RI, MA working to comply with vape bans

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Vape retailers across the region are clearing their shelves of products, after Massachusetts and Rhode Island announced bans.

In Massachusetts, local health departments have been tasked with making sure all retailers comply with the temporary total ban of vape sales.

In Rhode Island, the flavored e-cigarette ban hasn’t started yet, but the Department of Health is working on regulations.

“Our legal team and our tobacco control experts are huddling right now and starting to work through those regulations,” said Joseph Wendelken with the Rhode Island Dept. of Health.

 “We anticipate having those [regulations] promulgated next week.”

According to the Department of Health, retailers will have to certify that they are not selling flavored products.

Several agencies including Rhode Island State Police, local law enforcement, and the Attorney General’s office will enforce the ban.

Governor Gina Raimondo’s ban focuses solely on flavored e-cigarettes, which she says are marketed to kids.

“I mean look at them, they look like cereal boxes,” the Governor explained during a press conference Wednesday.

“Which adult do you know who drinks chocolate milk, strawberry milk? This is targeting kids. Our kids,” Governor Raimondo said.

The Centers for Disease Control have reported over 500 cases of respiratory disease they say are linked to vaping.

However, health experts have not been able to narrow down exactly what types of vaping products those diseases stem from.

Vape users have pointed to other research, which suggest the diseases stem from illicit THC vape cartridges, sold on the black market.

© ABC6 / WLNE-TV 2019