Document ID: FDA-2014-N-0189-3046
Agency: fda
Document Type: Supporting & Related Material
Title: 
Posted Date: 2014-06-12T04:00Z

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

General Comment:My name is Nick Green and I was roughly a pack a day smoker my whole life.  I started smoking at the age of 14.  That's 7th grade, roughly 1991.  For no other reason that I wanted to.  I didn't think it was cool or rebellious.  It's something I simply wanted to do.  I forced myself to learn how to smoke and had cigarettes readily available at the local casinos from vending machines. 

I'm 37 now and in early 2009, after many failed attempts at quitting. I saw an electronic cigarette for sale on eBay and purchased it right away.  It was a small "cig-alike" device, much like the new VUSE and other devices that will make a nice profit for Philip Morris and Altria.  While fascinating, was far from satisfying enough to keep me away from tobacco.  I did more research on the internet and bought what we call a "mod".  It was a modified flashlight designed to house a bigger battery and deliver more power to the atomizer.  

As of this writing I have been tobacco free for 5 years, 3 months and 6 days thanks to these "mods".  Ive reduced my nicotine intake to 6mg and 0mg on occasion.  For the first time in my life i'm in control of my habit.  I can decide to use less or more nicotine based on what I feel is best for me.  My liquid bottles have clear warnings and childproof caps.  

My favorite flavors are fruity flavors and bakery type flavors.  These flavors not only appeal to me as an adult.  But also further distance my mind from the habit of using tobacco cigarettes. 

I would urge the FDA to not only extend the feedback period allowed.  Giving 75 days for us to reply, after the FDA had years to craft these proposals is absurd.  Additionally I would urge the FDA to see how vaping has worked for people.  Nicotine does not need to be demonized as some sort of gateway recreational drug.  

This effects millions of law abiding Americans.  People that have formed friendships and opened businesses that contribute to our economy.  If executed these proposals will not only stop people from using electronic cigarettes as a reduced harm alternative.  It will also drive millions of people back to traditional tobacco cigarettes.  

The majority of vapers don't want to be forced back to tobacco cigarettes.  We don't want to be forced to give our hard earned money back to big tobacco companies. 

For the good of the health of the country please reconsider these proposals, and please let law abiding citizens like myself, and my wife the ability to have access to these life saving devices and liquids.  The "quit or die" mentality is not in the best interest of public health.  But harm reduction is, and will be successful if given a chance. 

Thank you for your time
-Nick Green