The sale of vaping products to minors is a growing concern, with online e-cigarette retailers failing to consistently adhere to laws aimed at preventing underage sales. A recent study conducted by researchers at the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science at the University of California San Diego shed light on the issue.
The study, published in JAMA, involved 16 individuals attempting to purchase flavored vape products online and have them delivered to their homes in San Diego County. Of the 156 attempted transactions, 73% were processed and 67% were successfully delivered. This highlights the lack of compliance with age verification, shipping methods, and flavor restrictions.
While several states and cities have enacted restrictions on flavored tobacco products, including online sales, there are still gaps in the legislation. For example, California’s SB 793 prohibited the sale of flavored tobacco products but did not clearly address e-commerce restrictions. This ambiguity led the researchers to investigate compliance differences in local tobacco e-commerce ordinances.
The results showed that delivery did not significantly differ between buyers in the City of San Diego, where flavored tobacco sales are restricted, and other County of San Diego communities without such restrictions. In addition to violating flavor restrictions, the online purchases also breached the Preventing Online Sales of E-Cigarettes to Children Act, which prohibits the use of USPS to ship vaping products and requires age verification upon delivery.
Dr. Eric Leas, an assistant professor at the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, emphasized the need for greater oversight and enforcement of online tobacco retailers. Key findings from the study included only 1% of buyers having their IDs scanned, 81% of deliveries being made via USPS, and 78% of buyers reporting no interaction with delivery personnel.
To address these issues, California lawmakers recently approved SB-1230, which aims to strengthen state tobacco oversight programs, including online sales of flavored tobacco products. The law, set to go into effect on Jan. 1, 2025, was influenced by Dr. Leas’ previous research on the subject.
Overall, the study highlights the importance of monitoring online compliance with tobacco laws and implementing effective enforcement measures. By strengthening regulations and oversight, we can work towards reducing the sale of tobacco products to minors and promoting public health.
