Dr. Harris Responds to Trump Administration’s Proposed E-Cigarette Regulations

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Dr. Andy Harris (MD-01) supports the Trump Administration’s goal of reducing youth vaping and encourages the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to preserve access for adults using flavored e-cigarettes and other nicotine vaping products as a means of smoking cessation.

“I share the Administration’s concerns over the increasing rise of e-cigarette use by our youth population and support efforts to curb this growing epidemic. I am also concerned by the reports of vaping related illnesses and deaths across the country. However, initial reports seem to indicate that the illnesses in question are largely attributable to the illicit use of contaminated marijuana vaping products. Accordingly, with respect to vaping induced illnesses, the focus should remain on the use of unregulated and non-FDA approved THC-containing vaping products, which is exacerbated by the growing number of jurisdictions legalizing marijuana products for recreational use. The Administration should use its existing authorities under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and Controlled Substances Act to specifically evaluate the use of THC-containing vaping products, and consider appropriate enforcement actions, if and as needed.

With that being said, we must also continue to ensure the adequate and sufficient availability and access of e-cigarettes and nicotine vapor, even flavored products, for adults who are using these products as a substitute for traditional combustion cigarettes, while also ensuring that these products are not marketed, or readily available, to vulnerable youth populations.”