As the new school year approaches, a troubling trend is emerging that targets the youth of America: the proliferation of illegal, teen-friendly disposable “smart vapes.” These devices are not your average vapes. They are equipped with high-definition digital screens and preloaded with video games, making them particularly appealing to teenagers. This disturbing innovation poses a significant threat, enticing more young people into the world of nicotine addiction.

The Allure of “Smart Vapes”

These banned disposable vapes, mass-produced overseas and sold online for as little as $17.95, come in at least 23 different flavours. These flavours, including candy and fruit, have been illegal in New York and across the United States since 2020. The combination of enticing flavours and interactive games creates a predatory blend aimed directly at youth. Researchers from the University of California, Riverside, have expressed concerns that linking nicotine to popular youth behaviours, such as video gaming and screen use, could expand the market to include youths with no prior interest in nicotine, while also strengthening addiction among current users.

Particularly concerning are the games preloaded on these illegal devices, which offer digital rewards and game progression based on vaping frequency. This tactic exploits the gaming habits of young people, making these vapes not only more appealing but also more addictive. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these illegal flavoured disposable vapes have become the most popular products among middle and high school students. This statistic signals that despite existing bans, these products are still reaching underage users.

Failure in Enforcement

This rise in innovative vaping products is attributed to the failure of federal and state authorities to enforce existing bans effectively. A year ago, there were warnings about vapes designed to resemble school supplies, such as highlighters and ballpoint pens, to evade detection in academic settings. Now, with the advent of “smart vapes,” the situation has escalated. These devices persist on the market due to inadequate enforcement of bans, allowing their importation and sale with minimal oversight.

Alarmingly, the normalisation of these illegal vapes is evident with celebrities like Snoop Dogg, Mike Tyson, and Hulk Hogan endorsing these products. This celebrity backing further glamorises the use of such vapes, making them more appealing to the youth.

The Call for Stronger Regulation

There is an urgent need for a coordinated effort from federal authorities to prevent these products from entering the country and reaching local communities. Similarly, state officials must commit to halting the retail sale of these banned products. The New York Association of Convenience Stores, representing reputable retailers, voices that responsible sellers do not engage in the sale of these harmful products. However, they stress that strong regulatory action is vital to protect children from these illegal vapes.

Source: Times Union