Michigan First State to Ban Flavored E-Cigarettes

Michigan's decision to become the first state to ban flavored electronic cigarettes is meant to protect young people, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says.

She said she decided to take the action after the state health department concluded that youth vaping was a public health emergency.

"My number one priority is keeping our kids safe and protecting the health of the people of Michigan," Whitmer told the Washington Post.

She said e-cigarette companies use sweet flavors such as bubble gum and "fruit loops," to get young people hooked on nicotine, with potentially long-term risk to their health.

The ban covers both retail and online sales and goes into effect immediately, but businesses will have 30 days to comply, the Post reported.

The ban will last for six months, and can be renewed for another six months. In the meantime, a permanent ban on flavored e-cigarettes will be developed, according to state officials.

The ban does not cover tobacco-flavored e-cigarettes, the Post reported.

Also banned are what Whitmer called misleading descriptions of vaping products such as "clear," "safe" and "healthy," and she ordered enforcement of an existing ban on billboard to ads for e-cigarettes.