As electronic cigarettes increase in popularity, states are adding them to the list of restricted products that should not be sold to minors. Today, 11 states consider e-cigarettes an age-restricted product, and Doug Anderson, president of We Card Program Inc., says, “In short order, 11 states could change to 12, 15, or even 50 states.” Michigan and Ohio are not on the list—yet.
Currently, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate e-cigarettes as long as makers do not make a therapeutic claim, says We Card, but the FDA has indicated its intention to regulate them in the future. We Card says it will let its clients know when/if the FDA issues new regulations or information on e-cigarettes.
We Card recommends retailers double-check their company or store policy to make sure it covers responsibly retailing e-cigarettes, update it if necessary, and train employees.
The We Card Program is a national nonprofit organization representing the nation’s leading retailers. Hundreds of individual retail establishments, state trade associations like MIRA, government officials, and community groups support We Card’s ongoing efforts to educate and train retailers on preventing underage tobacco sales. Order WeCard posters at www.wecard.org or call (800) 934-3968. (CSP Daily News: www.cspnet.com)
