Charlie Baker, governor of Massachusetts issued a four month ban on the sale of electronic cigarettes, most commonly referred to as ‘vape’ Tuesday, 9/24.
Baker declared this temporary ban due to an outbreak of a lung illness related to the use of these devices, which is spreading nationwide. 61 cases of this illness were reported just last night for Massachusetts, which contributes to the 530 reported cases since last week.
As Baker met with local pediatricians to help decipher this law, it was discovered many of these cases are affecting teenagers. It was concluded “deeply troubling,” Boston.com reports.
As of 2017, nearly half of high schoolers were reported to have admitted to using an electronic cigarette, and a quarter declared themselves addicted. Vaping in school bathrooms has become so popular it caused for some facilities to close.
Baker received backlash from Shaleen Title, who works for MA’s Cannabis Control Commission. Title claims the ban of e-cigarettes will force users to turn to other things such as marijuana.
Regardless, THC vapes have been a cause of lung problems just as well. Therefore bringing the debate to a standstill.
Governor Baker hopes that this four month period will rail in nicotine addiction, as possible new regulations and programs may become accessible to the public.
Massachusetts’s temporary ban began Tuesday, 9/24 and will conclude in late January next year.
