House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) posted the following message today after Governor Charlie Baker announced a public health emergency stemming from the use of vaping products:
Governor
Charlie Baker declared a public health emergency today in response to a growing
number of reported lung illnesses – both in Massachusetts and across the
country – that appear to be linked to the use of vaping products.
To
address this serious public health issue, the Governor has announced an
immediate ban on the sale of all flavored and non-flavored vaping products and
devices, including tobacco and marijuana. The statewide ban applies to
all retail store sales as well as online transactions, and will be in effect
until January 25, 2020.
According
to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are now 530
“probable” cases of lung illnesses linked to vaping in 38 states, seven of
which have proven fatal. The Governor’s office revealed today that
there have been three confirmed cases and two probable cases in Massachusetts
reported to the CDC. Although no single product has been identified as
the primary cause of these illnesses, many of those affected have reported
using either Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-containing products, or both THC and
nicotine products.
I
strong support the actions taken by the Baker-Polito Administration
today. As the growing number of reported cases show, this is an emerging
health crisis that demands immediate action by the state. While the
temporary ban is in effect, Governor Baker says his administration will be
consulting with medical experts and the Legislature to determine what
additional steps should be taken to protect the public, including passing
legislation and making other regulatory changes. I look forward to taking
part in these discussions and to working with the Administration to come up
with additional solutions to ensure the public’s safety.
A
copy of the Governor’s declaration is available at https://www.mass.gov/guides/declaration-of-public-health-emergency.
If
you or someone you know is trying to stop smoking or vaping, you can call the
state’s Helpline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visit makesmokinghistory.org.
