By Taylor J. Hale

Staff Writer

STEVENS POINT – City leaders have approved changes that ban the underage use of vaping or e-cigarette products, regardless of nicotine content.

 The amendment approved at the Sept. 16 council meeting restricts those under the age of 18 from purchasing, using, or possessing vaping products, including non-nicotine based products.

 Officials unanimously carried the motion with the hopes of combating the rise in underage e-cigarette use.

“The initial request comes from our police department — specifically the school liaison officers,” said Mayor Mike Wiza. “Vaping has become very prominent in schools, and there isn’t a good way to determine if the product contains nicotine or other illegal substances. Removing them from school-age young people seems appropriate for the general safety of everyone.

“I have no issues with legal and responsible users and in some cases, the use is beneficial in helping break nicotine addiction.”

The changes come just weeks after several Wisconsinites saw cases of lung disease surface, allegedly related to the use of THC vaping waxes or oils. THC is the primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis.  Recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) releases state that nearly 200 vaping-related illnesses have been reported in at least 22 states.

Wiza said that the ban is scheduled to go into action on Sept. 20.