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Vapes and E-Cigs

E-cigarettes, also known as e-cigs, vapes, vape pens, and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), are experiencing rapid growth in popularity, especially among teens and young adults. They come in a variety of forms, sometimes looking like USB flash drives, pens, and other items that make them hard for parents and teachers to spot.

This Is QuittingText-to-Quit Vaping Service

Youth and young adults who want to quit vaping are invited to text DITCHVAPE to 88709 to sign up for a totally free, anonymous texting service that provides 24/7 support, daily tips and motivation to keep you focused on your end goal. This service incorporates messages from young people who have attempted to quit, or successfully quit, e-cigarettes. Our messages show the real side of quitting, both the good and the bad, and recommend evidence-based tips and strategies to help you quit.

DITCHVAPE is part of This is Quitting, the text-to-quit vaping service that offers free, anonymous support for those seeking to quit vaping. Visit Truth Initiative to learn more about the This is Quitting campaign.

What You Need to Know

FDA Policy on E-Cigarette Flavors 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a policy on January 2, 2020, prioritizing enforcement against flavored e-cigarette products that appeal to kids, including fruit and mint flavors. Under this policy, companies that do not stop manufacturing, distributing and selling unauthorized flavored cartridge-based e-cigarettes (other than tobacco or menthol) within 30 days risk FDA enforcement actions.

The FDA intends to prioritize enforcement on the following groups of products:

  • Any flavored, cartridge-based electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) product (other than a tobacco- or menthol-flavored ENDS product);
  • All other ENDS products for which the manufacturer has failed to take (or is failing to take) adequate measures to prevent minors' access; and
  • Any ENDS product that is targeted to minors or likely to promote the use of ENDS by minors.

Read more about the new FDA policy.

Resources for Young People
Cigarettes in a PodResources for Parents
Resources for Teachers and Schools

Alabama Vape Laws

Act #2019-233, which went into effect in 2019, introduced major changes for retailers who advertise and/or sell alternative nicotine products, including vape devices and liquids, in the state of Alabama. These changes were geared toward limiting marketing that targets minors, as well as limiting minors' access to alternative nicotine products.

Currently:

  • The sale of alternative nicotine products to anyone under the age of 21 is prohibited.
  • The Alcohol Beverage Control Board is responsible for the regulation of e-cigarettes and vape products.
  • Advertising cannot categorize alternative nicotine products as healthy options to replace smoking.
  • Billboards advertising vaping liquid are limited to the advertisement of three flavors: tobacco, mint, or menthol.
  • Vape shops are required to have a tobacco permit.
  • Opening vape shops within 1,000 feet of a school, church, youth center, daycare center, or public library, playground or park is prohibited.

FDA Youth Tobacco Prevention Plan

FDA's Youth Tobacco Prevention Plan is a series of actions to stop youth use of tobacco products, especially e-cigarettes, with a special focus on three key areas:

  • Preventing youth access to tobacco products
  • Curbing marketing of tobacco products aimed at youth; and
  • Educating teens about the dangers of using any tobacco product, including e-cigarettes, as well as educating retailers about their key role in protecting youth

For more information, visit the FDA Youth Tobacco Prevention Plan.

Alabama Tobacco Quitline

The Alabama Tobacco Quitline is a free telephone and online coaching service for any Alabamian who is ready to quit tobacco or e-cigarette use. Contact the Quitline for more information.

Additional Resources





Page last updated: May 31, 2024