Thread by @BriannaWu

Statement from Brianna Wu 2020 on the MA vaping ban:

As you may have heard, Republican Governor Baker has banned all sales of vaping product in our state, potentially bankrupting small businesses.

This is in response to the 10 serious incidents of vape-related illness.

2/ Many believe these incidents were caused by bootleg vaping products - a claim that has not been substantiated by reporting. But like others, I find it credible.

It’s reasonable to conclude that in banning legal products, more people will bootleg, leading to more deaths.

3/ If you want to know who is truly responsible for vaping deaths - the answer is not Governor Baker. It’s not marijuana dispensaries.

It’s the United States Congress and racist drug policy.

Cannabis is STILL classified as a Schedule 1 drug, and researchers cannot study it.

4/ We should have been studying this back in the 60s, and we’re only starting to do it today. That leaves the public in danger because of the cowardice of our Congress.

We need to repeal this policy today, and aggressively fund research into vaping, CBD and THC use.

5/ Real talk: Vaping is inherently dangerous. There’s a reason we don’t deliver drugs in this manner. Yes, it’s fast acting. But any contamination goes straight into your lungs.

It’s imperative that products sold are held the the highest standards of laboratory quality.

6/ Until we sort it out, I would encourage the public to use alternative delivery systems to CBD/THC vaping, such as tinctures. The stomach is much better at neutralizing contaminants.

But the long term answer isn’t a ban. It’s research, open availability and federal standards.