Youth Addiction Drives Push for Vape Ban in Washington

Youth Addiction Drives Push for Vape Ban in Washington

A broad coalition comprising educators, doctors, researchers, and social justice advocates in Washington is campaigning for a state-wide ban on flavoured nicotine vapes, aiming to curb youth addiction. Leading this initiative is “Flavors Hook Kids Washington,” which argues that flavoured vapes play a significant role in attracting young users. Brittany Grant from Tobacco-Free Kids underscores the urgency of prioritising lives over profits.

Legislation to ban these products is set to be introduced by lawmakers Rep. Kristine Reeves and Sen. T’wina Nobles, highlighting the impact of targeted advertising on youth. Nobles, whose district previously sued e-cigarette company JUUL, advocates for holding companies accountable for their marketing practices.

Despite a reported decline in youth e-cigarette use, the coalition is concerned by statistics showing that 87.6% of young users prefer flavoured e-cigarettes. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s partial flavour restrictions in 2020 did not cover disposables, which remain popular among youths.

Opponents of the ban, like Tony Abboud from the Vapor Technology Association, argue that removing flavoured options may inadvertently increase traditional cigarette smoking, citing studies from Yale and Ohio State University. They claim that flavoured vapes can aid smokers in quitting conventional cigarettes.

Previous attempts at banning flavoured vapes include a temporary ban in 2019, which faced backlash from those who found flavoured vapes beneficial in quitting smoking. As the debate continues, advocates stress the need for informed legislative action.

Source: Washington State Standard

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