Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued emergency rules Wednesday saying retailers have two weeks to remove vaping products from their shelves avoid running afoul of the law Michigan passed in September banning these items.
“I’m proud that Michigan has been a national leader in protecting our kids from the harmful effects of vaping,” Whitmer said in a news release. “For too long, companies have gotten our kids hooked on nicotine by marketing candy-flavored vaping products as safe. That ends today. This bold action will protect our kids and our overall public health.”
Originally, retailers were given 30 days to comply with the new measure. The emergency rules will be in place for 180 days and can be continued for another six months.
American Vaping Association (AVA) President Gregory Conley told the Detroit News that this rule will be challenged. The AVA is a non-profit that advocates for policies that promote economic growth in the vaping and e-cigarette industry.
“We don’t think she has the authority to do this, and there will be a lawsuit seeking a preliminary injunction filed before this can take effect,” he said. “They aren’t elected to make unilateral decisions to ban products. Imagine what else a governor could ban if this is approved by the Michigan court system?”
Michigan’s cited reasons for issuing emergency rules detailed how many middle school and high school students have increased their usage of vaping materials over the last decade. In 2018, United States Surgeon General Jerome Adams declared e-cigarette usage amongst kids an epidemic.
The Great Lakes state became the first state to ban e-cigarette products after the state of Michigan declared it a public health emergency. As The Michigan Star reported last week, the White House banned vaping products after America saw an increase in vaping-related health issues.
Recently, California Gavin Newsom said he would ban e-cigarettes if a law made its way through California’s legislature.
Now, Seven people have died from a mysterious lung disease related to vaping. Also, the Center for Disease Control is investigating 450 sickness cases in 33 states caused by e-cigarettes.
– – –
Zachery Schmidt is the digital editor of Battleground State News. Follow Zachery on Twitter.
[…] filed before this can take effect,” said American Vaping Association President Gregory Conley, as The Michigan Star […]