The FDA is now pulling e-cigarettes and vape pens under its jurisdiction. That means the growing businesses will now face new rules and regulations. While it could be bad news for shops around town, local health officials are applauding the move.
New oversight from the FDA means manufacturers of e-cigarettes and other electronic nicotine delivery systems will now have to register and report ingredients in their products. Dr. Paul Amundson, the Chief Medical Officer for DAKOTACARE, loves the idea.
"Oh, I'm ecstatic. You know I was involved in helping to advocate for the legislation in South Dakota several years ago that has made public places smoke-free. Personally I'm elated," Amundson said.
Amundson is worried about the number of young people using the products. He says now, no one under the age of 18 will be allowed to purchase e-cigarettes or vape pens, a law that's already on the books here in South Dakota.
"You know what we're trying to do is circumvent and break that groundswell of young adults who are starting to get addicted to these nicotine products," Amundson said.
I called several vape shops in Sioux Falls and no one wanted to go on camera but a shop did post a note on its door sending people to Facebook.
The note asks customers to "sign a petition to overturn the FDA's new regulations" and that "this could possibly close all shops not only in town but across the country!"
"You know we feel like this is a big win for public health. We know that e-cigarette use has tripled in the last few years for youth, those under 18. We realize that's a major public health issue," Amundson said. "The health care community, in general, feels that these should be regulated. Now the FDA came down with this ruling and they agree with us."
New oversight from the FDA means manufacturers of e-cigarettes and other electronic nicotine delivery systems will now have to register and report ingredients in their products. Dr. Paul Amundson, the Chief Medical Officer for DAKOTACARE, loves the idea.
"Oh, I'm ecstatic. You know I was involved in helping to advocate for the legislation in South Dakota several years ago that has made public places smoke-free. Personally I'm elated," Amundson said.
Amundson is worried about the number of young people using the products. He says now, no one under the age of 18 will be allowed to purchase e-cigarettes or vape pens, a law that's already on the books here in South Dakota.
"You know what we're trying to do is circumvent and break that groundswell of young adults who are starting to get addicted to these nicotine products," Amundson said.
I called several vape shops in Sioux Falls and no one wanted to go on camera but a shop did post a note on its door sending people to Facebook.
The note asks customers to "sign a petition to overturn the FDA's new regulations" and that "this could possibly close all shops not only in town but across the country!"
"You know we feel like this is a big win for public health. We know that e-cigarette use has tripled in the last few years for youth, those under 18. We realize that's a major public health issue," Amundson said. "The health care community, in general, feels that these should be regulated. Now the FDA came down with this ruling and they agree with us."