NY State: New Bill Bans Distribution of E-Cig Samples to Minors

Governor of New York Andrew Mark Cuomo, signed a bill which closes a loophole that allowed the distribution of free vaping products as promotional items during events such as street fairs. “We want to cut off access to e-cigarettes whether they are being given away or purchased,” said the bill’s sponsor, Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal (D-Manhattan).

This is the latest of a series of motions that aim to curb e-cigarette use amongst minors in the state. Last June, lawmakers in Albany voted to add vaping products to the state Clean Indoor Air Act, hence banning the devices from places where cigarettes were already banned, such as bars and restaurants. After four months, on the 23rd of October, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo passed this ban into law.

Additionally, Rosenthal has been pushing to ban the sale of flavored e-liquids in the state, whilst repeating the same old tired arguments about flavours attracting kids and encouraging them to try vaping. “If someone starts out smoking e-cigarettes with nicotine they are likely to get hooked,” she said.

E-cigs are less addictive than regular cigarettes

However, according to research data released last Summer, vapers are less dependent on their electronic devices, than smokers are on combustible cigarettes. The study which was funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Center for Tobacco Products, clearly indicated that vapers have less cravings for e-cigs than smokers for cigarettes, they find it easier to refrain from using the products in restricted areas, and are less likely to consider themselves as addicts.

This study goes in line with the message that many public health experts have been trying to put across. Vaping products should be endorsed and regulated as harm reduction tools for smoking cessation, rather than being placed on the same shelf as their combustible counterparts.

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