Vapouround Magazine Issue 44

A GREENER FUTURE FOR VAPING ON THE HOUSE... OF PARLIAMENT

Could disposables be stamped out if the industry fails to minimise their impact on the planet

One million free e-cigarettes will be dished out by the British government in a world first scheme

INSIDE INSIDE

SEE OUR 4 PAGE INSERT

SEE PAGE 36

WARNING

THIS PRODUCT MAY CONTAIN NICOTINE

WHICH IS A HIGHLY ADDICTIVE SUBSTANCE

LETTER FROM THE Editor

Hello and welcome to the latest edition of Vapouround Magazine.

You may have noticed a slight change in face from the last issue, with myself taking over as editor a few months ago.

I am excited for this new endeavour, leading the world’s leading vape trade magazine to new heights.

The Vapouround Global Awards are here once again, promising a fantastic night, with the vaping community coming together and celebrating the many wins for the industry.

I’d love to say that the struggles of last year are behind us and that a new vaping utopia is just around the corner.

However, the industry is still facing the same tired misinformation, with anti-vaping groups across the world fighting tooth and nail to eliminate lifesaving e-cigarettes.

Whether its new and increasingly complex regulations to distorted public perceptions, they still continue to disparage the good vaping does for smokers.

When it comes to defending the rights of vapers around the world, all eyes are on the UK government right now.

Decisions taken over the next few

months have the potential to undo so much of the good that vaping and the wider tobacco harm reduction industry has done in recent years.

With policymakers exploring a potential ban of flavours, with the appeal of ‘fruity’ vapes to children… despite the 1.5 million vapers in the UK that rely on these flavours to steer clear of conventional cigarettes.

Our UK community must continue to bang the drum for vaping and encourage other countries to examine the ever-growing body of evidence that says it helps smokers quit.

Although, there’s no telling what the next 12 months hold for vaping, for one, I am eager to see how the industry will evolve, grow and change for the better.

EDITORIAL

Editor Oliver Smith

Deputy Editor Emily Malia

Junior Journalist Grace Lynk

Editorial Assistant Hannah Rhodes

DESIGN

Head of Design Hayley Parker

Design Team Co-ordinator Lucy Booth

Graphic Designer Michelle Piovesan

Graphic Designer Charlotte Linthwaite

Design Support Anna Difusco

Videographer James Van Aalst

MARKETING

Marketing Director Katie Loomes

Web Developer Kain Alden

Marketing Executives

Alicia Snow-Simpson, Carrie Strouther

Marketing Admin Lauren Pilliner

SALES

Sales Director Jason Bacon

+44 7306 126 999

Sales Executive Kirk Martin

+44 7917 582 001

Sales Executive Sid De Silva

+44 7305 644 972

Sales Executive William Elliott

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China Sales Executive Arlen Luo

+86 137 012 666 84

ACCOUNTS

Head of Finance Rochelle Warsop EVENTS

Events Director Abida Razaque

Bus Manager Farooq ‘H’ Hussain

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Pom Kaila CEO

Oliver Smith | Editor

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SHORTFILLS

Vapouround journalists Emily Malia and Grace Lynk select their top picks of short vape-related stories and research making news around the world.

WHEN IN R ohm

The Roman heritage of Colchester has been unsurfaced once more. A coloured mosaic of Roman descent has been discovered beneath the pavement outside a vape shop, of all places. A project is currently under way for this piece of hidden history to be permanently revealed beneath glass, with hopes for it to be completed by the end of summer. With over 40 mosaics having been discovered over the past two centuries in the former Roman capital of Britain, it’s easy to see why Colchester was granted city status in 2022.

K- Papped

BTS’s youngest member Jungkook streamed live to his adoring fans on the platform ‘Weverse’ when he soon spotted his disposable vape was in the shot. The Bangtan boy casually discarded the vape quickly out of viewers sight, but it seems it was a little too late. Most South Korean pop stars are held to a high standard and are expected to maintain a polished image, however, fans soon jumped online to defend the star’s actions. With one tweeting: “Who are we to judge him? He is a grown adult and it’s his life!”

EVA-Lies

It comes as no surprise that another article bashing vaping has reached the main steam headlines. In wake of a constant stream of misinformation, now LADbible have piled in, warning their readers on the ‘dangers’ of EVALI. Referring to e-cigarette/vaping associated lung injuries, EVALI is generating a panic for those with vaping devices when the real origin of this lung disease comes from a lack of information. Vitamin E acetate found in illegal THC cartridges was discovered to be the primary cause of the lung injuries, not the commercial nicotine e-liquids that have no trace of this ingredient.

MONEY, POWER AND Vapes?

Pop sensation Lana Del Rey has once again elected vaping as her muse. In her newest album, she incorporates her passion for vaping in the lyrics of ‘Taco Truck x VB’. In her sultry, 1950s Americana voice, she sings “Pass me my vape, I’m feeling sick, I need to take a puff”; a lyric that rings true with many avid vapers. This isn’t the first time Del Rey has used vaping as inspiration in her songs, as ‘White Dress’ also samples the sound of her vaping, immortalising her e-cigarette in music.

THEY'RE DOING What?

Members of the public are calling for a complete ban of disposable vaping products on the shelves of Sainsbury’s following Elf Bar’s controversy earlier this year. The retail giant has launched a review that may see disposable vapes being displayed behind the counter like cigarettes instead. With Sainsbury’s hoping the move will help restrict the access young people currently have to vapes. Although selling disposables behind the counter isn’t a major blow for the industry, both the UK and Scottish government are considering a ban that would remove e-cigarettes from all responsible retailers permanently.

ONE SMOKER Every Minute 4.3M VAPERS IN THE UK

New research from Cancer Research UK has shown that smoking remains the largest cause of cancer and death each year. With smokers that quit, potentially freeing up thousands of GP appointments across the UK. Up to 75,000 appointments are currently not available due to smoking-related issues, with one person every minute being admitted to hospitals across England on account of their cigarette use. Off the back of this study, Cancer Research UK has once again urged the British government to push the ban on smoking to ensure those in desperate need of care have it readily available.

I’M A CELEBRITY GET ME... A Vape?

Ant McPartlin, one half of the duo Ant and Dec, stepped out to shop with his wife and trusty vape device in hand. Wrapped up in a tweed coat, paired with a bright orange beanie, Britain’s much-loved presenter was papped puffing on a mod style device. The trip into West London is thought to be after their double date with his righthand man Declan Donnelly and wife Ali, after the pair of Geordie boys took to Wembley for Newcastle’s Carabao Cup loss against Manchester United.

Beach You TO IT!

A number of popular tourist destinations across the Spanish Balearic Islands are increasing their smoke-free zones to improve health standards. Beaches across Ibiza, Menorca and Mallorca are the main hotspots featured in this potential ban on cigarettes. The initiative started in 2019 and has now expanded to 28 beaches with the aim to create a network of healthier, environmentally friendly coastlines. Cigarette butts are among the most discarded plastic waste products in public spaces, leading to unnecessary litter washed up on the coast.

REDUCE, REUSE & RECYCLE Vapes

A UK based vaping company, Blo Bar, have implemented a new initiative called the ‘Disposable Vape Recycling Scheme’ that will provide university students with a free vape for every ten recycled. The scheme aims to prevent discarded vapes from finding their way to landfills when the lithium in them could be put to good use as recycled resources for car batteries. Recycling hopefuls will be able to send their ten disposables to Blo Bar using a free postage label. The company will then correctly recycle the items before sending a free vape device in return.

SEAL OF Disapproval

The UK Prime Minister has vocalised his disdain for the ‘colours’ and ‘characters’ being used in vaping advertisements out of fear they might attract a younger audience. In an interview, Sunak said: “The adverts for these things are designed to appeal to kids…that’s not right.” His criticism towards vaping companies,

particularly those advertising with colour, follows the launch of an illicit vape enforcement squad that aims to prevent under-18s from accessing electronic cigarettes. The Conservative Leader claims to have put millions into a crackdown squad that will ensure the rules regarding selling to young people are enforced.

Pa-No-More VAPES

CASA Vapour

Following the recent finale of the latest installment of Love Island, one of the contestants has emerged detailing the vaping habits of the ‘islanders’. Speaking on Instagram, ex-contestant Ellie Spence explained how the group of love hopefuls would get around the smoking ban ITV implemented for the series in 2018. Posting on her story, she said: “Literally everyone smoked or vaped…so we would all fight to go out at like dinner time and lunchtime. “You could really only go in those times, though you would have to ask and stand by the door.”

BRITAIN’S GOT Vapes

Music mogul Simon Cowell has given up his habit of smoking 40 cigarettes a day in favour of vaping, after suffering a recent bout of laryngitis. After losing his voice and being unable to smoke, the record executive said: “If I have done four days without a cigarette, I can do a week.” He has finally quit for good after decades of trying, pledging to live a healthier lifestyle by focusing on his fitness and spending more time with his wife and son.

The Panamanian Tobacco Harm Reduction Association recently proposed an amendment to the smoking ban on Panama beaches, encouraging regulated vaping products as an alternative for 170,000 smokers. Michael Landl of the World Vapers’ Alliance said: “Panama should follow the example of countries which have successfully reduced smoking rates by embracing tobacco harm reduction…instead of copying the failure of Argentina and Mexico.” Despite this, the Technical Secretariat of Economic Affairs rejected the proposal in lieu of the WHO Framework Convention for Tobacco Control rejecting e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool last year.

UP THE Puff

A new ‘swap to stop’ scheme announced in the UK is actively encouraging pregnant women to make the switch from smoking to vaping for the health of their children. Midwives have been struggling to answer questions from pregnant patients who are seeking advice on making the swap and are pushing for the holes in knowledge to be filled through studies. Amelia Yazidjoglou, a PhD candidate in epidemiology and population health, said: “We have got really little data to help these health professionals provide the best care for their patients.

MYTH Busters

FOLLOWING Suit WITH Flying COLOURS

following concerns raised by parents on teen vaping. Twelve retailers were put to the test by Cumbria police and Trading Standards in the sting operation, and all twelve retailers passed after refusing to sell to persons under 18. New Government proposals means that more of these undercover operations are underway across other districts in the UK, with any traders found breaking the rules being prosecuted and fined.

NOT NOW NOT Ever

As the government reportedly considers introducing a new UK vape tax, the President of Middle East vape brand ANDS says the move could prove disastrous. The ANDS co-founder said when high vape taxes were imposed in the Middle East the black market flourished with up to 90 percent of vapes found to be non-compliant or fake. Maayta warned: “Taxation is not right route to go down now, nor in the future.” For an in-depth look at this topic, see our feature ‘Illicit sellers are the villains. Not us.’

VAEP, an information-based organisation designed to ‘review the science’, have released a new educational video on why vaping isn’t the same as smoking. Charles A. Gardener, healthcare professional and vaping advocate, has shared the video on Twitter, stressing the importance of understanding the difference between ‘dependence’ and ‘addiction’. VAEP aims to stop the spread of misinformation around vaping by breaking down the science and encouraging smokers to use e-cigarettes as cessation tools instead of nicotine patches or psychoactive medications.

End

Cigarette Smoke

Thailand (ECST) have come forward commending the ‘swap to stop’ scheme currently being implemented in the UK, providing free vaping kits to smokers. Asa Saligupta, a representative of ECST, has said: “E-cigarettes are legal in England, allowing its government to impose measures and effectively enforce the regulations to protect minors.” Vaping is currently illegal in Thailand, leading to unregulated black market selling and easy access for children. The ECST hope to implement a similar scheme after the 2023 elections to correspond with emerging scientific evidence and international practices.

Instsa-gating A BAN

Influencers on popular social media apps like Instagram and TikTok might see their vaping content demonetised or banned following a ministerial investigation into how vaping products are promoted to children. TikTok already has a rule that users can’t promote vapes on the platform, but e-cigarettes are still a prominent feature of many viral videos, with 2.8 billion views of the hashtag #vaping. Health Minister Neil O’Brien said last week that the government is aiming to look at ‘the marketing and promotion of vapes, and the role of social media’.

An undercover operation across Cumbria to test if traders would sell e-cigarettes to children has been hailed a success by the police

DONE INBad Taste Bad Taste

Policymakers have proposed a potential ban on fruit-flavoured vapes. Up in arms the vaping community has fought back, attributing flavours as a proven method to quit smoking.

Words: Grace Lynk

Following policymakers’ recent consideration to stop the sale of flavoured e-cigarettes, the vaping community fear this could derail the quitting journey of 1.5 million vapers.

A recent announcement by Neil O’Brien, Health Minister, implied that the government is currently considering an outright ban on fruit flavoured vapes and e-liquids following a rise in youth vaping.

In his speech, the British politician said: “We need to do two things…on the one hand, stop children taking up vaping and on the other, exploit the huge potential of vaping to help adult smokers quit.”

Since the announcement, several vaping companies and advocates have come forward to express their concerns as to the methods being suggested by the Government to prevent youth vaping.

Although the need to restrict children’s access to vape products is remarkably important, figureheads in the vaping industry don’t believe that a flavour ban is the way to achieve this.

Neil Mclaren, co-CEO of Vaping.com, an e-cigarette marketplace, said: “it’s the government restrictions that are the problem, not the flavours or colours.”

“The government should instead be looking to make it illegal to sell vapes without a licence and enforce meaningful fines on shops caught selling products to anyone underage.”

Dr Katherine East, senior author from King’s College London, suggested an alternative way of ensuring children are deterred from vaping products after conducting a study on marketing.

The research associate said: “Our study found that

removing brand imagery from packs reduced appeal of vapes to teenagers without reducing appeal to adults.”

“This is a vital difference, as it means that vapes can still appeal to adults as a tool to stop smoking, particularly because our previous research has established vaping is significantly less harmful than smoking.”

In lieu of this study, Dr Sarah Jackson, Principal Research Fellow at the UCL Tobacco and Alcohol Research Group, referenced a past investigation regarding cigarette marketing.

She said: “In the UK, plain packaging requirements for cigarettes and hand-rolled tobacco have been in place since 2017 – and data suggests smoking rates have fallen as a result – so there’s precedent for this type of intervention.”

In light of this research suggesting a flavour ban is not the constructive way to tackle youth vaping, it comes as no surprise that people are upset by the proposal.

The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) have contributed their own thoughts on the matter, with the regulatory association referencing a recent poll to share vapers opinions on the flavour ban.

The poll saw that 76 percent of 2000 adults who vape only started in order to quit smoking, with eight in ten claiming that flavoured vapes were the most helpful in the quitting process. The poll also revealed that four in ten vapers believe that upping enforcement measures in retailers would be a more

“ON THE ONE HAND, STOP CHILDREN TAKING UP VAPING…ON THE OTHER, EXPLOIT THE HUGE POTENTIAL OF VAPING TO HELP ADULT SMOKERS QUIT.”

“ON THE ONE HAND, STOP CHILDREN TAKING UP VAPING…ON THE OTHER, EXPLOIT THE HUGE POTENTIAL OF VAPING TO HELP ADULT SMOKERS QUIT.”

effective way of tackling youth vaping, instead of an outright ban.

Following the results of this poll and the announcement from the Government, the UKVIA presented their own proposal on how to better tackle youth vaping.

The association said that there should be ‘fines of up to £10,000 per instance’ for retailers caught selling to children and a ‘new national registration scheme for retailers.’

This hard-hitting action plan aims to dissuade the idea that banning flavours is the best route to stop children from picking up vapes, and that targeting retailers selling to under 18s is the obvious solution.

I D PLEASE

Underage vaping will be targeted by the UK government’s new ‘enforcement squad’ following recent calls for immediate action.

Words: Grace Lynk

“CHEAP DISPOSABLE VAPES NEED TO BE TAXED SO THEY CAN NO LONGER BE BOUGHT FOR POCKET MONEY PRICES”

This follows a recent interview with Rishi Sunak where he voiced his own concerns on youth vaping. The Prime Minister said: “We are having a crackdown squad,

“They’re going to go and make sure all the rules are enforced and people should not be selling vaping products to young people.”

Before the scheme was announced, the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) had been calling for increased targeted

action on resellers in the hopes of cutting the supply of e-cigarettes to children.

In a press release John Dunne, Director General of the UKVIA, said: “We welcome the targeted action by the government on youth vaping, which clearly homes in on cutting the source of supply of vapes to minors from rogue resellers.”

Other companies and vape manufacturers have also welcomed the scheme to tackle illegal sales to children in hopes that vaping will once again be viewed as a quitting tool for smoking.

Deborah Arnott, chief executive of ASH, said: “Cheap disposable vapes need to be taxed so they can no longer be bought for pocket money prices.”

As well as conducting test purchasing in convenience and vape stores, the enforcement squads will also share knowledge and intelligence across regional networks and produce guidance to build regulatory compliance.

The ‘crackdown squads’, aptly named by the Prime Minister, will also have the authority to remove non-regulated vaping products from the shelves and at the borders of the country.

Dr Mike McKean, vice-president for policy at the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, has come forward to pitch in on the enforcement squads.

He said: “We’re relieved that the UK government has started to focus on the rising levels of children and young people picking up e-cigarettes…but an enforcement squad is just the tip of the iceberg.”

The government are also intending to launch a call for evidence in the hopes that speaking to the public will garner new ideas on how to reduce children vaping.

ON THE HOUSE of Parliament

The UK government has announced its new scheme to tackle British smoking rates for good.

Words: Grace Lynk

The new ‘Swap to stop’ scheme proposed by Neil O’Brien, British Health Minister, will provide one million free vapes to smokers in England who are looking to quit for good.

Announced on April 11th, the scheme will target homeless centers and housing providers in an aim to transform Britain into a smokefree country with rates below five percent by 2030.

Current enforcement measures will also be amped to discourage youth smoking, after a sharp increase in youth vaping, particularly disposables, with the health minister aiming to review regulatory compliance in retailers.

Not only is this the first national plan of its kind, but it’s also a world-first scheme, with local trials in Southampton, Sheffield, Bath and Plymouth having already been effective for smokers.

In his speech, O’Brien said: “Smokers who join this scheme, which will run initially over the next two years, must join on one condition…they commit to quit smoking with support.”

Around 95 percent of smokers will relapse within the first year of quitting without the correct support.

Policymakers are hoping the free vape kits will aim keep this percentage at an all-time low.

Now the health minister has stressed the importance of smokers steering clear of relapsing, saying: “Up to two out of three lifelong smokers will die from smoking…cigarettes are the only product on sale which will kill you if used correctly.”

Although the focus is predominantly on youth vaping, pregnant women will also benefit from this scheme, with financial incentives being offered to those expecting

O’Brien said: “In trials, women receiving financial incentives are more than twice as likely to quit.”

Financial incentive schemes like this one have proven incredibly effective in the fight against smoking, with Greater Manchester seeing the biggest decline in maternal smoking rates over the last two years.

The first of these projects will start in the North East, with local councils in Northumberland, Gateshead, South Tyneside and Hartlepool agreeing to join ‘swap to stop’.

More deprived areas in the UK are the primary focus of this scheme due to the high death rates related to smoking.

O’Brien said: “Poorer parts of the country going smokefree could mean far more money circulating in the local economy.”

Reducing smoking rates aims to not only boost productivity and economic growth in poorer areas, but also to improve health and reduce the overwhelming burden currently on the NHS.

Responding to the government’s ‘Swap to stop’ scheme, John Dunne, Director General of the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) said: “We are delighted to learn of this initiative. “It clearly represents a watershed moment for the vaping category as the government’s recognition of vaping’s pivotal role in making smoking obsolete, is turned into nationwide action.”

children.

CIGARETTES ARE THE ONLY PRODUCT ON SALE WHICH WILL KILL YOU IF USED CORRECTLY ““

LOCATI- ohm, LOCATI- ohm, LOCATI- ohm.

While vapes don’t belong in the hands of children, does youth use warrant extreme and severe bans? At least one television star seems to think so.

Words: Jordan Millar

The popular Channel 4 host – best known for shows like Location, Location, Location and Love It or List It UK – recently took to social media to bash the reduced risk product.

In a string of alarming Twitter posts, she claimed there was an ‘epidemic of nicotine addiction’ amongst young people that was being ignored.

The daytime celeb said this was a nightmare for parents –like herself - who realise how ‘lethal’ e-cigarettes are, adding that vapes are lining the lungs of our youth with a ‘cocktail of chemicals’.

She then called for a ‘ban on all flavoured vapes’ and a ‘ban on marketing’, demanding the government step in and take action.

Although the star’s virtual anti-vaping tirade gained roaring support from a crowd of sceptics and harm reduction critics, there were many who wanted to set the record straight.

In a bid to explain the true power of vaping, hundreds of people whose lives have been changed by the smoking alternative spoke out against Allsopp.

One Twitter user wrote: “My husband – now 57 – has smoked heavily since the age of nine.

“He’s been trying for years to give up with patches, sprays, pills and gum…nothing has worked.

“He’s not had a cigarette since December when he started vaping and he’s gone from 20mg to 10mg (of nicotine). A major achievement.”

Another, Richard Pruen, added: “Smoking kills 76,000 a year in the UK and many more suffer from lung cancer/COPD.

“Vaping sadly gets into the hands it shouldn’t, but it’s rare… vaping is not lethal, not one death in 80+ million users worldwide in 20 years. Is your advice for them to smoke?”

Allsopp’s comments were sparked by a Guardian article which shone a light on the predictions of a pessimistic doctor.

The story focused on Dr Mike McKean, who said ‘huge amounts of children’ were using vape products that we ‘don’t know the long term effects of’, adding that this is an issue the UK should ‘take seriously’.

Advocates and ex-smokers came out in full force to defend e-cigarettes after British TV personality Kirstie Allsopp called for an urgent vaping clampdown.

IRRATIONAL MORAL PANICS ARE LETHAL. NICOTINE VAPING IS NOT

Shockingly, he then said there’s evidence to show many young people take up e-cigarettes without ever smoking and boldly suggested that almost all children will be vaping in the next five years if nothing changes.

Though terrifying, these warnings don’t align with data from Action on Smoking and Health; a charity set up by the Royal College of Physicians.

According to a recent report from ASH, more than 90 percent of 11-17 year-olds have either ‘never tried or are unaware of e-cigarettes’.

The same document also found vaping amongst those who haven’t smoked was ‘low and largely experimental’, with less than two percent of 1117 year-old never smokers reporting monthly e-cigarette use.

Despite its status as a voice in tobacco control, Allsopp made it clear that she isn’t convinced ASH’s data paints a whole picture of the youth vaping issue.

And while she acknowledges that she is ‘clearly’ not a scientist, the TV host said she doesn’t think the groups research reflects the experiences of parents and teachers.

ALLSOPP’S RECENT TWITTER POSTS HAVE POLARISED OPINIONS ON THE ALREADY CONTROVERSIAL TOPIC OF E-CIGARETTES, HERE’S WHAT MEMBERS OF THE VAPE COMMUNITY HAD TO SAY.

STUDENT STRIPPED OF HER

R ights

Words: Emily Malia

Yet another child in the US has been left traumatised by an invasive strip search carried out by their school principle, all to look for, you guessed it…a vaping device.

The disturbed mother of the 14-year-old girl, Kristal Trenkamp, has filed a lawsuit against the middle school, arguing that the incident violated her daughter’s Fourth Amendment rights.

Principle of the Oklahoma school, Veronica Johnson, made the student lift up her t-shirt and spin around so that she could view the minor child’s bra.

The young girl made victim to the invasive strip search claims she had to ‘bare her abdomen and the top of her boxers and spin’ according to the lawsuit filing.

As a part of her mission to find the vape, Johnson allegedly and inappropriately, asked the teen about the style of the undergarments she was wearing beneath her trousers.

The lawsuit filed by the mother states: “No reasonable person would conclude that the benefits of conducting an illegal strip search of the minor would outweigh the harm caused by the search, “Nor find that the search was necessary in light of the circumstances.”

It goes on to say that the actions taken against the young girl were ‘wrongful, extreme, and outrageous, transcending the bounds of all human decency.’

As a result of the strip search the student suffered extreme emotional distress and hardship, as expected.

The lawsuit, claiming the ordeal violated not only

Oklahoma law but Edmond Public Schools policy, is seeking $25,000 in total damages alongside the attorney’s fees and other costs occurred.

After the accusations, it was proven that the 14-yearold was not in fact carrying a vape after all and no device was found.

Later, it was revealed that no warrant to search the student was obtained before the event took place, resulting in the girl uncomfortably undressing in front of an open window.

This story is just one of many that have been uncovered in the last year, with illegal strip searches on the rise in schools, across the US.

In the UK however, it seems more schools are taking a proactive stance and most importantly – a safer stance, to prevent underage vaping within schools.

Methods of this include fitting vapor senses within toilet cubicles, where students often go to vape, to reduce the amount of devices seen during school times.

Many people within the vaping community pass the blame for these kinds of strip-search incidents on anti-vaping groups such as ‘Parents Against Vaping’.

One previously tweeted on the issue: ‘This makes me mad… self-constructed hysteria and ‘Parents Against Parenting’ still are absolutely sure, they are on the right track.”

Another vaper tweeted: “Sometimes I wonder if these people actually care about the kids or if they just use them as an excuse to erect an Orwellian police state.”

Another shocking strip-search has taken place within a school after a student is accused of carrying a ‘vape pen’.

Join the UKVIA

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Sowhy should you join?

• Support from an ever-growing network of industry leaders & regulatory specialists.

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This year’s UKVIA Forum will take place at the QEII Centre, London, on Friday November 10th 2023

This will be one event you won’t want to miss.

Being a member of the UKVIA enables VPZ to be part of the wider engagement and education around the vaping industry with public health bodies and beyond by working together with other likeminded and professional companies that are part of the sector. UKVIA provides a great platform to help realise the the evidence-based life changing public health benefits of vaping products.

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WE ALREADY HAVE THE TO TACKLEUNDER-AGE VAPING… AND IT’S NOT FLAVOUR BANS solution solution

Strict enforcement backed up by tough penalties is the answer which will allow adults to benefit from the flavours which keep them off cigarettes.

Words: John Dunne, Director General, UKVIA

I’ve lost count of the number of media interviews I’ve given over the years, but it must easily run into many hundreds by now, with my all-time record being 39 in a single day!

One theme which regularly crops up is the totally false claim from the anti-vaping lobby that flavours were created by the industry to introduce children to nicotine. Many journalists lap this up and are happy to run this irresponsible falsehood without giving it too much thought while remaining totally oblivious to the actual reason that flavours are a vital component of a product aimed at adult smokers.

The last thing a typical former smoker who has successfully switched to vaping wants to experience is a product that mimics the taste of tobacco.

The tobacco flavour is used by many to transition from cigarettes but once that switch has been made many smokers would be happy never to experience the taste of tobacco again.

My usual response is that ‘child-friendly’ flavours such as strawberry and watermelon are chosen because they specifically appeal to adults and I will often mention that I am partial to a fruit or even bubble gum flavoured gin.

The reality is that flavoured nicotine vapes help keep former smokers off cigarettes and without them we would soon see a decrease in adult vaping numbers and a reversal in the decline of adult smoking.

With increasing calls from vaping opponents for the government to ban flavours, the UK Vaping Industry Association recently commissioned research on this very subject by asking vapers just how important flavoured e-liquids were to them.

Our survey found that 83 percent of vapers reported that flavoured vapes helped them quit smoking and that is a statistic that simply cannot be ignored.

It also revealed that one-in-three vapers feared that they would return to smoking if the government caved in to pressure to ban flavours and this could see as many as 1.5 million former smokers switching back to cigarettes.

This would be a disaster for public health policy; torpedo the government’s smoke-free 2030 ambitions and devastate countless families as lovedones suffered chronic ill health and premature death.

Calls for a flavour ban are typically justified by saying they are vital to stop young people taking up vaping but our survey debunked this myth too.

The poll of 2,000 adult vapers found that 27

percent agreed there was a real need to tackle youth vaping but nearly four in ten want more effective enforcement handed out to retailers who are selling to children, rather than an outright ban.

In order to tackle youth vaping, the UKVIA has long called for effective enforcement backed up by fines of up to £10,000 per instance on irresponsible retailers who sell vapes to children.

We also want a new requirement for manufacturers to submit their product and vape packaging designs as part of the initial approvals process so that cartoon imagery, devices which look like children’s toys or branding mimicking sweets and candies never reach the shelves.

The problem does not come from vape flavours at all and if we focus on this then we are missing the point.

The sale of flavoured vape products to adults has been hugely instrumental in bringing the UK’s smoking rates down to an all-time low and this can help bring the numbers down even lower in years to come.

Instead, we need regulations that are tough and fit for purpose so that the rogue traders who are happy to sell to children finally realise that flouting the law could force them out of business.

We also need to ensure that adult vape products are not sold in appropriate locations such as sweet shops and we must clamp down on home delivery services that have inadequate or no age gating processes.

THE SALE OF FLAVOURED VAPE PRODUCTS TO ADULTS HAS BEEN HUGELY INSTRUMENTAL IN BRINGING THE UK’S SMOKING RATES DOWN TO AN ALL-TIME LOW AND THIS CAN HELP BRING THE NUMBERS DOWN EVEN LOWER IN YEARS TO COME.

ILLICIT sellers ARE THE VILLAINS. NOT US.

Advocates urge UK ministers to maintain an openminded approach to vaping as rumours of worrisome policy changes set the industry on high alert.

Words: Oliver Smith

Alarm bells are ringing after a shock article claimed the UK government is considering a new tax on vape products.

The proposed policy shift would allegedly come as part of wider efforts to ‘crackdown’ on e-cigarette use and could see a shake-up in the rules for vape businesses.

Alongside a tax hike, the potential new regulations could reportedly also impact marketing, packaging and flavours as ministers work to curb illegal youth use across the country.

According to the article, these proposals are in response to last year’s Khan review; a document which looked at England’s smoke-free 2030 ambition and highlighted vaping as a ‘key pillar’ in achieving this goal.

The story was published by POLITICO – a ‘global authority on politics, policy and power’ – after hearing from ‘two people with knowledge of the plans’.

Soon after this potentially industry-shaking news hit the public, a cast of international advocates and business people shared their hesitation with the alleged proposals.

They warned that tightening restrictions and increasing vape taxes could unravel the UK’s harm reduction successes

thus far and put the health and safety of ‘millions of consumers’ on the line.

One of the voices to speak out against the reported plans was Michael Landl of the World Vapers’ Alliance.

A leading activist, Landl commended the UK’s historically pragmatic attitude towards reduced risk alternatives, saying this has helped make the nation a ‘smoking-cessation champion’.

In a recent WVA blog post, he wrote: “The high adoption of vaping due to broad political backing is why the UK’s smoking rates decrease faster than in other countries.”

“It is important to do everything we can to keep nicotine products out of adolescents’ hands, but policies must go further to the root of the problem.

“Simple bans and tax increases will only create an illicit market without any age or quality checks… vaping is not the problem; knee-jerk reactions endanger all anti-smoking progress seen over the years.”

The WVA blog went onto say personality traits, social and environmental factors and genetic predisposition can play a role in whether or not a teen might smoke or vape….but claimed this explanation often goes ‘ignored’.

Landl added that politicians should ‘fight for better education, healthcare and economic conditions’ if they really want to help young people.

He said: “Unfortunately those goals are hard to achieve, therefore too many politicians revert to headlinegrabbing but ineffective policies.

“If the UK gets this wrong, millions of consumers could be pushed back to smoking or the illicit market.”

Echoing Landl’s concerns, Fadi Maayta of burgeoning brand ANDS also hit out at the potential policy changes.

He highlighted that taxes have driven the Middle Eastern vape market underground and have triggered a wave of illegal products.

According to the AND’s president, 85 to 90 percent of vapes in the ME sector are ‘non-compliant or fake’…an issue partly due to ‘punitive fiscal measures’.

He said: “This is a lesson that the UK government and those calling for taxes to be applied, need to take on board.

“Taxation is not the right route to go down now, nor in the future. Vaping plays a critical role as the most effective tool in helping smokers give up and in supporting the aim to make the UK smoke-free by 2030.

Maayta also acknowledged the negative implications born from the ‘meteoric rise in demand for disposables’ and suggested the industry may have been slow to address these.

However, he stressed this is no reason to just ‘get rid of them’, saying that the industry needs to increase responsibility by ‘doing what it does best…innovation’.

He added: “Regulators need to enforce the regulation that is already in place to ensure vape retailers and manufacturers obey the law and protect consumers effectively.”

“Our biggest and most unwanted competition is the producers of non-compliant products.”

The POLITICO article claimed that the UK government is ‘not expected’ to consider a disposable ban as part of these proposals.

Vaping is not the problem; knee-jerk reactions endanger all anti-smoking progress seen over the years.

With a passion for expanding the user experience, ZOVOO is taking the vaping world straight to the future with its latest advancements in ceramic coil technology.

Words: Emily Malia

ZOVOO has a strong focus on burgeoning ceramic coil technology, why is it important to adapt your products to these latest technologies?

“Across the vaping industry, ceramic coil devices have become a key indicator of a company’s technological advancements. “With this in mind, ZOVOO - alongside its sister brand VOOPOO - launched a brand-new, independently developed ceramic coil, named the ‘GENE TREE’ earlier on this year.

“Equipped with same technology solution, the DRAGBAR Z700 SE disposable was later launched, creating an advanced vaping experience for its users through nano-microcrystalline materials and technological innovation.

“It’s important that we continue to develop our products based on these innovations to allow for a new era of vaping, available for everyone.”

‘Long lasting taste’ is at the forefront of the DRAGBAR series, why are flavors so crucial to the vaping experience?

“MOVING FORWARD, WE AIM TO BE THE WORLD’S LEADING COMPLIANT DISPOSABLE VAPE BRAND BY PUTTING PRODUCT QUALITY AND COMPLIANCE AT THE FOREFRONT OF EVERYTHING WE DO.”

“With so many disposable vapes on the market, we want to offer our users a completely consistent flavour from the first puff to the last because we understand that flavours are critical to the user’s vaping experience.

“Our focus on taste continues to allow people to make the switch easier by combining nicotine with a range of flavours, giving a taste that cigarettes could never compete with.”

Since starting out its journey just three years ago, what has been the biggest challenges and achievements the brand has faced so far?

“ZOVOO has quickly risen to popularity with disposable e-cigarette consumers worldwide, since enriching our product matrix with our DRAGBAR, VINCIBAR and ZOVO POD series. Inevitably, there have been some challenges along the way.

“Moving forward, we aim to be the world’s leading compliant disposable vape brand by putting product quality and compliance at the forefront of everything we do.

“Through continuous technological innovation and deeper exploration of user needs, we will bring more surprises to vapers around the world, aiming to actively contribute to shaping a healthy ecology in the industry.”

Last year, ZOVOO won an impressive twelve awards - including the Vapouround Award, ‘Best Newcomer’ – does the brand have an eye on any other prizes this year?

“Yes, last year we were recipients of 12 awards internationally and several of our DRAGBAR products were recognised for the ‘best list’ by vaping media, which were both huge achievements for us showing our great potential in the vape industry.

Exciting news recently came out that our newly launched DRAGBAR Z700 SE, has surpassed two million sales in the first week and won a Ecigclick award on it’s ‘Best Disposable Vapes for 2023’.

DRAGBAR Z700SE is in the top three and has won the ‘Best for Flavour’ award, which is a very good beginning for ZOVOO annual goal.

We are so proud of our innovations with cermaic coil technology and with these new lanuches we hope to win ‘Best Disposable Brand’ and the ‘Industry Leader’ for our oustanding market performance this year.

The branding is recognised as minimalist and mature, what is the thought process behind this?

“ZOVOO’s design philosophy of “less is more” is based on simplifying methods, means and materials to the greatest extent possible, allowing us to express the most abundant brand concept, in the simplest form.

“With the DRAGBAR Z700 SE for example, its compliant, practical and sustainable character conveys ZOVOO’s innovative and leading brand identity perfectly.

“At the same time, simplicity is also in line with the needs of today’s consumers.

“It eliminates unnecessary information and allows consumers to understand - at a glance - what the product does and what our brand values are.”

ZOVOO claims that it will bring a ‘different and great experience’ to global vapers, what is it that makes it stand out in the market?

“Today’s global vape industry – especially in the disposable field – is extremely competitive and we aim to stand out and gain a high level of recognition from industry authorities and users based on three main factors.

“The first being - technological innovation, focusing on making meaningful changes for users. Alongside this, is our diversified product range.

“With a forward-looking design concept and varied product layout, ZOVOO creates professional devices, whilst meeting the needs of vape enthusiasts, in a multi-dimensional manner, covering the atomization experience of users in all scenarios.

“Another way in which we create a great experience is through the concept of “user-focus”. We focus on technological innovation while using the best craftsmanship to create the ultimate user experience.”

“LAST YEAR WE WERE RECIPIENTS OF 12 AWARDS INTERNATIONALLY AND SEVERAL OF OUR DRAGBAR PRODUCTS WERE RECOGNIZED FOR THE ‘BEST LIST’ BY VAPING MEDIA, WHICH WERE BOTH HUGE ACHIEVEMENTS FOR US.”

THAT! -mage ine

Advocates make use of just about every tool available to spread the message that vaping saves lives.

They speak at international conferences, write newspaper columns, articles and blogs and attend virtual events where they explain the tobacco harm reduction goal.

Social media is another key weapon in the activism arsenal, with online platforms allowing them to help as many smokers as possible look beyond the propaganda and misinformation about vaping.

In this recurring feature, we shine a light on just some of the often-humorous, ever eyeopening posts and images that caught our attention on the digital advocacy front.

Words: Jordan Millar

BIG WHEELS KEEP ON turning

Like a broken record, the anti-vaping crowd has a habit of repeating the same warnings about e-cigarettes time and time again.

Whether its stories about users hospitalised with popcorn lung or suggestions that vaping is a gateway drug, they seem to routinely cycle through a roster of supposed negative consequences.

So when Dr Sandro Demaio of Australian health promotion foundation VicHealth shared an article suggesting ‘sex and lies’ are used to sell vapes…it was only a matter of time before a harm reduction advocate replied.

Hitting back at Demaio’s tweet – which reiterated warnings that ‘unsubstantiated or blatantly false health claims’ were being used to push vapes – Dr Colin Mendelsohn posted the above graphic.

The veteran e-cigarette promoter and ‘Australia’s first pro-vaping doctor’ said this was a case of the ‘pot calling the kettle black’.

He said: “Vaping deniers repeat the same lies about vaping over and over again, with total disregard for evidence or harm to public health.”

WE’RE NOT AS gull-ible AS YOU MIGHT THINK!

Correlation? Causation? These two words often pop up in scientific studies and research papers…but what do they actually mean.

Well, with the help of a busted bar and Britain’s least favourite chip-stealing seabird, experts recently took to Twitter to clear up any confusion.

Using the above picture, they explained that just because one thing is ‘associated’ with another doesn’t mean that one was actually caused by the other.

In fact, Professor of Public Health Sciences and

Psychiatry Johnathan Foulds said: “When you read a headline stating, ‘study finds that X is associated with Y’, please try to remember what that means… absolutely nothing.”

Giving an example, drug reform doctor Alex Wodak suggested that, even though smoking cigarettes is three times more common in kids who have vaped, vaping isn’t necessarily a gateway to smoking.

He pointed out that if the same logic was applied to this image, then it would be fair to assume that the seagull must have landed on the metal bar and bent it.

BY comparis-ohm

It’s curious to think that vaping is so controversial…especially when you consider that the general public is so ready to accept harm reduction in other areas.

As this post from non-profit the Vaping Advocacy and Education Project points out, most of support the idea of safety measures like seat belts and bike helmets.

However, what many might not realise is that, when it comes to actually reducing harms, vaping has ‘both of them beat’.

According to the VAEP graphic, using a seatbelt or bike helmet can offset potential risks by 50 percent or 61 percent respectively, while vaping is widely understood to be 95 percent less harmful than smoking.

The tweet also included a link to a VAEP YouTube video explaining ‘why vaping is harm reduction for current smokers’.

PICTURE perfect

It’s fair to say that defending vaping as a life-saving alternative to deadly cigarettes is tiring and, in many cases, thankless work.

There are countless people who would rather you denounce the reduced risk product and fall in line with the anti-vaping narrative being pushed by lobbyist groups and activists.

But every so often there’s a glimmer of joy…a slither of brightness that pierces through the naysayers and doom spreaders.

This might be the story of an ex-smoker who finally

quit through the power of e-cigarettes, a politician acknowledging the public health power of vaping or, in Colin Mendelsohn’s case, a portrait.

In a recent Twitter post, Australia’s ‘first pro-vaping doctor’ said that advocacy is ‘gruelling’, but this portrait created by vaper and artist Paula Prentice is ‘one of the rewards’.

Explaining the motivation behind the piece, Prentice said: “This is my way of thanking you and honouring you for all the work you have done and continue to do for smokers and vapers…you are appreciated.”

VAPINGsaved my life

Between the online discourse, scare stories and relentless debating, it can be easy to forget what vaping is really about…giving smokers a chance to better their health.

First and foremost, e-cigarettes are a consumerborn solution to the deadly problem of smoking and tobacco related illness and death.

They offer users a significantly less harmful way to consume nicotine and create an avenue to distance themselves from one of the biggest killers in the world.

This recent post from Host of the Wednesday

this fact perfectly.

The entertainer and onscreen persona said that vapes have given him the chance to return to hiking….a passion he ‘couldn’t have done as a twopack-a-day smoker’.

He then hashtagged the tweet ‘vapingsavedmylife’ and attached an image of a lone man – presumably Truncali – standing in the vast outdoors.

This is one of a series of posts from Truncali which explaining how e-cigarettes have allowed him to get back into hiking and feature stunning pictures of the nature he gets to experience.

Night Live Show and In The Vapor John Truncali demonstrates

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A FUTURE FOR VAPINGGreener

Could the disposable sector face being stamped out if it fails to minimise its impact on the planet and earn a green thumbs-up from eco-activists?

As all you green-thinkers, eco-warriors and committed blue bin users will know, World Environmental Day is just around the corner.

It’s at this time of year that concerns about our planet – or more accurately how we need to act now and save it – hit a peak.

Brands face calls to clean up their act, politicians engage in climate discussions and social media floods with post upon post demanding a slew of single-use products be banned.

Plastic bottles, bags, sweet wrappers and straws are usually at the top of this prohibition ‘wish list’, but there’s a new offender attracting the attention of environmental activists…disposable vapes.

You wouldn’t be hard-pressed to find a news story that mentions how these ‘colourful tubes’ are so-often discarded on city streets, or an impassioned plea for the so-called wasteful devices to be wiped clean from the Earth.

One of the most vocal figures in the disposable conversation is award-winning climate activist and eco-scientist Laura Young.

The ethical influencer was thrust into sustainability stardom after she posted a video of herself hunting down single-use vapes that had been littered along a four-mile stretch of Dundee, Scotland.

During the hour-long expedition, Young says she found 55 devices – that’s almost one per minute – saying many of them were wet and damaged from being left outside.

The PhD student even runs her own website - ‘Less Waste Laura’ - with a section dedicated to her anti-disposable campaign and was most recently involved in an All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Environment panel discussion on banning the single-use smoking alternative.

Others in attendance at the APPG meeting included Alex Heal of the Financial Times, MP Caroline Johnson, MP Selaine Saxby, Green Alliance’s Libby Peake, Minister for the Environment Rebecca Pow and the UKVIA’s John Dunne.

The Scottish government has also expressed particular concern about the impact of disposables on the planet, launching a consultation on whether the devices should be banned that will ultimately be decided on environmental factors alone and won’t consider the harm reduction benefits.

Members of the vape community have warned against such a ban, stressing that, while something needs to be done to offset the impact of disposables, the decision to remove them outright would represent a major loss for tobacco control.

John Dunne of the UK Vaping Industry Association – which recently hosted the nation’s first ever environmental summit on vaping – said: “Make no mistake, protecting our planet is a top priority…but it cannot be achieved at the expense of public health.

Words: Emily Malia

“The industry recognises the part it has to play in finding effective solutions and supports balanced efforts to minimise the impact of vaping on the environment.

“It was made clear at our ‘Greenprint’ summit that concerns are at an all-time high both inside and outside the industry.

“It’s important for regulators, the industry and those dealing with the recycling and environmental aspects of this issue, to all come together to seek a common solution… this problem is not going to go away without action.

Dunne continued: “Banning single-use vapes would NOT help the hundreds of people who die daily from smokingrelated illnesses and there is plenty that can, and must, be done before we reach that point.”

The UKVIA director general added that we must ensure importers, manufacturers and retailers are ‘meeting their environmental responsibilities’, pointing out that they’re ‘committing a criminal offence’ if they don’t.

Some individual brands have already upped the ante when it comes to eco-consciousness, taking steps to improve sustainability and minimise their impact on the planet.

ANDS, a burgeoning alternative nicotine company from the Middle East is one of the names leading the charge on this front and has pooled resources and research into developing a single-use device made using biodegradable materials.

The brand, which is poised to enter the UK market, has also created a scheme that would encourage consumers to get rid of their devices in a more green-friendly way.

Dr Marina Murphy, Director of Scientific and Medical Affairs with ANDS, said: “Our product has been designed to allow for highly effective dismantling and we have partnered with specialist waste disposal company Waste Experts to create a recycling program that greatly simplifies the process of collection.

“A fast and efficient recycling process also reduces waste management costs, which helps to keep product prices competitive, creating a win-win for the environment and adult consumers who value our products.

“Working hand-in-hand with the waste industry, as we have done, is key to finding a solution that will reduce the impact of vaping on the environment.”

Make no mistake, protecting our planet is a top priority…but it cannot be achieved at the expense of public health.

s the popularity of vapes continues to grow, public health officials and regulators have been left asking…‘How do we stop these products appealing to kids?’.

Some have suggested plain packaging and unpopular flavour limitations, while others want e-cigarettes hidden from sight or, in the most extreme cases, outright banned.

But what if there was a simpler way to steer young people away from e-cigarettes, a way to show that vaping is intended to help adult smokers quit and NOT the latest youth fad.

Well, some of the more seasoned amongst us may well have found a solution and are already putting it into practice. In a wholesome bid to discourage teen vaping, a growing group of mature e-cigarette users have been uploading ‘unflattering’ and honest selfies to Twitter under the hashtag ‘#OldFartsVaping’.

These pictures are usually accompanied by a personal story about the reduced risk product and how it helped the poster quit cigarettes after years of addiction.

The digital campaign was first started by vape crusader Charles A. Gardner who said the best way to reduce illegal underage use is to promote e-cigarettes as a tool for adult smokers.

When he invited people to take part in the movement, Gardner said: “If you qualify, post selfies to #OldFartsVaping; a new hashtag dedicated to discouraging teen vaping.

“The UK discourages underage use by promoting e-cigarettes for adult smokers…we can too.”

He later added: “This would terrify many public health ‘experts’ and make Parents Against Vaping’s heads explode, but adult smoking would drop faster.”

Gardner’s youth un-appealing campaign originally kicked off back in 2019 and saw a steady stream of veteran vapers get involved.

And while more than four years has passed since, people are still using the hashtag to flaunt their later-found love for vaping. In fact, there was recently a new wave of participants who shared their ‘Old Farts’ selfies to help make e-cigarette use ‘uncool to teens’.

Here’s just a few of the newest additions to the hashtag…and maybe some of the original bunch as well.

THE LARGEST INTERNATIONAL VAPE EVENT IN THE WORLD

With more than 64 million people switching to vaping devices, instead of smoking traditional cigarettes, the industry is expected to be worth $53.4 billion by 2024. E-Cigarette revenues in 2022 alone amounted to around US$50.97m, and experts are forecasting further annual growth with a figure of 10.79% CAGR expected between 2022-2027. The world is changing, and Dubai is already providing a global platform for that change.

With events across the globe, including South America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, the largest international vape event in the world, The World Vape Show, returns to Dubai in June 2023. The flagship event will draw record numbers after the huge success of 2022, which attracted hundreds of global exhibitors, thousands of brands, 12k attendees and 35+ expert speakers.

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Smells

SOMETHING OFF HERE...

TikTok account ‘Healing Hub’ says sniffing your favourite sweets or a strawberry delivers the same feeling as vaping and will help you to quit.

Words: Emily Malia

After all, the product was designed to support you in quitting by using a safer alternative and not a tool you’ll need forever.

There are lots of possibilities when wanting to say goodbye to your trusty vape for good, one being starting to use a 0-nicotine device, which many long-time vapers have started to do.

Those looking for a more holistic approach to calling it quits with their vape…look no further.

TikTok’s very own micro influencer, Nicki J. Owen under the pseudonym ‘The Healing Hub’ has all the natural tricks up her sleeve to help you with your nicotine habits.

The page’s bio proclaims its ‘Empowering you to heal, learn and grow’ which is unnerving considering the things the creator is schooling their young viewers on.

In one video, the healing guru sits in her bohemian robe with disposable in hand and teaches her audience that vaping nicotine artificially stimulates a ‘dopamine high’, making it difficult to quit.

The creator said: “Often people think it’s the vaping and the nicotine that’s created the sensation, it’s not… it’s the dopamine. And you can create the same effect without a vape.”

“If you like the sweetness and the flavours, just smell your favourite bag of sweets. And then use open mouth breaths to give you that dopamine rush. It really does work!”

This suggestion laughs in the face of millions of people who have made the switch from deadly cigarettes to better their health, with an estimated 4.3 million people vaping in Britain alone.

For plenty of ex-smokers, the device is successful because of the hand-to-mouth ritual that feels

like smoking and gives them the familiar sensations of an inhale with a similar throat hit.

But are you struggling to quit vaping all together? Then the ‘Healing Hub’ has the most reliable way for you! Or maybe not…

The creator said: “Take a strawberry, breathe it in…then take 3 deep breathes with the strawberry near to your nose. It feels tantalizingly gorgeous.”

She tells TikTok this whilst taking dramatic inhales of the fresh fruit with her mouth wide open and the look of excitement across her face.

The page continues to misinform its impressionable viewers with its video titled ‘Is your body okay with you vaping?’.

Well, considering there are no deaths directly caused by vaping and it is unlikely to be more than 5 percent of the risk of smoking…we seem to think it is.

The micro influencer said: “Your body has an innate intelligence. It knows exactly what’s good for you and it knows what’s not good for you”.

They go on to demonstrate ‘the simple sway test’ with feet apart and eyes closed taking a vape and holding it firmly against her stomach, resulting in her theatrically stumbling backwards.

She said: “Straight away my tendency is to fall back, it’s quite shocking when you feel your body’s response.”

The creator claims that her body instinctively ‘knows’ the vape is bad for her and retracts from it.

Many health bodies would beg to differ, including the NHS with its website recommending vaping for those that smoke.

It reads ‘switching to vaping significantly reduces your exposure to toxins that can cause cancer, lung disease, and diseases of the heart and circulation like heart attacks and strokes.’

While nicotine is an addictive substance also found in vapes, most of the harm from smoking comes from the thousands of other chemicals released when burning tobacco.

Millions of people who have gravitated towards the cessation tool have saved their own lives and so their bodies, after years of mistreatment, especially their lungs, thank them for it.

The ‘Healing Hub’ doesn’t stop at vaping, the page is full to the brim of other holistic advice including dealing with difficult emotions, tarot card readings and managing relationships.

In any vaping journey, there’s the inevitable ending where ex-smokers begin to gradually wean off their vape, after making the all-important switch from cigarettes.

NEW WAVE OF FLAVOUR NEW WAVE OF FLAVOUR

Flavour-Tech UK are ready to put their name back on the map, with their latest ‘Wick Addiction’ products, ahead of the Vaper Expo in Birmingham this May.

Words: Oliver Smith

What was the catalyst that founded Flavour-Tech UK and subsequently the ‘Wick Addiction’ brand?

“Flavour-Tech UK was founded in 2016 as a sister company to ‘The Emporium Hull’.

The first of our five retail stores were opened in 2013 by us, the Stephenson family, whose passion for the industry was and still is second to none.

During the build-up to TPD we experienced issues and nonconsistency of flavours and so the idea of manufacturing our own e-liquid was born.

The feedback from customers was excellent, which gave rise to branch out and supply other vape shops with the same flavours under their own white label/OEM and the products were subsequently notified for the new regulations.

‘Wick Addiction’ was a natural progression for Flavour-Tech UK to have its own recognised brand to sell to the wider industry.”

You already have an impressive roster of flavours, are there any plans to expand the ‘Wick Addiction’ line?

“We have recently launched five new ‘Wick Addiction’ ‘All Day Long’ 100mls and 10 new ‘Wick Salts’.

These are slightly sweeter and cooler ‘bar-style’ flavours to help people stuck on disposables transition to a regular device.

As well as this, we’re structuring the release of new ranges and flavours over the next 12 months.

The first of these will be when we return as an exhibitor to Vaper Expo, where we will be launching our ‘All Day Long’ range in 50/50 shortfills.

We will actively be seeking to take ‘Wick Addiction’ to a more global market in the coming year and are excited for what the future holds.”

When developing a new e-liquid, what planning goes into the flavour curation for ‘Wick Addiction’?

“Our mission is to design and manufacture the best quality e-liquid we can with flavours that are exactly ‘what they say on the tin’.

We pride ourselves on keeping our sweetness level low to prolong the life of coils allowing the independent flavours to shine through and not be masked with sweeteners.

However, for those with a sweet tooth, we have an array of nicotine shots to enable customers to customise their flavour to their own taste.

Once a flavour idea has been decided, the basics of those flavours are put together to initially see if they work and enhance each other or fight amongst themselves.

The recipes are made into 50/50 and high VG and are tweaked to suit the finished ratios independently so that flavour delivers on a MTL device, sub-ohm tanks and RTA/ RDA.

It is extremely important for us to test like this as there are many factors within the ratios/devices that will bring out different notes at different wattages.

We like to say vaping should take you on a journey; a beginning, a middle and an end. There has to be delivery on

all parts or the vape can feel empty or lacking.”

Following the success of the disposable market, will we be seeing ‘Wick Addiction’ unveil their own line of single use devises?

“We carefully watch the disposable sector and their implications to our industry.

Consumers see them as a convenient alternative to a standard e-cig without fully understanding the nicotine strengths, environmental impact and higher cost involved in using them.

With our new ‘Wick Salts’ range we believe we have truly captured the vaping experience from a disposable that can be enjoyed with a lesser impact on the environment.

As we take this stance, we will not be entering into the single device market as this is not something we support.” Vaper Expo UK is coming up in May, is the Flavour-Tech UK team excited to be a part of this prestigious event?

“Yes, we are excited to be returning to Vaper Expo in May albeit in a very different industry since we last exhibited in 2019.

We love catching up with current stockists and meeting potential new clients alongside showcasing what we can do as a business. Make sure to come and see us!”

What are the biggest challenges you’ve had to face as a company and how did you use your expertise and industry knowledge to overcome them?

“Our biggest challenge has been Covid, however, we used this time wisely and revisited every flavour we have and developed many new flavours and restructured the business.

We were invigorated and excited to get back as a team and to face the challenges within the industry post-lockdowns.

One of the challenges we now face due to not exhibiting since 2019 is making people aware of who we are, what we do and how long we have actually been trading.

A lot of our work is OEM; people are often using our e-liquid but don’t actually know it is us behind the name on the label!”

Which service from your O.E.M are you most proud of?

“We are very proud of the bespoke flavours we create for clients as this is often ‘challenge accepted’.

We can help and advise them from initial concept to the notification process if this is a flavour designed solely for them.

We are also very proud of the in-house label design and marketing/media package we offer.

Our attention to detail, customer service, family values and teamwork are so very important to us.

It’s gratifying for us to produce high quality flavours made for vapers, by vapers.

This is not just a job for any of us, it is our passion based on a foundation of helping people to make the switch to vaping from regular cigarettes.”

NON-VAPER Diary OF A

Words: Emily Malia

The smell of cigarettes became familiar to me from an early age with both of my parents - now ex-smokers - and all their friends, lighting up day in day out.

The routine of my mum perched by the backdoor on a dining table chair, Marlboro Light in hand, halfheartedly blowing smoke outside, remains firmly in my mind as a daily practice.

Alternatively, it would be my Dad driving with one hand placed firmly on the steering wheel and the other causally hanging out the window as the ash blows into the wind.

These scenes became so normalised to me that it wasn’t until I grew older that I began to realise just how damaging cigarettes were for your health.

I saw firsthand the effects that smoking had on my loved ones and so, after years of passively smoking, I made a promise to myself to never touch tobacco.

So, when vaping came into the picture, it’s fair to say I was apprehensive about its benefits and skyrocketing popularity, it almost

seemed to me…to be too good to be true.

As the years went by, it felt as though everywhere I turned there were new vape shops popping up across my city, friends beginning to vape and the selection behind the counter ever-growing.

Despite this, it seemed along with their rise in recognition came heaps of negativity, with news outlets flooding my screen with vaping horror stories and what I now know as misinformation.

At the time of joining Vapouround my views on vaping were a mixed bag having heard about the alleged harmful consequences of the device it left me feeling confused.

However, through the extensive training I have received, and thorough research conducted for the magazine, I have gained a wealth of knowledge surrounding vaping laws, regulations and the community itself.

As children of the 70’s, their generation were exposed to smoking indoors whether that be in a restaurant, airport or car and most definitely, always, at home.

IN A NEW LEAGUE OF Harm Reduction

Geekvape continues to strengthen the growing union between sport and harm reduction as it collaborates with top shelf football club Paris-Saint Germain for another year.

GEEKVAPE HAS GROWN INTO AN INTERNATIONAL BRAND SERVING MILLIONS OF USERS AROUND THE GLOBE…THE PARTNERSHIP WITH PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN

IS AN ESSENTIAL STEP IN ITS BRAND STRATEGIC UPGRADE.”

Earlier before the 2021/2022 season, Geekvape and Paris Saint Germain (PSG) set up a first of its kind partnership.

Vaping and sport are usually not the first two things you would pair together, but the partnership has gone from strength to strength.

So much so, Geekvape have announced that the brand and the footballing titans will be once again joining forces for another successful year both on and off the pitch.

The pairing makes a lot of sense for both parties, with Geekvape having huge brand exposure, being put centre stage for the footballing world to see.

As well as PSG, who will now be able to promote a reduced risk alternative to its loyal fanbase that are still hooked on conventional cigarettes.

Talking when the partnership was first announced, Allen Yang, CEO of Geekvape said: “In their own sectors, Geekvape and Paris Saint-Germain are sharing the same passion for ‘Excellence’ and ‘Elegance’.

“Geekvape has grown into an international brand serving millions of users around the globe… the partnership with Paris Saint-Germain is an essential step in its brand strategic upgrade.”

Marc Armstrong, Paris Saint-Germain’s Chief Partnerships Officer, said: “Geekvape is an innovative Chinese brand with worldwide ambition.

“We both share the same determination to ally excellence and elegance. We are looking forward to working together to develop creative campaigns.”

After seeing the success in the first year of this partnership, the question is being asked, why doesn’t every vaping company join forces with the sporting world?

Recently, one of the UK’s favourites, ELUX, partnered with

In April, we were lucky enough to join Geekvape in Paris as the brand unveiled their new groundbreaking technology and product releases at their ‘Geekvape Partner Spring Conference’.

The event was a two-day affair, with us on the first night being amongst the energetic PSG fans as they cheered on their side against Lyon.

Day two consisted of the conference, situated in PSG’s stadium Le Parc des

Housed in the club’s conference room, the Geekvape team unveiled both their new VPU technology as well as the latest Geek Bar Meloso range.

The new Vaping Processing Unit, abbreviated to VPU, integrates the recent advances in fluid and heat transmission, material safety, and advanced material research to produce one of the best vaping experiences yet.

The new Meloso range for Geek Bar, using VPU, promises the e-liquid utilisation rate will be 30 percent higher than previous products from the brand.

After the event had finished on the second day, Vapouround was lucky enough to sit down with CEO Allen Yang and the Geekvape team to discuss current issues affecting the vape industry.

The first involved the media hysteria surrounding youth vaping and children’s access to e-cigarette products.

Yang said: “From our side, we are doing two things… the first is with our ‘child lock’ to make sure our products has a way to prevent children from accessing the device.

“The second is that we have along with a third party, implemented a restriction for both under 18s and under 21s, depending on your country, to be able to purchase our products.”

“In the UK, we have sponsored a program, this program is used to instruct retailers to not sell Geekvape products to young people.”

Secondly the issues with sustainability in the vaping industry with disposables products causing serious landfill complications

The Geekvape team answered, saying: “We have been looking at multiple solutions through research and development on how to make our products 100 percent recyclable.”

The Geekvape team were adamant throughout the interview that the brand would continue to comply with regulations and be one of the leading lights in compliance.

Queensberry Promotions to sponsor the Tyson Fury vs Derek Chisora fight at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

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Vapor TOP OF THE

POP Vapor is offering a new take on sustainable flavour with its latest disposable ranges as they enter the UK and European Market.

Words: Emily Malia

Ahead of the brand’s headline sponsorship for the Vapouround Global Awards 2023, we spoke to Pete Masters, the UK Sales and Distribution Manager for POP Vapor.

Having recently launched their products into the UK and European market, we were thrilled to sit down and discover the details of their evergrowing success.

WHAT SETS POP VAPOR APART FROM THE THOUSANDS OF BRANDS IN THE INDUSTRY?

“In the past, we’ve found with other disposable products, they can lose their flavour far too quickly before being able to fully utilise the puff count.”

“We pride ourselves on our flavour profiles and the fact that our e-liquid sustains its tastes throughout the entire 2ml of liquid.

POP VAPOR HAS A WIDE-RANGE OF FLAVOUR OFFERINGS, IS THERE A FLAVOUR THAT IS MOST POPULAR WITH YOUR USERS?

“Our Flex and Stix disposables ranges offer flavours for all kinds of users from deep to cool tastes, but our most popular would have to be the famous ‘Tropical Blue Razz’.

“We ensure that flavour is at the forefront of everything we do and so all POP Vapor products are redefining excellence when it comes to taste.

“With this one in particular, I think it’s down to the combination of fruitiness and sweetness, leaving users with a perfectly fresh and smooth taste…without being overbearing.

“You can always count of these kinds of flavours to be leaders in the vape market.”

WHAT STEPS DID POP VAPOR TAKE TO HAVE ITS PRODUCTS READY FOR A TPD COMPLIANT UK MARKET?

“It was quite simple for us, there was no questioning it…we looked at each individual rule set out by the MHRA and TPD and ensured that all products adhered to its regulations.

“One being of course, making sure that the liquid itself inside our vapes met British standards and most importantly, focusing on improving our packaging.

“Redesigning was vital to allow for a more minimalistic and mature aesthetic, whilst still standing out on the shelves and appealing to adults.”

Having originated in California and now entering the UK and Europe’s market with your ‘Stix’ and ‘Flex’ ranges, what are POP Vapor’s plans for expansion in the future?

“We are excited about the future of POP Vapor with plans to officially launch in both the Middle East as well as the North Africa markets.

“Of course, as we expand, we will ensure our products are relevant to each country’s market, adapting our puff counts and nicotine measurements to fit the demand.

“Currently, there is an exciting project under wraps within the UK, with plans set in place to compete with – and maybe even better –the success of ‘Lost Mary’.

“We’re confident this will create a buzz in the next coming months having just launched with two major UK wholesalers whilst working alongside Vape TV and Vapouround to get the POP Vapor name out there.

POP VAPOR’S BRANDING IS MINIMALIST WHILST STILL REMAINING VIBRANT, WHAT INSPIRED THE DESIGN BEHIND ITS BRANDING AND THE ‘POP’ LOGO?

“Innovation meets flavour, that’s what POP is all about and so with our branding we wanted it to be exactly that.

“The branding effortlessly portrays the idea of a ‘pop’ of flavour so it’s direct whilst still being vibrant…just like our products themselves.

WHAT HAS BEEN ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING STANDOUT MOMENTS FOR POP VAPOR

SO FAR?

“There isn’t an individual moment that stands out but more of a collaboration of special moments each and every time that we reach a new territory, country or state.

“Supplying vapes on a global scale from Canada to South Africa, is not only a huge achievement for our brand but has been incredibly rewarding in helping more people make the switch.

“However, in the UK specifically, one of our standout moments would have to be winning ‘Best Branding and Marketing’ at the Vapouround Global Awards last year.”

You are the headline sponsor for this year’s Vapouround Global Awards, are you excited to be involved in such a prestigious industry event?

“We are always excited for the Vapouround Global Awards and more so this year, having branched out into the UK market, where they are based.

“It’s always a great opportunity to network with other industry professionals and celebrate the success of the leading brands in the market.”

Words: Grace Lynk

As another year of ‘World No Tobacco Day’ comes to an end, it comes as no surprise that vaping has once again been overlooked.

“IT’S DISAPPOINTING THAT THEIR FAILURE TO RECOGNISE VAPING AS ONE OF THE MOST EFFECTIVE MEANS FOR PEOPLE TO STOP SMOKING CONTINUES.”

In their recent campaign for World No Tobacco Day, a spokesperson for the WHO said: “There is an urgent need to take legal measures to reduce tobacco growing.”

Inspired by the growing food crisis, the World Health Organization (WHO) hope to grow sustainable food crops over tobacco.

A lovely sentiment, if not for the fact that the WHO are seemingly anticipating that current smokers will be able to quit completely cold turkey.

It comes as no surprise that they’ve overlooked the glaringly obvious solution of vaping as a quitting aid when their sentiments on e-cigarettes have been made very public in the past.

In a Framework Convention late last year, the WHO implemented ideas of a global assault on vaping that would essentially ban open systems, flavours and nicotine salts.

The New Nicotine Alliance came forward in March 2023 urging supporters and consumers of reducedrisk nicotine products to act now in hopes of preventing the WHO from attaining this ban.

However, annoying as this might be, the main issue with WHO is the refusal to acknowledge vaping as a healthier alternative to smoking, especially on World No Tobacco Day.

Every year we reach a point where the public health champions preach the importance of quitting tobacco without ever providing incentive or support to help people do it.

Advocating vaping as a healthier alternative to smoking is a solution being dangled on a stick with flashing lights and a sign reading ‘Do This’, but once again, the WHO missed it.

Instead, the WHO is entirely focused on enabling market conditions for tobacco farmers to shift to growing alternative food crops, without any consideration as to how current smokers might quit.

Again, not a single mention of the repercussions or correct quitting tools when the evidence for vapes being effective in quitting cigarettes is there if they choose to recognise it.

Cochrane, a British organisation advocating for choices surrounding well-being to be made once evidence is available through medical research, with the organisation recently conducting a review containing 78 included studies.

After gathering evidence across the US and the UK, they said: “There is high-certainty evidence that electronic cigarettes with nicotine increase quit rates compared with nicotine replacement therapy.”

Even Cancer Research UK have concluded as of March 2023 that e-cigarettes are not only far less harmful than smoking, but also a viable option to help smokers quit.

This all begs two unanswered questions, the first being how much evidence is necessary for the WHO to recognise vaping as the best quitting tool for smoking? And additionally, why do they ignore it?

People blame prohibition-inducing philanthropists like Michael Bloomberg, who pump money into the World Health Organization to support tobacco control measures and champion false information.

The WHO dismissing vaping won’t discourage those in favour of medical-based facts from pushing the truth, but the fact remains that this behaviour from a renowned healthcare organisation is disheartening.

John Dunne, Director General for the UK Vaping Industry Association said: “It’s disappointing that their failure to recognise vaping as one of the most effective means for people to stop smoking continues.”

‘We need food, not tobacco’ is the focus of the 2023 World No Tobacco Day.

AWARDS CATEGORIES

The public will vote to decide the overall winners Voting closes May 17, 2023 (12pm BST)

The power is in the hands of the public to submit their nominations via an online vote

Final voting closes May 17, 2023 (12pm BST)

Companies can submit a short presentation / video explaining why they should be nominated for any of the categories

Entries Close on May 17, 2023 (12pm BST)

FOR MORE INFO VISIT MENAVAPEAWARDS.COM

We spoke to fellow vapers across the world about how making the switch has given them a breath of new life.

Emily Malia

has offered millions of smokers a second chance at life.

Whether it’s for their physical health, their bank accounts or their general wellbeing, making the simple switch has transformed millions of ex-smoker’s lives.

Vapouround has reached out to members of the vaping community who shared their impactful stories on how e-cigarettes have allowed them to do things that they wouldn’t have dreamed of as a smoker.

Having smoked from 1983, Richard took the initiative and made the lifesaving switch to vaping back in 2008.

This stopped his cigarette use in time so that even fifteen years later, Richard has noticed huge improvements in his lifestyle and overall wellbeing.

With one being his ability to walk right up to the top of hills and take in the incredible views of his seaside town, without the need to catch a quick breather.

Another passion that he was able to develop post-smoking, as a qualified engineer, was his love for cars.

Now that he’s no longer forking out for cigarettes, he has been able to use the money that once would be spent on tobacco and channel it into a muchloved hobby of his.

Richard said: “I built myself a kit car with the savings I made from switching to vaping, over 15 years, it was quite a considerable amount.”

Richard Pruen, Burnham-on-Sea, England

Steve Douglas, Daylesford,

After 33 tough years of going through a pack of cigarettes each day, Steve decided to change his life for the better and

After just one month into his journey, Steve, completely convinced by the reduced risk alternative, remarkably opened up his very own vape store in Australia.

Upon reflection – nine years into his

Australia

cigarette-free life – Steve realised that the activity he’s able to do even better now as a vaper, is playing his music.

Now, when playing alongside his highenergy band, at the end of their set, he’s no longer left feeling exhausted but ready to do it all over again.

Steve Douglas said: “My onstage energy has vastly improved since making the switch and my vocal range has extended, giving me more power and control when singing.”

After failing to quit his smoking habit countless times, Skip Murray figured ‘I’d smoke until I’d die’.

That was until late 2014 when she started vaping as a dual user in public spaces where cigarettes were banned.

It wasn’t until a few months later that Skip noticed she’d accidentally quit smoking all together, with the help of

Flash forward to eight years later and her horrid cough had disappeared.

Throughout her time as a smoker, Skip struggled to sleep as her ‘smokers cough’ would often keep her up at night leaving her with difficulty breathing.

Now, post-cigarettes, she often gets a full night’s sleep and finds herself full of energy, which she utilises to work on her passion for vaping advocacy.

Vaping advocate Michelle said: “Doctors told me I would not be alive at my age now if I didn’t stop smoking.”

Now at fifty-eight years old, making the switch to vaping all those years ago saved her life.

Michelle’s trusty e-cigarette facilitated her quitting what was a 43-year smoking habit and now, in her own words she says

‘everyday is a bonus day’.

After suffering with anxiety, she found that vaping was not only better for her physical health, but for her mental health too.

The device has helped to soother her anxiousness, even more than her heavier medications that she told us ‘are hard on my body’.

Skip Murray, Minnesota, U.S.A

Michelle Elliot, Florida, U.S.A

Chris Worall, East London, England

Chris said: “I had gone into my final year of university and there was a group project…in the group was my now wife who hated smoking, when I was smoking up to 2 packs a day.”

After asking her out countless times and being met with a firm ‘no’, Chris subsequently quit smoking in order to get a chance with the girl he was longing for.

He quit completely for two whole years when they eventually moved in and began their new life together.

the habit back up again, leaving his wife feeling frustrated and her willingness to want to start a family decreased.

This was all down to his cigarette use, leaving Chris with an ultimatum…the cigarettes, or a future with his wife.

It was then that he made the allimportant switch to vaping, which changed not only his life but his relationship with his partner, forever. He said: “It has reinvigorated our relationship and allowed us to focus on what is important…spending more time together.”

Christian Lippmann, DE Dirmstein, Germany

However, he unfortunately started to pick Motorbike enthusiast, Christian Lippmann knew deep down that he wanted to give up smoking for good.

However, after numerous failed attempts of going ‘cold turkey’…vaping was his saving grace.

Christian said: “In 2012 I was at my motorbike regulars table when a female biker took a drag and when I asked her what it was, she told me it was an e-cigarette…I was curious to learn more.”

After researching the smoking alternative, Christian soon realised that it wasn’t the nicotine that was the issue,

Duncan Watson, Derby, England

There were plenty of noticeable benefits to no longer smoking that Duncan could list, however, his favourite was no longer having ‘the smell of cigarettes lingering in my hair and on my clothes’.

Along with this and the added bonus of a variety of flavour, he found that vaping allowed him to exercise better and more consistently because he was no longer struggling for breath.

He said: “Breathing as I lay down to sleep

but the tobacco, that causes a lot of cigarette-related diseases.

Just a week into vaping, he dared to say goodbye to the cigarettes and before he knew it, he didn’t feel the need to smoke anymore.

Now, ten years deep into his vaping journey, Christian has helped his wife join him in a cigarette-free life after she saw the benefits first-hand.

The motorbike lover said: “Longer walks, hikes and stair climbs are now possible without me getting out of breath.”

was a different thing all together as I could feel the pain in my chest and hear it in my breath.”

Duncan is now able to find pleasure in exercise with a gym membership and loves nothing more than hitting the open road on his bike.

So, when the sun is shining, you can find him peddling towards the peaks with his trusty vape in hand, giving him a breath of new life.

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VAPOUROUND ON TOUR ISSUE 44

GEEKVAPE X PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN

It was an absolute joy to attend this year’s Geekvape Partner Spring Conference for 2023 at the Parc des Princes in the charming city of Paris.

The two-day event was kicked off by attending the Paris Saint Germain (PSG) vs Lyon game in France’s capital, to celebrate Geek Bar’s official partnership with PSG Football Club.

We witnessed a moment in history as they became the first ever vape brand to partner with a football giant in what was a colossal day for the vaping industry.

Despite the Paris defeat, there was an incredible atmosphere in the stadium from the fans…definitely a change from the usual British football games. One entire side of the stadium was bright with red flares, set off by supporters which was spectacular to watch, although admittedly, I initially thought the stadium was on fire.

Day two soon rolled around and we attended the very well assembled Geekvape conference where they unveiled their brand-new revolutionary vaping technology solution: VPU.

We were able to watch entertaining presentations introducing their latest product launch, explaining the new technology as well as a partners award ceremony and a raffle drawn throughout.

Despite not winning the raffle, I did leave with a lovely gift box in hand containing their latest selection of new product releases.

Geekvape are setting the bar high for the rest of the industry, with intelligent manufacturing and exciting brand vision and I can’t wait to see what they have in store for the future.

Words: Katie Loomes

TOTAL PRODUCT EXPO, LAS VEGAS

There’s

across the pond,

take

be met on the other side with the Total Product Expo (TPE) in the world-famous Las Vegas, Nevada.

I was a first timer at this year’s TPE having attended a number of other shows at the renowned Las Vegas Convention Centre and it’s fair to say, I was not disappointed!

The minute I walked into the show I felt the fantastic energy in the room and spent those initial first few hours walking around, taking everything in – which definitely took its time!

The show floor itself was enormous, with a complete

mix of exhibitors, including some familiar faces such as VAPORESSO, Monster Vape Labs and KIWI. Alongside those well-establish brands were a wide range of new exhibitors, creating the perfect opportunity to network with different brands and discover the new product offering.

The organisers had the entire operation running smoothly, with an impressive footfall and the added bonus of a Barbour shop on site…which was definitely tempting!

A personal highlight of my time in Las Vegas, alongside the event, was the incredible industry party on the first night at the Azilo Ultra Lounge, Sahara Hotel.

One thing is for certain, those organisers know how to put on a good show, one that I will be returning to in the near future.

no better feeling than boarding a flight to

you

knowing you’ll

Words: Jason Bacon

Minors under 18 are not allowed, even accompanied. VAPEXPO is a fairtrade for professionnals. A badge is compulsory to access to the event. SASU

Owner and manager of the publication and the writing : M. Patrick

contact@vapexpo-france.com - All rights reserved.

THE WHITE LABEL WORLD EXPO LONDON

A late February chill did not cause a frost over the mood at London’s ExCel! The Vapouround team returned to the capital for the annual White Label World Expo with a box full of magazines and brochures, ready for two days of education and information.

Our main feature at this year’s booth was our Vapouround Media banner that caught the eye of many inquisitive passers-by.

Plenty of people stopped to ask us general vaping questions with one couple even telling us they’re in the process of opening their own vape shop, after originally starting out in the reptile industry.

It’s always lovely to meet the newest faces in the industry as they’re the ones who will help to rock the boat in the future.

Not only was there a lot to see at the White Label World Expo, but there was also so much to learn, with five theatres filled with speakers none-stop across the two day event.

I was fortunate to sit in on a take from Jim Ebel, a leading marketer on ‘Five Simple Steps to New Product and Brand Success’.

It was a long two day event, but one filled with networking, learning and memories we won’t be forgetting in a hurry.

Words: Carrie Strouther

WORLD VAPE SHOW, PARAGUAY

Words: Alan Caddick

After four successful vape events from Dubai to London, the World Vape Show is one of the fastest growing vape events having now successfully, launched in Ciudad del Este, Paraguay.

The launch saw some of the most influential manufactures and suppliers of vape products gather in one place to showcase hundreds of brands and thousands of pioneering products to the industry.

Well over 2000 like-minded professionals and enthusiasts joined us over the two days to network, source suppliers, taste new products, keep up to date with the latest technology and ultimately, do business.

Paraguay is a beautiful country and the perfect location to access and capture emerging markets from neighbouring countries.

Most notably Brazil, where it is estimated that 20% of

the young adults smoke e-cigarettes, which equates to 12% of the total population....and growing!

The World Vape Show provided an excellent opportunity to meet potential business partners and expand your business globally.

With confirmed VIP buyers from across the region and beyond, there is real opportunity to collaborate and be inspired.

UKVIA EVENT, HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT, LONDON

Words: Oliver Smith

In early April, the vaping industry headed to the capital for the commencement of this year’s VApril event, hosted by the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA).

With the outstanding Churchill Room situated in Houses of Parliament was the chosen venue for the latest instalment of VApril 2023.

The campaign has worked tirelessly over the years to help smokers choose the right vaping products that will give them the best chances at quitting smoking.

Upon arrival, I was met with the organisers who made me feel very welcome, even pointing out who I should look to network with.

A large selection of refreshments and small bites were also going round as the room was filled with bustling conversations.

The event was kicked off with the John Dunne, Director General of the UKVIA giving his address to the packed Churchill Room.

John Dunne stressed the importance of making the switch to vaping for smokers who may develop tobacco-related diseases in their life.

Dunne said: “In the two decades from the start of the millennium and 2020, hospital admissions in England due to illnesses caused by smoking have risen from 1.28 million to almost 1.99 million.”

He went on to defend flavours after many recent threats in the media.

Luckily, John Dunne unveiled a study commissioned by the UKVIA that consisted of almost 2000 vapers.

In the poll it revealed that eight in ten vapers consider flavour availability were an important part in the quitting process.

John Dunne’s address was shortly followed by a keynote speech from Adam Afriyie, MP and member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Vaping.

In his speech he addressed the unavoidable questions of vaping product waste and the issue of access for children.

He cautioned the packed room of the ‘behind the scenes’ conversations that policymakers were having.

Warning of the potential ban of vaping products all together in a bid to avoid both the issues of child vaping and environmentalism in the industry.

EVO NXT MALAGA, SPAIN

Sun, sea, sangria and the very first EVO NXT event, brought us to the charming city of Malaga in March…all while the snow settled in the UK.

The biggest names in the industry landed in the sunny Costa Del Sol ready for what had been described as ‘The International Business Festival for Next Generation Products’.

If there was one word to describe this event, I would use ‘intimate’, with around 50 exhibitors from the smoking cessation industries, it was one of the smaller-scale events I’ve been to.

Nicely nestled in the Trade Fairs and Congress Center of Malaga, the event’s main hall was the central point for the weekend, as thousands gathered to see new products and ideas showcased.

The two main stages were diagonally across from each other and we were lucky enough to be placed near the side dedicated to the vaping and tobacco harm reduction.

From tobacco harm reduction to European regulation, there was a talk for every corner of the industry, hearing leading lights speak from each sector.

Alongside this, EVO NXT hosted a selection of masterclasses throughout the conference rooms that looked at the future of heated tobacco products and other interesting topics.

Reuniting with past friends was a lovely part of the event, although, the real highlight was meeting the new faces of brands within our ever-growing industry.

Having not been to a Spanish event before, it was great to get a view of how the vaping world stands along the Mediterranean Sea, and across Europe.

It was incredible to be a part of the first ever EVO NXT, discovering the future of next generation industries.

Words: Carrie Strouther

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

Ready for another tour of the country, the Vapouround Bus hit the road yet again on its mission to help more smokers make the life-changing switch to vaping.

Words: Michelle Piovesan, Farooq ‘H’ Hussain, Lauren Pilliner, James Van Aalst, Carrie Strouther

Curated: Emily Malia

Rugby Town Centre

Sutton Coldfield Market

Like any Vapouround Bus Tour, we set out on our all-important mission to educate the public on why they should make the switch from smoking to vaping.

The journey to our first stop on tour took us a little longer than expected but our vibrant bus soon caught the attention of many drivers along the way.

Despite the chill in the air in Rugby’s town centre, passers-by were instantly curious, constantly stopping to take photographs and to ask the team what it was all about.

As many approached us, we were able to explain to them our mission whilst finding out about their own vaping journeys to help give us an understanding on how they found the process.

Plenty of people were keen to fill out our online survey and gain a disposable vape in return, sending them well on their way with a new device to trial.

A ‘guess the flavours’ game was set up for our visitors, giving them a chance to test out their palates with the six exciting options available.

This meant that depending on how many they guessed right…they could gain a disposable as a prize.

Overall, Rugby provided a great experience for the team and we left with plenty of people asking when we would be returning to the town.

This was the team’s first time ever visiting Sutton Coldfield Market and we were pleasantly surprised by its charm… even with the slight drizzle.

As this was a weekend tour it was inevitably a livelier atmosphere than most with a wide range of visitors boarding the bus. We were greeted with a lot of people in their twenties, although, the majority of those who had interesting quitting stories to share were visitors in their late sixties. There was one individual however, that stuck out to me - a smoker for over fifty years, this person had never even heard about the alternative to cigarettes, which was a huge concern for me. The man had no previous understanding of vaping and so I was able to educate him on key information and provide him with a detailed quitting plan. However, the advice didn’t stop there…considering this visitor had little to no knowledge, we thought it would be beneficial to supply him with another plan, one with guidance on decreasing his nicotine intake.

We sent him off on his way with his first vaping device and a list of local vape shop locations to ensure he knew exactly where to go and get his next vape. As well as this individual, the team were lucky enough to speak to hundreds of members of the public about the benefits of vaping, making it another successful day to add to Vapouround’s roster.

Leicester City Centre

We arrived in Leicester early doors at 10am, ready for what was sure to be a busy day ahead in this historic city.

After a slow start, crowds soon started to build as they spotted the commotion surrounding the bus and were curious to find out what we were all about. This time around, we struck up a deal with a few of our visitors.

We wanted to give those willing to quit, the option to make a quick exchange…one that would change their lives forever.

After explaining the benefits of making the switch and providing them with accessible information, we were able to complete the simple trade, taking their cigarettes and handing over a fool-proof disposable.

Disposables have been a key factor in providing first timers across the country a helping hand and easyto-use introduction into the world of vaping.

It was so rewarding to be able to guide these smokers into a healthier direction, that even when we left that afternoon around 4pm, I had my head held a little higher.

Coventry City Centre

The snow was falling heavily this time around in Coventry, creating a winter wonderland surrounding the bus in the city centre.

As a team, we were beginning to get a little worried that the weather conditions would hinder our progress in helping as many people as possible make the big switch.

But lucky for us, we were parked right next to a bus stop which meant that all of the passengers coming on and off of the buses couldn’t help but stop and stare.

A few visitors even joked ‘Where is this bus taking us?’, which was great because it was getting lots of people’s attention and worked as a great conversation starter.

This then lead to groups of people flowing onto the bus, creating conversations around vaping and enhancing their knowledge on the benefits of making the switch.

Milton Keynes City Centre

Burntwood Town Centre

Our next stop on tour took us further down south to Buckinghamshire where we visited the city of Milton Keynes.

Unfortunately, as we arrived, we soon realised our spot for the day had been taken…however, we were then lucky enough to find somewhere else to set up shop for the day

In the end, this worked in our favour as we were park front and centre of the energetic shopping centre with people coming in and out of the entrance all day.

The rain was heavy throughout our time there, but this didn’t stop the bus from filling up relatively fast. Groups of people were learning all about harm reduction who otherwise might not have and so for once, we were thankful for the downpour.

What better way to take cover from the dreadful weather than aboard the Vapouround Bus learning the benefits of making the switch to a reduced-risk alternative.

It was clear when arriving at Burntwood on Easter Sunday that this sleepy town were mostly tucked up at home, devouring easter eggs and enjoying the bliss of the Bank Holiday weekend.

Even so, there was still a good crowd out in support of their local market and within a few short moments of setting up shop, we were approached by a young couple.

The pair were eager to take up the challenge of guessing the flavours in a little game we created onboard.

The young couple didn’t miss a beat as they sampled and correctly guessed the flavours of each individual vape, winning them a 5 out of 5 prize run. Smiles were all round as they left the bus covered in merch, with their complimentary disposables in hand…cheerily puffing away.

Next up was a flurry of competitive locals wanting to try to match the success of the victorious pair but all fell shy.

Alongside the fun and games, some great conversations were had but one in particular occurred with a local council member who had an outreach post based opposite the bus.

A young lady eager to improve her hometown, she was very impressed with the attraction the bus was getting and our overall mission at hand.

Tamworth Street Market

Arriving in Tamworth, we were parked outside a beautiful church with impressive features, making my job as a videographer and photographer exciting from the get-go.

Our surroundings were in complete contrast in heritage from a 1960s built town centre to Tamworth’s church but the surrounding buildings made for a lovely backdrop to our advocacy.

I soon found that Tamworth was a pleasant town with all kinds of people engaged in what’s going on, from young families to seniors, all out getting their marketplace bargains.

Everyone we met was friendly with stories of their own to share about their vaping journeys as exsmokers and many were genuinely impressed after trying disposables for the first time.

One gentleman in particular had been smoking from the age of 14 through to 58, at which point he switched to vaping. This man managed to decrease his nicotine intake in just three months from 20mg down to 0mg…a poster boy example of what can be achieved with the help of vaping.

He said: “It’s the small things I find I can afford now, like a bag of chips - not worrying I might need that money to buy cigarettes.

“I’ve saved so much money each month by switching to a vape.”

Rotherham Town Centre

There’s nothing better than a vibrant, sunlit day to help us on our mission across the country, in assisting people to make the big switch, all whilst soundtracked by bagpipes.

Rotherham had a constant stream of people walking through the lovely town centre, enjoying the mid-week sunshine. One avid vaper came onboard and took part in our fan-favourite ‘Guess the Flavour’ game, provided by Geek Bar, and was able to enjoy five disposables, while only guessing one right. Unfortunately for him, the game was lost, but it wasn’t all doom and gloom as he was able to take home some of cool Geek Bar merch with him. We also received a visit from someone who had heard from medical professionals that vaping was in fact more harmful than smoking and it was our job to tell them the facts. It’s these kinds of conversations that are vital to our mission in achieving a smoke free future and it’s so important that we don’t shy away from them. The team reassured them of the current statistics and advice from Public Health England as well as providing resources to help them further their vaping knowledge.

Another key moment during our trip to Rotherham was the showcasing of our new bus wrap. Project Vapouround’s windows had just been updated with some fantastic, new branding. Pacha Mama and Uwell, are the exciting brands now available to view across the side of the bus, along with free juice samples on board in the future.

VAPOUROUND REVIEWS

Vapes Bars Diamond 600 Disposables x 4

E-liquid Capacity: 2ml

Puffs: 600

Battery Capacity: 500 mAh

Nicotine Strength: 20mg Salt Nicotine

Words: Peach Atkinson

Strawberry

Ice Cream

A firm and long-standing favourite here in the vape world, strawberry ice cream flavours have a certain, reliable charm. Designed with dessert lovers in mind, this disposable manages to include a sublimely accurate set of flavours, whilst pushing the boat out a bit in terms of deciding to add a dash of smooth and icy cooling agent. I found the ice cream partition to be rich and mesmerising with its dulcet tones. The notes of strawberry are incredibly clear and there is no ambivalence when it comes to recognising it. The bold decision to bring a certain level of iciness to the overall flavour definitely paid off and I felt that it gave an almost refreshing feel to this disposable.

Mint

Mojito

As a big fan of beverage inspired e-liquids, I was intrigued and curious as to how this flavour would present itself. Combining a plethora of refreshing tastes, this disposable boasts an incredibly bouncy and realistic vibe. To begin with, I noticed a wonderful amalgamation of both sweet mint and garden mint, the way these two similar but simultaneously distant flavours interacted was nothing short of magic. Next, ensnaring the attention of vapers, comes a zingy blend of citrus fruits, followed by a mild touch of menthol. I think that this disposable’s incredible likeness to the popular cocktail was uncanny and obviously very easy to enjoy.

Caramel Tobacco

Probably my favourite in this line up, there are rich, earthy and well-developed notes of smooth tobacco. I didn’t get any hints of smokiness often found in tobacco-based e-liquids. The addition of caramel brings in another layer of decadence and complexity and happens to evoke the mellow notes of the tobacco as you vape. With very little in the way of iciness, I felt that it was easy to appreciate the bold and powerful dessert elements. Despite the obvious sweetness in this flavour, it never became too sweet or overpowering. I feel like fans of both desserts and tobacco vapes will get on incredibly well with this disposable and will find it hard to put down.

Glacier Mint

One for hardcore icy fans, Glacier Mint boasts a variety of minty, icy and menthol notes. Sweet peppermint gives a mellowing edge against the sharp and biting menthol but is quickly blown away by an ear tingling tsunami of cooling agent. The refreshing array of cold flavours indicates the lack of complexities such as the addition of fruity flavours often found hand in hand with lots of disposables currently on the market. Even though I am not usually a big lover of mint and menthol flavours, I could appreciate the powerful intensity of this disposable and would highly recommend it to ex-menthol smokers.

Shenzhen Dorteam Ciggo

SPECIFICATIONS

Puffs - 600

Battery - 500mAh

E-Liquid - 2.0Ml

Mesh Coil

Watermelon Ice

First up today from Dorteams CigGo disposables, we have Watermelon Ice, a classic flavour that’s gained more and more popularity since the disposable craze. Watermelon is the real star of the show here. The taste is really fresh and authentic, sweet and soothing in equal measure. The addition of ice adds even more to the already refreshing quality of the watermelon. Overall, an impressive start from Dorteams. I can happily recommend this flavour to anyone looking for something refreshing and fruity as we transition into the summer months.

Energy Drink

I’m a really weird one with Energy Drink flavours. I can’t stand the taste of the actual drinks, but I absolutely love the flavour in a vape. Go figure! I have to say I think Dorteams have done a fantastic job here. This is a top tier energy flavour with everything you could wish for. It’s got the perfect amount of sweetness with a nice hit of tangy fizz that does just enough to stop it from becoming too sickly. It’s also extremely smooth and easy to vape so it really has so much going for it. I’d urge you to give it a go! It won’t give you wings, but it will make you smile!

Frozen Apple

Another refreshing one here. Frozen Apple, as the name would suggest, is a combination of apple and ice. Naturally the main flavour on display here is the apple, and I’m pleased to say it’s been lovingly and accurately recreated for this disposable vape. Every puff gave me that crisp, juicy flavour in abundance, like taking a bite out of a freshly picked apple. The ice is subtle but effective at adding to that freshness, and the overall effect is an absolutely stunning flavour that I couldn’t get enough of. Definitely give this one a try guys, it’s a stunner!

Strawberry Ice

Once again, we have another fruity and icy offeringStrawberry Ice! And once again, Dorteams have smashed it out the park with their fruit flavourings. The strawberry on display here is so fresh tasting, so sweet, so juicy. You might as well be eating a real one. I cannot overstate how ridiculously accurate the flavour is. It works perfectly with the ice to create something that’s just joyous to vape. I really hope they release these flavours as e-liquids because 600 puffs just aren’t enough. Yes, this is a simple flavour, but it’s done so well that I have to recommend it to you guys. I bow down to the strawberry!

Mixed Berries

Even more fruit for the lucky fruit lovers out there! Mixed Berries. This one seriously impressed me as well. There’s a lot going on in this one so I tried to break down each individual flavour, but it’s so well blended that it was quite the challenge. The main three fruits I get are strawberry, raspberry and blueberry. I think there’s more in the background but those are the main three I can taste, and they’re all just perfect. Ripe tasting and fresh with all the sweet and tart notes you’d expect from the real fruit and, like I said, the blend is just masterful. The balance of fruits elevates it to the next level, and it’s just such an enjoyable vape!

Taro Ice Cream

I thought I’d leave this one for last, because honestly, I had no idea what Taro was. I had to google it. Apparently, Taro is a root vegetable similar to a sweet potato or a yam. I honestly had no idea what to expect vaping this one, and even after I’m still confused, but I think in a good way? It actually does sort of taste like sweet potato, but creamier and with more vanilla. At first, my tastebuds were extremely confused, but I actually grew to really enjoy this flavour! If you’re looking for something completely unique, give this one a go! It’s definitely interesting!

Words: Alex Shenker

Wick Salts Flavour Tech UK

SPECIFICATIONS

NAME OF PRODUCTS BEING REVIEWED:

Wick Salts e-liquids x 6 VG/PG : 50/50

Nicotine Strength: 9mg

Words: Peach Atkinson

Blue Rasp Lemonade

Bright, bold and devilishly delectable, this sweet lemonade flavour was a real treat to try.

Melting the boundaries between sweet and sour, this e-liquid is complex and extremely well rounded.

I found that the blue raspberry element exuded a recognisable candy like vibe, having an intriguing but very much appreciated sugary undertone.

The sweetness offered by the blue raspberry is neatly offset by the swift burst of tart citrus, with an added touch of effervescence to boost the refreshing feel of this flavour.

I really enjoyed Wick Addiction’s careful input on this e-liquid, and it is certainly one of the best blue raspberry flavours I have tried over the years.

Apple Blueberry

Rather unique in nature, the combination of tart green apple and mellow blueberry was one I had yet to come across in my time as a vaper.

As I stated earlier, the notes of apple presented a set of crisp, sour and intricately proportioned flavours.

The softer blueberry layer kind of calmed down the more prominent apple, but still brought a level of sweetness to the table.

Due to this e-liquids simple but effective taste, it was super easy to vape without becoming overwhelmed or bored with the flavour over time.

It was a wonderful breath of fresh air when it comes to trying out a new flavour, and I am impressed by just how well it performed.

Cherry Cola

A flavour made in heaven, cherry cola is one of the most widely known and appreciated profiles out there.

This one combines the bright and deeply distinguishable taste of cola, mixed with a dash of fizziness and a wave of smooth sweetness.

Notes of cherry soon take over and give a soft nudge to the cola elements.

I felt that the flavour of this e-liquid seemed to be inspired more so by cherry cola bottle candies, rather than the

beverage, due to its effervescent, sweet and intensely sour nature.

In that respect, Wick Addiction has completely smashed it and has created an extremely lifelike flavour many will enjoy.

Raspberry Rhubarb

Another e-liquid that is not often encountered in the vape industry as of late, this delicate and floral flavour offers a pleasant and relaxed vaping experience.

Notes of rhubarb definitely take centre stage and give off a sweet and tangy aroma.

To me, it represented a somewhat botanical vibe, with no acidic or bitter aftertaste.

The addition of a mellow and shy raspberry gave an extra edge to the overall flavour, making a fantastically well rounded and easy to enjoy e-liquid.

I really fell in love with the carefully concocted proportions in this e-liquid and felt that a lot of thought went into this flavour.

Rainbow Candy

Clearly inspired by the iconic, brightly coloured candies, this flavour boasts realism and delectability all in one.

It incorporates a set of fruity flavours, combined with both sweet and sour modalities simultaneously.

The deep sweetness of this flavour is the key to its success and gives this e-liquid its instantly recognisable taste.

Despite its rich blend of fruity elements and its pronounced sweet nature, I found it exceedingly easy to vape and not once did I feel bored, overwhelmed or disappointed whilst puffing away.

There seemed to be just the smallest touch of cooling right when exhaling, something that is rather common within the vape industry right now - and something that was very much welcomed.

Lemon Meringue

Now time for an incredible dessert inspired e-liquid, this flavour knocks it out of the park.

Bright and citrusy lemon curd provides the top layer of this e-liquid, and regardless of its prominent lemon vibe, was not at all tart or sour.

Following the bold lemon, comes a velvety smooth and fluffy creaminess.

The way that the lemon and cream interacted was mutually symbiotic in nature as they each offered one another a complimentary edge.

To round up the two busier profiles, a warm and crumbly pastry base brings about a solid and consistent flavour that seals the overall taste up nicely.

Words:

Coconut Milk

Kicking things off with one of the more uniquely fascinating tastes, this smorgasbord of flavours presents vapers with a perfect chance to try something new and rather unheard of. First and foremost, you will likely notice a sweet, easily recognisable and deeply exotic coconut base, of which is incredibly lifelike. It seems to carry a luscious and velvety smooth creaminess to it that amplifies the relaxed and enjoyable flavour. I did notice a very small amount of icy cooling agent to it, enough to compliment the other elements, without taking over and potentially ruining the flavour. It’s safe to say I had yet to come across this combination and was pleasantly impressed by the overall experience.

Watermelon Ice

One of the more popular profiles right now, especially so for disposables, watermelon ice is easily crowned as one of the favourites worldwide. With this particular instalment, vapers are able to enjoy a consistent and reliable set of fruity, tropical flavours for a long period of no time with little to no flavour dissipation. The notes of watermelon are bright

and punchy and have that idiosyncratic candy-like vibe. As suggested by this flavours name, there is a substantial amount of cooling agent to this disposable, making it a perfect ‘go to’ for vapers that are seeking refreshment and intense flavour. This was certainly one of the better watermelon ice disposables I have tried recently.

Mint Cream

Combining polar opposites, this disposable turns typical minty flavours on their head. Initially, there is a sweet blend of peppermint that presents itself spectacularly. To further compliment the smoothness, comes a calming and almost stereotypical creaminess. To follow on from the mint/cream interaction, comes a subtle but still noticeable undertow of icy cooling, that brightens up the entire flavour a notch. I felt that the way KIWI decided to combine two vastly different elements made for an incredibly enjoyable vaping experience and despite not being a huge fan of mint vapes, I really appreciated this flavour.

Tangerine Ice

Less sweet when compared to other citrus flavours such as orange or even lemon, the decision to create a slightly more unusual tangerine inspired flavour was a stroke of pure genius. Notes of somewhat mild sourness seem to envelope the overall taste, with very little in the way of sweetness. I found that the almost pulpy tangerine taste performed strikingly well alongside the intense iciness that was most noticeable when exhaling. I have tried plenty of orange flavours, and probably even more lemon ones over the years, but the chance to enjoy a tangerine one was definitely a wonderful opportunity that I’m glad I could have.

I feel like coffee-based flavours are making somewhat of a resurgence as of late and with hundreds of variations, it can be both overwhelming and tricky to find a decent one - all depending on personal preferences. Bridging the gap between creamy and cold, the way that this disposable was crafted demonstrated plenty of research and care. The latte element brings about a luscious, velvety and, quite frankly, earthy base with a milky, frothy overtone we can all appreciate. Compounding the mild, creamy and easily recognisable coffee base, comes a swift and intense iciness that gives the flavour a bit of a kick. To me, this kind of implied an iced coffee vibe and thus provided a refreshing and enjoyable experience - especially on a hot day.

Mango Ice

Another firm favourite within the vape industry currently, this particular flavour boasts a collection of fruity tastes and a cold exhale. A mixture of sour green mango and sweet, juicy, yellow mango combines to offer vapers a blend of sweet and tangy modalities, and the incredible way that the two bounce off of one another is complex and easy to enjoy. The mango, to me, tasted realistic and gave off an aura of the tropics, and had an almost pulpy texture. Adding a rich undertone of iciness simply exacerbated the refreshing and exotic feel to this disposable. I would highly recommend this flavour to people that enjoy intense and powerful fruit vapes.

Zovoo Dragbar Z700

SPECIFICATIONS

E-liquid capacity: 2ml

Puff count: 700

Battery: 380 mAh

Words:

Strawberry Kiwi

Strawberry Kiwi is a fantastic choice for those who love fruity and sweet flavours.

The strawberry and kiwi complement each other beautifully, creating a deliciously refreshing taste that’s perfect for vaping on a hot summer day.

The DRAGBAR itself is easy to use and provides a smooth and satisfying hit every time. Overall, if you’re looking for a flavourful and enjoyable vaping experience, the Strawberry Kiwi DRAGBAR is a great option to consider.

I’m always a huge fan of strawberry-based flavours and this one didn’t disappoint!

Blueberry Pomegranate

Blueberry Pomegranate is a refreshing and delightful flavour combination.

The sweet and tart notes of blueberry and the juicy, sour pomegranate blend seamlessly to create a unique and enjoyable flavour that’s insanely moreish!

Both fruity flavours have been lovingly recreated and taste very ripe and fresh. This is definitely a flavour that I can see myself vaping again and again.

I highly recommend giving it a go!

Lemon Lime

Lemon Lime is definitely one to look at if you’re wanting something a bit more refreshing, or if you’re a fan of citrus flavours.

The two sour fruits blend perfectly together, with each of the flavours bringing that sharp zingyness you’d expect. However, there is a hint of sweetness in the background that stops it from becoming too face-scrunchingly tart.

Overall, I’d say I really enjoyed Lemon Lime. It’s a classic flavour for a reason and it’s definitely a good cure for vapers tongue too!

Banana Ice

Banana is one of my absolute favourite flavours in any vape, but especially in a disposable.

As soon as I opened the packet I could smell that luscious, sweet flavour and I knew I was in for a real treat!

The banana flavour here is absolutely stunning and multilayered with notes of sweetness, creaminess and an exotic taste that always keeps it interesting to vape.

The addition of ice helps to cool it all down and adds a refreshing layer to the overall flavour that makes it incredibly appetising!

Triple Melon

One for the melon lovers here, and it’s three times the fun! Of course, melon is the dominant flavour, but you really do taste the difference with the triple compared to a standard watermelon or honeydew vape.

Each puff had me trying to pull apart and analyse each of the different melon tastes on display, but in the end, I just accepted it for what it is: a love letter to the humble melon. It’s got a lot of subtlety and a good amount of sweetness so it’s exceedingly easy to vape, and therefore easy to recommend!

Aloe

Grape

Last up we have Aloe Grape, a rather more soothing affair to finish things off. With all its syrupy sweet and juicy notes, it’s a great vape to choose.

The aloe elevates the flavour with a slight herbal taste and a smoothness that really soothes the tongue and blends nicely with the punchy grape flavour.

It is a counterpart that helps the grape flavour to not be too overwhelming. This flavour isn’t one that I’d tried before, but it really surprised me and I ended up really enjoying it.

Give it a go if you’re looking for something new and original!

Alex Shenker

Vuse ePod 2 Kit

SPECIFICATIONS

Delivery - Puff Activated Pod Size - 1.9mL, approximately 275 puffs

Battery - 350 mAh

Weight - 23g

Heating System - Ceramic Heating

Words: Peach Atkinson

Between its sleek, understated exterior and its easy-to-use system, the ePod 2 from Vuse just oozes simplicity and reliability.

The device recharges via a unique magnetic port and lasts for approximately 400 puffs per charge.

Not only was the flavour intense and consistent, but vapour production was minimal and the throat hit was absolutely satisfying.

The ePod 2 uses pre-filled cartridges to boost the convenience and usability for vapers, making this a great choice for those seeking a hassle-free option.

These pods come in a wide range of strengths; I used the

12mg/ml version for this review.

I had the pleasure of trying five of the flavours on offer with the Vuse ePod 2…here’s how they each held up.

Passionfruit Ice

Vibrant and exotic, this flavoured pod offered a truly tropical vibe.

The passionfruit was realistic, well-rounded and I found it had a bit of a floral element to it.

I found the inhale on this flavour was smooth and light with the fruity notes hitting just right.

This e-liquid was benefited by a touch of cooling agent, which saw to enhance the simple, but amazingly blended, set of flavours on display.

Banana Ice

An exceptionally popular flavour profile right now, banana ice bridges the gap between subtlety sweet fruitiness and biting chill.

I have tried plenty of dessert based banana flavours in my time and I can say without doubt that this combination is certainly one to celebrate.

Initially, there was a punchy kick of a banana. This was quickly followed by a wave of intense iciness which made for a moreish taste.

Blue Raspberry

This is a fan favourite flavour and it’s no surprise that it has found its way into this collection of e-liquids.

The main stars here were the fruity notes, which drove the overall flavour and created a tongue-tingling buzz of sweetness.

Underneath this was a foundation of iciness, with the refreshing cooling agent bringing an extra element of goodness to the vaping experience.

I have no doubt in my mind that this will be the most popular flavour in this line of pods.

Tropical Coconut Blend

The most unique – and probably my favourite - amongst these flavours, this e-liquid offers a bright and, you guessed it, tropical vibe.

A delightful mango and pineapple mix led the charge here and delivered wave after wave of punchy sweetness.

This was balanced out by the mellow coconut notes, which gave the flavour its exotic and dynamic feel.

I enjoyed the blend of flavours immensely and think the complex combo makes for an interesting and rather unique e-liquid.

Strawberry Kiwi

Another uber popular flavour, this e-liquid had a lot of amazing competitors to measure up to…and I, for one, think it got the job done.

The strawberry notes, which I thought were very true to life, brought a hefty punch of sweet ripeness to the flavour.

Sharper edges of sour kiwi worked to level out the sweetness a touch and I felt the two fruit elements to worked incredibly well together.

On the exhale, there was a soft touch of cooling agent, which gave this flavour a slightly more vibrant edge.

Zeus Bolt e-liquids x 6

VG / PG: High VG

Nicotine Strength: 0mg

Bottle Size: 50ml

Words: Oliver Smith

Strawberry Ice Cream

Kicking things off with one of the world’s most iconic flavour profiles, I was both intrigued and, quite frankly, a little apprehensive at first. I wanted to know how well this flavour would hold up against some really strong contenders I have tried over the years. Without beating around the bush, I was not just taken aback but was massively impressed by the impeccably high standards set out by the creators of this e-liquid. It seems to include the vital elements of sweetness, creaminess and of course realism. Soft, mellow strawberry notes infuse a rich, decadent vanilla bean ice cream, creating a pleasant and memorable flavour. The whole vaping experience was smooth, not sickly and incredibly lifelike.

Kiwi Passionfruit

Being exceedingly tropical and rather straightforward in terms of flavour and complexity, this e-liquid was so easy to enjoy. Involving sharp and slightly acidic notes, I would probably say that the introduction of kiwi was more prominent. In order to offset that unmistakable tanginess, we are brought a smooth, sweet undertone of ripe and exotic passionfruit. I felt that the choice to include these remarkable fruits was simply genius. They both work together to create a deeply satisfying, fresh vape and I

was in awe of its simple but exceptionally effective set of flavours. This will certainly grab the attention of fruity fans.

Banana Ice

Creeping back into popularity, banana flavoured e-liquids are becoming more and more commonplace once again. One of the latest trends is to combine a sweet tasting and almost candy like banana with an intensely cold edge of cooling agent. I usually prefer dessert-based banana flavours, but for the sake of reviewing, I wanted to have a go and see how well I got on with this e-liquid and if it could ‘peel’ me away from my comfort zone. As I briefly mentioned, the banana flavouring used here is more akin to a candy rather than the realistic, soft flavoured fruit. As a wide-reaching base, the iciness is omnipresent and is there from the start of a puff, lingering even after exhaling. The ingenious decision to combine something that is so brazen and powerful, with a sweet, mellowness was extraordinary…I was thoroughly impressed.

Lightning Drink

Garnering that easy to recognise but difficult to discern taste of a well-known energy drink, this beverage flavoured e-liquid is sweet, effervescent and enjoyable - without the side effect of a substantially increased heart rate. Bursting with intense flavour, it’s plain to see that this is going to be popular with vapers that really enjoy powerful and deep tasting e-liquids. In combination with the energy drink element, I did notice a very small amount of cooling agent, enough to give this flavour a bit of a fresh kick, but not so much so that it overrides the other constituents. In terms of realism, this e-liquid was identical to the popular beverage.

Peach Lemon

Harvesting a mellow and floral selection of fruity flavours, this e-liquid masters the art of perfect proportions. Notes of juicy peach offer a solid, well-rounded base to this e-liquid, and you can really appreciate it from start to finish. In order to give a more vivacious feel to the overall flavour, a sharp and bright edge of lemon comes into play. The inclusion of citrus made for a unique and rewarding experience and, as I mentioned previously, the ratio between peach and lemon was on point. Due to this flavour’s rather simple nature, I didn’t get overwhelmed and despite its simple nature, there was still enough complexity to really enjoy this e-liquid. Simple and effective - perfect.

Cola Ice

The second beverage inspired e-liquid in this line up, Cola Ice includes the sweet, syrupy fizziness that is easily recognised worldwide. The sweetness offered in this e-liquid was rich and deep, with no watery or mellow edges. To me, this flavour reminded me somewhat of a fizzy cola bottle candy, matching the tongue tingling sourness and refreshing effervescence in every puff. To further compound on the unmistakable, bright and fresh cola element, comes an even more noticeable burst of cold iciness. As someone who is usually neither here nor there when it comes to cola flavours, I must say I got on pretty well with this instalment. The combination of fizzy cola and ice thus creates the ultimate, revitalising, summertime vape.

King Kong Disposables

SPECIFICATIONS

Coil: 1.4 Ohms

E-Liquid Capacity: 2ml pre-filled

Puff count: 600

Battery: 400 mAh

Pink Lemonade

Starting off here from King Kong we have Pink Lemonade, a solid mainstay in many people’s disposable vape rotations. Let’s see how King Kong’s offering stands up!

As you’d expect, this is a very potent flavour. You can smell it as soon as you open the packaging, and the taste doesn’t disappoint either.

The lemonade flavour is fresh and zingy, with a decent amount of sherbet-like fizz. The strawberry adds some much needed sweetness which combines with the sharp lemonade to give you an ultra-refreshing and moreish vape. A really good start!

Mango Sorbet

Next up we have mango in all its ripe, exotic, juicy glory. This disposable vape from King Kong really puts the fruit front and centre and lets it shine.

There’s not much to really say beyond that this is a fantastic mango flavour. It has all the layers and notes you’d expect and it’s beautifully balanced. I honestly could not stop puffing. If you’re not a fan of mango, this one probably won’t win you over, as it tastes like the fruit in the purest, most vapeable form. But if you’re a fan like me, you’re in for a treat.

Double Apple

Another fairly self-explanatory one here! All the apple flavour you know and love but doubled.

Once again King Kong have not let me down with flavour. It’s

as strong and vibrant as eating a real apple from an orchard! The vape is as crisp and juicy as you’d expect from Double Apple with layer upon layer of sweetness mingling together to produce an absolute triumph in flavour. In fact, my only issue is that 600 puffs were nowhere near enough!

Blue Raspberry

Is it really a range of disposable vapes without a Blue Raspberry flavour? In this case, the answer is no!

I’m sure you’ve all probably tried a flavour like this before, but just in case you haven’t, I’ll give you the rundown. King Kong’s version of Blue Raspberry is a sweet and syrupy flavour, reminiscent of a classic blue slush.

It’s fruity and sugary, with a hint of ice that takes the edge off. It’s an absolute classic flavour and I’m sure most people already know if they like it or not. If you’ve never tried it, I recommend King Kong’s version as a solid place to start!

Strawberry Kiwi

Last up from King Kong, we have Strawberry Kiwi! I absolutely love strawberry-based vapes, so I saved this one for last!

The strawberry is the predominant flavour you get when you take the first puff. It’s ripe and juicy, with the perfect amount of sweetness.

The kiwi is a worthy partner, adding a slight sourness and blending deliciously with the strawberry. Both fruits together taste authentic and fresh.

I really have to commend King Kong on their masterful use of blended flavour concentrates. Absolutely sublime and very easy to recommend!

Words: Alex Shenker