– Written by @cabbagepatchgrl
According to ABC News, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has vetoed the bill that would have raised the age to buy tobacco products from 18 to 21 because it would have also banned the sale of flavored liquid nicotine products used for vaping.
In a veto letter released Tuesday night, Gov. DeSantis said that the federal law had already raised the age to buy tobacco to 21, but that hundreds if not thousands of Floridian’s vape as a lower-risk alternative to smoking.
DeSantis Wrote, “This legislation would almost assuredly lead more people to resume smoking cigarettes, and it would drive others to the hazardous black market,” pointing out the lung injuries associated with the black market products.
He said that while reducing vaping among the youth is a goal, it will not be achieved by eliminating legal products for adults. He also said it would be devastating to small businesses that sell vaping products.
The veto came hours after Republican Attorney General Ashley Moody issued a press release warning about the dangers of underage vaping. The statement touted her work to get the bill passed.
