Senator David Carlucci Leads Successful Effort to Curb Youth Vaping Epidemic

(Albany, NY) Senator David Carlucci (D- Rockland/Westchester) was successful in passing common-sense vaping laws in this year’s State budget to address increased e-cigarette use among children and teens. The laws, which go into effect today, ban the sale of flavored tobacco and vapor products and prohibit pharmacies from selling all vapor and tobacco products.

The provisions, included in the final budget agreement passed in April, originated from Senator Carlucci’s previously introduced vaping bills (S.592-A & S.1181).

“We’ve seen a dramatic rise in e-cigarette usage among teens in our state and nationwide,” said Senator David Carlucci. “Big tobacco needs new customers, so they’re luring in children with attractive flavors and products that are designed to get them hooked.”

According to Department of Health data, nearly 40 percent of high school seniors and 27 percent of all high school students in New York State are now using e-cigarettes, contributing to a rise in nicotine dependence and risk of serious health concerns. 

Cigarette smoking has decreased among New York's high school students from 27.1% in 2000 to a record low of 4.3% in 2016; however, aggressive marketing strategies promoting flavored e-cigarettes could easily reverse that trend.

“We should do everything possible to deter our kids from using these harmful products,” said Senator Carlucci. “We can start by reducing access to them in places like the local pharmacy, while also getting rid of flavors that are most attractive to children. While these laws are a necessary first step, there is still much work to be done curb this epidemic."