Vaping has become a national crisis in the United States. As of 2020, there have been 2,807 hospitalized cases of e-cigarette or vaping product use associated lung injury, resulting in 68 deaths. One in 20 Americans vape, according to CDC research.
Stephanie Meador, Director of the Macon County Prevention Coalition, spoke about the growing concern for underage vaping in Macon County.
“We are finding not only nicotine vapes in our schools, but also vapes containing THC,†said Meador. “Kids can get online and order these products as well as buy them locally at certain locations. There have been many confiscated in schools since November.â€
Under state law, vaping is illegal for anyone under the age of 21.
“Right now, it is legal for anyone 21 or older to go to these businesses that sell vapes containing nicotine or THC.,†said Meador. “There have been several nicotine and THC vapes confiscated at MCHS. The Tennessee codes are tying the hands of judges that wish to impose stiffer penalties for these offenses.â€
Macon County General Sessions Court Judge Greg Traylor said, “It is a problem that I see an improvement with. Offenses are down.â€
Meador says that there have been and will continue to be compliance checks for businesses selling these products.
“We had a 19-year-old that was our purchaser during compliance checks recently, who was able to buy vapes and alcohol from seven different businesses here in Macon County,†said Meador. “All seven businesses failed to ask for I.D. The individual workers that actually sold the products were given tickets. The bad thing is that there are no local laws governing these businesses, and even on the state level there is really nothing being done to these businesses for violating these underage laws.â€
The businesses listed below were found to be in compliance with laws regarding selling prohibited products to minors.
The Pour House Wine and Spirits
The Smoke Shop, Vape, CBD, Pipe, Cigars, and Kratom
Dollar General — Red Boiling Springs
American Market — Red Boiling Springs
Mike’s — Red Boiling Springs
Dollar General — Scottsville Road, Lafayette
Dollar General — Ellington Drive, Lafayette
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