On September 24, Charlie Backer declared a 4 month ban on the sale of nicotine and marijuana vapes. This will let the authorities investigate the illnesses and deaths caused by these vapes. So far, lung injuries have caused at least 40 deaths and 20,000 illnesses nationwide, specifically in Massachusetts, 3 people have died and 65 have gotten sick. This ban has its ups and downs, it is praised by most doctors, but it encourages people who still want to vape to do something dangerous to get it on the black market. Many vape stores say that this ban is going to put there store out of business, so they sued the state. This Tuesday the medical marijuana ban was lifted and it is now legal again to vape medical marijuana. It is becoming clear that the illnesses are from the cartridge with the THC (which makes you high) in it. The chemicals that are mixed in the cartridge include vitamin E acetate this substance is one of the main chemicals being investigated on having to do with the illnesses. This research is still continuing, and people are still finding out what this chemical does. One of the main impacts of the ban is that vape businesses are projected to lose 7-8 million dollars in sales, this forced many stores to lay off people. The next big news for this case will be coming on December 9, where the Supreme Judicial Court will hear arguments from both sides in a lawsuit, and then vote on December 11th. This vote could cause the ban to stop short, or exceed and pass its 4 month mark going on indefinitely. To learn more about this subject click this link https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/marijuana/2019/11/11/what-know-about-mass-vape-ban-and-its-future/5A2Ao1i9cU655zJv5DFuXN/story.html
1. Do you think that this 4 month ban is going to have a long term affect on vaping and vape companies in America?
2. The risk of this ban is that people will go to greater, and possible dangerous lengths to get the product, is this significant enough outweigh the purpose of the ban?
3. Do you think that 40 deaths due to vaping is significant enough to have this 4 month ban?
4. How do you think you would react/what would you do if you found out something you were producing had started causing deaths, and illnesses?
I think the 4-month ban on vape products is going to have a long term effect on vape companies because Massachusetts is ushering a state-level crackdown on e-cigarettes after illnesses have afflicted hundreds and killed nine people. If investigators uncover the contents in the vapes that lead to illness, the people would be scared to use the product. The diseases do not just apply to THC vapes as “two of the people who died in Massachusetts vaped only nicotine; one vaped THC and nicotine” (Martin). In addition to finding out what causes the illnesses, perhaps the companies would have to make their product less appealing to kids. For most adults, vaping is used to quit smoking and not much of addictive use. Overall, vaping will be affected by the 4-month ban because people would fear to have health defects.
ReplyDeleteIf the people are willing to do extreme things to get vapes, that is not significant enough to outweigh the 4-month ban. The 4-month ban eliminates the ease to spread vapes about and even limits the chance of the vapes falling into the hands of kids. Although the vapes would be sold on the black market, the ban will still slow the distribution of these vapes. I believe the sale of vapes on the black market will not be a topic dangerous like drug dealing. After the vaping ban, there should be new, safer vapes that are less appealing to kids. Hopefully, the government can limit the sale of vapes on the black market within the ban.
I believe that 40 deaths due to vaping is enough for a 4-month ban. Illnesses have been occurring when patients “vaped three months before suffering severe breathing troubles” (Martin). Three months ago was when the vaping trend started to kick off. Now that people are becoming sick, it is right to put vaping sales on a pause. The vaping ban will prevent the number of illnesses from getting worse.
I would stop producing my product if it started causing deaths because I could get in trouble. I immediately would try to renovate my product, so it doesn’t kill people. Overall, if I created a product that was killing people, I would try to modify it and stay under the radar of a ban.
1) I agree with Rhys. These 4 months will affect vape companies long term. The fact that they are financially forced to lay people off is enough to show how much his ban is changing for them. Like the post says, companies are losing around 8 million dollars in sales due to this and I don't think it will be easy for them to gain this money back.
ReplyDelete2) I think the risk of people getting into dangerous situations is not enough to outweigh the 4 month ban. If people are becoming so dependent on these products, and are willing to get themselves into situations that can get put them in danger, handing them back and letting these types of things continue will only make it worse and a eventually a much bigger problem.
3) I think 40 deaths due to vaping is more than enough for this ban. This should have probably been executed a while ago in my opinion. Vapes were getting really easy to get and quickly causing major health problems for the people who used them. They let these things happen for too long.
4) Like Rhys, I would stop producing my product. Not only would I want to avoid bans, but the thought of people dying because of something I made would make me feel like it is my responsibility to stop it.
1. This 4 month ban will inevitably affect vaping and the companies that are selling them. Since vapes contain nicotine, most people who vape will give in to their addiction and most likely find a secondary source for buying vapes. Even though Vape companies are losing money and vapes are harder to find, many people are still going to vape regardless.
ReplyDelete2. I think that Charlie Baker has taken the wrong approach to this. This ban is mostly affecting the companies more so than the vaping population. I agree with Rhys that even though this ban stopped the spread of vaps, there is already a extremely large vaping community. Instead of directly banning vapes, they should increase the price of tax on vapes to indirectly force a lot of people to stop vaping.
3. I agree with Julio that 40 deaths is more than enough for this vape ban. On top these 40 deaths, there is still 20,000 illness nationwide and all of them could be prevented. Even though I don't agree with going straight to a ban, I do think that vaping has a negative impact on society and should eventually be eliminated.
4. If my products were affecting people like vapes, I would immediately stop shipping the product investigate why it is harmful for humans. I know for a fact that many big companies like ones who produce oil won't do the same. Money has become such a necessity in life that people are willing to take advantage of others in order to gain wealth.
1. This four month ban with definitely have a long-term effect in vape companies and vaping in America. Agreeing with Paul, I think that because of the addiction that many people face with vaping, they will evidently use different sources to still get the vape they are eager to keep using. The ban is affecting companies more than vaping and vapers themselves because people who vape still could find a way to get vape, while for companies their sales are lowering, causing their company to do poorly.
ReplyDelete2. The idea that people need these products so badly, so they are going to dangerous lengths isn't enough to stop the 4-month ban. As of now there is no easy source allowing people to vape, so people have to do dangerous things in order to find what they are looking for. Although this could end badly, ending the ban would cause way worse things, and it would give people easy access to the addictive and dangerous product.
3. I think that 40 deaths is easily enough for the vape ban. Vaping is becoming more and more serious. It has caused many deaths, and even more illnesses nationwide. This ban should certainly pf happened earlier, and more things need to occur in order to prevent anything more from happening.
4. If my products were affecting people, and causing illnesses, I would quickly stop selling my product and begin to research why this is happening. The idea that I am the one causing the terrible things that are occuring would make me attempt fixing it so nothing worse occurred in the future.
1. Yes, this 4 month ban will leave a long term effect on vaping companies in America. I agree with Claire and Paul, regarding that fact that ones additiotion will go to any extent in order to receive the vape they crave. Whether that’s through illegal circumstances or not. Overall the companies lose in sales and financial state will be hard to recover from.
ReplyDelete2. The possibility of people going to dangerous lengths in order to receive vape isn't enough to outweigh the purpose of the ban. Although the possibility of illegal behavior is a huge risk, stopping the ban will cause even more deaths in our country. Nicotine is addictive, if you cut off the main source the length in which one is willing to go to become slim. It’s risky but the probability of people vaping would increase if the ban were excused.
3. Yes, the result of 40 deaths due to vaping is a legitimate reason and is significant enough to create the 4 month ban. Throughout the years, vaping has become more and more serious. This ban is a step closer to resolving the vaping issue. I agree with Paul, that vaping has a negative impact on our society and hope that this ban provides us closer to illuminating it.
4. If I found out that my product has caused deaths, I would immediately stop producing it. The constant fear that my product could be a factor in ones death is more than enough to cancel the production of my it and research the effects of vaping. In our current society money has become ones priority, one is willing to risk the death of others in order to increase their economic value.
1. The four month ban will definitely have an impact on vaping companies in America. Obviously, the ban will affect sales of vapes during the time it is in place. However, the main way it will impact vaping companies is through negative media coverage due to the ban. When it is reported that several governors around the country and even the president have decided to take steps towards restricting vape sales, people will begin to think that they should not buy them. Unless vape companies are able to issue newer products which retain the same features without the same risks, the current vaping controversy will have a longterm negative effect on the industry.
ReplyDelete2. I don’t think the risks are enough to outweigh the purpose of the ban, since it is still much more difficult to obtain a vape. I agree with Rhys that less people will be able to buy vapes even with the existence of the black market. Many items that are banned are sold on the black market, but they are not a problem because they are not widely produced or available in stores. This is probably similar to what is happening during the vaping ban because not enough people are dedicated enough to obtain the product off of the black market.
3. Forty deaths is enough to warrant the vaping ban, since it is a relatively significant amount, and the manufacturers of vape should not be allowed to profit off of a dangerous product. Because Governor Baker took action early, the deaths in Massachusetts likely won’t increase for a while. Additionally, by the time the ban is lifted, manufacturers will hopefully be able to produce safer products. Overall, I believe the ban is a good idea because it will reduce the amount of harmful products distributed and encourage vaping companies to produce better products.
4. If I found out something I was producing was causing death, harm, or illness, I would recall all of the products my company was still selling in stores, and issue a statement to consumers to ensure they stop using the product. I would then stop production of the harmful product, and begin to prototype a newer version of the product which does not pose the same threats but retains many of the same elements.
1. This ban will definitely have a long-term affect on the companies selling the vapors. I agree when Julio refers back to the article when it says, "vape businesses in the state could lose $7 million to $8 million in sales." This is a huge loss for the business and country, as they will have a hard time regaining that amount of money. I also think that this will be a long term affect because people with heavy addictions to juuls and other vape products, will still find a way to get their hands on some. Whether it's through another person or going to a different state, it will continue to be spread.
ReplyDelete2. This plan is not significant enough to outweigh the purpose of the ban because the possibility of people of people going to dangerous lengths to get their hands on the products is very unlikely. Stopping the ban will cause many more deaths than now when they are illegal. The ban could cause people to do dangerous acts in order to get their hands on the products, but the consequences of stopping the ban could be way worse.
3. I agree with Claire when she says that 40 deaths easily enough for the vape ban. If this ban did not happen, the deaths could be increasing right at this moment and a lot more people lives would be in danger. Over the years, vaping has gotten a lot more serious and a nationwide problem. Not just in Massachusetts, but all around the country people are being affected by this product and are at risk of death. Even though there is a specific age to buy vaporizers, many young kids think it's cool to do and don't realize the risks they are taking. In a matter of minutes it could change your life forever.
4. I would stop producing this product I had turned into an illness. I would make sure that it is not spreading and being made anywhere else. I would have a constant fear that I could be the reason someone is losing a life and I don't think I would be able to forgive myself for it. This could also ruin mine and the other persons future and it could ruin both of our lives.
1. I agree with Ryhs that the ban will have a pretty big impact on vaping products and companies. As said in the article it vape businesses could lose $7 million to $8 million in sales which is a lot of money. This ban would also impact vaping all together making some people have switched to smoking cigarettes.
ReplyDelete2. I believe that the risk of the ban is significant enough to outweigh the purpose of ban. The ban will cause people to go to other states to buy vapes and even switch to cigarettes which are more dangerous than vapes. Because of this there is really no benefit of banning vapes because it creates people to dangerous lengths to get the product.
3. 40 deaths is a lot, and enough for the ban but it has caused people to switch to cigarettes which could result in more deaths. The ban will prevent more vaping related deaths but can cause more people to get smoking related illnesses.
4. If I found out that something I was producing was causing deaths and illnesses I would probably cut the supply and stop the production of whatever I was producing. I would also be worried that I could get fined a lot of money and fall into debt and legal trouble.
1. I do think that this 4 month ban will have a longterm affect on vape companies. Like Shane said, these companies will obviously lose sales. People will end up finding ways to get vapes wether from friends or like a black market. What I think will happen throughout this 4 month ban is people may feel more negative towards vapes and the companies won't get as many customers, or people will be eager to go to the stores and get vapes. It can go both ways.
ReplyDelete2. I don't think that people going to extreme lengths is going to out weigh the 4 month ban. Getting vapes off the black market is for sure harder than walking into the store and purchasing one without a problem. This ban makes vapes not as accessible. If vapes were still available in stores I think they would be getting more and more popular.
3. I feel like yes it is worth the four month ban but much more people die from cigarettes than vape. If anything cigarettes should be banned, but still I do think vapes are worth a 4 month ban. Any product that is killing people should be banned, and vaping has only gotten worse. I think that it was smart to give it a 4 month ban before it could escalate even more.
4. If I found out I was producing something that was causing illness and death I would probably stop it. I could get sued and I could potentially lose a lot of money. Like Nick said I could also fall into debt and get into legal trouble.
1. I think that the 4 month ban will have a lasting impact on vape companies. They will lose sales and consequently lose money. It may lead to more opportunities for the cons of vaping to be found. However, while it will have a large effect on Massachusetts vape companies, companies outside of Massachusetts will be less affected due to the fact that the ban does not apply to them.
ReplyDelete2. This is not significant enough to outweigh the purpose of the ban. While it does bring new dangers, the main threat is stilled for some time. I'm sure that Baker was thinking of this when he imposed the ban, but decided that the pros outweighed the cons.
3. It is definitely worth the four month ban. I agree with Thomas in that cigarettes kill, but I disagree with him in that vaping is a more imminent danger due to the fact that it kills over a shorter period of time. Cigarette smokers take a while to develop diseases such as lung cancer, but vapes take action far more quickly. Four months, however, while it seems like a long time, is not really that long. 8 months would have made more sense for the ban. 40 deaths doesn't seem like much, but if you take into account that there are about 170 people in the middle school, approximately one fourth of them is forty. That's a lot more than it seems.
4. We humans, being instinctively greedy, continue on doing bad things as long as they turn us a profit. I don't see why it would be any different for something that kills. As long as I know the law won't come after me, I would continue to sell deadly products for as long as I can.
1. I agree with Ali that vape companies will be impacted by this ban but as Ali said as well, I believe that only the companies in Massachusetts will be impacted, not all companies nationwide. Sales will go down drastically which will cause many businesses to lose money but this will only happen in Massachusetts. Nationwide, I believe sales will go up as stated in the article, people from Massachusetts are settling on going to other states to get their vape products which will cause sales to go up.
ReplyDelete2. I agree with Thomas that people going to extreme lengths to get vape products is going to outweigh the ban. As stated in the article, even while the ban wasn’t in place, people were still going on the black market and other extreme lengths to get their vape products. It does not matter whether there is a ban on vape products on not, people are going to go to extreme lengths to get their vape products regardless.
3. 40 deaths is more than enough deaths to put this ban into place because this will allow people to investigate what’s causing all these deaths. If the ban wasn’t put into place, more people would continue getting sick and dying because it is not known what is causing these events to happen. The ban should be lifted when it is discovered what in the vapes is causing death and sickness.
4. I agree with Ali in that humans are instinctively greedy so it wouldn’t really matter if the product I were selling was causing sickness or death, as long as it is bringing in profit and was legal, I would continue selling it. Vape companies know people would get addicted to vapes and they also know it could cause sickness but as long as people are buying, they will keep selling.
1. I agree with Shane that the four month vaping ban will greatly impact vape companies across America. The sales that might have been happening during this ban will be lost, but more significantly, a lot of future sales could be stopped due to the way that this issue is being covered in the media.
ReplyDelete2. While it is true that this may cause some people to seek out vape products illegally, it is more important to ban vapes because of the danger they pose. Whenever a dangerous thing is banned there is a potential risk of people trying to get it in more dangerous ways but the pros outweigh the cons in this case.
3. I definitely think that 40 deaths is worth the four month ban because it is a significant number of deaths, and the product is clearly dangerous. Companies should not be able to profit from a product that is killing and injuring many people. Additionally, the four month ban gives vape companies some time to research and redesign their product to be safer.
4. If I found out that something I created and sold was killing people and causing many more to become very sick I would immediately recall the product, and publicly announce that everyone should stop using the product. I would then try to redesign the product so that it was safe for use, and could be sold again.
I believe that the vaping ban will affect the vape industry in Massachusetts, but will not affect the United States as a whole. Massachusetts is ordering investigations to be held on vapes, and they are likely to find lots of evidence that is against vapes. When this evidence is released to the public, some people who vape may be encouraged not to do so anymore. Also, many sales will be lost, as they won’t be able to sell their products for 4 months.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Rhys that the risk of people taking extreme measures to get their hands on vapes does not outweigh the 4-month ban. The ban will decrease the vaping community as a whole, as people won’t be able to access the vapes as easily. Many of the kids and teenagers who vape are likely to stop, as the vapes are too hard to access. Although there may be some people who take extreme measures to be able to vape, the vaping community as a whole will be repressed.
I strongly agree that 40 deaths are enough to cause a 4-month ban. By banning vapes, the illnesses caused by the product will stop getting worse. Also, while the 4-month ban is going on, Massachusetts will be investigating how vapes affect the human body. When people who vape learn that there have been reoccurring deaths due to vapes, they will hopefully stop.
If I made a product that killed some of the consumers, I would stop selling it immediately. If people are dying due to the product, I could get in a lot of trouble, which would stop people from buying my products. The next thing I would do is figure out why my product is killing people and hopefully fix the issue.
1. Do you think that this 4-month ban is going to have a long term effect on vaping and vape companies in America?
ReplyDeleteI believe that the 4-month ban will affect the companies. Companies are losing around 8 million dollars in sales which will force companies to lay people off. This will mean that even if the ban is lifted the workforce will be weakened and would be forced to stop appealing to kids.
2. The risk of this ban is that people will go to greater, and possible dangerous lengths to get the product, is this significant enough outweigh the purpose of the ban?
I think that the risk of people going to greater lengths is not enough to outweigh the four-month ban. The ban will force people to come to a realization of their addiction at least and will hopefully keep new costumers from forming.
3. Do you think that 40 deaths due to vaping are significant enough to have this 4-month ban?
Yes, I believe that 40 deaths are more than enough for this ban. Vaping is causing major health problems for the people who use them and is actually more dangerous than cigarettes, which is the opposite of how thew was previously advertised.
4. How do you think you would react/what would you do if you found out something you were producing had started causing deaths, and illnesses?
Like Rhys said I would immediately stop production at least to figure out what is causing the deaths. I would feel that it is my responsibility to make it less dangerous and to remove the harmful elements of the device.