Recent News – E-cigarettes

Boston Enacts Tough New Restrictions on E-Cigarettes; November 27, 2019

As the ban on E-cigarettes expires in Boston lawmakers have decided to codify several rules on the burgeoning industry. Such regulations include the banning of several flavors of e-cigarette and a new thousand dollar fine for selling vaping products to minors. Additional restrictions require that convenience stores sell only low concentration nicotine products with stronger variants being limited to specialty shops.

Massachusetts Lifts E-Cigarette Ban a Month Early; November 27, 2019

Massachusetts is lifting its ban on e-cigarette sales on December 11, 2019 a full month earlier than the planned date of January 25, 2019. The city's Public Health Council is expected to meet and discuss new regulations to replace the ban today. A new law also came into effect today that would ban the use of E-cigarette flavoring within the state.

New York Finalizes Vote on Banning E-Cigarette Flavorings; November 27, 2019

New York lawmakers attained a majority vote on Tuesday regarding the prohibition of flavored e-cigarette sales within the city. The ban limits dispensaries from the sale of any flavorings aside from tobacco. Detractors of the legislation protested by throwing fake dollar bills at the officials.

DC Government Joining Juul Lawsuit; November 26, 2019

The District of Columbia is now one of the many states, including California, New York and North Carolina, to join in a lawsuit against e-cigarette industry giant Juul. Allegations levied against Juul include advertising directly to minors among other charges. In response to these suits, Juul has stopped selling select flavorings and suspended its social media accounts.

New York Raises Minimum Vaping Age from 18 to 21; November 26, 2019

The city council in New York just activated a set of laws, agreed upon in the summer, that would locally raise the age required to purchase e-cigarettes from eighteen to twenty-one. Officials enacting the change were concerned by the spike in youth vaping and hope the legislation will act to curb it. A similar motion is in place for the banning of flavoured e-cigarettes, but is currently being delayed due to court proceedings.

Lack of Safety Measures on E-Cigarettes Endanger Children; November 25, 2019

An independent investigation conducted by USA Today has found that compliance to FDA mandated flow restriction devices on e-cigarette liquids is low. The report found that many stores across the US still sell e-liquid containers without proper seals to prevent child ingestion. As its theorized in the paper that one standard vial of 'vape juice' contains enough materials to potentially poison four toddlers there are significant safety concerns.

Quebec Commits Task Force to E-Cigarette Issues; November 25, 2019

Due to growing concerns regarding the safety of vaping, Quebec Health Minister Danielle McCann has created a task force to determine possible legislative solution. The team, headed Dr. Horacio Arruda, will examine the potential taxation, advertising and flavoring limitations necessary to curb adolescent vaping. The team also recommends individuals to not vape excessively given the uncertainty on its long-term health effects.

New Type of Lung Damage Linked to Vaping; November 23, 2019

A new form of lung damage linked to vaping has been recognized by the Canadian Medical Association Journal. The disease has been noted to be an airway inflammation akin to 'popcorn lung,' which is theorized to be related to diacetyl in e-cigarettes. Cases are more common in e-cigarette users who add THC than those using conventional vaping tactics to a ratio of 4-to-1.

Trump Reverses Plans to Ban E-Cigarette Flavors; November 23, 2019

Trump recently renounced his previously announced plan to ban e-cigarette flavors which was unveiled in September. Upon questioning, the president cited concerns that youth would continue to receive flavoured e-cigarettes in the black market, which are known to contain dangerous contaminants. Critics of the change in position point out that Trump is likely trying to avoid alienating vapers prior to the 2020 elections.

After Prince Edward Island Restricts E-Cigarettes Flavors, Industry Responds; November 22, 2019

A recently passed bill in Prince Edward Island would limit the number of flavors usable in E-cigarettes and increase the purchasing age to 21. While the Canadian Vaping Association recognizes their efforts in reducing adolescent usage, they state removing flavors could interfere with adult's nicotine reduction therapies. The presence of flavoring they suggest, acts as a strong incentive in quitting smoking and that adolescent vaping should be resolved with stricter purchasing regulations.