since it gives the user a basic idea of how much they are vaping. This doesn’t account for nicotine strength of course, but it’s always nice to have a visual representation of usage.

Next, there’s the “score” feature. This has been quite contentious, displaying a small badge and accumulated score that builds as you use the device. At certain intervals, you achieve a new “level”. Presumably, this is supposed to be a bit of fun, but it doesn’t actually enhance the experience of the device and I’d rather this was simply left out.

In terms of performance, the Gene chip is as snappy as ever. Very few devices ramp up as quickly as this one and I’ve always enjoyed the aggressive vape experience that the Gene chip provides.

Voopoo has finally included true airflow control with the

CONS

Dimensions: 87mm*33mm*28mm

Weight: 154g

Battery capacity: 2500mAh internal cell

E-liquid capacity: 4.5ml/2ml (TPD edition)

Power output: 5W-60W

Charging: 2A USB-C

DRAG S specifications

Drag S, which is a welcome addition. Wide open, you’ll only be limited by the inner bore of your installed coil, which usually means an airy DL draw. Closed down, it results in a restricted DL draw, or loose MTL draw for some of the smaller ID coils. You may have to fine tune your airflow to minimise turbulence and maximise flavour but, in any case, this is an improvement over Voopoo’s previous AIOs.

The Drag S is bundled with 2 coils. The first is a 0.3Ohm PnP mesh build, rated for 32W-40W. I found this coil to shine at 35W, with the airflow set to 1/5 open. With these settings it produces a warm, flavourful RDL vape. Coil longevity is good, lasting me 45mls of moderately-sweet e-liquid before a new coil was needed.

The second coil is a 0.2Ohm PnP mesh build, rated for 40W-60W. I found this coil to perform best at 50W-55W, with the airflow set to 1/3 open. With these settings, the 0.2Ohm build produces a warmer and slightly more flavourful vape than its lower power sibling, though this extra wattage does take a toll on the 2500mAh internal cell.

Battery life will largely depend on your choice of coil and wattage. I found the device to last just shy of a full day’s use when vaping at 35W and this run time is cut in half when running the device at 50W+. 2A charging means the Drag S charges from flat to full in just over an hour, which is good considering the run time.

In summary, the Drag S is Voopoo’s best full-sized AIO to date. Build quality is excellent, power delivery is snappy and you can use all of the previous PnP coils without issue. The odd “score” feature and re-fill system could do with a rethink, though.

Dimensions: 92mm*25mm (height includes tank)

Battery capacity: 1,000mAh internal cell

E-liquid capacity: 3ml/2ml (TPD edition)

Power Output: 5W-30W, dependant on resistance Charging: 1A USB-C

By Benedict Jones

Construction, fit and finish of the Hita are solid. Weighing in at just 64g fully assembled, this is a light device but it doesn’t feel cheap. Asvape do not state the chassis materials but from the weight and feel, it seems to be a combination of aluminium and polycarbonate. It’s a fully seamless design, other than the pod connection, which allows the device to be resistant to general wear and tear. There’s only one button, which has a pleasant tactile click, so no complaints there. My only gripe with the way this device has been put together is the magnetic pod connection, which is a little weaker than I’d like.

In terms of user experience, the Hita is as simple as can be. The single fire button can power the device on/off with five clicks and an embedded LED provides three levels of battery feedback, which is plenty for a 1000mAh device. Asvape’s Reekbox chip regulates the device, supposedly choosing an appropriate power output based on the resistance of your coil. In my experience, it seems to result in consistent power output, until the cell is almost fully depleted.

A rubber seal on the side of the pod covers a large fill hole, which has caused me no issues during re-fills, regardless of bottle size. Airflow is controlled by turning the whole pod. Wide open, this is a restricted direct lung draw and fully closed, it’s a moderate MTL. This airflow system is simple but effective and I hope it becomes the standard for stickstyle AIOs.

ASVAPE HITA specifications

Installing coils is a simple affair. A quarter turn removes the bottom of the tank, and from there you just pull the base of the coil to remove it. Unscrew your coil head, then put a new one in and re-assemble.

As standard, the device is supplied with two coils. The first is a 1Ohm mesh build, designed with MTL in mind. I found this coil to perform best with the airflow completely closed, where it delivers a moderately warm, restricted MTL vape, handily competing with other AIOs of this size in terms of flavour. Coil longevity is respectable, too. The second coil is a 0.5Ohm mesh build. I preferred this coil with the airflow at 2/3 open, where it produces a warm, restricted direct lung vape, with great flavour considering the coil size. Coil

longevity was good here, too. This coil does take a toll on the 1000mAh internal cell, though. Along with the stock coils, an RBA deck is also available for the Hita and in my view, this is where the device truly shines. Despite being a tiny RBA, it’s incredibly easy to build due to the side-mounted grub screws. Simply drop a round wire build in, tighten the leads and pulse on your mod of choice, before wicking it so cotton sits on top of the wicking channels. Due to the small deck and airflow, this RBA is best suited to MTL builds. A 2.5mm 7-wrap 26g Kanthal coil was the sweet spot for me. With the airflow closed down, this 0.85Ohm coil produces fantastic flavour, a smooth draw and a pleasant throat hit.

Battery life will depend hugely on your choice of stock coil or build. I found the 1Ohm mesh coil to provide a full day’s vape time, while the 0.5Ohm mesh coil cuts this down to just an hour or two. My 0.85Ohm RBA build results in just shy of a full day’s use before needing to charge. The 1A USB-C charging mitigates most down time though, charging from flat to full in just under an hour.

In summary, the Asvape Hita is a great mini-AIO kit, that packs functionality to suit both new vapers and enthusiasts who prefer RBAs. The solid build quality, neat mech mod styling and effective airflow system make this device easy to recommend for stealth vapers. Just make those magnets stronger.

PROS

- Good build quality

- Great airflow system

- Solid stock coils, great RBA

CONS

- Magnetic connection is a little weak

By Benedict Jones

Hotcig aren’t the best known brand in vaping but they’ve been around for years, mostly catering to enthusiasts. They’ve built a solid reputation with devices like the R150 and RSQ and their latest release is the Sniper AIO. Construction, fit and finish of the Sniper are excellent. Hotcig do not state the chassis materials but from the weight, it’s clearly a combination of zinc alloy and polycarbonate. The Sniper is absolutely tiny for an 18650 AIO and is the only device in its class as compact as the Smok Fetch Pro. Despite the small footprint, this is a very robust mod, with no visible gaps, a strong magnetised connection and a sturdy battery cap.

In terms of usability, Hotcig have simplified their HM chipset to provide a more streamlined experience. Five clicks power the device on/off, while three clicks lock the device entirely. The up and down adjustment buttons can be pressed at the same time to lock in a power setting. That’s it for functionality and with a device like this, it’s all you should need. As with previous HM chipset devices, power delivery is aggressive and snappy, which is something that I enjoy.

As mentioned before, the 3.2ml pod is held in place with a strong magnetised connection that has no play. A removable seal on the front of the pod covers a fill-port with enough space for all but the largest of e-liquid bottles, so no complaints there. Windows on either side of the device let you see your remaining e-liquid level without removing the pod, which is a nice touch. My only major issue with the device is its lack of airflow control. This means your airflow will be determined by the inner bore of the installed coil. More on this later.

A slight quirk of the Sniper is the distinction between the TPD and non-TPD model. Along with reducing capacity to 2ml, the TPD cartridge also changes which coils are compatible with the device, to a Nord fitting. The 3.2ml international model is supplied with a pod that’s compatible with RPM coils instead. In any case, separate pods can be purchased to suit your preference.

Two coils are supplied with the international model. The first is a 0.4Ohm mesh build, rated for 26W. This coil has

Dimensions: 83mm*45.5mm*24mm

Battery capacity: 1x external 18650 cell

E-liquid capacity: 3.2ml/2ml (TPD edition)

Charging: USB-C

SNIPER specifications

a relatively small inner diameter, which produces a smooth restricted direct lung draw. At just 26W, this results in a warm, saturated vape that easily competes with my favourite mesh coils in this class. Coil longevity was good too, withstanding 45mls of moderately sweet e-liquid before needing replacement.

The second coil is a 0.17Ohm mesh build, rated for 50W. This coil has a larger inner diameter, which results in significantly more airflow, and a little turbulence. It’s a little airy for my preference but I can’t deny that the coil produces some good flavour at its recommended wattage and can even be pushed a little higher. I tried it at 55W for some time without issue. Longevity for this coil is near identical to the 0.4Ohm option.

Battery life will depend on your choice of 18650, coil and power setting. Using a high quality 3000mAh 18650, I was able to get 1.5 day’s vaping time on a charge with the 0.4Ohm coil at 26W, or just under a full day’s vaping with the 0.17Ohm coil at 50W. In either case, this means the HM chipset is managing the battery well.

In summary, the Hotcig Sniper is a solid device and comes very close to being my favourite 18650 AIO. It is compatible with both Nord and RPM coils, along with their respective RBAs, is built nicely and has a sleek form factor. My only gripe is the lack of airflow control and for many people, this will be annoying. I would love to see an updated pod for this device with built in airflow control in the future.

PROS

By Benedict Jones

Approximately one year ago, Joyetech revived its Grip line with the Exceed Grip. It was a tiny AIO with lots of potential and a few shortcomings. The Exceed Grip Pro is a new iteration of that device, so has it made the improvements users asked for?

Construction, fit and finish of the Exceed Grip Pro are good. As with the previous model, this is a polycarbonate and aluminium device, with the same tiny dimensions. It’s very light but still feels robust and tolerances are on point, with a very snug press-fit connection for the 2ml pod/cartridge.

Aside from the small display on the back of the chassis, this is essentially identical to the older model at a glance.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. I’m glad that Joyetech have stuck to the same form factor as the Exceed Grip, since it’s very pocket-friendly and comfortable to use, whether you prefer to fire the device with your thumb or index finger. I’m happy to report that some minor changes have been made to the pod section though, which address all of my previous issues with the device.

In terms of user experience, the Exceed Grip Pro is just as simple as its older sibling, even with the addition of a basic VW chipset. Five clicks power the device on/off, while holding the up and down adjustment buttons together will lock/unlock your wattage adjustment. That’s the only functionality this chip provides and frankly, it’s all that you need from a device like this. As with the previous device, a removable rubber seal on the back of the cartridge reveals a large filling hole and this system works well, providing enough space for quick re-fills, without overflow or leaking issues.

The most significant change to the new EZ cartridge is the airflow system. A small slider on the side of the cartridge can be moved up or down to increase or decrease the amount of airflow respectively. A lack of airflow control was my only real issue with the old Exceed Grip, so I’m glad that this has been addressed. Better still, it allows for a wide range of adjustment, from restricted DL, all the way to a super tight MTL, that is smooth and quiet across the board. A simple but effective solution.

Construction: Polycarbonate + aluminium

Dimensions: 74mm*40mm*21mm

Weight: 74g

Battery capacity: 1,000mAh internal cell

E-liquid capacity: 2ml

Power output: 1W-40W Charging: Micro-USB

JOYETECH EXCEED GRIP PRO specifications

As standard, the device is bundled with two coils. The first is a 1.2Ohm round wire build, rated for 7W-13W. I found this coil to perform best at the maximum 13W, with the airflow closed down almost all the way, for a tight MTL draw. With these settings, it provides a warm, flavourful MTL vape that handily competes with the best mini-AIOs and pod systems on the market. Coil longevity was good too, lasting approximately 25mls of moderately sweet nicotine salt e-liquid.

The second coil is a 0.4Ohm mesh build, rated for 25W-33W. I found this coil to perform best at 25W-27W, with the airflow halfway closed. Here, it provides a warm, flavourful restricted DL vape. Longevity was good with this coil, lasting approximately 35mls of moderately sweet e-liquid. Battery life is totally dependent on your choice of coil and wattage. I was able to consistently get a full day’s vaping on a single charge, when running the 1.2Ohm coil at 13W. This was cut down to just an hour when using the 0.4Ohm coil at 25W. The device charges from flat to full in approximately an hour, which is fine if you’re using the low wattage option but may become frustrating if you’re using the mesh build.

In summary, the Exceed Grip Pro is a very competent miniAIO and addresses all the issues I had with its predecessor. I think the 0.4Ohm coil is a bit mismatched for the size of the internal cell but I don’t have a problem with that, since a more appropriate coil is also included.

PROS

By Benedict Jones

Since the US federal ban on flavoured pre-filled pod devices, disposables have become increasingly popular as they are not covered by the legislation. Lush Vapor is a newer brand that seems to be gaining a lot of traction in the market, so how do their devices fare?

Construction, fit and finish of the Lush device are, in a word, utilitarian. You shouldn’t expect premium materials on a device that is designed to be disposable and, in this case, the Lush is a simple polycarbonate rectangle. It’s well sealed, though, and I didn’t experience any leaking or flooding in the sample units I received.

The user experience on offer here is about as close as vaping can get to a traditional cigarette. Open the pack, remove the rubber stopper and start vaping. There are no buttons, menus or settings to contend with. The draw activation switch is quite sensitive, with a moderate mouth to lung draw, which again emulates the experience of a cigarette well.

Despite the tiny 280mAh internal cell, I found each Lush device to last for a full day of vaping, when using the 20mg/ ml TPD version. Usually, I found that the battery would die before the pod ran out of liquid which, in my view, is how disposables should be calibrated. I suspect that a 50mg/ ml device would double this run time to two days with ease. The principles of the Lush disposable are good but what about the flavours? I’m highlighting six that particularly stood out to me.

Lush Ice: Lush Ice leaves much to the imagination with its name but it’s clearly a watermelon ice blend. The watermelon is super bright, with a sticky candy finish that lingers on the palate after vaping. The coolant here is quite strong and does a good job of cutting through that sweetness. A simple, but very pleasant, fruit and ice profile.

Iced Berry Lychee: Lychee is a fairly uncommon flavour in vaping and Lush have nailed it here. It’s potent and aromatic, almost an exact replica of the exotic fruit, with some floral notes and a juicy mouthfeel. Mild notes of candy berries are present too, but they are more of an accent than anything else. The icy finish is strong here too and ensures that the

Materials: Polycarbonate

Battery capacity: 280mAh one use internal cell

E-liquid capacity: 1.2ml

Nicotine strength: 20mg/ml nicotine salt (TPD), 50mg/ml nicotine salt

lychee note doesn’t overstay its welcome.

LUSH VAPOR specifications

Iced Strawberry Lemonade: A near perfect recreation of a commercial pink lemonade. Bright candy strawberry is the top note in this case, with a milder lemonade base that contrasts nicely with the sweeter berry notes. The icy finish is quite subtle on this one, but it still keeps things fresh.

Iced Pineapple: This one surprised me. The vast majority of pineapple e-liquids are heavily candied but this one is quite sharp and very authentic. It’s as close to a real slice of pineapple as I’ve ever experienced in vaping. The coolant finish is moderate in this case, which I’m happy about, as any more would detract from that vibrant pineapple note.

Passionfruit Strawberry: A soda-style passionfruit dominates here. It’s quite sweet and brings a good balance of citrus and mild earthy notes to the table. The strawberry note is much milder but does accentuate the tropical sweetness without becoming a main feature. A mild coolant finishes things off.

Crème: The only dessert flavour among the samples I tried. Crème has a distinct brown sugar top note, which gives way to a milder vanilla cream, that provides a surprising amount of mouthfeel considering the low wattage that this device pumps out. A sweet caramel note lingers for a while after vaping.

In summary, the Lush is an extremely simple disposable pod. For certain users, a disposable device can be the appropriate choice for certain situations, or as a stop gap between smoking cigarettes and finding a permanent vape device. For this purpose, I think the Lush does well and the flavours are rather nice too.

VAPORESSO TARGET

PROS

By Benedict Jones

Construction, fit and finish of the PM30 are excellent. Vaporesso does not state the chassis material but from its weight, it would appear to be zinc alloy. Tolerances are spot on here, with a tactile fire button and strong magnetised connection that ensures the 3.5ml pod is kept firmly in place. This is a slim, pocket-friendly AIO but it feels nicely put together.

In terms of user experience, the PM30 is the most basic of the new Target PM range. Despite its name, the functionality and form factor of the device is much more akin to a beefed up Podstick than the PM80 or PM80SE.

A single button powers the device on/off with five clicks and cycles through three power settings with three clicks. An LED indicates low, medium and high power settings via red, blue and green flashes respectively. The LED also provides three levels of battery feedback, which is plenty for a 1200mAh device.

Vaporesso’s sliding top-fill returns, with the valve system seen in previous devices, such as the Podstick and Degree. As ever, it works wonderfully, and I’ve had no issues with overflow when using standard bottles. As in the past, large nozzles will be too wide to depress the valve, so you’ll need to steer clear of those.

Coil installation is a breeze, with a simple press-fit design. The coils can be installed in any orientation, but you need to line them up so that the flat side of the housing lines up with the two magnets on the pod, in order to create a proper seal.

The device is bundled with two GTX coils and two pods as standard. I’m glad that Vaporesso is staying with this fitting for removable coil devices, since it makes life much easier for end users and retailers. The first coil is a 1.2Ohm round wire build, which fires at 8W, 10W and 12W. With no adjustable airflow, I find this coil to provide a very loose MTL draw and feel that it performs best at the 12W setting. Here, it produces good flavour and a relatively cool vape. Coil longevity was respectable at 25mls of moderately sweet nicotine salt e-liquid. I feel they need to tighten the airflow significantly on this coil to provide a true MTL experience

specifications

Dimensions: 117.1mm*26.7mm*22mm

Battery capacity: 1200mAh internal cell

E-liquid capacity: 3.5ml/2ml (TPD edition)

Power output: Three levels, dependent on coil Charging: 1A USB-C

and this will also increase warmth.

The second coil is a 0.6Ohm mesh build. This coil fires at 20W, 22W or 25W depending on your power setting. Again, there’s no adjustable airflow and the draw is almost identical to the 1.2Ohm build. In this case though, it’s an appropriate amount of air, producing a smooth, restricted DL vape, with excellent flavour and warmth at the 25W setting. I was able to run 45mls of moderately sweet e-liquid through this coil, which is fantastic.

Battery life will depend on your choice of coil and power setting, but overall battery management is good. I was easily able to get a full day (and then some) of vaping time from a single charge, when using the 1.2Ohm coil at the full 12W. This was cut down to just under half a day when using the 0.6Ohm coil at 25W which is still respectable. The 1A USB-C connection allows the PM30 to charge from flat to full in just over an hour, which is fine considering the run time.

In summary, the Target PM30 is a solid stealth device, with nice build quality, great ease of use and a wide range of GTX coil options. My main gripe is that the airflow is simply too loose on the 1.2Ohm coil and I would really like to see this adjusted in the future for those who want a true MTL

- Wide range of GTX coils

CONS

- Airflow too loose on 1.2Ohm coil - No adjustable airflow

VOOPOO

By Benedict Jones

Voopoo’s AIOs are available in all shapes and sizes and amongst the smaller models, the Navi is the most recent release.

Construction, fit and finish of the Navi are excellent. Like many other Voopoo devices, the Navi is primarily made from zinc alloy, which gives it a pleasant weight and robust feel, despite its pocket-friendly size. Tolerances are nice, with a very firm magnetised connection for the 3.8ml pod and tactile buttons. This device feels slick and has a clean industrial aesthetic.

Voopoo has a winning formula when it comes to the user experience of their AIOs and I’m happy to report that it has not deviated from this with the Navi. Five clicks of the fire button powers the device on/off and from here, three clicks cycles through three modes, including P, A+P and Auto. P is the standard functionality, where the power button alone fires the device. A+P also allows you to use draw activation, while Auto disables the fire button and only allows for drawactivated firing.

Holding the + and – buttons brings up the 14-day puff counter, which as I’ve previously discussed, can be a useful feature for those who are interested in tracking the frequency of their vaping. All PnP coils are compatible with the device, with a familiar press-fit installation, though due to wattage limitations, more power-hungry PnP coils may not be a suitable choice. The 3.8ml pod is filled from the bottom via a rubber seal and though I had no issues with standard bottle tips, large nozzles are a no go. The Navi is powered by Voopoo’s Gene chip and, as a result, power delivery is as snappy as ever and can consistently handle the 40W maximum, until the battery is nearly depleted, which I find impressive for a small device. My first real gripe with the Navi is its airflow control system. A small slot on the side of the pod can be opened or closed and while I am happy to see some level of user control, this system doesn’t allow for quite as much adjustment as I’d like. Most notably, it doesn’t really allow for a true MTL draw, even when fully closed and using a high resistance PnP coil, with a small diameter.

Dimensions: 96mm*33mm*18mm (height includes drip tip)

Materials: Zinc alloy, PCTG

Battery capacity: 1500mAh internal cell

E-liquid capacity: 3.8ml/2ml (TPD edition)

Power output: 5W-40W

Charging: Micro-USB

NAVI specifications

The device is bundled with two coils as standard. The first is a 0.6Ohm PnP mesh coil, rated for 20W-28W. I found this coil to excel at 22W-25W, with the airflow closed down, where it produces a moderately warm vape, with good flavour and a restricted direct lung draw.

The second coil is a 0.45Ohm PnP mesh build, rated for 25W-35W. I found the sweet spot for this coil to be 30W, with the airflow closed, where it produces a warm vape, with improved flavour compared to the 0.6Ohm build and a marginally more open draw.

While I enjoy both of these coils, I feel that the device itself would have benefitted from being packaged with two of Voopoo’s high resistance, low wattage PnP coils, since they are a better match for the battery capacity and stealthy design of the Navi.

Battery life will depend hugely on your choice of coil. I was able to get around 2.5 hours use with the 0.6Ohm coil installed, at 22W-25W. This run time was cut in half when using the 0.45Ohm coil at 30W. Conversely, I was able to get a full day’s vaping from a single charge, when using the 1Ohm PnP-R2 coil at 14W. The device charges from flat to full in just over an hour, which is fine if you’re using a low wattage coil but becomes more frustrating if you are

PROS

Dimensions: 134mm*16mm

Battery capacity: 600mAh internal cell

E-liquid capacity: 2ml

Coil resistance: 1.2Ohms

Charging: Micro-USB

By Benedict Jones

The Uppen is the first device from ALD’s new subsidiary Upends, which aims to create portable kits for the starter market.

Construction, fit and finish of the Uppen are fair. This is a nicely put-together device, with a low overall weight. Tolerances are tight, with a strong magnetised connection and no visible seams. With this said, it doesn’t feel overly robust and would perhaps feel more premium with a slightly heavier chassis.

The Uppen’s primary claim to fame is its pen form factor, including a top cap that completes the look and makes the device entirely mistakable for a writing implement. This has caused a bit of a stir in the community. On one hand, there is a legitimate case to be made for professional adults who prefer a discrete vaping device. On the other, there are concerns that minors could be attracted to its ability to be concealed. While I personally have no issue with the design, I am all too aware that our industry is not in need of any further external controversy at this time.

In terms of user experience, the Uppen is extremely simple. This is a draw-to-fire device, with no buttons, screens or menus to contend with. The pod is held in place with a strong magnetised connection and the device vibrates briefly when the pod is installed, which is a nice touch. The pod is filled from the side and the relatively large opening has caused me no issues when using standard bottles.

In terms of vape quality, only 1.2Ohm pods are available at the time of writing. Upends state that this results in an average power output of 10W and this produces a moderately warm vape, with a satisfying MTL draw that’s a little more restricted than most pod systems on the market. Flavour production is good but doesn’t quite reach the best in class status achieved by products like the Uwell Caliburn.

I found each pod to last for approximately 8-10 refills, which is well within acceptable bounds for a device like this.

ALD/UPENDS UPPEN specifications

I must note that the device is supplied with only one pod but I would always expect two as a minimum.

The 600mAh internal cell is managed quite well. I found it to last just shy of a full day’s vaping on a charge, when using 20mg/ml nicotine salt e-liquids. While this is fine, I do feel that a larger capacity cell could have been procured for the device, since its chassis is larger than some recent pod systems which boast higher capacity. The device charges from flat to full in approximately 45 minutes, which is perfectly acceptable considering the run time.

In summary, the Uppen is an interesting first entry for the Upends brand, with good performance, a simple user experience and unique form factor. It’s a solid option for vapers who need a discrete device that won’t look out of place in a suit pocket or purse. I do feel that a spare pod should always be included in kits like this, though, so I’m hoping that this changes for future batches.

PROS

- Very user friendly

- Nice MTL draw

- Good pod longevity

CONS

- Only one pod provided with device

- Uses pods, not coils

Dimensions: 73.9mm*38.2mm*16.7mm

Battery capacity: 900mAh internal cell

E-liquid capacity: 2ml

Charging: 1A Micro-USB

By Benedict Jones

Vaporesso produces devices for practically every market segment in vaping and the XTRA is its latest entry level kit. With an RRP under £20, is this worth recommending to new users?

Construction, fit and finish of the XTRA are solid. Vaporesso does not state the main chassis material but from its weight, I would have to assume zinc alloy. Despite its slim, pocketable footprint, this is a robust little kit that will stand up to everyday abuse without issue. Tolerances are nice, with a very sturdy magnetic connection, which keeps pods firmly in place.

In terms of user experience, the XTRA is a very basic device. There’s just one button on the bottom of the chassis, which can be clicked five times to turn the device on/off. One click of the button when the device is powered up will give you an estimate of the remaining battery life, via red, blue or green flashes of the LED. When powered up, the XTRA is draw to fire, with no power adjustment, so this really is quite foolproof, if basic.

A large fill port is located on the side of each pod, covered by a rubber seal. I’ve had zero issues re-filling with standard bottles, though particularly large nozzles may not fit. Despite the 2ml capacity, I’ve found that the pods can be filled rapidly without running into overflow problems. What about vape quality, then? The XTRA is supplied with two disposable pods. The first is a 1.2Ohm round wire build. This pod has a moderate-loose MTL draw and provides a surprisingly warm vape considering the resistance, with good flavour. Vaporesso recommend replacing each pod after five refills, though I was able to get closer to 10 fills before mine needed to be replaced, while using moderately sweet e-liquid.

The second pod is a 0.8Ohm mesh build. This pod has the same draw as the 1.2Ohm, albeit with a substantially warmer vape and slight bump to flavour intensity. As with the 1.2Ohm pod, I was able to get through 10 refills before it needed to be replaced. For a “true” pod system like this, which is intended for high strength e-liquids, I think that’s

VAPORESSO XTRA specifications

a respectable longevity, that should translate to roughly a week of use per pod for most people. Battery life will largely depend on your choice of pod. Using the 1.2Ohm variety, the 900mAh cell was consistently able to give me just shy of a full day’s vaping time on a single charge. This is cut to just over half a day’s use with the 0.8Ohm pod. The XTRA charges from flat to full in under one hour, so I think this run time is well within acceptable bounds.

In summary, the XTRA is an incredibly simple starter kit but for high nicotine vapers, it just works. In my view, this is the natural progression of devices like the Mi-Pod, which has been incredibly popular for a while now. Would I prefer replacement coils instead of pods? Yes, but there is certainly a place for designs like this, particularly for new users. The XTRA is a great choice for someone who needs a very small device that still delivers great flavour and practical battery life.

PROS

- Great flavour

- Good build quality

- Very simple for new users

CONS

- Replacement pods, not coils

specifications

Dimensions: 115mm*33mm*24mm (Height includes tank)

Materials: Zinc alloy, stainless steel, polycarbonate

Battery capacity: 2100mAh internal cell

E-liquid capacity: 2ml (22mm Zlide tank)

Power output: 6W-50W or 3V-7.5V Charging: Micro-USB

By Benedict Jones

Construction, fit and finish of the Z50 are solid. This is a tiny mod but due to the zinc alloy chassis, it has a good weight and doesn’t feel flimsy at all. Tolerances are nice, with a tactile fire button and zero visible seams, save for the gold band that runs around the device. This may be an affordable starter kit, but it feels premium.

In terms of user experience, Innokin has kept things simple with the Z50, whilst allowing for a respectable level of user control. A hard on/off switch can be found at the bottom of the mod, which is great to see on an internal cell device. With this switch in the “on” setting, three clicks of the fire button will lock/unlock the device during use. You don’t have to use the hard on/off switch if you don’t want to but it is great for those who frequently travel, or want to store their mod out of sight.

Briefly holding the up or down buttons will cause the wattage or voltage setting to flash and from here you can press the adjustment buttons to scroll up or down the power range in 0.5W/0.1V increments, from 6W, all the way up to 50W. This is more than enough power for the bundled Zlide tank and even allows you to pair the Z50 with more power-hungry atomisers, if you wish.

Briefly holding the up and down buttons will display your puff counter, while a long hold flips the screen orientation. Holding the power and down, or power and up buttons toggles between voltage and wattage modes respectively. That’s it for the functionality of the chipset and I’m glad that Innokin has kept things simple.

The bundled Zlide 22mm tank has been around for a while and it’s the perfect choice for a mod like this. In short, the Zlide remains one of the best stock coil MTL tanks on the market, with a convenient top-fill system, good selection of airflow, from tight MTL to RDL and a fantastic range of compatible coils, which are widely available.

The kit includes two coils. The first is a 1.2Ohm round wire build, rated for 10W-14W. I enjoyed this coil most at 10.5W, with one airflow inlet left open. With these settings, it produces a moderately-warm vape, with good flavour and a tight MTL draw. Longevity is decent with this coil but not

outstanding. I was able to run 25mls of moderately-sweet nicotine salt e-liquid through it before a replacement was needed. I feel this coil is best suited to those who are using very high strength e-liquids.

The second coil is a 0.8Ohm round wire build, rated for 15W-18W. I found the sweet spot for this coil to be 16W, with either one or two airflow inlets open. This coil produces a warmer vape, with more pronounced flavour and for this reason, it’s my preference of the two. I also found this coil to have increased longevity, at 35mls of moderately-sweet nicotine salt e-liquid. Unless you really want a super low wattage vape, I would pick the 0.8Ohm coil every time. Battery life will depend hugely on your choice of atomiser, coil, nicotine strength and wattage but the included coils are both conservative with power consumption. I was easily able to get two full day’s vaping time on a single charge with the 1.2Ohm coil, and slightly less with the 0.8Ohm coil. In either case, having more than a day’s use on a charge is great. I found the device to charge from flat to full in just over an hour, which fine considering the long run time.

In summary, the Innokin Z50 is pretty much the ideal starter kit. It’s compact, nicely built and is bundled with one of the best stock coil MTL tanks on the market, while boasting all day battery life and wattage control. For the time being, it will be the kit I recommend to any new vaper, or transitioning smoker.

PROS

- Good build quality

- Compact design

- Great battery life

- Bundled with a great tank

CONS - None

By Benedict Jones

Many vapers probably don’t give a second thought to alternative nicotine products and this is understandable. Many of us quit smoking successfully using vaping and continue to enjoy it as a method of ingesting nicotine, with significantly less harmful chemicals than are found in cigarettes.

When I quit smoking, I skipped straight past things like gums, snus, and inhalers, and went straight for vaping instead. It just seemed like the obvious choice. I’m sure most of the people reading this can relate to that process, but what about those times when you can’t vape?

Whether it’s in a work environment, a long journey or even a trip to a country where vaping has been banned altogether, there are situations when you can’t get your usual nicotine fix, for a prolonged periods of time.

Enter ZYN. For the uninitiated, ZYN is a small, tobacco-free pouch, which is flavoured and infused with varying levels of nicotine. In terms of format, it’s essentially snus, without the tobacco content. You place a pouch under your upper lip and nicotine is delivered to your blood stream.

My first proper trial of this product was after The Vaper Expo UK in October. I had a sample pack of strength 2 pouches and a four-hour journey ahead of me. On the first leg of my journey, I placed a pouch under my lip as directed and it eliminated any temptation to make a trip to the toilet for a top-secret stealth vape. Something I would never, ever do, or condone, of course. For someone who is a relatively heavy user of nicotine, that was quite the first impression. ZYN has just released two new varieties, Spearmint and Espressino, which are available in strengths 1 and 2 respectively. With a positive first experience, I was intrigued to try them.

Spearmint:

The Spearmint pouch has a light, sweet spearmint flavour, which is more akin to a gum, than a herbal mint. I found this to increase the tingle sensation provided by the nicotine and the flavour consistently lasts for 20 or so minutes per pouch. This is a strength 1 product, which translates to 1.5mg per pouch. When compared to the amount of nicotine I consume vaping, this does not appear to be a high dose at all but still, I find a strength 1 pouch to keep me satisfied for 20-30 minutes. This is likely due to a different delivery mechanism to the blood stream and I won’t pretend to be an expert on the subject. I see this as a good option for low-to-moderate nicotine users, or light smokers.

ZYN Spearmint: - Strength: 1 - Nicotine content: 0.4% (1.5mg/pouch)

ZYN Espressino: - Strength: 2 - Nicotine content: 0.75% (3mg/pouch)

Espressino:

NICOTINE POUCHES specifications

Espressino has a more saturated flavour in my view. It’s not a pure coffee flavour though, as there are notes of cream and a pleasant level of sweetness. I would compare it to the taste of a frappuccino. This is a strength 2 product, which means 3mg of nicotine per pouch. I think this is the sweet spot for me. I found each pouch to keep me satisfied for 45 minutes to an hour, without the need for a vape. Again, I won’t pretend to understand the correlation in terms of nicotine dose, since I can easily go through 1.5-3ml of 3mg/ml e-liquid per hour when vaping.

I have no doubts that some people in the vaping community will have a problem with me enjoying ZYN, or merely writing about it. All the same, I think it has a very important place in the market, for nicotine users who are in situations where they cannot vape. Will ZYN replace vaping for me? No, but that’s not the point.

The next time I take a long train journey or flight, you can bet that I’ll be carrying some strength 2 ZYN with me and that’s simply not an option I had before. Smokers who want to quit, while avoiding inhalation will likely benefit from products like this one too. As vapers, we should welcome tobacco harm reduction in all its forms and I am interested to see where ZYN will be in the market in five years time. .

Bramble

VG/PG Ratio: 50/50

Additional sweetener: Moderate Throat hit: Mild (10mg/ml nicotine salt)

Bramble is described as a blend of blackberry, blueberry, raspberry and lemon. Blackberry is by far the most prominent note to my palate. It is reminiscent of cordial, with a sticky texture and dark sweetness. This is complemented by a milder raspberry, which adds some extra tang and sweetness but does not dominate. The blueberry note is quite subtle, mostly adding a light floral accent. The mix is finished with a moderate lemon, which contrasts well with the darker berries and boosts the tart finish. An excellent berry cocktail.

Peach Bellini

VG/PG Ratio: 50/50

Additional sweetener: Moderate Throat hit: Mild (10mg/ml nicotine salt)

Peach Bellini is described as a blend of peach, prosecco and raspberry and the peach is the star of the show here. It has elements of a candy peach, with its bright top note but also retains a natural juicy finish, which is quite interesting. The prosecco note is quite mild, coming across as a natural white grape, without any of the candy concord notes that are often present in grape flavoured e-liquids. The profile is finished with a mild candy raspberry, which works nicely in contrast with the brighter peach and grape notes. A unique fruit cocktail.

Pornstar Martini

VG/PG Ratio: 50/50

Additional sweetener: Moderate Throat hit: Mild (10mg/ml nicotine salt)

A blend of passionfruit, orange and vanilla. For me, orange is the dominant flavour here. It has a noticeably juicy mouthfeel and plenty of tartness on the finish, closely resembling blood orange soda. This is accented with a lighter passionfruit, which adds some tropical sweetness and an additional citric tang. The mix is rounded off with a moderate, smooth vanilla, creating a pleasant contrast on the finish. A simple, but well-executed, blend.

Rum Ting

VG/PG Ratio: 50/50

Additional sweetener: Moderate Throat hit: Mild (10mg/ml nicotine salt)

Rum Ting is a blend of pineapple, banana and cherry. Equal parts banana and pineapple form the top note here. Natural banana is so difficult to portray in e-liquid but Supergood has pulled it off here and I’m glad because it works wonderfully in contrast with the tangy, juicy pineapple. This balance of cream and tartness is rounded off superbly with a moderate cherry note, which provides further sweetness. This intriguing fruit cocktail has become my favourite of the Supergood cocktail line and it’s well worth a go for anyone who enjoys unusual fruity vapes.

Blue Pom Mojito

VG/PG Ratio: 50/50

Additional sweetener: Moderate Throat hit: Mild (10mg/ml nicotine salt)

A blend of blueberry, pomegranate, lime, mint and sugar. Candy blueberry is the most prominent flavour here, with a bright floral sweetness. This is contrasted with a tangy, authentic pomegranate. The lime and mint notes are both quite subtle but do provide accents of citrus and a slight cooling on the finish, without overpowering the delicate blueberry top note. A refreshing, complex fruit cocktail.

Pear Fizz

VG/PG Ratio: 50/50

Additional sweetener: Moderate

Throat hit: Mild (10mg/ml nicotine salt)

A blend of champagne, pear and lime. A bright, super-authentic pear is the star of the show. It has plenty of sweetness but does not stray into candy pear territory at all. The pear here also has some hints of rind and a noticeable juicy mouthfeel and this is contrasted with a moderate lime note, which adds a good level of tartness to the finish, without bullying the other flavours. The champagne element comes across as white grape to me and is more of an accent than anything, bridging the gap between the contrasting flavours and further enhancing the juicy finish. A simple, light fruit cocktail.

Jaggerbomb

Percentage used and VG/PG ratio of mix: 3% at 70/30

The combination of herbal liqueur and energy drink will likely evoke strong memories for most people in the UK. I can’t say it’s something I’ve ever wanted to vape but Flavour Art has done a good job of replicating the profile in this case. To really elevate it, some sweetener, additional fruit support and maybe a touch of coolant will result in a truer to life “Jaggerbomb” experience. When the percentage is pushed higher with this flavouring, more distinct notes of liquorice start to appear, which is something to bear in mind.

Espresso Mint

Percentage used and VG/PG ratio of mix: 2% at 70/30

Flavour Art produce some of the most authentic coffee flavourings and this is no exception. For the most part, this is a bold, rich and dark espresso flavour, with a bitter finish. This is coupled with a moderate mint, which has a slight sweetness and cooling to contrast with the bitterness of the espresso. I feel that this flavouring is best paired with a cast of dessert notes, including vanilla and dairy, to create something akin to a minty frappuccino. This is a potent flavouring, so exercise some caution as it may bully other notes.

Candyfloss

Percentage used and VG/PG ratio of mix: 1.5% at 70/30

Flavour Art’s Candyfloss may be something of a surprise to veteran mixers. Usually, candyfloss flavourings are predominantly ethyl maltol and used purely as an additive, to thicken custards, add a candy connotation to fruits or smoothen the rough edges of a particularly throaty citrus. In this case, it’s a sticky candy texture, with a distinct strawberry twist that becomes more apparent on the finish. This flavouring is best used in fruit or candy mixes, that could use some additional mouthfeel or candy connotation, without using a sweetener like sucralose. When the percentage of this flavouring is pushed up, I find it to mute mixes, so it needs a light touch.

H2OMG

Percentage used and VG/PG ratio of mix: 3% at 70/30

Flavour Art describe H2OMG as an aniseed and fruit blend. Admittedly, I mostly get aniseed from this flavouring, regardless of concentration, though there are some mild notes of citrus on the finish too. As with all aniseed flavours, this will be divisive, though if you’re looking for a splash of tartness in your aniseed mix, this may be a good option.

Chocalima

Percentage used and VG/PG ratio of mix: 3% at 70/30

Chocalima is clearly a nod to the chocolate limes, a variety of sweets popular in the UK. Candy lime is the more prominent of the notes and they’ve nailed it, with a bright sweetness and very slight tart finish. The chocolate note is present and a good representation of the type of candy chocolate you find in chocolate lime sweets, though it does need a little help in my view. Some supporting creams and perhaps even a touch of butterscotch could help elevate that chocolate flavour for a more full-bodied experience. A niche but interesting flavouring.

Black Reloaded

VG/PG ratio: 70/30

Additional sweetener: Minimal Throat hit: Mild, with cooling

Black Reloaded is one of Zeus Juice’s flagship flavours, so what’s all the fuss about? The most prominent element of this blend is an intense combination of dark forest fruits, most prominently blackcurrant. The dark berries have a sticky candy texture, with a mild floral finish. This is complemented by a mild anise accent, which is non-intrusive and bolsters the dark sweetness of the berries. The mix is finished with a moderate menthol, which cuts through the berries and stops the profile from becoming too heavy. A classic berry, anise and menthol blend.

Death By Bunny

VG/PG ratio: 70/30

Additional sweetener: Minimal Throat hit: Mild

Death By Bunny is described as a blend of strawberry and cream. This mix leans heavily into a candied, syrupy strawberry, with a super-bright top note and a substantial sticky texture that lingers after vaping. This is supported by a mellow vanilla and cream base, which adds to the mouthfeel but does not dull the brightness of the top note. A basic, but moreish, strawberry cream blend.

Typhon

VG/PG ratio: Not stated – no info

Additional sweetener: Moderate Throat hit: Mild, with cooling

Another mystery blend from Zeus Juice. Typhon is predominantly a citrus medley flavour. There are clear notes of candy lime, along with a sherbet lemon, that provides a bright top note, along with a tart and slightly bitter finish. This is contrasted with a moderate menthol, that cuts through the sticky mouthfeel, delivering a simple, but refreshing, summery citrus vape.

Vermillion

VG/PG ratio: Not stated – no info

Additional sweetener: Moderate Throat hit: Mild, with cooling

I don’t have any official information about Vermillion at the time of writing but immediately upon opening the bottle, the flavour profile is very clear. The main note here is candy cherry, with a good level of sweetness and sticky mouthfeel. This is contrasted with a moderate menthol, along with what seems to be a mild eucalyptus note. The result is a profile that closely resembles cherry tunes and other sweets of that nature. A simple palate-cleansing fruit and menthol profile.

Midas

VG/PG ratio: Not stated – No info

Additional sweetener: Moderate Throat hit: Mild

At the time of writing, there is no information available about Midas, so for now it’s a mystery flavour. The top note to me is a combination of bright confectionary vanilla and butterscotch. This is supported by a thick, dairy base, with mild egg notes, which leads me to believe that this is a new custard blend. There is some serious mouthfeel with this profile, making for an indulgent dessert vape.

Dimpleberry

VG/PG ratio: 70/30

Additional sweetener: Minimal Throat hit: Mild, with cooling

Another of Zeus Juice’s best sellers. Dimpleberry is a little more enigmatic, at least to me though. The top note is again mixed berries but in contrast to black Reloaded, Dimpleberry seems to be mostly a blend of raspberry and blueberry, with a sticky candy texture and mild florals. This is contrasted with a moderate eucalyptus note and finished with menthol. The result is a very light, refreshing fruit medley that should be ideal for those who want a soothing fruity vape.

Smoozie - Perfectly Peachy

VG/PG ratio: 70/30

Additional sweetener: Moderate Throat hit: Mild

Perfectly Peachy is billed as a blend of peach, apricot and strawberry. A moderate, authentic peach is the top note here. Unlike the majority of peach e-liquids, this peach note is very true to life, with a pleasant juicy mouthfeel and slight earthiness on the finish. A milder apricot bolsters this element of the mix, adding further sweetness and a sticky, jam-like connotation. A candy strawberry accent finishes the profile, adding some brighter sweetness and a little tartness on the finish to contrast with the softer stone fruit notes. A nicely-balanced peach profile that can easily be vaped all day.

Smoozie – Ki-Berry Pear Sour

VG/PG ratio: 70/30

Additional sweetener: Moderate Throat hit: Mild

Ki-Berry Pear Sour is described as a blend of kiwi, pear and strawberry. Candy kiwi is the most prominent note here. It has more presence than I would usually expect, since kiwi is often relegated to an accent and fails to stand on its own. In this case, it’s defined and full flavoured. This is supported by a sour pear, which bolsters the bright top note and lends a good level of tartness to the finish, without dominating. The strawberry note on offer is rather mild and I think it is mostly adding a soft sweetness to the mix, without becoming a main flavour. A great kiwi vape.

HOBBYIST CORNER

Words: Benedict Jones

High End Review | Meet the Designer: Matt Culley | Spotlight on Instagram Vape Star @Nik_Shotz

HIGHEnd

REVIEW

Earlier in this issue we reviewed the Dotmod DotAIO, the popularity of which has spawned a wave of accessories. Greek modders Atmizoo, best known for their rebuildable atomisers, have created the most highly sought-after accessory, an RBA called the DotShell. What’s all the fuss about?

Construction, fit and finish of the DotShell are flawless. Designed and manufactured in Greece, this RBA does command a relatively high price tag of €65, about the same as the cost of the DotAIO itself. At this price point, customers quite rightly expect quality and the DotShell delivers. All of the stainless steel components are spotless and tolerances are precise. This feels every part a “high end” accessory.

User experience is what sets the DotShell apart from other DotAIOcompatible RBAs currently available. This is a unique two-piece design, where the build deck is independent from the tank and can be removed at any time, while leaving the tank full. Need to adjust your wicking, or install an entirely new build? You can do all of that without losing a single drop of e-liquid or having to clean the tank. This is the key selling point of the DotShell and now that I’ve experienced it, I don’t want to settle for AIO RBAs without it.

The build deck and airflow systems are very similar to Atmizoo’s legendary Billet Box RBA, the Vapeshell. It’s a two-post deck, where you simply secure leads with two flat Philips head screws. The largest build I was able to comfortably fit inside was a 2.5mm fused Clapton, which is about as heavy as you’re likely to need considering the DotAIO’s power limit of 35W. The airflow system is modular, with several optional airflow inserts that allow the user to accurately fine tune the amount of air that is fed underneath the coil.

By default, the DotShell has a maximum intake of 3.8mm, which results in a moderately-restricted direct lung draw fully open. Included with the purchase is a 2mm post, which provides a more

restricted experience. An MTL pin kit is an extra purchase that I opted for, which provides 1mm, 1.2mm and 1.5mm pins. This should cover the MTL spectrum for most users. For RDL vaping, I find the 2mm post to be the best fit. A 0.3Ohm fused Clapton with this airflow configuration and the maximum power of 35W results in a warm, smooth, super-flavourful vape, handily competing with my favourite single coil RTAs. You can cut the airflow down further using the airflow control ring and even achieve a loose MTL with this post, but I don’t find it ideal. I’ve spent most of my time with the DotShell using it as an MTL RBA and for me, this is where it really shines. I tend to alternate between the 1.2mm and 1.5mm pins, depending on my build of choice and both provide a fantastically smooth MTL draw. I like the 1.2mm pin for standard 26g round wire builds and switch to the 1.5mm pin for MTL Claptons, which require a little more airflow. In either case, the DotShell competes with my favourite MTL atomisers in terms of flavour, which is quite the achievement.

In terms of performance and quality of life features, Atmizoo nailed it with the DotShell. My only complaint is that wicking can be a little unforgiving at first, especially for less experienced users. Channels on the build deck indicate the correct width and length of wick to use and though I did find this to be helpful, you do need to be quite precise. It took me about four attempts to properly nail down the wicking technique for this RBA and though that would seem an acceptable learning curve, I have been building atomisers for five years, so newer users may have a more difficult time. In any case, I find this to be worth it. Simply put, the DotShell elevates the DotAIO experience to a different level, with fantastic flavour, a fully-modular airflow system and ability to tinker with your build, without draining the tank. If you own a DotAIO, get yourself a DotShell.

Atmizoo DotShell

Words: Benedict Jones

MEET THE DESIGNER Matt Culley

Matt Culley, AKA Matt from SMM, has been posting video reviews to YouTube since 2014 and six years on, he’s best known as a vocal advocate, product designer and professional vape nerd. His latest project, the Cog RTA, has just launched so we thought it was a good time to learn more about his vaping journey.

Q: What inspired you to start making video reviews?

I got oral cancer about eight years ago. After surgery I still had a hard time quitting cigarettes. Vaping ended up being the only thing to help me quit long term and I got really passionate about it. Plus, I love gadgets.

Q: Which device sold you on the efficacy of vaping?

I first tried cigalikes which couldn’t cut it at the time. I was able to quit with a pro tank/ ego battery setup and then shortly after got an Innokin MVP kit.

Q: When did vaping become a full-time job for you?

I believe it was end of 2014. I was making videos and also released an e-liquid line.

Q: What was your motivation for getting involved with product design?

I love hardware. Liquid is great, but the hardware and innovation side of this industry is the fun stuff. I always had ideas rolling around in my head and decided to start making them.

Q: What were the key challenges of your first hardware project?

When you partner with other designers and companies, you don’t always get your way on everything. My first project was a collab and I had to get used to working with other people.

Q: Has the experience of designing your own products changed the way you approach reviews?

Yes somewhat. I’ve learned more about the technical side of devices. It’s not as simple as some may think to design vape gear.

Q: Over the years, you have steadily increased your focus on advocacy, primarily through Twitter and live streams on your YouTube channel. What’s the best way for the average consumer to help advocacy efforts?

Being educated. It’s awesome to be active and vocal on advocacy, but you also need to understand how this all works. Read about government. Read the pro and antivaping science. Get a well-rounded idea of what you’re fighting. Also, don’t go too far down the conspiracy rabbit hole.

Q: The Cog RTA is your first MTL-oriented product, what made you go down this route?

I love MTL vaping and wanted to come up with a unique and easy way to adjust the airflow closer to the coil. This is very important for MTL vaping products.

Q: Was developing the Cog a more challenging process than previous hardware projects?

There was definitely trial and error. This one took longer than most.

Q: Now that you have established the Cog system, can we expect to see more RTAs utilising it?

There’s a chance. We have been talking about making a direct lung version and implementing it in other devices.

Q: AIOs are clearly the zeitgeist for mainstream vaping so far this year, what other trends do you predict we’ll see during the rest of 2020?

I don’t think AIOs and pods are going away any time soon. Convenience tends to win and that is what we are seeing. I would love to see more of the newer crowd get into

rebuildable devices but we shall see. This year, I think the innovations will come on the AIOs, but we aren’t getting away from AIOs.

Q: Both yourself and your partner Vanessa are vapers, does this change your perspective on reviews?

Not really. She’s not a big hobbyist like I am. She just finds what she likes and vapes it.

Q: What does an average working day look like at SMM HQ?

I have been waking up really early lately. Checking the stock market while drinking coffee. Check emails, messages, news, etc., and if none of that derails me, I go film a video. After that I edit and upload. Then house stuff, kid stuff, dinner, TV, and finally bed.

Q: You’ve been part of the industry for over six years, what are the biggest changes to business and consumer culture in that time?

It has less of an underground feel now. Lots of old faces have gone but I am always meeting new ones. I’m definitely nostalgic about the old days though.

Q: What are your personal ambitions within the vaping industry going forward?

Tough one. I may get more involved in advocacy work and the political side of it. We shall see. So much is up in the air right now.

Q: Finally, can you give us any hints about projects that you are currently working on?

Well, I have been working on a dual 21700 mod for quite some time. I am not sure if it will see the light of day yet but I hope so.

SPOTLIGHT ON INSTAGRAM VAPE STAR Nik Shotz

His

Instagram has long been one of the best places to show creativity within the vaping community and some people take things to the next level. One of our favourite creators over the last year has been Nik_Shotz, who produces surreal, highly stylised edits. We thought it was about time we learned a little more about him.

Q: How did you first learn about vaping?

When I went into my local tattoo studio in 2012, the guys there all had these Totally Wicked devices and were raving about the Patriot range of flavours. I had a little toot and was impressed, as the Strawberry Kiwi flavour instantly tasted way better than my Lambert & Butler, a taste I never enjoyed despite smoking since I was 13. As soon as my new ink was wrapped up, I headed to the Totally Wicked shop across the street, got myself a starter kit and never smoked again.

Q: How long have you been creating digital art?

I have been using Photoshop for around 20 years now. I studied Graphic Design at college and went on to be a graphic designer and illustrator. Back then there were no tutorials on YouTube, so you just had to try out different techniques and ideas to see what worked. I think that’s how my art got so weird.

Q: What equipment and software do you tend to use?

I have a late 2013 iMac 27 inch and I use Adobe Creative Cloud. I use Photoshop for the main bulk of the edits, then put them into Adobe Lightroom for finishing touches on lighting and colour. You wouldn’t believe how many people ask: “What button do you press to make blood bro?”!

Q: What inspired you to apply your skills to the world of vaping?

Although I’d been vaping for years, I had no idea there was such a community on Instagram until early 2018. I was launching an e-liquid brand (Vüdü Juice - R.I.P) with a friend and had the bright idea of starting a vape account. That way I could create edits with some of my favourite e-liquid brands, hopefully building a bit of a following in order to promote our brand once it launched. Sadly, our brand wasn't exactly a success, but I got to know some great people and was blown away by the community spirit on Instagram, so after Vüdü Juice sadly perished, Nik_Shotz lived on.

Q: Many of your edits have a horror aesthetic, why is this?

stunning designs have won him a worldwide following and everyone wants to know how he gets blood to look so realistic

I honestly have no idea. I don’t even particularly enjoy horror movies that much. I always endeavour to make my images as visually interesting as possible and the darker stuff is just appealing to me. Often the gore in my images is just a fruit I have smashed an e-liquid bottle into, but when you blend it with a hand or forehead it looks pretty sick. That’s what I enjoy the mostmaking something look twisted and sinister without using anything out of the ordinary.

Q: What pieces in your portfolio are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of the ones that really capture the essence of the brand. A good example would be the Psycho Kitty cat/ hand edit. Although there’s no gore here, people seemed to find this one particularly disturbing, which also ticks a box for me. I like the ones that grab people’s attention and stop them in their tracks while they’re aimlessly scrolling through Instagram. If someone comments “that’s vile” I see it as a win.

Q: What’s your editing process typically like? How long does it take to go from concept to finished work?

The idea is key. I never shoot anything or sit down to start editing until I have an idea nailed. I think you can always tell when someone has just taken an image and thrown every effect they can at it, without any true goal. Once I have the concept, the shots are pretty quick to take. Then the editing process can take anything from one hour to three hours, depending how much is going on in the image.

Q: Which hardware and e-liquids do you

find yourself using most often?

The Odin from Vaperzcloud / Dovpo is my everyday mod. I own three of them and rarely use anything else. The Asgard RDA produces the best flavour I’ve tried. When we used to be allowed outside I would take my Aegis X with Horizon Falcon One tank and for smaller devices I like the Aspire Mulus and Ultroner Theia pod, but with no higher than 10mg salts. The e-liquids I use vary on a weekly basis, but some of my all-time favourites are Aisu Aloe Vera, Steeplyfe Epic Lemonade and Pufflabs Spoiled Milk and Psycho Kitty.

Q: What would you like to be creating in five years’ time?

I would like to keep evolving, trying new techniques and ideas to push my work forward and not get stale. Motion graphics

interest me a lot, but it’s finding the time to learn, then consistently using the software enough to get good.

Q: Outside of digital art, do you have any other ambitions within the vaping world?

The dream would be to collaborate with a company to create a signature mod that I get to design. I have no idea what it would look like but I guarantee it would be unique.W

Q: Finally, do you have any upcoming projects you’d like to tell us about?

I’m currently working on designing the branding and labels for the new Cider King range from RMW Labs, which is inspired by the one and only Joe Exotic and which will have been unleashed by the time you’re reading this.

What button do you press to make blood bro?

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