Ohio, through its Attorney General Dave Yost, has launched a campaign to combat the influx of illegal vaping devices into the state. This initiative mainly aims to protect young people from the dangers of addiction, respiratory problems and other serious health risks associated with these products.
A question of consumer protection
According to Dave Yost, “You have no idea what’s in these vape cartridges. It's a consumer protection issue, particularly for our young people who are still developing. The presence on the market of unregulated and unauthorized vapes represents a real danger. » With this in mind, the Attorney General has filed complaints against three Ohio companies for unfair or deceptive business practices under the Consumer Sales Practices Act.
Companies targeted by complaints
The companies involved in these complaints are accused of selling illegal vapes, failing to disclose the illegality of these products, and misrepresenting their licensing status. Yost's office's investigation found that the following stores were selling illegal flavored vapes despite a warning sent on April 5, 2024:
- Orrville Tobacco and Vape Shop, Orrville
- Central Tobacco, Delaware
- Elev8 Smoke Shop, Cincinnati
It is important to note that the Elev8 Smoke Shop is less than half a mile from Norwood High School.
Federal Regulations and Unauthorized Products
Federal law requires all new tobacco products, including vapes, to receive premarket approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before being sold in the United States. To date, the FDA has only authorized 27 e-cigarette products. Therefore, any vaping not authorized by the FDA is considered illegal.
The use of vapes among young people
Vapes are the most widely used tobacco products among American middle and high school students. In 2023, 2,1 million students nationwide reported using vapes, including 9% of middle school students and 20% of high school students in Ohio. Exposure to nicotine via vapes is particularly harmful to adolescent brain development, affecting attention, learning, mood and impulse control.
Firm commitment from the Attorney General
Dave Yost reaffirmed his commitment to prosecuting those who violate vaping regulations, emphasizing the importance of protecting youth and maintaining fair business practices.
