Introduction:
The mass media often manipulates interviews to fit their agendas, creating misinformation and panic. I have experienced this firsthand, and it infuriates me. The recent media coverage about vaping-related illnesses is a prime example of such manipulation, leading to undue alarm in the vaping industry.
Case Study: Ben Camerillo
Ben Camerillo, a middle-aged man from Amarillo, Texas, developed a severe lung condition after vaping THC pods. Ben, a war veteran suffering from PTSD, opted for THC vape pods to manage his symptoms and avoid pharmaceutical drugs. He had been using these pods for about a year before his medical emergency. Despite residing in Texas, where marijuana is illegal, Ben purchased all his THC products from government-approved dispensaries, never buying from the street.
Media Manipulation:
Ben was approached by Amarillo News Channel 7 for an interview about his experience. The news outlet edited out crucial details, including Ben’s use of THC cartridges, his PTSD, and the duration of his THC vaping. Instead, they manipulated the story to suggest that Ben was using nicotine vape products. They inserted images of people vaping e-liquid and e-liquid bottles, falsely linking Ben’s illness to nicotine vaping. The editors even changed Ben’s statement from “I knew it was from vaping THC” to “I knew it was from vaping.”
Clarifying the Facts:
Ben has never used nicotine e-cigarettes or nicotine vape products. He exclusively vaped THC marijuana pods to treat his PTSD. “I did not attack the e-juice industry. I’ve never vaped it in my life. I do not even have a problem with it. I bought all my products from dispensaries; I thought they were safe. I’ve never vaped e-juice in my life. From the second I went in, I told them – All I vape is THC because of my PTSD. I do not vape anything else,” states Mr. Camerillo. Ben used various brands of THC pods, including Benskie Live Resin Cartridges, Half Graham Cookies Cartridges, Heavy Hitters Cartridges, and TKO Cartridges.
You watch the originally aired report HERE. Also, an interview with Ben discussing the misinformation with Dave from DashVapes. Lastly, you can view a video with Chris from 806 Vapes who was also part of the skewed Channel 7 news interview HERE.
Media’s Deceitful Reporting:
In the edited report, Lamyiah Harvel from ABC 7 falsely claimed that Ben was using “vaping flavored products” and suggested that cases like his prompted the government to consider banning all flavored products. This statement is both ignorant and incorrect. Flavors in nicotine e-liquid have nothing to do with Ben’s illness, which is entirely related to THC pods. Mark Sigler M.D., also interviewed in the report, confirmed that there are no cases of illness from nicotine vaping. Despite this, the media continued to propagate a misleading narrative.
The Impact of Misinformation:
The media’s manipulation led to widespread misunderstanding and panic, with Ben receiving death threats due to the misrepresentation of his story. Ben explained that a photo of him holding an anti-vaping sign was taken under distress in the ICU. He never intended to attack the vaping industry and acknowledges that vaping has helped many quit smoking and improve their health.
Conclusion:
This incident highlights the dangerous impact of media manipulation. It serves as a warning not to take headlines and news stories at face value. Do your own research to uncover the truth. By vilifying the entire vaping industry, the government fails to address the actual culprits: THC vape pods. These products should be avoided until studies by the CDC and other health agencies are completed, and clear warnings are issued.
Support and Advocacy:
This is just a single example of this situation happening all across the world with agenda seeking, fear mongering, and politically charged news reporters and media companies editing interviews and stories to fit their agendas. This is a fair warning to not take headlines and even news stories at face value. Do your own research and find the truth. Do not trust our media.
By vilifying the entire vaping industry our government is not giving warnings to the actual culprits; THC Vape Pods. These pods should be avoided until the studies are competed by the CDC and various other health agencies, and our health agencies need to state this clearly.
We at Canada Vapes all wish the best for Ben and a speedy recovery.
