Wilmington students join statewide push for stronger nicotine laws in North Carolina

Two of those students are from the Cape Fear region, where the push first began.

Charlene Zorn has spent nearly three years advocating for stronger nicotine laws in the state, including raising the legal age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21.

Her efforts began after the death of her stepson, Solomon Wynn, in June 2023.

“He was a 15-year-old boy who loved football, loved the gym, loved his daddy more than anyone in this world,” Zorn said.

If he were alive today, Wynn would be preparing to graduate from New Hanover High School next month.

“Solomon passed away 12 days after his 15th birthday as a result of vaping,” she said.

Now, nearly three years later, supporters say his death could help change state law.

The Tobacco 21 Coalition has been leading the push for House Bill 430, known as the “Protect Youth From Harms of Vaping and Nicotine” bill, or “Solly’s Law.”

The measure would raise the minimum age to buy tobacco products to 21, create a state permitting system through the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission, require warning signage and make it a crime to sell tobacco products to anyone younger than 21.

Zorn said support for the proposal has grown as more students have become aware of the bill and joined the effort.

On Monday night, more than 30 students from across North Carolina, all members of the Tobacco 21 Youth Coalition, gathered for a Zoom meeting ahead of their trip to Raleigh.

Among them were Cape Fear Academy students Be Lanier and Max Hammer, who have recently spoken at Wilmington City Council meetings in support of the legislation.

Hammer said support from local leaders is critical to getting the measure passed.

“Because we’re in the county where this kind of got its kick start, where the story originated, we feel a pretty strong responsibility to get this city, the city of Wilmington and the county’s support for this law,” Hammer said.

Lanier said she became involved after witnessing nicotine addiction impact her friends.

“For me specifically, my own friends vape so I’m around that all day,” Lanier said. “And unfortunately, they’ve even come to me and said that they wish to quit vaping but feel like they can’t because of the addictive properties in the nicotine products.”

Zorn said she is proud of the coalition’s work and hopes the bill’s nickname ensures her stepson is remembered.

“It’s tough to know that every time I look at something to do with T-21, it’s a Solly’s Law. It’s also an honor,” Zorn said. “I want there to be a way to honor always him and so once our law is passed and it has Solomon’s name attached to it, everyone is always going to remember Solomon Wynn.”

Lanier and Hammer are scheduled to meet with Senate Majority Leader Michael Lee and Rep. Ted Davis Jr., who both represent New Hanover County. Other students are expected to meet with lawmakers from their home districts to discuss the bill.