In our latest “THR Superstar” interview I got to chat with the lovely Allison Boughner to find out more about her and her views on THR (Tobacco Harm Reduction).
Allison is the Vice President of the AVM (American Vapor Manufacturers Association), the President of the SCVA (South Carolina Vapor Association) and also a Fellow of the WVA (World Vapers’ Alliance).
You can also catch her on the Wednesday Night Live podcast and often she will write guest articles or make appearances as a speaker to discuss THR.
I first became aware of Allison when I was part of the WVA Academy programme. She was a guest speaker and I was impressed by her passion to get the Harm Reduction message across.
Tell me a little about your life and career so far…
I started smoking at 15, and started trying to quit in my early 20’s. With my constant stress, and back and forth with why I “didn’t need to quit” at 30 I was diagnosed with a blood clot in my right leg. My son at the time was 4, it was a big reality check for me.
Most 30 year olds do not suffer from DVT (deep Vein Thrombosis). Knowing my life choice of continuing to smoke – even after I quit through my whole pregnancy – was something I could no longer ignore. I took my Haematologists advice, tried nicotine patches, gum and even prescription drugs to help me quit for good. Nothing worked for me.
After I went through some pretty hard life changes and a move from NY to SC I gave up trying to quit. Somehow the stress of life made me forget that lesson I learned a year prior lying in a hospital bed.
I smoked because I enjoyed it.
It almost killed me.
I vape because I enjoy it.
I am healthier for that choice.
I enjoy nicotine.
I do not plan on quitting nicotine.#ThursdayMood pic.twitter.com/RTxwVSbZjJ
— Allison (@alli_vapes) August 24, 2023
Have you been a smoker? If so how long did you smoke for?
I started smoking at 15, I started vaping at 32.
In South Carolina cigarettes were cheaper, a lot cheaper. So I smoked more. As I searched for a job in SC I found one at a tanning salon, running the front desk. In my mind it was just something to get me to the next job.
My bosses were also selling e-cigarettes to their customers. It had helped them both kick their smoking habits and they wanted to share it with anyone and everyone they could. I was intrigued. I had tried disposable versions in the past, but really only used them when it was too cold outside to smoke. They were expensive, and never really truly fulfilled my cravings.
My boss handed me a disposable tank, a 650 battery and a Pina Colada flavour in an 18mg strength since I was a pack a day smoker. I was blown away right then without even realising it I was done with cigarettes.
Do you vape? If so when did you start? What was your first kit?
I do! I started vaping at 32, 11 years ago with a 650 battery and a disposable BDC (Bottom Dual Coil) tank.
How did vaping change your life?
Vaping changed my life since I was FINALLY able to quit smoking. After so many tries I could not believe how easy it was for me to basically quit by accident.
What kits stand out for you in your vaping journey and what is your current set up? What kind of device do you prefer?
Working in this industry I had the opportunity to try many different types of kits. For many years I used the Falcon Tank with any 2 bay box mod I could get my hands on! But the one that sticks out to me is the Smoant Naboo since I was able to customise the screen with personal photos. Currently I am using the Voopoo E60 device, which I love.
What flavour is your preference?
I love fruit flavours! My favourite fruits to use are Apple, Strawberry and Peach.
When did you first become involved in vaping advocacy / tobacco harm reduction and why?
My passion for advocacy stemmed from the misinformation coming from Public Health here in the US. I couldn’t believe this powerful technology that finally got me off cigarettes when all other options failed was being portrayed in such a negative way.
We owe it to every single smoker to speak out against misinformation. They deserve accurate and positive information on the health benefits of e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool.
#FridayFacts pic.twitter.com/p7mUolLhlR
— Allison (@alli_vapes) August 25, 2023
What current roles do you hold within THR?
I am currently the VP of AVM (American Vapor Manufacturers Association), the President of the SCVA (South Carolina Vapor Association) and a fellow with the WVA.
I also do a podcast every Wednesday evening called the “Wednesday Night live show” where we talk about advocacy and current issues. We do a lot of work on local bills with the SCVA or AVM. I do as much as I can, where it is needed.
Whether it be working with other companies fighting bans in their own states, accepting any speaking opportunities that I can so I can get the message out to the public, or speaking with State representatives to make sure they have accurate information about vaping.
What do you feel needs to change regarding tobacco harm reduction Worldwide?
The world needs to stop lying to the public about tobacco harm reduction. In a perfect world, in my opinion, everyone would be more like Sweden.
Any countries you feel are succeeding in THR?
I think countries getting it right are Sweden, New Zealand and the UK.
How would you advise vapers to get involved and stand up for their rights?
If you vape, advocate! Look into your local organisations and see what you can do to get involved.
Have you ever been “star struck” meeting people who you admire – so who?
I definitely was “star-struck” when I met Clive Bates at the ECIG Summit this past year in Washington DC. I just think Clive is the best.
What is your proudest moment in your advocacy career?
AVM was also able to secure a webinar with Dr. Brian King this past February which was a great opportunity to get him to admit there is no “youth vaping epidemic.” For me that was a huge win.
What would be a campaign you would love to start if there were no obstacles?
I think disposable vapes get a bad rep and I think if everyone here in the US was not so focused on being compliant or getting a PMTA approval we could really use a great recycling program for these devices. We could focus on a way to make sure they aren’t having this significant environmental impact and ensure they stay on the market for those that depend on them to stay off of combustible cigarettes.
Who (or W.H.O. 😉 ) is the biggest enemy when it comes to tobacco harm reduction?
I believe that any public health organisation denying the potential of THR is an enemy. They all do their part in scaring people who smoke away from even attempting to try a safer alternative.
Is there a message you would like to give our readers?
Don’t give up, the road is long and this is not easy at times to hold on to hope but every single voice matters. Your voice could be the reason someone finally quits smoking combustible cigarettes!
#WednesdayMotivation pic.twitter.com/Uh0XLMY4Xm
— Allison (@alli_vapes) September 13, 2023
Finally if you could give an “Ecigclick Award” to any person, product or company in the vaping industry / advocacy circle – who / what would it be?
I would have to say Grimm Green. I have been watching him since I started working in this industry and he has never wavered in his commitment to educating people on THR.
Thank You
I would like to thank Allison so much for taking the time to answer our questions and for all of the hard work she puts in to stand up for vapers and harm reduction!
She is a really lovely lady who is passionate about harm reduction.
You can find Allison on Twitter / X – alli_vapes
Also you can contact the American Vapor Manufacturers by visiting their website https://theavm.org/
Or on social media…
Twitter / X – VaporAmerican
Facebook – AmericanVaporManufacturers/
YouTube – americanvapormanufacturers1797
LinkedIn – american-vapor-manufacturers-association/