The Ohio Attorney General’s Office said it is targeting sellers of illegal vapes to protect the state’s youth.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost launched a campaign on Tuesday to combat the influx of illegal vaping devices flooding Ohio communities.
"You don't have any idea what is in those vape cartridges," Yost said. "This is a consumer protection issue, particularly when it comes to our youngsters that are still developing, the idea these unregulated, unauthorized vapes are on the market is a real danger."
Yost filed complaints against three Ohio businesses for “unfair or deceptive practices under the state Consumer Sales Practices Act.” Yost said the charges include selling illegal vapes, failing to disclose the illegality of these products, and misrepresenting their authorization status.
According to investigations by Yost’s office Orrville Tobacco and Vape Shop in Orrville, Ohio, Central Tobacco in Delaware, Ohio and Elev8 Smoke Shop in Cincinnati were selling illegal flavored vapes in defiance of a warning letter sent from Yost’s office on April 5.
Yost said he “remains firm in pursuing remedies against those who violate vape regulations.”
Last month, the North Carolina State Senate Judiciary Committee backed legislation that could block e-cigarette products that are noncertified products from being sold on convenience-store shelves and elsewhere in the state.
To date, the FDA has authorized 27 e-cigarette products, all tobacco or menthol-flavored. Any vape products not authorized by the FDA, including those sold in Ohio, are illegal.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.