New bans as to where and if you can use your vaping device are sweeping the country. The most recent ban on vaping, along with the use of any tobacco product, comes from the “happiest place on earth”, Disney. The company, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, has banned vaping from all of its Florida and California theme parks. Other theme parks are considering following Disney’s lead.
Just like tobacco smoking, the places you may vape are becoming fewer. California and New York, along with other states, have banned vaping in indoor places and other areas where tobacco smoking is prohibited. California’s Los Angeles County has just expanded its ban on vaping (and marijuana smoking) to all public beaches, parks, and government buildings. No vaping is allowed within 25 feet of restaurants and 40 feet from street food vendors.
These bans come as the scientific and medical community wrestle with the merits and detriments of vaping. While some have pointed out that vaping may help adult committed smokers reduce or quit the use of tobacco, the marketing of vaping devices, like the JUUL, to young, never-smokers is creating a whole new generation of nicotine addicts who are 4 times more likely to use cigarettes at some point. According to the Surgeon General’s 2016 report, vaping increased 900% in high school students between 2011 and 2015.
No data has shown vaping to be safe. For some, it may be less hazardous than tobacco. The best advice: Don’t smoke and Don’t vape.
