Utah Bad Minnesota Good Anyone for An Electronic Cigarette?

Electronic Cigarettes are getting a lot of attention from politicians lately. Utah is the latest state going crazy attempting to ban electronic cigarettes. According to a recent article on Online PR News, Rep. Paul Ray has sponsored a bill to ban e cigs statewide. The bill has already passed the Health and Human Services Committee, and is on its way to the House for a vote. Apparently, Rep. Ray is rallying for this ban for the wrong reasons. He has stated in the article that nicotine is the reason smokers develop heart disease, problems with their arteries, hypertension, and may eventually die. Researchers from the University of Alberta have stated that, “While it is true that people smoke mostly because of nicotine, nicotine users die mostly because of smoke.” Electronic cigarette advocates are wondering why Rep. Ray is not considering a ban on other cessation products that contain the same small amounts of nicotine since he believes the nicotine is what kills people. The American Heart Association states on their website that nicotine products do not contain the carcinogens or toxic gases found in cigarette smoke.

Advocates are worried once again that these proposed bans across the country are putting millions of peoples’ lives at risk. Spike Babian, president of the National Vapors Club, states in the article that, “the passage of this bill is taking away a life-saving choice for smokers, and it leaves smokers who have already successfully switched to electronic cigarettes in an impossible situation. It’s inhumane, and it certainly isn’t in the interest of public health.” Dr. Michael Siegel, professor at Boston University School of Public Health, also states in the article that, “What Utah is basically saying is: “We don’t mind if you smoke, as long as you smoke the most deadly products available.”

The Consumer Advocates for Smoke- Free Alternatives Association, along with the National Vapors Club strongly opposes the ban of electronic cigarettes to adults. However, they are all in agreement when it comes to a proposed bill sponsored by Rep. Ronda Menlove to ban the sale of electronic cigarettes to minors. An article on a local Minnesota Fox news station site reported on a recent rally anti tobacco advocates held at city hall to ban the sales of cigarette and tobacco alternatives to minors. A bill from Senator Dibble would prohibit the sales of these products to minors. The bill would also prohibit retailers from displaying these products near candy and gum.
If you are an electronic cigarette user who has successfully switched from traditional cigarettes, or are an e cig user who enjoys this healthier alternative please send your stories and concerns to the following people:

• pray@utah.gov
• rmenlove@utah.gov
• bcferry@utah.gov
• jdraxler@utah.gov