The Saugus Board of Health has been working with the North Shore/Cape Ann Tobacco Alcohol Policy Program's representative, Joyce Redford, to include electric cigarette use in its tobacco policy. This update would ban sales of these products to minors and prevent using them in public places. Karen Carey, representing the Consumer Advocates for Smoke-Free Alternatives Association was present to defend e-cigs.

Ms. Carey's Case for E-Cigarettes

Karen Carey's plea on behalf of CASAA reflects the sentiment that most manufacturers and users of nicotine vapor devices share. That is, that while it is agreed that minors should not have access to these products, the ability of adults to use them publicly should not be infringed upon.

Particularly in her case, vaping was an effective way for her to quit smoking, and this effectiveness is largely because the ability to use them in public is a huge incentive to switch to these products. She also adds that local businesses that sell vaping products could be negatively affected by these policies.

Board of Health's Argument Against E Cigarettes Raises Questions

The Board of Health Chairman Joe Vinard denied Ms. Carey's plea. His argument was that taking her argument into account would “cut right down the middle” of their goal. That is, that they would not compromise allowing public use for adults but retain the ban on sales to minors. He further states that “...it’s nicotine and nicotine is addictive and it causes addictive personalities. We have a ban in this community that while I’m around … will not be lifted for any nicotine products or smoking.”

While the Board of Health has not decided on this issue, this statement, which takes his intent from tobacco products to nicotine products in general, raises huge question marks over the electric cigarette proceedings. Specifically, does he mean literally “all” nicotine products will be banned, or only recreational nicotine products? Is this to suggest that FDA approved cessation aids such as patches and gum will be banned?