E-Cigarette and Vaping News

Vape Shops Open in Hospitals

August 14, 2019

With many hospitals now becoming smoke-free zones, it’s rare to see anyone – patients, visitors, or staff – hanging around outside hospital entrances smoking cigarettes. You might just see people vaping there more often though, especially if the steps taken by two West Midlands hospitals are repeated elsewhere.

Birmingham City Hospital and Sandwell General Hospital, both operated by the Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, now sell a range of vaping products. A vape shop has been opened on each site, encouraging patients and visitors to consider switching to the safer option instead of continuing to smoke.

25% of patients thought to be smokers

The NHS sees the consequences of smoking every day. Research suggests around 25% of hospital beds are occupied by smokers. The current percentage of people in the UK who smoke is around 14.7%. That suggests there is a higher chance of smokers landing in hospital when compared to the population in general.

While smoking rates are dropping fast, the NHS is keen to encourage more people to quit smoking and try vaping instead. An independent review has suggested e-cigs are 95% less harmful than smoking tobacco. It seems a common-sense move, therefore, to open vape shops in hospitals, where patients and staff may be encouraged to make the change.

An impulse buy

We’re all familiar with impulse buys – products we want to buy the moment we see them, and therefore we do just that. By introducing a range of vaping products in hospitals, it’s thought that more smokers might make the snap decision to try and quit.

The idea of offering advice on how to quit while smokers are in hospital is a good one. Until now, however, the supplies have not been on hand to encourage the change to take place. It’s one thing to give someone information on vaping and how to swap from smoking to e-cigs, but quite another to offer the products right there in the hospital.

No doubt many NHS trusts are looking at the progress made in these two West Midlands hospitals to see what happens. If the scheme is a success, we can expect it to be introduced in other hospitals across the country very soon. It could end up leading to another significant drop in smoking rates in the next few years.

Do you think this is a good idea? Would you like to see vaping shops open in other hospitals across the UK? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

Discover Our New Range of CBD Products from Medterra

August 1, 2019

Not long ago, CBD products were almost unheard of.

So, why are CBD products becoming better known? Why are more and more people becoming interested in them? We are about to find out.

What does CBD stand for?

It is a shortened term for the word cannabidiol. This is a legal component of the cannabis plant. The plant is comprised of several compounds, and while some give the user a high people associate with weed (compound THC) , others do not (compound CCBD). Cannabidiol doesn’t produce this high, but some people have found it helps them with various medical conditions. Hence why people are searching for products containing cannabidiol or CBD oil.

Why are people interested in using CBD products?

Thousands of people have already ordered Medterra’s products. Many have left positive reviews sharing their experiences of taking the capsules or tincture.

For example, several people said they found it helped them sleep better. Another individual suffering from arthritis and fibromyalgia stated the product reduced the pain levels they experienced from these conditions. Someone else said they had used the tincture to help ease their dog’s anxiety and had seen positive results.

As you read through reviews for Medterra’s CBD products, it becomes clear people have seen improvements in various conditions pertaining to both mental and physical health.

Purchasing quality CBD products at Matchless

Here at Matchless, we are always looking to introduce new products to our range. We always demand the best quality too, as we want to make sure all our customers are satisfied with their purchases.

We’ve sourced two products from a company called Medterra, both of which can now be found on our website, ready for you to order. These products are available for use by those over the age of 18.

We’ve introduced two of the best products from their collection – MedOil CBD Tincture and CBD Gel Capsules. Both are comprised of at least 99% cannabidiol isolate, ensuring you receive only the best product each time. Some CBD products have lower concentrates, so if you purchase these you know exactly how much CBD you are assured of in each dose.

Choosing the most appropriate Medterra CBD product for your needs

The decision on which product to buy depends on how you intend to use it. Some people prefer the convenience of taking a capsule each day. Others want more control over the amount they take. For these individuals, the tincture is the best option.

Medterra CBD Gel Capsules

Do you like the convenience of being able to pop a vitamin pill into your mouth first thing each day? Just one capsule, packed with the exact measure of the vitamins or minerals you need.

If that sounds ideal and you are looking for the same idea in your chosen CBD product, the Medterra CBD Gel Capsules are for you. The MCT oil carries the CBD isolate in a concentrate of at least 99%. These are encased within a gelatin capsule for easy digestion and dispersion. The gelatin means the capsules aren’t suitable for vegans or vegetarians, who may wish to consider using the tincture below instead.

If that’s not a concern, you can take one 25mg capsule as part of your daily routine. You choose whether to take it in the morning or evening, depending on your own requirements. The container includes 30 capsules, enough for a month’s supply. It’s also child-proof, although it should still be kept well away from children and pets for safety.

MedOil CBD Tincture

Available in a convenient 500mg strength, the bottle uses MCT oil as a carrier and includes CBD isolate of the highest quality. The MedOil CBD Tincture screw-top bottle includes an easy to use dropper hidden inside the cap. The dropper is marked to allow for 0.25ml, 0.5ml, 0.75ml, and 1ml servings. Simply squeeze the dropper to take in the liquid, squeeze out as necessary to reach the desired serving size, and squeeze again to place the drops under your tongue. The whole process takes mere seconds, especially once you are used to it.

The simple nature of the ingredients – just two of them, including the non-psychoactive cannabidiol component – means the product can safely be used by vegans and vegetarians.

Quality is the watchword for Medterra

You can see that these products are of equally high quality. You merely need to select the most appropriate method of delivery. This could depend on how much you wish to use each day.

Medterra guarantees its CBD is made in America, sourced from non-GMO hemp. Tested and confirmed free of contaminants prior to use, you can rely on the quality of these products. Let us know if you have any questions or share your experiences of using CBD oil here.

Could Hong Kong Lose British Tourists Due to Vaping Ban?

June 8, 2019

It’s easy to assume another country’s stance on vaping doesn’t have any effect on people in other countries. Yet this is far from true when you consider the tourism industry. Every year, millions of people travel abroad on holiday. With vaping becoming the most popular nicotine replacement therapy to help people quit smoking, it seems likely some will run into issues when travelling abroad. If they visit countries that have banned electronic cigarettes, it could mean some are at risk of falling foul of the law.

Are you travelling to Hong Kong soon?

If so, you might want to be careful about vaping. The Hong Kong Legislative Council is thinking about passing a new law that would prohibit people from manufacturing, selling, and using all kinds of electronic cigarettes and vaping supplies. The proposed punishment for being caught doing any of those things would likely be 50,000 Hong Kong dollars and a prison sentence of up to six months.

Many have spoken out against the proposed measures, pointing out that vaping products have been proven to help people quit smoking. Sarah Jakes, a trustee of the New Nicotine Alliance, said such a move would be ‘crazy’.

Thousands of UK travellers could potentially be affected

Over half a million people travelled to Hong Kong from the UK last year alone, making it a popular holiday destination for Brits. The NNA said that with 6% of Britons using vaping products on a regular basis, that could mean around 34,000 people could fall foul of the new laws if they come into force.

Smoking is not banned in Hong Kong, which is ironically where many vaping products are created. The jury is out on whether vaping is 100% safe, but it has been proven time and again to be far safer than smoking. The nicotine is still there, but many other toxic and harmful substances included in cigarettes are not.

What should you be aware of when travelling abroad?

If you vape and you plan to go on holiday to another country, check in advance to see what the legal status is on vaping. Are there restrictions? Is it banned? Are there potential punishments if you were caught vaping? This could soon be the scenario UK vapers are faced with in Hong Kong.

What are your thoughts on this potential change to the laws in Hong Kong? Let us know below.

Free E-Cigarettes for Manchester Smokers

May 31, 2019

It is not unusual to hear of people finally quitting smoking by switching to vaping products instead. However, while England is leading the way in providing support to those who wish to quit smoking, a new trial in Manchester looks set to garner big headlines.

Trafford Council is supporting a scheme whereby smokers in the Trafford region of Manchester can get their hands on a free vaping starter kit. Six local chemists are involved in the scheme, and those who are interested can visit one of the chemists to sign up for their free kit.

Public Health England already supports the use of electronic cigarettes to help people stop smoking. The scheme will see the kits given out along with advice from an advisor on how to stop smoking. E-cigs have already been confirmed as the most popular product chosen by smokers to help them quit. We suspect many other councils up and down the country will be watching the results of this trial very closely. Should it meet with success, we have every confidence we will start seeing similar trials popping up in other parts of the country.

The scheme clearly aims to make vaping more visible. Electronic cigarettes are already the most popular aid chosen by those who want to give up smoking. However, rates are still low, with PHE figures stating that just 4.1% of people trying to stop smoking using vaping tools to assist in their efforts.

By giving away free advice along with the free vaping kit, it is easy to see how that percentage could soon begin to rise. Could this be the first step towards seeing further drops in the percentage of smokers in England? Let us know what you think about this scheme in the comments below.

Study Shows Vaping Parents are Quitting Smoking

May 22, 2019

Most people are aware of the dangers of smoking. Equally, it would be hard to miss the news reports, research, and other studies performed into the relative benefits of switching to vaping. Plenty of ex-smokers have confirmed that vaping was the key to successfully quitting – something a new study has once again highlighted.

The lead author of a study conducted in the US, Emara Nabi-Burza, MS, has confirmed that parents who take up vaping may be doing so because they wish to give up cigarette smoking. This would follow the pattern seen in many other vapers. Vaping has long been a good nicotine replacement therapy solution for those who wish to quit. Many parents are using this method to stop smoking, although the study’s author pointed out that some parents are using electronic cigarettes and still using tobacco cigarettes at the same time.

Are parents restricting their use of e-cigs and cigarettes indoors?

Furthermore, the study highlighted the fact that users of both e-cigs and real cigarettes were just as likely to smoke in their homes as those who only smoked cigarettes. This would expose children to second-hand smoke, thereby causing potential health issues to arise.

Studies have already indicated that vapours emitted from e-cigs have little to no impact on air quality inside the home and in other locations. Of course, the same does not apply to real cigarettes. There is uncertainty over whether vaping parents are exposing their children to the potential attractions of vaping. That said, there seems little evidence to support the theory that kids are attracted to vaping without having smoked first.

What are your thoughts on parents switching from smoking to vaping? Have you done it or have you continued to vape and smoke? Let us know your thoughts below.

Seychelles Vape Ban to Come to an End

May 3, 2019

There is good news for anyone intending to head to the Seychelles in the future. While vaping is currently illegal in the African island archipelago, this is set to change. Legislation is shortly to be approved that will confirm vaping products can be legally purchased in the Seychelles. While e-cigs will be regulated at every stage from creation to sale, this about turn will come as great news for those wanting to vape on the islands.

“A good way to help smokers quit the habit”

That was the opinion of Bharathi Viswanathan, who works in the department for the Prevention and Control of Cardiovascular Diseases at Seychelles Hospital. Statistics confirm that around a third of adult males and boys smoked on the islands in 2015. This is far higher than the 6% figure given for the same age group in the female population. Clearly, the country is determined to bring down that figure, and it sees vaping as one way to do this.

Providing a legal alternative to smoking

Every former smoker knows how difficult it is to quit the habit. Many in other countries have successfully quit by switching to vaping. Smoking rates have gone down as a result. By making vaping legal in the Seychelles, it is hoped the high smoking rate among males will begin to drop. With a practical and much safer method available for quitting smoking, sales of vaping products via licensed traders could soon become a flourishing industry on the islands.

What are your thoughts on this change in policy in the Seychelles? Do you expect to see a huge drop in smoking rates on the islands in future years? Let us know what you think by leaving your comments below and taking part in our discussion.

E-Cigarette Training for Health Practitioners?

April 30, 2019

Could health practitioners soon be given training on the use and advantages of electronic cigarettes? That’s the idea that stems from a recent report from Cancer Research UK.

One recent study found that vaping is the most likely support method chosen by those who are trying to give up smoking. However, despite its visibility and potential as a source of support for those wishing to quit smoking, it seems we are barely scratching the surface. The Cancer Research UK report pointed out that a survey revealed just 27% of health practitioners are advising patients about vaping as a potential quitting tool. This is despite many people asking their GPs and other healthcare professionals for advice on how to stop smoking.

Are electronic cigarettes only half the equation?

Various studies have highlighted the best and most successful method for quitting smoking is to use electronic cigarettes in conjunction with professional support. As such, it seems strange that just a little over a quarter of healthcare professionals are providing information about vaping as part of that support.

What benefits could be gleaned from proper training?

Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) found that around 3.2 million adults used e-cigarettes in Great Britain in 2018. This is a huge rise from just 700,000 people six years previously. Over half of those who vape count themselves as former smokers. Most other vapers are using the devices to help them quit.

However, stories keep arising that claim vaping is just as harmful as smoking – stories that have been proven false. While e-cigs contain nicotine – the addictive substance that makes it so hard to quit smoking – they do not contain any of the other harmful substances found in the average cigarette. Switching to vaping means many more people could avoid potentially fatal illnesses and conditions that can arise from smoking.

Should smokers be able to get advice on vaping from healthcare professionals?

We think so, and we think this suggestion from Cancer Research UK could help push things in that direction. Thousands of vapers are now former smokers, having quit with the help of e-cigarettes. Thousands more could join them if they received ample advice and information concerning vaping from their healthcare team.

What are your thoughts on the report from Cancer Research UK? Do you think vaping should be further highlighted and supported within the NHS? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Free E-Cigarettes for Manchester Smokers

April 12, 2019

Supermarket Criticised for Displaying Vaping Products

March 1, 2019

In recent years, vape shops have popped up on many high streets around the UK. As more people switch from smoking to vaping with the aim of improving their health, it’s no great surprise to discover other shops getting in on the action too. No doubt you have spotted vaping supplies appearing in your local supermarket, for example.

However, while easier access to these vaping kits and electronic cigarettes is to be commended, there are no clear guidelines on how such items should be displayed. Some stores have chosen to display their vaping products next to the cigarettes. This makes sense as someone going to buy a tobacco product might consider switching if they see e-cigs on offer as well. Other stores have chosen to display vaping supplies next to the nicotine gum and patches that are commonly on offer.

One MP disagrees with the latter option

If you are thinking of quitting smoking and you’re looking for some support, you might well consider nicotine replacement therapy. So, imagine you wander into your local supermarket (possibly Sainsburys, as that is the store that displayed the vaping items with the patches and gum), and you look at that display. Do you think it would be a huge issue if you spotted the vaping display?

We don’t think it would be an issue, but MP Bob Blackman, who chairs the Parliamentary Group on Smoking and Health, does. He doesn’t believe vaping supplies should ever be on “open shelves” (his words). He also said, “There may well be dangerous chemicals in the e-liquid.”

A danger to youngsters?

Another reason for Mr Blackman’s reaction seems to be that young kids and teenagers will easily be able to see the vaping supplies when displayed on shelves as Sainsbury’s decided to do. However, we know there is very little evidence that any young people are encouraged to start vaping unless they’re switching from smoking to start with.

Furthermore, research has indicated more than once that vaping is far safer than smoking. If we lock the vaping supplies away, we are merely making it easier for smokers to continue with this dangerous habit. We know smoking is harmful to health. One in four people who find themselves in hospital are smokers. Surely Sainsbury’s should be congratulated rather than vilified?

Do you agree with Mr Blackman or do you believe supermarkets are right to make it easy for people to view vaping supplies? Let us know your thoughts below.

Ireland to Follow in the UK’s Footsteps

February 22, 2019

Ireland has set a target of reducing the rate of smoking in the country to under 5%. An admirable target, to be sure, but one that could be a challenge to meet by 2025, thanks to the current rate sitting at 17% of the population.

Meanwhile, the UK has enjoyed a huge reduction in smoking in the last few years. Dropping from 19% in 2012 to less than 15% today, Ireland is now considering following in the UK’s footsteps and endorsing the use of electronic cigarettes as a potential smoking cessation tool.

There is far greater positivity surrounding e-cigarettes in the UK than in Ireland. Public Health England has come out in support of vaping to help people quit. It has been shown as one of the best methods for quitting smoking. The Health Service Executive in Ireland is yet to stand up and publicly endorse vaping as PHE has done. Yet it could make a profound difference if more support is provided.

Both the UK and Ireland are working towards becoming smoke free. However, while this is hoped to be achieved by 2030 in the UK, Ireland won’t be able to achieve it for another 22 years after that date.

While it is early days, there are signs that Ireland may be starting to consider the potential benefits of vaping to support those who want to give up smoking. If Ireland does follow the UK in becoming more vocal about vaping benefits, we could yet see a stark drop in the number of Irish smokers who have yet to quit.

What do you think about the potential for a sea change in Ireland? Could vaping see the number of smokers in the country finally begin to drop by a larger amount? Let us know your thoughts below.

Public Health England Release New Pro-Vaping Film

February 8, 2019

Vaping has already been proven to be far safer to health than smoking. However, many people are still unsure about how safe electronic cigarettes are, and whether they represent a better option. Fortunately, Public Health England (PHE) are taking a positive attitude to getting the message out about the dangers of smoking, and why it is better to switch to vaping to help quit the habit.

This approach has been seen again this month as PHE has released a film that reveals how harmful smoking is. It conducted an experiment using three jars, each filled with cotton wool balls to represent the lungs. A pump was connected to each jar. The first one drew in normal air, the second drew in air associated with e-cigarette vapour, and the third jar drew in air filled with cigarette smoke.

What were the results?

Predictably, and somewhat alarmingly, the cotton wool balls subjected to cigarette smoke had turned brown, with tar clogging up the tube connecting the jar to the pump. The experiment lasted for one month. Obviously, the one exposed to regular air was unchanged. But most notably, the jar that received vapour from electronic cigarettes was almost no different from when the experiment had begun.

PHE is using this experiment to encourage more smokers to quit for the New Year by switching to vaping. It is already known that many smokers find vaping the easiest and most supportive method for quitting. However, some think vaping is just as harmful as smoking and either do not quit or find some other way to help stop smoking.

The idea behind the campaign and the film was to highlight how much safer vaping is when compared to the carcinogens, tar, and other nasties in cigarettes. By seeing the difference between the two, as is now possible thanks to this campaign, it is hoped many more smokers will quit in 2019.

2018 saw a drop of one million in official figures of smokers in England. The fall in smokers has led the percentage to fall below 15% – the first time this has happened. Will this new film encourage yet more smokers to switch to vaping to improve their health? Let’s hope so.

Were you aware vaping is safer than smoking? Has the film helped you make the switch? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below.