Document ID: FDA-2014-N-0189-8574
Agency: fda
Document Type: Supporting & Related Material
Title: 
Posted Date: 2014-06-18T04:00Z

Comment Info: =================

General Comment:I have recently become aware of the impending legislation and regulations concerning alternative nicotine delivery systems, specifically vaporising and vapor juices. 

I smoked cigarettes for over seven years,and have tried to quit many times.  Smoking, however, wasn't just about the nicotine for me - it was a combination of nicotine and the social/psychological satisfaction of smoking together that really made it difficult to stop smoking, even though I know the detriments to my health.  Recently, I was introduced to the idea of using a vaporizer as a replacement for cigarettes and smoking, and decided to give it a try.  I did my research, looking into the ingredients and methods used to produce the liquids used in the vaporizers and the potential harm they could inflict.  I found nothing threatening, nothing even close to the dangers caused by smoking tobacco products.  Natural ingredients, non-combustion methods of vaporizing nicotine, and different doses of nicotine that allowed me to control the levels I was taking in.

I have not touched a cigarette in over five months now, and don't plan on it ever.  Moreso, the culture and community that has developed around vaping, along with the business ventures and startups, has been a huge boost and inspiration to the local communities around here.  Shops are thriving, communities are building around this culture - and if it gets crippled by heavy regulation and costly licensing or other fees, it would be a serious detriment to the community and economy as a whole.  Myself and others have found vaping as a great way to get off cigarettes and nicotine altogether, while still enjoying the psychological and social benefits and enjoyments of smoking/vaping.

At the least, the community needs time to work with regulation officials and government to come up with a sustainable, sensible set of methods and protocols that will help the industry, not cripple it and discourage business and culture.  Instead of coming down hard on this budding industry, encourage its growth and development with a  bit of common sense and wider perspective.

A 75 day comment period is insufficient time for the vaping industry and the wider vaping community to comment on the proposed deeming regulations. I would respectfully request that the period for comment be extended to 180 days.