Students Urge Lawmakers to Regulate Vaping, Ban Sales Under 21

Students Demand Legislative Action on Vaping Regulations

Amid growing concerns about the impact of vaping on youth, high school and college students are urging state legislators to impose stricter controls on the sale of vaping products.

Last year, a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced a bill aimed at regulating retailers of tobacco and vape products, alongside prohibiting sales to individuals under 21. Although this legislation has stalled in the Rules committees, students recently organized an advocacy day to press for its progression.

House Bill 430, also known as Solly’s Law, was introduced by Rep. Donnie Loftis, R-Gaston, in memory of Solomon Wynn, a 15-year-old who passed away due to vaping-related complications. Loftis emphasized the connection between the widespread use of addictive vaping products among teens and the increasing violence throughout the state.

“This is a deadly game among young people,” Loftis remarked during the advocacy day news conference. “We’re here today to say enough is enough. It is way past time for this bill to be moved into the committee process so that North Carolina can feel good about protecting its young teenagers.”

Eric Cunningham, Superintendent of Halifax County Schools, reports increased behavioral problems linked to vaping.

“We are seeing addiction,” Cunningham noted. “Students become aggressive when we take them. Students fight. Students even run out of the building. Students will do almost anything to get that vape pen back.”

The proposed bill would introduce a permitting system for retailers selling tobacco and nicotine products, a measure supported by the state’s Alcohol Law Enforcement agency. Director Bryan House highlighted the current challenges in investigating unauthorized sales to minors due to the absence of permits.

Loftis pointed out that lobbying by retail and industry groups is hindering the bill’s progress.

“All of these groups have some stake in the game that they want their protected status, or class protected,” he stated. “Part of the delay is we need all those people at the table, lock the door, and figure out how we can find areas of agreement to protect these young people.”

Alongside this bill, the legislature is also considering regulations on hemp and THC products. For more on the legislative efforts and vaping trends, WUNC News interviewed two students involved in the recent lobbying day: Taylor Ward from UNC-Chapel Hill and Pranika Senthil from Lake Norman Charter School.

This discussion has been edited for brevity and clarity.

What are you observing in terms of product usage among students, and how does it compare health-wise to traditional smoking?

Ward: There’s been a significant shift from traditional smoking to vaping. Vaping is often marketed as a safer alternative, but scientifically we know that’s not true. This misconception has led to a rise in tobacco use.

Senthil: Vapes are much easier to conceal. Smoking leaves a tobacco smell, but vaping doesn’t, making it less detectable.

Are there concerns about the lack of regulation on these products?

Ward: I’m worried not just about nicotine levels, but also about undisclosed substances in vapes. There have been cases of marijuana, THC, or even fentanyl found in them.

How would raising the age limit help in reducing addiction?

Ward: Raising the legal age to 21 could help young people think more rationally before they start. At younger ages, it’s easier to access these products and harder to quit once started.

Senthil: The brain isn’t fully developed until the early 20s. Raising the age would allow for better decision-making and emotional regulation before trying these products.

What changes would the bill bring to North Carolina’s regulation of these products?

Ward: While raising the age limit is crucial, the regulation aspect is even more important. Requiring permits for tobacco sales, similar to alcohol licenses, would help ensure safety.

Senthil: Currently, if I were to buy a vape, both I and the cashier would face charges. The bill would hold businesses accountable for selling to minors.

Listen to the full interview on the WUNC Politics Podcast.

Colin Campbell

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WUNC News