Governor Whitmer banned selling flavored nicotine products in the state of Michigan. It went into effect on October 2nd, 2019.
Due to the rise in medical problems that are associated with vaping, Michigan took a bold stance on the issue.
If you are currently using an e-cig, or know someone who is, you should consider quitting.
Continue reading to learn more about the new Michigan vaping laws, along with tips on quitting if you already smoke.
The Flavored Vape Problem
Those living in or near Michigan have likely heard about all the hospitalizations for lung problems.
Over the past year, there has been a rise in the number of breathing and lung problems. Studies are coming out that flavored vape juices are the cause of this pain and can lead to death if untreated.
Many people are considering this a public health emergency and some are even calling it an epidemic.
Flavored vape juices have been recently known to have interesting and tasty flavors. Some flavors include cotton candy, coffee mocha, and even strawberry milkshake.
The vape flavors are fun and the packaging is bright and colorful. It is no wonder that it has been even catching popularity among minors and non-smokers. The Michigan vaping laws were put into effect in hopes that minors would have a harder time getting access to the products.
Smoke and vape shops, even under the vaping ban, are allowed to sell vape juices as long as they are not flavored. Companies like Juul were still able to sell their two tobacco flavors. However, flavors like mango, mint, berry, and vanilla are all banned.
Michigan’s Bold Response
Understanding the issues that are arising from vape pens will help you understand the stance that Michigan is taking on the issue.
Michigan is the first state that has banned selling flavored vape juices. Under this state order, the sale of flavored nicotine juices is prohibited. Other states have since joined this ban in the hopes of lower hospital visits due to lung issues.
The day after the ban was put into place, it was reversed.
Michigan vaping laws were reversed due to the ban going through without legislative approval. A local vape shop owner in Houghton, Michigan fought against the ban.
Many concerns were coming out about the ban and people were worried that there would be a rise in other nicotine products that are even more harmful.
However, more studies are coming out that confirm the link between flavored nicotine juices and hospital visits. Local smoke shops are also concerned that with the ban in effect, they may end up going out of business.
Scientists are also discovering that black market cannabis vape pens could be the problem.
You can learn more about the vape flavor ban and how companies are adapting to the change.
As of now, the ban is temporarily blocked until further research can come out, for the judge to make a more informed decision.
There is a loophole that many vapers are using. Some people are continuing to buy flavored vape juices with no nicotine and they add a flavorless packet of nicotine into the mix.
Can I Still Own It?
With the ban being put into place and being blocked in the meantime, many people are confused about the laws.
It is still legal to own flavored nicotine products that were purchased before the ban. The part the is illegal is selling the flavored vape juice.
Although there are loopholes around the Michigan vaping laws, the hope is to limit the accessibility to minors. If you own a vape pen, it is important to keep it out of the reach of your children.
Not smoking your strawberry milkshake vape juice around your children may also decrease the interest that minors have in the products. The people that are most affected by the vaping ban are smoke shop owners and vape distributors.
Time to Put Yours out
If you want to quit smoking, there are a couple of tips that you can follow to make the process easier.
Even with electronic cigarettes, people still become addicted and it has lead to breathing and lung problems. One of the most helpful tips in quitting is to get enough rest.
Sleeping and drinking water can help keep your body functioning properly and ease discomfort. Cravings typically only last around 10-20 minutes at the beginning of quitting and get shorter over time.
If you find yourself craving flavored vape, you can try keeping active. Those that miss the sensation of smoking may be able to replace the habit by sucking on hard candies and lollipops.
It is important to avoid smoking triggers if you are trying to quit.
Avoiding situations and people that you used to smoke around, may be helpful. This will get you out of your element and less likely to fall back into the unhealthy habit.
Abide by These Michigan Vaping Laws
Although there have been changes to the Michigan vaping laws, it is still important to know the dangers of smoking these e-cigs.
There have been many people, including children, going to the hospital with lung and chest pain issues. Harmful chemicals have been found in nicotine juices that are leading to death when untreated.
Michigan is the first state to put this ban into effect and is hoping to see the trend continue. The tasty flavors and bright colored packaging have drawn interest from minors. The problem is now considered to be a public health emergency.
If you are feeling any sort of chest pains while smoking your e-cig, you should immediately stop using it and see a doctor.
Be sure to check out our blog for more articles and updates on flavored vape juice bans.