RI Lawmaker proposes banning flavored E-cigs

With rising concerns about vaping-related illnesses sweeping across the country, one Rhode Island lawmaker is looking to place a ban on flavored e-cigarette and vaping products in the next legislative session.

The potential ban in Rhode Island comes after the CDC reports almost 400 cases of illnesses around the country, 36 in Massachusetts, and seven reported deaths in various states.

Just this week, a ban went into effect in New York against flavored e-cig products, after Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed an emergency order. That order bans flavored products for at least 90 days.

The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Julie Casimiro (D-North Kingstown, Exeter) said she introduced the legislation that would reflect Michigan’s ban. 

She said these products are targeted toward kids, and more research is required.

“I’m trying to get those products off the shelves that really attract our young kids,” Casimiro said.

Heidi Driscoll, Director of South County Regional Prevention, said it’s the flavors that draw in kids, and the products labeling and how they’re designed is not marketed toward adults looking to quit smoking.

“The number one reason why a youth will usually pick up an e-cigarette is because of flavorings,” Driscoll said. “This is happening because these things are being targeted toward our youth.”

But Joe Dionne, owner of RI E-cig & Vape in Warwick, said a huge majority of his adult customers are using the flavors to kick the habit of smoking cigarettes.

“Our most common flavors for adults are you know fruits and desserts,” Dionne said. 

Dionne said that an all-out ban on flavored e-cigarette products would put him and roughly another 30 shop owners around the state out of business.

“This is our livelihood. This is our business. This is where we come to work every day,” he said. “I will lose my home, lose my business, lose my vehicles. It’ll all be over.”

But Rep. Casimiro said the bill is not meant to attack small business owners.

“The intention of this legislation would be to keep people alive,” Casimiro said. “I don’t want to put anybody out of business.”

On top of more people that would pick up smoking traditional cigarettes with a ban, Dionne believes the cause of the illnesses is because of black market e-cig products, which would grow if a ban takes effect.

“Responsible regulation comes into place. To just ban flavors it’d be catastrophic for our public health,” he said.

Governor Raimondo said a ban on flavored vaping products is a “good idea.”

RI Department of Health said there have been no vaping-related illnesses reported in the state.