LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Governor Whitmer has issued the rules for her state-wide flavored vaping ban, which is now in effect.
“I’m proud that Michigan has been a national leader in protecting our kids from the harmful effects of vaping,” Whitmer said in a press release. “For too long, companies have gotten our kids hooked on nicotine by marketing candy-flavored vaping products as safe. That ends today. This bold action will protect our kids and our overall public health.”
The rules bar the sale of any flavored vaping product besides traditional tobacco flavors. The ban includes menthol.
It also bars the usage of language such as “Clean,” “Safe,” and “Healthy” in regards to vaping products.
Advertising for vaping products must now be 25 feet away from the point of sale and from food products where applicable.
Whitmer issued the emergency regulations earlier this month, which was followed by the White House considering its own regulations.
“Today’s filing is necessary to protect the public health,” chief medical executive and chief deputy director for health at MDHHS Dr. Joneigh Khaldun said in the press release. “Youth vaping is a public health emergency and has been declared an epidemic by the U.S. surgeon general. Nicotine in e-cigarettes is harmful to developing brains and has dangerous long-term health consequences such as heart disease and cancer.”
Michigan retailers now have 14 days to comply with the new rules. The ban includes sales made online. The rules will be in effect for 180 days, and can be extended for six months.
The press release notes that in 2018, more than 3.6 million U.S. kids, including 1 in 5 high school students and 1 in 20 middle school students, were regular users of flavored vaping products.
