As Moody calls for vape crackdown, Tallahassee retailers navigate state, federal rules
Summary
U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody is pressing FDA commissioner nominee Dr. Heidi Overton to crack down on unauthorized vaping products, particularly those coming from China and designed to attract children. During a Senate confirmation hearing, Moody highlighted devices with features like games. FDA records show only 48 e-cigarette products are authorized for legal sale in the U.S., though authorization does not mean they are safe or "FDA approved." Florida has its own Nicotine Dispensing Device Directory, listing 640 products, and state law allows regulators to consider kid-friendly features like bright colors and cartoon characters. In February, Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the seizure of 2,183 contraband vapes in four task force operations. Retailer Gary Eliasov-Hodes of Cloud Brands Zone 7 supports keeping nicotine away from minors but argues the industry already faces significant safeguards. The situation leaves Tallahassee and Florida retailers navigating both federal and state systems.
(Source:wtwcfox)