

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

General Comment:Dear Mr. Zeller:

I am writing as an individual consumer to request an extension of the comment period for the Food and Drug Administration's ("FDA") Proposed Rule Deeming Tobacco Products to be Subject to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as amended by the Family Smoking and Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (the "Proposed Rule") published at 79 Fed. Reg. 23,142 and Federal Register No. 2014-09491. On behalf of myself, I am requesting that the comment period for the Proposed Rule be extended by the FDA for an additional 105 days, from its current 75-day period, to 180 days.

I have quit smoking cigarettes by switching to the "vaporizer" technology, commonly known as the "e-cigarette." My health and well-being have improved dramatically. I believe that, given the hazards of cigarette smoke, this technology may well save my life. I have been a smoker for 40 years, and have never been able to quit before trying this approach. It is very important to me that regulations concerning "e-cigarettes" be approached very carefully and judiciously.

 I am afraid that there is a rush to judgment occurring, driven by powerful entities with billions of dollars at stake. The "e-cigarette" is a disruptive technology which threatens their very existence. Unfortunately, their existence and incredible financial success is based on selling a product that kills Americans like myself. Their wealth and influence, and tax revenues provided by sale of tobacco products, have kept their product on the market, despite the fact that cigarette smoking is one of the most (if not the most) preventable causes of disease and death in our country.

Does the vaping technoloy get people off cigarettes? Yes, it does. But you don't have to take my word for it. Ask the tobacco companies who are buying e-cigarette companies or starting e-cigarette divisions. Smokers are quitting smoking tobacco with this vaping technology, and doing so in rapidly growing numbers. 

I believe the e-cigarette and vapor technology represents an opportunity to alter the face of American public health in an incredibly dramatic fashion. My concerns are much more personal in nature. I have quit smoking cigarettes and it is like a miracle to me. I cannot describe what it is like for a 40 year smoker to be tobacco and smoke free. It is simply mind-blowing. I have already cut down on the nicotine level, as well. I am fearful that this technology will be demonized and/or regulated out of existence. Should studies be done? Sure. Should regulations exist? Sure. Should the cost and difficulty be such that all the innovators and small businesses are unable to participate? No. Why would we want this technology to end up controlled by those deep pocketed entities who have demonstrated for years that they are willing to kill Americans to fill those deep pockets? The same entities that would rather see this technology disappear or struggle, rather than succeed?

Please take the time to study this very carefully. Please use your authority to extend the comment period. Please be willing to hear from others like me who have abandoned tobacco cigarettes through this new technology. Thank you so much for considering my request. I am perfectly happy to share my personal experience with you and answer any questions about my experience with smoking cigarettes and switching to the new vaping technology. 


