As the CDC continues to investigate more than 450 cases of lung disease suspected to be caused by vaping, the Trump Administration moved forward with plans to ban flavored, non-tobacco e-cigarettes.
In a statement, Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said “The Trump Administration is making it clear that we intend to clear the market of flavored e-cigarettes to reverse the deeply concerning epidemic of youth e-cigarette use that is impacting children, families, schools and communities.”
Because electronic nicotine delivery has been used safely for many years and the appearance of these lung illnesses is recent, public health authorities are looking closely at the connection to marijuana, especially illicit product. NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano used the opportunity to push for nationwide legalization, saying “These unfortunate incidents reinforce the need for greater regulation, standardization, and oversight of the cannabis market — principles which NORML has consistently called for in the cannabis space. Consumers must also be aware that not all products are created equal; quality control testing is critical and only exists in the legally regulated marketplace.”
