U.S. PIRG applauds Michigan for banning flavored e-cigarettes, urges other states to act

Media Contacts
Matt Wellington

Former Director, Public Health Campaigns, PIRG

U.S. PIRG

LANSING, Mich. — Michigan today became the first state to ban the sale of flavored e-cigarettes. The ban, which was ordered by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, will last for six months and can be renewed for another six months in the absence of permanent regulations banning flavored e-cigarettes. The move comes after a spate of mysterious lung illnesses linked to vaping. 

The Food and Drug Administration has issued draft rules that would restrict the sale of many sweet flavored e-cigarettes, but the agency still leaves a number of appealing flavors available for sale — including mint and menthol — and additional avenues, like online sales, open. According to the FDA’s own analysis, 70 percent of youth e-cigarette users stated that they use the products because they come in flavors they like.

Matt Wellington, U.S. PIRG’s End the Nicotine Trap Campaign Director, issued the following statement in response to Michigan’s action:

“By banning flavored e-cigarettes in Michigan, Gov. Whitmer has stepped up in a big way to protect kids from the grating struggle of nicotine addiction. Other governors should do the same.” 

“Flavored vaping liquids like mango, mint and watermelon hook kids on a product that is dangerous, addictive, and could open a gateway to increased cigarette smoking. Given the FDA’s lackluster response so far on this vital public health issue, it’s up to the states to lead the way in limiting vaping’s appeal and access to kids.” 

Topics