MADISON, Connecticut — Story by Jerry Morris, James Taylor - Daniel Hand High
Every year, 22 million vapes are sold across the United States, making it a multi-billion dollar business. However, one purchase of a vape could have massive consequences, especially for a child.
“Connecticut was one of the first states in the country to outlaw vaping for anybody under the age of 21,” Gov. Ned Lamont said.
In October of 2019, Ned Lamont and the Connecticut government raised the age to purchase nicotine products from 18 to 21, barring the sale of nicotine and tobacco products to young people.
While this law only affects younger consumers, vape and e-cigarette retailers have been adjusting to the new law since its passing. The owner of The Vape Loft, a local nicotine retailer in Guilford tells us how he's preventing the sale of nicotine products to underage people in the area.
“It’s not a huge adjustment for me. Before it was 18, now it’s 21, so I just make sure people are 21 and older when they purchase stuff. I don’t want kids to get a hold of disposables or nicotine so I make sure that they know people coming in here are adults.” said Jeff Lachance, owner of the Vape Loft in Guilford.
While vape retailers are keeping this law in check in the local community, Daniel Hand high school health teachers are also teaching students why this law is important.
“The major benefit if they, for that law, is the fact that it gives them the ability to have more mental growth. As a health professional, like a health teacher, just a person, I think anything the later anybody starts the use of any drug I think the less likely the addiction connections will occur.” says Deb Rossi, guidance councilor at Daniel Hand High School.
With events like the campaign for “Tobacco Free Kids” and “National Prevention Week”, as well as the new laws being set in place, these ongoing initiatives are a breath of fresh air for all.
The FOX 61 Student News program empowers Connecticut middle and high school students to explore the world of multi-media journalism by giving them the opportunity to capture, edit and publish original content under the guidance of industry professionals.
Each student produced and hosted segment will showcase a local story or event, highlighting all that is great about our state. Segments will be featured on-air during Friday's Morning News at 7:45 a.m., 5:45 p.m. and 10:45 p.m. news and during the FOX61 Morning News on Saturday at 7 a.m., on our Facebook page and right here on FOX61.com!
Stay tuned and keep an eye out for the next news star! If your school would like to get involved learn more here or email us at studentnews@fox61.com.
Have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.