Electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigarettes, are tobacco-less, smokeless and are often used to help smokers wean themselves off traditional cigarettes. They’re also the latest item lawmakers have their sights set on to regulate.
E-cigarettes are so popular, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, that about 21 percent of adults smoking traditional cigarettes have used e-cigarettes.
About a year ago the Food and Drug Administration said it can regulate e-cigarettes in the same capacity it regulates various tobacco products. Although it hasn’t yet done so.
And just last month five U.S. senators wrote to the FDA asking that it restrict e-cigarettes’ sale, distribution and marketing to young adults even though the FDA hasn’t yet conducted research in regards to e-cigarettes’ safety.
And now California bill SB 648 is gaining momentum as it seeks to ban e-cigarettes in every location regular cigarettes are currently prohibited.
The motive behind it? Lawmakers say e-cigarette use encourages smoking of traditional cigarettes.
A question worth asking is if the FDA hasn’t yet done long-term research on e-cigarettes, then how can lawmakers anywhere make any conclusions — good or bad — regarding this product?