According to TMJ4 on August 16th, a recent study has shown that one-fifth of minors in the state of Wisconsin in the United States admitted to using e-cigarettes within the past month.
Doctors at the state children's hospital stated that state legislators need to help address this issue.
Since 2019, the minimum age to purchase tobacco and e-cigarettes as mandated by federal law in the United States is 21, but the legal age in Wisconsin remains 18. Despite federal law taking precedence, experts warn that having two different age restrictions could lead to conflicts and confusion.
Dr. Louella Amos, a pulmonologist at the Wisconsin Children's Hospital, stated that...
I think it's somewhat ironic that Wisconsin discovered these cases, yet we are one of the few states that have not raised the legal age to purchase tobacco to 21.
Dr. Michael Meyer added,
I think we are currently at a standstill. I believe the government should make an effort to address this issue, because if 18-year-olds have it, then 16-year-olds will have it, and then it will show up in your high school.
These healthcare workers are frustrated by the government's lack of action so far.
Gina Larsen of the state Health Services Department stated that two different laws have brought about two separate issues.
I believe there is a lot of confusion in the market, and I am not sure if retailers understand their obligation to comply with federal laws.
Besides the confusion on both sides of the transaction, Lassen also stated that due to inconsistent state laws, law enforcement is unable to enforce the federal "Tobacco 21" law.
According to the website Tobacco21.org, Wisconsin is one of only seven states that has not aligned its state laws with the federal "Tobacco21 law" raising the legal age to purchase tobacco products to 21.
State Senator LaTonya Johnson stated that
State legislative bodies do not want to see any child harmed, but they are being harmed by tobacco products.
We must empower law enforcement agencies to enforce the law at the local and statewide levels, but currently the age requirement is 18, the only thing law enforcement agencies can do is transfer cases to the FDA. However, they are already overwhelmed.
Notice
1. This article is provided exclusively for professional research purposes related to industry, technology and policy. Any reference to brands or products is made solely for the purpose of objective description and does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or promotion of any brand or product.
2. The use of nicotine products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products, is associated with significant health risks. Users are required to comply with all relevant laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.
3. This article is strictly restricted from being accessed or viewed by individuals under the legal age.
Copyright
This article is either an original work by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with the original source clearly indicated. The copyright and usage rights of this article belong to 2Firsts or the original source. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other unauthorized use of this article by any entity or individual is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally responsible. For copyright-related matters, please contact: info@2firsts.com
AI Assistance Disclaimer
This article may have utilized AI to enhance translation and editing efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, errors may occur. Readers are advised to refer to the sources provided for more accurate information.
This article should not be used as a basis for any investment decisions or advice, and 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any errors in the content.
