Hi, I’m really sorry for the worry and the rough experience. You should feel confident that your STIIIZY is authentic and pulls smoothly every time. If there’s any issue, we’ll swap or refund—no hassle. Quick tips that often fix hard pulls/dark oil: Battery & voltage: STIIIZY pods work best with a STIIIZY battery or a battery at low voltage. High voltage can darken oil and make hits harsh. Warm & clear the airflow: Roll the pod between your hands for 20–30 seconds, then take a gentle primer puff (don’t inhale) to loosen any clog. If needed, very gently clear the mouthpiece with a dry wooden toothpick—don’t press deep. Storage: Keep upright, out of heat/sunlight; oxidation can darken oil over time. Please DM your order number and those photos—I’ll personally check the batch and make this right today. Sincerely, Gio, Arcadia Branch Manager