Vaping and the use of e-cigarettes has taken over the young adult population. According to California Healthline, more than 20% of high school students reported vaping in 2018. That means that over 3 million high school students were using e-cigarettes in 2018, and that’s only what was reported. E-cigarettes can be used to smoke or “vaporize” a variety of different concentrates. Nicotine, CBD, and THC are the most popular vapors to smoke.
As popularity for vaping and e-cigarettes has grown among minors, federal and local government officials have attempted to regulate and control vaping in the US. On December 20, 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention raised the federal minimum legal sales age for all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, from 18 to 21 across all 50 states. Federal law additionally prohibits the sale of any e-liquid in flavors other than tobacco or menthol. In addition to the federal age mandate and flavor ban, individual states have enacted their own laws pertaining to e-cigarettes.
As popularity for vaping and e-cigarettes has grown among minors, federal and local government officials have attempted to regulate and control vaping in the US. On December 20, 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention raised the federal minimum legal sales age for all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, from 18 to 21 across all 50 states. Federal law additionally prohibits the sale of any e-liquid in flavors other than tobacco or menthol. In addition to the federal age mandate and flavor ban, individual states have enacted their own laws pertaining to e-cigarettes.
California E-Cigarette Laws
The state of California has enacted the following laws regarding the sale and use of e-cigarettes:
- o All e-cigarette cartridges and solutions must be sold in child-resistant packaging
- o A one-time fee of $10,000 on all e-cigarette retailers
- o An annual licensing fee on e-cigarette retailers of $265 per location
- o A minor under the age of 21 may not be punished for possessing or using tobacco or tobacco related products
- o Use of vapor products is prohibited statewide in workplaces and many public spaces
Health Effects of Vaping
Since the boom in e-cigarettes has been in recent years, there is not much research on the potential long-term effects of vaping. However, we do know vaping just like smoking, has adverse health effects on its users.
The most common form of vaping among minors and adults is vaping nicotine. Vaping nicotine is highly addictive. Nicotine can also cause:
The most common form of vaping among minors and adults is vaping nicotine. Vaping nicotine is highly addictive. Nicotine can also cause:
- o Slow brain development
- o Affect memory and focus
- o Extreme fluctuations in mood
Meanwhile, the use of e-cigarettes and vaping can:
- o Cause serious damage to the lungs
- o Difficulties in breathing
- o Diarrhea
- o Nausea and vomiting
Unfortunately, many minors have found themselves injured by either the effects of vaping and nicotine addiction or even faulty devices themselves. E-cigarettes have been known to combust or “explode” and cause severe injuries. Due to the age minimum, minors have also been known to get black-market e-cigarettes that even more dangerous effects.
If you believe you have been harmed by the effects of e-cigarettes, please contact our attorneys at Hariri Law Group to discuss the details of your claim. Our experienced personal injury attorneys are well versed in the dangers of vaping and vaping laws in California.
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