New Hampshire, like many other states across the country, has become victim to illegal vapes from countries like China. It is time for New Hampshire and the federal government to take control of the vape market and assert its authority to protect our communities, our children, and law enforcement.
Unlike vapes that are authorized by the FDA for sale to give smokers a less harmful alternative, these vapes are prohibited for sale from coast to coast. They are typically marketed to young adults with candy, dessert flavors and bright cartoon packaging. They are promoted on TikTok and social media targeting our teenagers. They are manufactured with unknown ingredients and materials and designed to avoid detection by parents and teachers.
Federal restrictions to regulate a criminal market for popular adult products require a robust enforcement strategy. Laws without enforcement create profit opportunities for gangs, cartels, and organized crime who traffic in these contraband products.
Today, our law enforcement professionals are already stretched to capacity combatting deadly crises like the opioid and fentanyl crisis. Policing the chaotic illegal vape market requires additional enforcement support. The State of New Hampshire, along with the federal Food and Drug Administration, must work together to empower our local law enforcement agencies to protect communities from the importation of these illegal vapes. Moreover, we must help educate our small retail stores to ensure these products aren’t sold.
Enacting clear regulations and guidelines concerning vapes will mean that law enforcement can more effectively enforce laws when there is a well-defined legal framework. This, in turn, would reduce ambiguity and the potential for arbitrary enforcement.
In addition to the importance to law enforcement, legal vape products are subject to rigorous FDA safety standards that ensure safer, healthier products. Foreign vapes could possess dangerous products imported from unregulated markets. Without knowing what chemicals are included in these illegal products, we’re unknowingly subjecting users to potentially harmful side effects.
New Hampshire must work with the federal government to take back the vape market from criminal organizations and unregulated foreign markets. Clear guidelines on legal vapes will allow our law enforcement agencies and professionals to protect communities from more serious challenges, rather than having to expend valuable resources on a sprawling black market vape industry. For others looking to find a safer way to quit smoking, for our law enforcement community, and for our children, let’s once and for all kick the habit of illegal, unsafe foreign vapes.
