PARKER, Colo. — The City of Parker has banned e-cigarettes for minors. It joins a growing number of communities cracking down on the devices including Edgewater, Lakewood and Ft. Collins.
E-cigarettes help to gradually reduce the amount of nicotine until the user is weaned off of it.
A new study, partly funded by the National Institutes of Health, says e-cigarettes may cut tobacco-related deaths, but health experts say they can also attract young people who never intended on using nicotine in the first place, putting their developing brain at risk.
“It may be 20 to 30 years later and they may have personality issues, forgetfulness and other things. Kids don’t think about that,” said Dr. David Tinkelman of National Jewish Health.
John Allen, the owner of Colorado E Smokes says restricting anyone under the age of 18 is a good idea.
“I agree with that. We’re not marketing to kids. We’re trying to offer existing smokers a better alternative,” Allen said.
It is illegal to sell to minors in Colorado.
Medical experts say if you want to stop smoking it’s important to know you have options.
The National Jewish Health QuitLine offers free counseling to those who need assistance. It is supported by tobacco tax revenues.
For more information visit NationalJewish.org.