If you are reading this there is a good chance that you are new to the world of vaping, so firstly WELCOME to the community
Vaping has been around since 2006, and has increased greatly in popularity. Vaping is what is known as a 'disruptive technology' - it developed outside the normal channels by which consumer products are brought to the market. As a result of that it has been largely unregulated, but this is about to change.
In every country across the world governments are introducing regulations. In some countries these are extremely restrictive, to the point where the purchase of vaping products is banned. In others there has so far been a somewhat more enlightened approach.
Now don't get me wrong, regulations with regards to vaping are not all bad - in fact I would go as far as to say that some regulation is essential. The key is that the regulation needs to be proportionate, and a ban on vaping or purchasing vaping products most definitely is not that.
Now before you all run around screaming like chickens with their heads cut off, all is not lost. There are a large and varied range of campaigns, lobbying and legal actions taking place. These aim to shape regulation in a way that protects people from shoddy products and prevents the purchase of products by children, but still allows vaping to exist and grow and fulfil its potential
AND YOU CAN HELP.
I have listed some of the most important actions and organisations (imo) that are fighting on behalf of vaping, along with links that allow you to sign up and show your support, add your name to a petition, or otherwise get involved. If you want to take it further and become an active vaping advocate there are lots of opportunities within the organisations listed.
The New Nicotine Alliance (NNA) is a registered charity whose board is made up of vapers, public health analysts and scientists. They are involved in lobbying the British government, advising professional bodies and briefing the media with regards to reduced risk nicotine delivery devices. You can sign up to be a supporter here
Supporter sign-up form - New Nicotine Alliance UK
M.O.V.E is a body of scientists and medical professionals that are in support of vaping and electronic cigarettes. If your doctor or other health professional is in support of vaping please pass them the details of the organisation and ask them to sign up
https://sciencecig.wordpress.com/move/
AIDUCE is the French Independent Association of Electronic Cigarette Users, their petition against the implementation of the Tobacco Products Directive has been gathering strength. Anyone can sign it, the rules which affect all of us could be defeated in any country, and all of us would reap the benefit. This page provides an English translation of the petition - clicking on the picture at the top takes you to the online form.
Aiduce Anti TPD Petition | vapers.org.uk
CASAA is the Consumer Advocates for Smokefree Alternatives Association in America. It started out on a vaping forum in 2009 and now has over 40,000 members. You can sign up to be notified of any Calls to Action for the area in which you live, and you can also add your testimonial to their collection of success stories about vaping and smoke-free alternatives.
http://casaa.org/E-cig_User_Testimonials.html
Vapers in Power is a political party, registered in the UK with the Electoral Commission. The party was set up by a group of ordinary vapers in response to a clause in the Tobacco Products Directive that could have a direct effect on the free speech of vapers. Each week they publish a Call to Action on the forums, Facebook and Twitter which has things you can do to help vaping. These include petitions, protests, letters and government consultations.
http://vapersinpower.co.uk/call-to-action