Flavored e-cigs ban should be vaporized
Whether it is Taylor Swift albums, Instagram stock or Kylie Jenner lipliners, do not underestimate the power of teen obsession.
Most successful businesses target the teenybopper demographic for a simple reason: They have money. It might not be their money per se, but teens are like the swamp creatures who unfortunately dominate our government — they have a real knack for spending other people’s money.
And if you don’t believe me, just look at Adam Bowen and James Monsees. The co-founders of the e-cigarette empire known as Juul know all about getting rich (I’m talking billions) off teenagers with a few extra bucks to burn.
Their company saw numbers that most businesses could only dream of. A recent study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that, “JUUL Laboratories sales increased 641% from 2016 (2.2 million) to 2017 (16.2 million).”
That’s a lot of mango-infused smoke.
According to the Truth Initiative, “Fifteen-seventeen-year-olds have over 16 times greater odds to be current JUUL users compared to those aged 25-34. Which explains the understandable national uproar over what is being called the “vaping epidemic.”
After all, it did come onto the scene rather unexpectedly. A lot of people probably thought that, for the most part, nicotine addictions were a thing of the past — like the Walkman or Joe Biden’s record player.
But like a phoenix rising from stinky carcinogen-laden ashes, Big Tobacco is back.
Everyone from Bella Hadid to Jennifer Lawrence has been caught puffing on the USB-looking devices. But it wasn’t Hollywood that brought the vape debate to a head. It was a recent string of deaths thought to be linked to a vaping-related lung disease.
Now the Trump administration is considering a comprehensive ban on flavored e-cigarettes. The reasoning is that flavors like strawberry milk and watermelon are shameless attempts by the companies to appeal to the youth of America.
But the potential ban has its opponents.
Many argue that the government would once again be overstepping its responsibilities.
The Constitution is silent on the subject of bad habits. Although the Declaration of Independence does mention “the pursuit of happiness.”
Noted conservative commentator Dan Bongino tweeted, “A big no to this vaping ban. Educate people about the risks and let them make their own decisions. Big boy rules.”
But the problem is a bit more complicated. Because for the most part, the big boys are not the ones buying this product.
I’ve seen kids who couldn’t be older than 15 with a vape in one hand and a Red Bull in the other.
Because nothing goes better with a case of popcorn lung (Google it) than 37 grams of sugar.
And let’s be honest, since when are we expecting children to educate themselves on the facts before making an informed decision?
A few months ago, the youth of America was eagerly eating Tide pods. If that fad established anything, it is that kids can be dummies.
But then, I am not a vaper … vapee? Vapette? Therefore, my expertise on this happenin’ movement is limited.
Luckily for me, I know plenty of people who blissfully fill their lungs with mystery vapor.
“It gives me a head rush. It’s relaxing. Oh, plus it’s something to do with my hands,” my interview subject explained.
Let’s call him Mr. T. He’d prefer to stay anonymous for several reasons. The most compelling being, “If my parents knew I vaped, they’d kill me.” Already off to a good start.
Mr. T is 22 years old, a recent college graduate and has been vaping on and off for about two years. As he twirls the Juul between his fingers, he tells me defensively that he has, “successfully quit multiple times.”
Duly noted. I think Mark Twain once said the same thing about smoking.
I ask Mr. T if this potential ban would affect his addiction. “Yes, definitely. I’m a fan of the mint-flavored Juul. I don’t like the tobacco-flavored ones. I’ll probably quit if they ban the mint.” Probably.
So would Mr. T be upset with the Trump administration if the ban goes through? “It’s painful for me in the short term, but it’s a welcome intervention.” A welcome intervention … And with those words, I was back on Bongino’s side of the argument. Because interventions, even welcome ones, are not part of the government’s duties.
Uncle Sam should not be prying away your Big Gulp or your double cheeseburger with bacon or your son’s Juul.
Sure, now it is to protect the “youth of America.” But anyone who has studied history knows prohibitions are a slippery slope.
First it is just Johnny Jr.’s vape they are taking away. But what’s next? My Tito’s soda splash of cran? I shudder at the thought of such a … welcome intervention.