WI Lawmakers Propose Minimum Age for Vaping, Change in Tobacco Sales Age

A bipartisan group of Wisconsin lawmakers wants to set a
minimum age for purchasing vaping products and to raise the minimum age for
purchasing tobacco and nicotine. The group, led by Republican state senator Howard
Marklein of Spring Green has introduced a bill that would prohibit the sale of
vaping products to anyone under the age of 21, and raise the minimum age for purchasing
nicotine and tobacco products – including chewing tobacco and cigarettes – from
18 to 21.

The bill comes as concerns about vaping’s health effects
mount. As many as 50 people in at least six states – including Wisconsin – have
become sick after vaping or using e-cigarettes. In Wisconsin, a total of 16 cases
of severe lung disease linked to vaping have been confirmed, with another 15
cases still under investigation.