The American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced this week they are considering banning flavoured e-liquids due to the 'epidemic' rates of youth vaping.  FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D stated in a recent speech:

"...we see clear signs that youth use of electronic cigarettes has reached an epidemic proportion, and we must adjust certain aspects of our comprehensive strategy to stem this clear and present danger. This starts with the actions we’re taking today to crack down on retail sales of e-cigarettes to minors. We will also revisit our compliance policy that extended the dates for manufacturers of certain flavored e-cigarettes to submit applications for premarket authorization".

The FDA charges itself with protecting the health of the American public. Yet they are considering action that could easily shut down the vaping industry as we know it - indisputably the most successful cigarette cessation tool to date.

"...this action is the equivalent of the FDA or any other Government body bringing back prohibition because too many young people are drinking."

In the US, youth smoking rates have plummeted since e-cigarettes came to market. It is overwhelmingly clear vaping compared to smoking is saving lives. Yet an organisation whose primary objective is to protect the health of its citizens is taking steps to withdraw the most preventative tool against smoking that exists.

Nobody wants children vaping - that is a given. But this action is the equivalent of the FDA or any other Government body bringing back prohibition because too many young people are drinking. And when you start to see the argument through this lens, it becomes clear how ridiculous the war on vaping is. We have a product that is changing peoples lives for the better. 

For the last three to four years the FDA has been intensely turning up the heat on the vaping industry. There is a mountain of red tape, restrictions and impositions on vaping retailers and manufacturers. From forcing vaping manufacturers to submit applications on a per product basis, to the latest statements on flavouring, everything is about compliance. And if you do not comply - you won't be a player. 

What can we do? Keep conversations going. Speak the truth loudly. Sign petitions like these. It all helps.