Trump Promises New Strategy on Underage Vaping

Flavor may be removed from market temporarily
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Jan 2, 2020 12:37 AM CST
Trump Promises New Strategy on Underage Vaping
President Trump speaks to the media at his Mar-a-Lago property, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019.   (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)

President Trump says the federal government will soon announce a new strategy to tackle underage vaping, promising, "We're going to protect our families, we’re going to protect our children, and we’re going to protect the industry." Trump was vague about what the plan would entail but suggested "certain flavors" in cartridge-based e-cigarettes would be taken off the market "for a period of time." The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday that the Food and Drug Administration plans to ban the sale of most flavored e-cigarettes, but e-cigarette pods formulated to taste like tobacco or menthol will still be allowed. Tank-based vaping systems, which are less popular among teenagers, would still allow users to custom-mix flavors.

In September, Trump and his top health officials said they would soon sweep virtually all flavored e-cigarettes from the market because of their appeal to young children and teens. But that effort stalled after vaping lobbyists pushed back and White House advisers told Trump the ban could cost him votes with adults who vape. Beginning in May, all e-cigarettes will need to undergo FDA review. Only those that can demonstrate a benefit for public health will be permitted to stay on the market. On Tuesday, Trump suggested a ban of flavored e-cigarettes might be temporary, the AP reports. "Hopefully, if everything’s safe, they’re going to be going very quickly back onto the market," he told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, where he was hosting a New Year's Eve party.

(More vaping stories.)

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