Mississippi has restricted the sale of disposable vapes, e-liquids and refillable vapes that aren’t authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, a move that could affect availability for both retailers and consumers.
Under Mississippi House Bill 916, on Oct. 1, the Mississippi commissioner will release a list of legal electronic nicotine products. Retailers will have 30 days to remove products not authorized by the FDA. After the 30 days, the products not on the list will be considered contraband. Limited access to these products is expected to reduce youth usage and make it more difficult for adults to maintain an addiction.
USM health educator Melanie Blanton said she supports the ban, especially for youth and young adults.
“I feel like that’s where a lot of people are starting,” she said. “You don’t hear a lot of older adults starting to vape. If they can’t get access to it, maybe that will keep them from getting addicted.”
Blanton added that vaping is harmful for youth and young adults because it introduces chemicals into the lungs and can interfere with brain development. High school and college students’ brains continue developing until about age 25, and vaping can hinder that process.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, no e-cigarette is safe. They contain highly addictive chemicals, cancer-causing substances, heavy metals and other harmful compounds. Defective e-cigarettes can also cause fires and explosions.
People start vaping for many reasons, including the belief that it’s safer than smoking tobacco, peer influence and anxiety. Promoters often advertise vaping as a way to quit smoking, but that is not always the case.
Although e-cigarettes do not contain tobacco smoke particles, they still have dangerous and unknown substances that threaten health. Some devices contain more nicotine than traditional cigarettes, increasing the risk of addiction.
Vaping is especially popular among youth and young adults. Businesses often target them with advertisements that highlight flavors and colors. According to Health.org, “Among youth currently using e-cigarettes, almost 9 out of 10 use flavored ones.”
Mississippians addicted to vaping may face challenges in the coming months as certain products become unavailable. Withdrawal can lead to anxiety, depression and stress, but there are ways to manage the addiction.
“One thing is just thinking about what they are going to miss most about it,” Blanton said. “Is it the taste, the oral fixation, or having it in their hand? You can address which one, or all three.”
Items such as straws or toothpicks can help with oral fixation, while fidget tools can satisfy the physical fixation.
At USM, the Moffitt Health Center offers support for students, including prescriptions for nicotine gum and patches.
For additional help, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visit quitnow.net/ms.
