Prevent Adolescent Vape and E-Cigarette Use

 

The purpose of the bill is to identify and prosecute individuals who distribute vape products to people under the age of

18.

 

Using substances from an early age can lead to things like cognitive deficits and memory impairment. 36.8% of teenagers

have misused a drug at least once, and the number of youths in 8th grade who have used drugs has seen an increase of 30%

in a 4-year period. Vape dealers aren’t just selling substances to adolescents, but the idea of them. Teenagers are more

likely to become addicted than adults due to ongoing brain development, and lack of impulse control.

 

Adolescent- Someone between the ages of 10 and 24.

E- cigarettes or electronic cigarettes- battery-operated devices that use an electric pulse to heat and aerosolize a

flavored liquid that typically contains nicotine.

Substances- In this bill, drugs (including opioid, cocaine, and heroin) and e-cigarettes, or vapes containing weed oils.

Cognitive deficits- Impairments in areas like reasoning, attention, and executive function.

Misuse- The use of a substance not consistent with medical guidelines.

JUUL Settlement- JUUL, an e-cigarette brand, was sued by Minnesota for marketing towards youth and young adults (78% of

middle and high school students had been exposed to at least one advertisement for e-cigarettes)

 

Funding will come from the JUUL settlement of over $60M given to Minnesota for the prevention of underage nicotine use

awarded in 2023.

 

This will be enforced by moving police efforts to find dealers in well-populated places such as urban areas and

monitoring to make sure that minors don't become victims. Specialized drug trafficking detectives are more likely to

effectively track the sale and movement of vapes. If a substance seller is found, they will face a fine of up to $10,000

and up to 5 months in jail for counts of not only drug trafficking, but child endangerment.

 

This policy is to be put into effect no later than March 15, 2026