DENVER — Vaping has become more popular. It’s seen on the streets of Denver, occasionally at house parties.
But one place you don’t expect to see it is inside the State Capitol. However, that was not the case inside a State Committee room on Monday.
State Sen. Daniel Kagan discreetly vaped while presiding as a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
“As far as I know I’m not breaking any laws and I always ask permission,” Kagan said.
No state law prohibits vaping inside the State Capitol. In fact, state law doesn’t prohibit vaping inside anywhere with the exception of schools.
“Well I don’t think it’s ideal, but vaping has been a life savor. I was a smoker for decades,” Kagan said.
Kagan said the vaping helps control his urges to smoke cigarettes.
The vaping story at the Capitol comes as the National Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine reports vaping could lead to an increase in actual smoking.
“It’s not good for you,” said Dr. Mark Montano, a physician at Health One Colorado.
Montano said the research on the long-term side effects of vaping is still out — but inhaling nicotine is still nicotine .
“Kids may think it’s a safe alternative but really it’s addictive as a traditional cigarette,” Montano said.
As for Kagan, he said he will try to stop vaping at the Capitol but isn’t promising anything.
The vaping doesn’t appear to be bothering anyone. Republicans gave Kagan, a Democrat, permission to vape inside the State Judiciary Committee.