A new wave of tobacco products is being investigated.
The use of electronic cigarettes has now led to the term “vaping epidemic.” As of Dec. 23 there have been a reported 54 deaths and 2,506 cases that were related to vaping, according to The New York Times.
Due to the increasing number of cases, President Trump signed a law raising the legal age requirement for purchasing tobacco products from 18 to 21. Along with this, people who were 18 to 20 before the law was signed are not grandfathered into this new policy.
MadVapes, a Rock Hill vape store, recently had to change their policy over a week ago and are now in the process of removing certain products.
“We had to get rid of the CBD flower and soon we are going to have to get rid of all our disposables. The ones that we carry are the flavored ones and by next month they are only allowed to have menthol and tobacco flavors,” Brandon Clay, a supervisor for MadVapes, said. “Any of the big ones called MODS those are perfectly fine and the flavors [that go with it] people benefit from it [because] they get away from cigarettes.”
However, the vape related illnesses and deaths are caused by cartigrades that contain vitamin e acetate which is added to some THC products, according to the CDC.
“People are getting empty cartridges they can get from any vape they want and they are putting THC in it [as well as] vitamin e acetate and inhaling it can cause pockets in your lungs which can kill you,” Clay said. “That’s the biggest thing that is happening right now. THC is what is causing all these illnesses.”
However, since the misconception vapes themselves have caused a hit in the vaping industry.
“Everything the government is trying to hit with vaping it took a dramatic decrease to the company but not just with us but we have seen it from our suppliers from other vape stores around here,” Clay said. “A lot of them are going out of business now.”
Vaping, although is not good for your lungs, is a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes and to prevent withdrawal symptoms in users.
“I started vaping because I started smoking cigarettes when I was 14 and I wanted to stop [but] I was addicted. I figured it was better than all the harsh chemicals put into cigarettes,” Sonny Dodds, a sophomore psychology major, said. “As a smoker I can see a physical difference when I smoke cigarettes versus when I vape.”
Despite the concerns, vaping is seen as an alternative and has results for many.
“If you are a smoker and want a safer alternative try vaping. I was a smoker and I have been vaping for about 3 to 4 years now and I see a much better difference,” Clay said. “After smoking a pack a day I started to vape. It’s a lot healthier.”
Photo: Tate Walden/ The Johnsonian
