Flavored E-Cigarette Sales Banned In Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, RI — Just one day after all vaping sales were temporarily banned in Massachusetts, Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo took similar action. On Wendesday, Raimondo signed an executive order banning the sale of flavored e-cigarette products in the state. The ban does not apply to marijuana and unflavored tobacco products.

"This is something I've been worried about for some time now," Raimondo said at a press conference. "As governor, I hear from parents and teachers and coaches that the use of flavored e-cigarettes among teenagers and middle school students is alarming and rising and scary."

On Tuesday, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker declared a vaping-related "public health emergency" and called for the state's Public Health Council to ban all vape sales until January 25, 2020, including both flavored and non-flavored e-cigarette products. Raimondo's ban is less strict than Baker's, as unflavored e-cigarette pods will still be allowed.

"I'm not taking action similar to Governor Baker," Raimondo assured Rhode Islanders. "You can still vape. Electronic tobacco products will still be readily available for adults who are using them to stop smoking."

Raimondo said that the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention recently called on states to take individual action, prompting her to sign the order.

"I decided today that it's time to take action," she said, adding that the flavors and colorful packaging are not meant to appeal to adult users. "These products are targeted at our kids."

As of Sept. 11, 380 cases of lung illnesses possibly linked to vaping were reported to the CDC from states across the country. So far, none of these illnesses have been reported in Rhode Island, the department of health said.

"There are still some unknowns when it comes to e-cigarettes, but one thing is very clear: e-cigarettes are not safe, particularly for young people and for pregnant women," RIDOH Deputy Director Ana Novais said in a previous statement. "In addition to being unhealthy, teenagers often transition from using e-cigarettes to traditional, lit cigarettes—the deadliest of all tobacco products."

On Sept. 17, North Kingstown Democrat Julie A. Casimiro announced her plans to introduce a bill banning flavored e-cigarettes in the House of Representatives.

"These devices and products are relatively new in the marketplace and not one expert or doctor knows the potential dangers of using these products, especially in regard to the still-developing bodies of our kids," Casimiro said. "Combine this with the deceptive marketing practices that are labeling vaping products as safer than cigarettes, I feel direct legislative action is needed in order to combat this growing public health emergency."

Raimondo called Wednesday's executive order "the beginning of a process."

Robert Dulski, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network's director of government relations, issued a statement immediately after the announcement.

"ACS CAN is encouraged by Governor Raimondo’s action recognizing the dangers posed to our youth by flavored e-cigarettes. However, Big Tobacco’s dangerous agenda calls for comprehensive policy changes, and today’s announcement cannot be a standalone solution to the crisis of youth tobacco use here in Rhode Island," Dulski said. "Big Tobacco continues to target Rhode Islanders to the tune of $26.5 million every year in marketing – yet we currently rank 40th in the country when it comes to investing in proven tobacco control programs. We urge lawmakers to fully fund the state’s tobacco control program as it is a critical tool in preventing the next generations from a lifelong addiction to all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes."

Patch reporter Jimmy Bentley contributed to this report.