On October 10th, 2019, the second e-cigarette conference was held in Frankfurt, Germany. Various doctors, experts on addiction issues, representatives of trade associations and some YouTubers, vape manufacturers and representatives of tobacco companies met for this purpose. The main concern of the conference was to defend the e-cigarette against the criticism that has been increasing in recent times and to differentiate it from the so-called e-joints. You can find out what the experts discussed and what insights they came to in this article, but first, let’s clarify exactly what an e-joint is.
What Are E-Joints, And Why Are They So Dangerous?
E-joints are often confused with e-cigarettes or equated with them, and many supposed reports on e-cigarettes mean the e-joint. Both are devices that work in the same way. The difference that makes an e-cigarette an e-joint is the liquid used.
The Difference Between E-Cigarettes And E-Joints
While conventional liquids are based on the alcohols propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG) combined with flavourings, E-Joints liquids contain THC. THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is the psychoactive compound found in the marijuana plant. For these THC liquids, however, PG and VG are not only used as carriers but so-called tocopheryl acetate or vitamin E acetate (= synthetic vitamin E) is also added. This substance is suspected of being the direct trigger for the mysterious lung disease that has already caused several deaths in the USA.
The biggest problem with this is that these THC liquids are not sold in regular vape stores but by individual dealers or street gangs on the street. And these criminals also mix up the liquids themselves, for example, in garages or warehouses. And the majority of those affected by lung disease have now admitted that they bought THC liquid on the street.
Expert Lectures On E-Cigarettes
The direction in which the conference was developing was already evident with the first speaker, Dr Henkler-Stephani from the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (which had previously made rather negative comments about e-cigarettes). Not only did he directly distinguish the events from the USA with the e-joints from the traditional e-cigarette, but he also pointed out that no so-called gateway effect could be detected to date (more on this in a moment). Instead, in his lecture, Henkler-Stephani pointed out the dangers of harmful substances in liquids and incorrect operation of the devices.
Experts See No Gateway Effect
In addition to the relationship between harm and benefit, the conference in Frankfurt also dealt with whether e-cigarettes pose a risk for young people and children as a gateway drug to cigarettes or worse (the so-called gateway effect).
Dr Ute Mons, who works for the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg as Head of the Cancer Prevention Unit, gave an exciting lecture on this. Her article was mainly about the use of e-cigarettes among young people. According to her, there is a lot of experimental consumption, but only very few young people would start vaping permanently. According to their research, most young people who try e-cigarettes have smoked before or are active smokers. She also pointed out that total nicotine consumption is declining.
The E-Cigarette Conference In Frankfurt – Gladly Again!
Our conclusion on the second e-cigarette conference in Frankfurt is very positive. Not only was unjustified criticism of e-cigarettes thrown off in an eloquent and scientifically verifiable manner, but the contributions on the subject were also very well-founded and well-prepared. Such factual and neutral reporting on e-cigarettes cannot be found on major news portals. If you are interested in this, keep your eyes open on the next conference, because it’s open to all visitors.
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