Vaping market regulations ready to be implemented

By Maurice Garvey

NEW legislation is scheduled to regulate the vaping market in December, and it can’t come soon enough, both for reputable stores offering certified products, and for customers.

The government have been slow to react to vaping, an area that has grown massively over the last number of years.

As with other forms of popular brands, the market has seen cheap knock-offs, and products which are not only poor in quality, but questionable in terms of health and safety.

“The new regulations will mean all products have to be certified and clear about 70 per cent of crap off the market,” predicts Bill Murphy, a Project Manager with Madvapes, who welcomes the move.

“Some products from China have been found to have dangerous chemicals in them. The government are treating vaping the same as cigarettes, but they have nothing to do with smoking.”

Madvapes are an American franchise with some 60 stores in the States.

Murphy oversaw the opening of the first Madvapes store in Ireland six weeks ago, at Bunting Road in Walkinstown.

Located near the roundabout, the colourful store is pitched as a “next generation” outlet, and has a welcoming vibe with customers invited to try out different flavours at their leisure.

Mr Murphy continued: “If you buy cheap, you get cheap. That’s why weare a bit dearer, but not excessively dear, we have an economy brand. All our products are FDA approved and certified.

“This is a place for the next generation, we have a full range of hardware. There is a tasting station, you can try out all the different flavours, and a juice bar. We explain the concept, and how to approach it.”

Another unique aspect at Madvapes is that people can customise their own liquid, choosing from 150 flavours, including lemon cheesecake and strawberry bubblegum.

Mr Murphy continued: “Customers can make a recipe mixing tobacco and fruit, and it can be adjusted to add more of one of the other. It’s all about satisfying requirements, that’s what we build the business on.

“Vaping is not just for ex-smokers. If someone is carrying too much weight, we can set up a zero concentrated chocolate flavor, that will satisfy their craving.”

Madvapes Manager Dion Cunningham welcomes people to drop by and try a selection of their many flavours.

The store is open Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm and Saturday 10am to 6pm. Visit https://madvapes.ie/en for further information.

Loyalty cards and Christmas vouchers are available at the store.