

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

General Comment:Dear Mr. Zeller:

As a consumer of advanced personal vaporizers 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.

The Proposed Rule raises a number of significant issues and questions that are important and relevant to me, as a consumer of many products that are proposed for regulation under the Proposed Rule. The Proposed Rule asks dozens of various questions that I would like to respond to. I want to provide my thoughts and comments on many of these issues, however, I lack time to devote to researching and providing insightful comments on these important questions.  I know from experience when I researched electronic cigarettes before using them that in order to get sound facts it takes time.  I understand the FDA spent a number of years to draft the Proposed Rule, therefore, I do not think it unfair to allow consumers of these products and the general public only six months to comment on it. This is our only opportunity, as consumers, to provide our feedback. It is the general public and consumers who will be impacted greatest after all.

I feel very strongly about e-cigarettes as an alternative to combustible cigarettes. When I quit smoking combustible cigarettes, I researched heavily for an alternative.  Quite simply, I firmly believe that they saved my life. I wish to provide you with my personal story, as well as science- and evidence-based responses to your questions so that you can take my comment into account. I realize that the FDA has the authority under 21 CFR 10.40 to extend this time frame and that the FDA has exercised this authority on numerous occasions in the past. I would therefore ask that you do so here, so that all stakeholders have the opportunity to provide their comments on this proposed regulation.  I am a citizen and consumer and my voice should rightfully be heard.

I appreciate your consideration of my request and am happy to discuss this issue with you further.


					Sincerely,



					John D. Bateman

