State Lawmakers introduce bill to curb youth vaping

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — State lawmakers introduced a bill today aimed at curbing youth vaping.

The proposed legislation would raise the legal age for purchasing tobacco and vaping products to 21 and establish a permit system for tobacco retailers.

North Carolina currently ranks sixth in the nation for youth vaping, with many products purchased from retailers or shared among friends.

The bill’s sponsors believe it will help hold retailers accountable and protect young people from nicotine addiction.

While federal law raised the legal age to 21 in 2019, North Carolina’s state law still remains at 18.

Lawmakers say the bill could prevent the state from losing more than $5 million in federal funding for mental health services, which could be at risk if underage tobacco sales aren’t curbed by the end of the year.

Eugenia Johnson, a health educator with New Hanover County Health and Human Services, emphasizes the importance of education on the issue.

“Young adults, or individuals in general, think of vaping as a better alternative to smoking, but vapes can include nicotine, and finishing one pod can be equivalent to a pack of cigarettes.”

The bill, called “Solly’s Law,” is named in honor of a high school football player who was only 15 years old when he died from complications of vaping.