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MDHHS Issues Interpretive Statement on Vaping Emergency Rules

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct.4, 2019           

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112

LANSING, Mich. – Today, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) released an interpretive statement regarding the Emergency Rules for Protection of Youth from Nicotine Addiction. 

The statement clarifies that the emergency rules prohibit selling, giving or otherwise distributing flavored nicotine vapor products in the State of Michigan. The rules do not, however, prohibit mere possession of flavored nicotine vapor products in Michigan. Nor do they prohibit returns of such products to a wholesaler or manufacturer, or transportation of such products to persons outside the State of Michigan. 

“Implementing these rules is a huge step in protecting our kids from the dangerous effects of vaping,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health for MDHHS. “Right now, too many youth in Michigan have gotten hooked on nicotine because vaping companies are marketing flavors like candy, apple juice and cappuccino. Prohibiting the sale of these flavored nicotine vaping products will help us protect our kids and our overall public health.” 

In September, Michigan became the first state in the nation to announce a ban on flavored nicotine vaping products. Since then, the White House and Governors Cuomo (NY) and Newsom (CA) have announced similar actions to protect kids from nicotine addiction. 

The full interpretive statement is available online.

 

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