Category Archives: Vaping

As a physician, chairman at-large of the Prince William County School Board and chairman of the University of Virginia Health System Board, I am deeply committed to the health and well-being of Virginia's youth. I urge the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to intensify its efforts in curbing the sale of illegal, flavored disposable e-cigarettes to children, a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. Youth vaping has evolved into a pervasive problem, evident in school bathrooms where discarded disposable e-cigarettes, not cigarette butts, are routinely discovered.

I have seen the damage firsthand. Students well known to me have been seduced by flavored e-cigarette products, have become addicted to vaping tobacco and then drugs like fentanyl.

I have seen this addiction wreak havoc on families and result in student deaths from overdosing on drugs they vaped. Parents, teachers and communities are facing the growing, uncontrolled spread of students vaping products that are either unsafe, unregulated or illicit.

Many of these children were attracted to this habit by flavored tobacco products marketed toward them. These addictions do not discriminate and are seen in every school and among younger and younger students across the commonwealth every year.

A 2020 federal rule fell short by only applying to pod-based e-cigarettes, allowing disposable e-cigarette makers to flood the market with flavored products designed to entice children. Since 2020, the number of unique disposable products has surged by an alarming 1,500%, resulting in nearly 6,000 products illegally sold in various kid-friendly flavors, easily accessible in stores.

The link between flavors and the rise in youth smoking is unmistakable. Fruity and sweet flavors like Tyson Vape Lush Lime, Hulk Hogan Hulkmania Cotton Candy and Death Row by Snoop Dogg Blue Razz dominate disposable vape offerings, playing a crucial role in the popularity of these products among youth. A study involving middle and high school students revealed that 43% of young e-cigarette users tried them because of appealing flavors

If we are to make a meaningful impact on youth vaping rates, we must address this issue at its core. A recent study by the Center for Tobacco Research at Ohio State Universitys Wexner Medical Center demonstrated that if sweet flavors were banned, 39% of respondents aged 14 to 21 who used e-cigarettes daily would cease using them. This figure skyrocketed to a staggering 71% if only tobacco-flavored options remained, emphasizing the urgent need for a ban on these perilous products.

These flavored disposable e-cigarettes are not just enticing; they pose serious health risks to our children. When a child picks up a disposable e-cigarette, they unknowingly expose themselves to more nicotine than an entire carton of cigarettes.

Designed to be highly addictive, with some products offering over 5,000 puffs, children are inadvertently causing damage to their lungs, hearts and brains. While the ban on traditional flavored e-cigarettes was a commendable step forward, the loophole allowing the sale of flavored disposable products must be closed.

Each day, these products trap kids in the cycle of nicotine addiction, jeopardizing their health and future. I implore the FDA to take swift and resolute action to protect our youth and ensure a healthier future for generations to come. This effort will go far beyond slowing tobacco vaping by also helping close the gateway to other harmful substances and drugs.

We cannot look back at this time and say we shouldve done more to stop this epidemic of tobacco and drugs. We cannot wait for more research to be done. The current research is crystal clear. The time to act is now.

Dr. Babur Lateef is chair at-large of the Prince William County School Board and chair of the University of Virginia Health System Board, where he is a member of the Board of Visitors. Contact him at bblateef@gmail.com.

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Commentary: Flavored tobacco is fueling youth addition - Roanoke Times

A study by the University of Louisville has revealed that nicotine salts in e-cigarettes, especially at higher doses, could increase the risk of heart arrhythmias more than previously believed. This challenges the notion that nicotine in e-cigarettes is harmless and highlights the need for careful consideration and potentially stricter regulations to protect public health.

As the new year begins, individuals who smoke or vape might have made resolutions to quit or reduce their consumption for better health. However, they should exercise caution if they plan to transition from traditional cigarettes to e-cigarettes, which some believe to be a safer option.

A new study from the University of Louisville shows the nicotine in certain types of e-cigarettes may be more harmful than others, increasing the risk for irregular heartbeat, or heart arrhythmias.

A popular claim is that nicotine in e-cigarettes is relatively harmless, whereas additives and combustion products largely account for the harms of traditional cigarettes. The UofL research, which tested the effects of e-cigarettes with various types and doses of nicotine in animal models, showed that the nicotine form contained in pod-based e-cigarettes, nicotine salts, led to heart arrhythmias, particularly at higher doses.

In the study, published in Nicotine and Tobacco Research, researchers compared heart rate and heart rate variability in mice exposed to vape aerosols containing different types of nicotine. The aerosols contained either freebase nicotine, used in older types of e-cigarettes; nicotine salts, used in Juul and other pod-based e-cigarettes; or racemic freebase nicotine, simulating the recently popularized synthetic nicotine; and their effects were compared to nicotine-free e-cigarette aerosols or air. In addition, the research team delivered increasing concentrations of the nicotine over time, from 1% to 2.5% to 5%.

The nicotine salts induced cardiac arrhythmias more potently than freebase nicotine, and the cardiac arrhythmias increased with the higher concentrations of nicotine.

This suggests the nicotine is harmful to the heart and counters popular claims that the nicotine itself is harmless, said Alex Carll, assistant professor in UofLs Department of Physiology, who led the study. Our findings provide new evidence that nicotine type and concentration modify the adverse cardiovascular effects of e-cigarette aerosols, which may have important regulatory implications.

The study also revealed that the higher levels of nicotine salts increased sympathetic nervous system activity, also known as the fight-or-flight response, by stimulating the same receptor that is inhibited by beta-blockers, heart medications that are prescribed to treat cardiac arrhythmias. In the autonomic nervous system, sympathetic dominance increases the fight-or-flight response in bodily functions, including heart rate.

The nicotine in e-cigarettes causes irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) in a dose-dependent manner by stimulating the very receptor that many heart medications are designed to inhibit, Carll said.

The findings conclude that inhalation of e-cig aerosols from nicotine-salt-containing e-liquids could increase cardiovascular risks by inducing sympathetic dominance and cardiac arrhythmias.

This work is part of a growing body of research on the potential toxicity and health impacts of e-cigarettes reported by the American Heart Association Tobacco Regulation and Addiction Center, for which UofL serves as the flagship institute. The teams previous research found that exposure to e-cigarette aerosols containing certain flavors or solvent vehicles caused ventricular arrhythmias and other conduction irregularities in the heart, even without nicotine, leading Carll to speculate that the arrhythmias may not be the result of the nicotine alone, but also by the flavors and solvents included in the e-cigarettes.

The researchers concluded that, if these results are confirmed in humans, regulating nicotine salts through minimum pH standards or limits on acid additives in e-liquids may mitigate the public health risks of vaping.

Even without regulatory changes, however, the research suggests that users may reduce potential harm by opting for e-cigarettes with freebase nicotine instead of nicotine salts or using e-cigarettes with a lower nicotine content.

Reference: Nicotine Formulation Influences the Autonomic and Arrhythmogenic Effects of Electronic Cigarettes by Cory Kucera, Anand Ramalingam, Shweta Srivastava, Aruni Bhatnagar and Alex P Carll, 27 November 2023, Nicotine & Tobacco Research. DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntad237

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Vaping's Hidden Hazard: Study Questions Safety of Nicotine Inhalation - SciTechDaily

Youth vaping is recipe for addiction, officials say Illegal flavored e-cartridges still being sold NJ town has new fines, penalties in place

HOWELL A Monmouth County town hopes to ease the youth vaping epidemic with a new series of actions and fines.

Howell Alliance Coordinator, Christa Riddle said that town officials will crack down on the illegal sale of flavored e-cartridges, while also hoping to stem the alarming and widespread use of vape products by youth around New Jersey.

Riddle said the risks of using traditional, combustible cigarettes seems to have gotten through to families while dangers of newer nicotine and tobacco products, including electronic smoking devices appear to need more emphasis.

(Monmouth County Canva)

Howell Township updated its smoking ordinance nearly a year ago in spring 2023.

Enforcement measures for violations are starting now with a particular focus on flavored and disposable e-cigarettes.

Many of these cartridges have not been regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and have strong concentrates of nicotine, synthetic nicotine, and even THC (the main psychoactive chemical in cannabis).

Outbreak Of Severe Pulmonary Disease Increases Scrutiny Of Vaping

Despite being illegal at the federal and state levels since 2020, many of the flavored vape cartridges are still on some store shelves, "which is confusing" to consumers, Riddle added.

Some youth are already vaping two to three nicotine pods a day, Riddle said, which can be the equivalent of up to 20 cigarettes' worth of nicotine creating a perfect storm for addiction.

There are no nicotine or THC potency caps, she continued, so e-cigarette pods and e-liquids may contain stronger nicotine salts, synthetic nicotine and higher nicotine concentrates than traditional cigarettes.

Riddle said there has also been concern about high potency, concentrated marijuana products with THC levels of up to almost 100%, which has been linked to psychoses and cannabis use disorder.

Township police officers will now be enforcing the town-wide ban on smoking on public property and in public places, issuing violations no matter what substance is being smoked.

While a first offense earned a fine of $250, a Howell Township Municipal Court judge has the option to waive that amount with proof of completion of RWJ Barnabas Health Institute for Prevention and Recoverys 8-week Nicotine and Tobacco Recovery Program, or another similar, accredited program.

Fines for smoking on public property then increase to $500 for the second offense and $1,000 for the third and subsequent offenses.

As for Howell's efforts concerning the sale of e-smoking devices, township code enforcement officers and police would be writing up retailers for selling, distributing, or providing any e-cigarette product to anyone under 21 as well as all sales of flavored e-cigarette products.

Since 2017, the legal age for buying tobacco products and electronic smoking devices in New Jersey has been 21.

It is also illegal in NJ for any retailer to give away e-cigarette products or to accept e-cigarette coupons.

The township has launched a new, required e-cigarette retailer license the fee is $1,000 and it needs to be renewed annually.

Fines for retail electronic smoking device product sales violations are $1,000 for a first offense; $1,500 for a second offense and $2,000 for third and subsequent offenses.

Any business with two violations within a year or five total violations could see its license permanently revoked, at the discretion of Howell's mayor and town council.

Howell does notallow retail cannabis dispensaries and has opted out of retail cannabis licensing.

The town's full ordinance on smoking and e-cigarette regulations can be found online.

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These are the schools in New Jersey with the highest rates of bullying. The rankings are based on the annual School Performance Reports for the 2021-22 school year. New Jersey 101.5 ranked the schools based on the rate of reported bullying incidents per 100 students. Schools with enrolment less than 100 are excluded.

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NJ town will have cops crack down on youth vaping - New Jersey 101.5 FM

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Over half of university students are now addicted to vaping - and at one uni nearly 75 percent vape, an investigation has found.

It says the figures are ''even more shocking'' than last year and ''provide an exclusive look into the changing vaping habits of students''.

The Tab last year found that 27 percent of students were addicted to disposable vapes - this year the figure is 57 percent.

Exclusive data found that Lost Marys has officially taken over as the most popular vape - with 34 percent of students saying it was their first choice.

Elf Bars, which dominated uni campuses last year, were the choice of 21 percent of students.

Of all the students who admitted to vaping, 52 percent said they didnt smoke before picking up the habit and 34 percent said they get through a disposable vape as quickly as one day or night out.

Donn Gabriel Baleva

As a result, 16 percent of students reported having health complications since starting vaping with common ones including gum disease, mouth ulcers, constant shortness of breath, coughing and teeth problems.

The results found at Northumbria University 74 percent of students vape.

Speaking on vape addiction and offering advice to students who may be addicted, Doctor Babak Ashrafi said: Similar to regular cigarettes, vapes release nicotine a substance that releases neurotransmitters like dopamine, which generate feelings of pleasure and reward in the brain.

''Certain electronic vapes can deliver nicotine to the bloodstream more rapidly than cigarettes, making them more addictive.

Quitting vaping after youve become addicted to nicotine can result in withdrawal symptoms.

''This, coupled with the wide array of flavors available in stores, has played a key role in the increase in vaping weve seen in the past few years. For students hooked on vaping, its important to ask for help.

''If youre struggling, talking to your GP or an addiction specialist is a good first step. They can offer personalized plans and medication to help you quit.

To kick the habit, its crucial to understand whats driving your need to vape. Talking with a healthcare professional can help you uncover the stressors or mental health issues that are contributing to your addiction.

''By tackling these issues, you can adopt healthier ways of dealing with stress. Dont forget about the power of your support network.

''Mental health counselors and support groups are there for you. Connecting with them can offer the support you need to beat the addiction.

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Investigation finds over half of UK university students addicted to vaping - news-daily.com

New York, NY, Feb. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Blinc Group, a pioneering force in the cannabis vaporizer industry, is thrilled to introduce Simpl Too, the latest innovation in its esteemed vaping device lineup. Building upon the foundation laid by the original Simpl launched last year, Simpl Too embodies the companys dedication to user-centric design, advanced technology, and environmental responsibility.

Empowering Consumers with Recyclable Battery Solutions

At the heart of Simpl Too's design is our commitment to sustainability, primarily through enabling users to recycle the device's battery using their preferred methods.

"Our vision with Simpl Too was clear to offer a product that not only excels in performance and customization but also empowers our users to participate in responsible recycling practices, particularly for the battery component," states Pete Sahani, CEO of The Blinc Group.

This approach underscores Blincs belief in responsible consumption and our dedication to minimizing the environmental footprint of our products.

Arnaud Dumas de Rauly, Co-founder and CXSO of The Blinc Group saidSimpl Too is not merely a product launch; it is a strategic move towards sustainability, innovation, and leadership in the competitive cannabis vaping market

Innovative Design for an Unparalleled Experience

Simpl Too continues to revolutionize the vaping experience with its postless design, making it remarkably easy to fill and cap. The devices gravity-fed coil system is engineered to prevent leaking and clogging, ensuring a flawless experience with a wide range of cannabis extracts. With dual airflow and a powerful 230mAh UL compliant rechargeable battery, Simpl Too delivers exceptional performance that meets the diverse needs and preferences of brands, processors, and consumers.

Remaining true to The Blinc Group's commitment to personalization, Simpl Too offers full customization options. This not only enhances the consumer experience but also reflects our strategic focus on providing vaping solutions that cater to individual preferences, setting new benchmarks in the industry.

Join Our Sustainable Cannabis Vaping Initiative

The introduction of Simpl Too represents a significant stride towards sustainable vaping practices. By facilitating easy battery recycling, we encourage consumers to join us in making environmentally conscious choices, contributing to a collective effort towards a more sustainable future.

As we unveil Simpl Too, we invite our community to embrace this innovation and the positive environmental impact it brings. Together, we can make significant strides in promoting responsible and sustainable vaping practices.

Follow this link for more information aboutSimpl Too and our initiatives.

About The Blinc Group

As a trailblazer headquartered in New York City, The Blinc Group melds cutting-edge cannabis vaping hardware and dedicated service solutions to cater to our diverse clientele. Beyond offering an extensive collection of cartridges, batteries, ready-to-use vaporizers, and custom device development, we amplify the backbone of our service orientation with unique features. 'Scale Now Pay Later' , Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI), and rheology expertise underscore our commitment to fostering our clients' growth. Through our 'Powered by Blinc' process, we assure end-to-end supply chain control, empowering our clients to deliver innovative, safe, and quality-controlled products to global cannabis enthusiasts. The Blinc Group also offers comprehensive support services that encompass flexible payment terms, R&D, production, testing, SOPs, training, and strategizing go-to-market and brand communication approaches. Learn more about the value we bring at http://www.theblincgroup.com.

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The Blinc Group Unveils Simpl Too: Pioneering the Future of Eco-Responsible Vaping - GlobeNewswire

According to the report, 622 individuals out of the total participants were placed in what was termed the 'intervention group'. This group received an unlimited supply of e-cigarettes in any flavour they preferred, along with other aids to give up smoking, like nicotine patches and counselling. The rest of the participants only received counselling and quitting aids, but not e-cigarettes.

After six months of observation, 29% of the e-cigarette group had successfully quit smoking compared to just 16% from the other group. At the end of the study, 60% of the people who vaped quit smoking compared to 40% of people who gave up without the help of e-cigarettes.

According to Dr. Reto Auer, the study's lead researcher and a Professor of Medicine at the University of Bern, the findings align with other research showing similar outcomes. He also noted that the research team plans to follow up with the participants for five years to further evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of vaping as a cessation tool.

I'm a primary care doctor, and smoking cessation is a core element of my daily clinical practice. So it's really important to know if people stop smoking, and I think that becoming really clear in the literature that it helps to quit smoking, Auer said.

We aim to follow up on participants for 12, 24, months, but also at five years to continue to see how, over time, participants use these products and about long-term health," Auer added.

Experts outside the study, such as Dr. Sarah Jackson from the Tobacco and Alcohol Research Group at University College London, also support the evidence that vaping can be a more effective method for quitting smoking. She highlighted that those provided with e-cigarettes were nearly twice as likely to stop smoking for six months or more compared to those who received standard care, without any significant increase in adverse health events or respiratory issues.

It's a really delicate balancing act because what we want to do is try and make sure that these products are as attractive and appealing as they can be to people who smoke, to encourage them to switch to a much less harmful product," she says.

"But in doing so, we don't want to make them too attractive to young people, in particular, who have never smoked. So it's it's a careful balancing act that requires trade-offs. But I think it's essential that we don't make these effective smoking cessation aids less attractive to people who smoke by removing the flavours."

Auer agreed, saying, It's the central conundrum we'll always have with e-cigarettes: on one side, helping smokers quit. And on the other side, avoiding that adolescents become addicted to nicotine.

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Vaping is good for people who want to quit smoking according to new research - Business Insider Africa

Newly released documents related to Juul Labs, a major player in the vaping industry, provide unprecedented insight into the methods corporations utilize to influence government policies. These documents reveal the extensive efforts Juul has made to promote its interests in Washington, including lobbying, political donations, and attempts to prevent action against the company. This glimpse into Juuls corporate practices provides a deeper understanding of the relationship between corporations and the government.

According to a report from Stat News, a trove of internal emails and documents from Juul Labs were released, revealing the companys extensive efforts to establish its presence in Washington. This included lobbying, political donations, and attempts to prevent regulatory action against the company. The documents also revealed Juuls use of dark money groups to funnel large donations to political candidates, and the companys efforts to raise the age for purchasing tobacco products to 21. Juuls CEO and board members coordinated donations to lawmakers, and the company also made traditional donations to individual candidates and their political action committees.

As part of a national settlement, Juul Labs has been ordered to pay over 8 million to the state of Nebraska. This settlement also requires Juul to refrain from marketing its products to youths. However, critics argue that the vaping epidemic among children invalidates Juuls response to the FDA ban on its vapes. Vaping is popular among teens, with a third reporting seeing classmates vaping in school a few times a week or daily. The rise of e-cigarettes, vaporizers, and decriminalized marijuana have begun to undermine traditional anti-smoking arguments.

A study from the University of York found that the popularity of vaping among young users is fuelled by viewing e-cigarette advertisements and content on social media. Marketing strategies for e-cigarettes have resulted in more users and intentions to use the products among young people. Sponsorship by celebrities and social media influencers, as well as a focus on the appeal of e-liquids, has been observed. The UK Government has taken measures to ban disposable vapes and the ways they are marketed to children in shops, but these do not include targeting social media campaigns.

The Massachusetts Smoke-Free Workplace Law includes e-cigarettes and other electronic nicotine delivery products. The official Massachusetts government website provides guidance to school administrators on educating staff and parents about vaping, collecting data on tobacco use, and accessing resources for quitting tobacco. It encourages the establishment of chapters of The 84 Movement and provides information about regional Tobacco-Free Community Partnerships.

The 10th Conference of Parties (COP10) of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) recently took place in Panama City. The tobacco, vape, and nicotine industries are heavily involved in lobbying and promoting electronic smoking devices (ESDs) at such occasions. The WHO has concluded that ESDs are addictive and that all forms of tobacco and nicotine use are dangerous. The Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance has voiced concern about the marketing tactics of the industry contributing to the appeal of ESDs to the young, leading to increased initiation and experimentation among young people.

As these recent revelations show, there is a pressing need for more robust regulation and transparency in the vaping industry, particularly in terms of the influence corporations like Juul can wield over government policy and public health. Its clear that we need to take further action to protect young people from the harmful effects of vaping.

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The Influence of Juul Labs on Government Policy and Public Health | Health News - Medriva

Despite the damage to public health and the environment from disposable vapes, an outright ban may not be viable. But policy-makers could regulate consumption, particularly among younger people, as well as promoting battery recycling and greater use of reusable e-cigarette options.

The popularity of vaping has surged dramatically in recent years. These colourful, pocket-sized devices have emerged as an alternative to smoking. With creative and wide-reaching marketing, they have seen rising popularity, particularly among young people. According to the NHS, 18% of 15-year-olds in England and Wales were using e-cigarettes in February 2022.

While disposable vapes offer a unique substitute for smoking and are argued to be a somewhat safer alternative the dangers are being overlooked. Currently, the environmental and future healthcare issues associated with disposable vapes are not being addressed.

The alarming increase in the number of 11 to 17-year-olds vaping in the UK doubling to 7% in 2022 has raised grave concerns. Disturbingly, 69% of these young vapers rely on disposable vapes to satisfy their nicotine cravings.

Medical experts such as Sarah Brown, a consultant in paediatric respiratory medicine, have sounded the alarm about a generation of children facing nicotine-induced mood problems and attention disorders. Along with nicotine addiction and respiratory illnesses, the long-term effects of e-cigarette consumption have barely been investigated.

These dangers and costs could be avoided if disposable vapes were to come under closer scrutiny by the government. Tighter regulations need to be put in place to prevent UK youth from getting their hands on disposable vapes so easily. This could avert substantial financial repercussions stemming from future hospitalisations and the need to reallocate resources to address these issues in the future.

The environmental costs associated with disposable vapes are also significant. One of the key concerns is the challenge of recycling the materials used in these devices lithium in particular. This valuable resource, now widely known for its use in batteries and electronics, is present in each disposable vape, amounting to around 0.15 grams of lithium per device.

With sales of disposable single-use vapes skyrocketing to approximately 138 million units annually, the cumulative impact of the improper disposal of these vapes is large. To put things into perspective, the amount of lithium contained in this number of disposable vapes is equivalent to over 2,500 electric car batteries. This waste of valuable resources could be used for the green energy transition.

In an era where sustainability is paramount, these resources should not go to waste. At the bare minimum, emphasis needs to be placed on the correct recycling of disposable vapes.

Currently, one of the UKs largest electronic recycling plants processes just 700 vapes a week. Proper recycling can offer a second life to lithium, potentially alleviating the need for as much mining and extraction (which comes with its own set of environmental challenges). While an outright ban on single use vapes may not be a viable solution, as it might give rise to unregulated black markets, decisive action is imperative.

There is some evidence that disposable vapes can be effective in helping cigarette smokers to kick their habit. But the alarming surge in vaping among young people who may not necessarily be smokers can also be attributed to the availability of disposable vapes.

A potential solution could be to phase out disposables gradually, while promoting rechargeable substitutes. People who use e-cigarettes as a tool to stop smoking are likely to be receptive to the transition to rechargeable vapes. This shift away from the simplicity and easiness of disposable vapes could also reduce the incentives for youngsters to start vaping in the first place.

If disposable vapes were rechargeable, they could be reused up to 300 times. This would dramatically reduce the volume of vapes that find their way into landfills.

Instead of an outright ban, a more pragmatic yet effective approach would be to implement stringent controls and limits to curb easy access for young people, while simultaneously promoting rechargeable, eco-friendly alternatives.

While the UK has historically maintained a hands-off approach to vaping regulations, it is now vital to address the disposable vaping outbreak. In stark contrast, the European Union is set to ban flavoured heated tobacco products, and the Dutch government is moving forward with restrictions on flavoured vaping devices.

The UK's complacency about vaping regulation needs to evolve, considering the future costs and consequences that are currently overlooked. While the vaping industry is a growing sector with economic contributions, the importance of prioritising public health and environmental sustainability cannot be overstated. Protecting the countrys youth from the lure of disposable vapes, and taking responsibility for the environment, must take precedence over short-term economic gains.

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#studentviews: How could policy reduce the harm caused by disposable vapes? - Economics Observatory

Multnomah Countys ban on flavored tobacco and nicotine products is set to go into effect on Jan. 1 after surviving a court challenge.

Last week, Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Benjamin Souede denied a request by the tobacco industry to halt enforcement of the county ordinance. The decision likely paves the way for Oregons largest county to become the first in the state to ban flavored tobacco.

County officials banned the products to deter young people from smoking and vaping: They often start with flavored products and then get addicted to nicotine. That can lead to a lifelong habit and heart and lung problems. In pushing for the ordinance, public health officials pointed to the prevalence of tobacco flavors such as chocolate, candy, fruit, honey and other products, which they say are designed to lure the next generation of tobacco users into the habit.

Nearly 8,000 Oregonians die every year from tobacco-related illnesses, according to the Oregon Health Authority.

Earlier this year in Salem, state lawmakers considered House Bill 3090, which would have enacted a similar ban statewide. It had the support of one Republican lawmaker, Sen. Bill Hansell of Athena, and two Portland physicians, Rep. Lisa Reynolds and Sen. Elizabeth Steiner. It passed out of the House health care committee on a party line vote, with Democrats in favor and Republicans against, but died in the Joint Ways and Means Committee.

In December 2022, Multnomah County commissioners unanimously passed the ordinance with the ban. The next month, the industry sued to overturn the ordinance, alleging it was unconstitutional and unenforceable. The plaintiffs are 21+ Tobacco and Vapor Retail Association of Oregon, No Moke Daddy, LLC, and Paul Bates, a vaping shop owner.

In September, Souede ruled in favor of Multnomah County, finding that the state law allows local health officials to pass ordinances like this one. In a release, county officials said the plaintiffs could file an appeal but none has been filed.

I am really grateful to Multnomah County commissioners for leading the state in so many tobacco-related policies from raising the legal sales age to 21, implementing tobacco retail licensing, and now the restricted sale of flavored tobacco products, Kari McFarlan, the countys tobacco control and prevention program supervisor, said in a statement. This ordinance is another step toward protecting young people from the harms of tobacco and nicotine.

Health advocates praised the ruling.

The tobacco industry has targeted youth with candy flavored tobacco products, said Brittany Grant, director of the western region for the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, a national nonprofit organization.

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Flavored tobacco ban for Multnomah County set to start on Jan. 1 Oregon Capital Chronicle - Oregon Capital Chronicle

Laurel High School senior Malcolm Terrell gave a brief presentation to the Laurel City Council at Tuesday mornings meeting about the work he is doing with his fellow students. He is the student leader of the BY Youth Tobacco & Vaping Prevention Program at LHS. I present my peers with information about the dangers of smoking and vaping, he said. Edward Clark, who is the regional director of the program, was with Terrell and introduced him to the council. The grant-funded program was developed in 2018 by Mississippi State University and the state Department of Health to target primarily high-poverty, high-risk secondary schools in the state. Its stated goal is to mobilize youth activists to promoted tobacco-free environments and increase youths affinity toward anti-tobacco branding and messaging ... to disrupt and dissolve the tobacco industrys targeting of vulnerable communities. The programs brand BE YOU was later shortened to BU. (Photo by Mark Thornton)

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Taking a stand against smoking and vaping | Education | leader-call.com - leader-call.com