Government Regulators begin systematic elimination of E-Cigarettes using FDA as Strong-Arm

Janet Woodcock of the FDA

In addition to marketing electronic cigarettes, Electronic Cigarettes Central is an outspoken advocate for the use of ecigarettes as an alternative to smoking tobacco. This advocacy is founded in the personal experience of the owner and creator of Electronic Cigarettes Central who stopped a 37 year tobacco smoking habit by switching entirely to ecigarettes.It was with total dismay that the ECC founder read the unfolding news of FDA actions against 5 domestic ecigarette companies. In a move strikingly similar to the beginning of the attempted prohibition against alcohol, the FDA has asserted it's presumed regulatory authority over electronic cigarettes by sending warning letters to the 5 different companies demanding that they correct all product 'violations' cited by the FDA and submit to regulation of their products. The FDA has given the companies 15 days in which to comply. Failure to comply will subject them to seizure and shutdown at any time without any prior notice. In addition, the FDA has sent a letter to the Electronic Cigarette Association wherein it is stated that the FDA will commence regulation of Electronic Cigarettes as drug delivery devices and as such, the products will have to undergo years of trials and testing, costing many tens or hundreds of millions of dollars, to be considered to be approved as a regulated drug product.This is certainly the death-knell for these companies in particular and for the ecigarette in the US in general. The ECA is a small consortium of ecigarette companies with no significant funding. The ecigarette companies themselves are nowhere near the size, nor do they have the resources to have any possible chance of being able to comply with the FDA demands. Were this the end of the story it would be bad enough. But what is worse is that the FDA is systematically and strategically removing any possible competition for the tobacco companies. In effect, the FDA and the government itself is ensuring that...1) Tobacco will continue to be sold. People will continue to die from the product and the tobacco company profits will be uninterrupted by competition from any other products.2) The government revenue stream from the taxes on tobacco products will be ensured to continue uninterrupted.3) The pharmaceutical industries profits from ineffective nicotine replacement products will continue unabated with no competition from a product like ecigarettes that actually have a significant success rate in helping smokers to quit or reduce tobaccoconsumptionECC had written the White House about this issue prior to this news and had received a generic email replay about the Obama administrations concern for puplic health. ECC has now written the White House again and reprints that letter hereFDA actions are available at the FDA url: http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm225224.htmHi, I have written to you before regarding the FDA policy against the life saving devices - Electronic Cigarettes. The FDA is now implementing the wholesale abolishment of electronic cigarettes while at the very same time protecting and promoting the sale and use of current tobacco products (like cigarettes) that kill many thousands of people a year. I gave up a 37 year tobacco habit by switching to electronic cigarettes almost a year ago. Nothing else ever worked to help me quit because the gums, patches and medications do not provide the same 'smoking sensations' that ecigarettes do. After using ecigarettes for 1 year I now am absolutely convinced that they are no where near as harmful as tobacco cigarettes. It is also obvious to me that the current Obama administration is complicit with and supportive of the FDA's illegal actions to outlaw, seize and destroy these life saving products.Please be informed that you have lost my vote. I will network and campaign tirelessly against the FDA's illegal actions against ecigarettes and against your administrations complete lack of action to keep these life saving products available to long term smokers such as myself. What you and the FDA are doing is just plain wrong. By forcing ecigarettes off the market through regulation, you are locking in the tobacco companies profits, ensuring the government tax revenues from deadly tobacco and locking in the pharmaceutical industries profits for producing smoking alternatives that do not work. I am very unhappy with your administrations response to this issue and I had mistakenly expected more of a response from what you claim is an 'open' administration. Please do not send me any generic 'we are concerned for the public's health' email response and please do not send me any more emails requesting any type of support as you no longer have my support.Sincerely,Ralph Woodindisclaimer: the above PR expresses the opinions of ECC founder.Electronic Cigarettes Central is a recognized name in the rapidly growing alternative to tobacco - Electronic Cigarettes. Electronic Cigarettes Central carries an assortment of over 20 E-cigarette companies to suit every e-smoker. Whether trying ecigs for the first time or for experienced vaper's that know what they are looking for, Electronic Cigarettes Central has it all covered on one website. Electronic Cigarettes Central's range includes industry renowned Electronic Cigarettes from leading manufacturers. Electronic Cigarettes Central has discounts to the Electric Cigarette companies that supply a range of ecigs, eliquid, cartridges, starter kits, chargers and accessories to suit every budget.Ralph Woodin7702 Perthshire Dr.Oak Ridge, NC 27310USA