Representative Patton Introduces Bills to Ban and Restrict the Sale of Vaping Products in Ohio

COLUMBUS— State Representative Tom Patton (R-Strongsville) has introduced legislation that would place new limits on the sale of flavored vaping products in Ohio.

The move comes in the wake of growing health concerns surrounding vaping.

There have been seven deaths nationally and 530 people have been hospitalized with pulmonary issues caused by vaping related products. The Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and prevention have recommended not using vaping products until illnesses have been further investigated.

“I have been contacted by schools in my district telling me vaping is becoming a prominent issue, especially in junior high,” said Rep. Patton. “Nicotine addiction is becoming increasingly problematic among our youth. Ohio joins 32 other states addressing this public health crisis and helping our youth.”

To help address concerns, Patton has introduced two bills:

• House Bill 346 would prohibit the sale of flavored electronic smoking devices and flavored vapor products and establish a committee to study the health risks associated with such products.
• House Bill 347 would prohibit people under 21 from entering a vape store and requires retailers to not display vape products in an open area accessible to the public.

Nationally, 16 states have passed legislation prohibiting the sale of vaping products to individuals under 21. Another 15 states have proposed laws to do so. Michigan already bans the sale of flavored electronic cigarettes and vaping products while Massachusetts just temporarily banned such products for four months.