LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Governor Whitmer’s ban on flavored e-cigarette products will go into effect beginning Wednesday, Oct. 2nd.
The ban is meant to bar the sale of all non-traditional flavors of tobacco in vaping products, including candy and menthol.
“As governor, my number one priority is keeping our kids safe, and right now, companies selling vaping products are using candy flavors to hook children on nicotine and misleading claims to promote the belief that these products are safe,” Whitmer said in a previous statement. “These bold steps will finally put an end to these irresponsible and deceptive practices and protect Michiganders’ public health.”
West Michigan Executive Director of the American Heart Association Jeanne LaSargeBono is supporting the ban.
“The most appalling issue is the way the tobacco industry has targeted our youth to become addicted to their products through flavors and packaging, such as bubble gum, cotton candy, and apple juice to name a few.”
LaSargeBono says the tobacco industry deliberately targets minors.
“The tobacco industry set its sight on young America with a goal to addict a whole new generation for profit,” LaSargeBono said.
Stores selling flavored e-cigarette products may be fined among other penalties. Injunctions by shop owners were recently filed in court, but were not honored.
The ban will be in effect for six months and may be renewed later.
Data from the American Heart Association indicates that teen e-cigarette use has skyrocketed in the last few years, notably when the product “Juul” was introduced into the marketplace.
