A group representing New York delis and convenience stores has threatened legal action against rapper Snoop Dogg, former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson and wrestler Hulk Hogan for selling nicotine vaporizers with banned flavors that They have become popular among teenagers.
Despite being banned in New York and nationally by the Federal Drug Administration in 2020, companies are using the internet to promote celebrity-endorsed flavors like Tyson Vape Lush Lime, Hulk Hogan Hulkmania Cotton Candy, and Snoop Dogg’s Death Row Blue Razz.
The devices are sold in fruity and dessert flavors, such as apple gummies, strawberry shortcake and cotton candy.
Despite the ban, the illicit market for these products thrives due to lax law enforcement by state and federal authorities, and children are particularly attracted to their sweet flavors, according to the Convenience Store Association of NY.
Snoop Dogg’s nicotine device, Death Row Vapes in “Candy Flavor.” vapecentralgroup.com
The merchant group sent “cease and desist” letters to the three celebrities, demanding that they terminate their endorsement deals with manufacturers of illegally flavored disposable e-cigarettes.
“It’s bad enough that these illegal flavored disposable vapes continue to be sold on the black market with virtual impunity, but it’s appalling that these illicit products now have celebrity sellers to give these criminal enterprises an air of legitimacy,” said the NYACS president. , Kent Sopris.
“Our members obey the law and sell only reputable products. “This charade must end, these celebrities must retract their endorsements, and New York and federal authorities must get serious about enforcing the law.”
The New York Convenience Store Association represents more than 7,000 stores.
“Tyson Vapes” products by Mike Tyson. vapetyson.com
In a “Dear Snoop Dog” letter, Sopris noted that illegal “Death Row Vapes by Snoop Dogg” are available in 21 different flavors. Tyson was told in his letter that the illegal “Tyson 2.0 Heavyweight” vaping products are available in 37 flavors.
“I am writing to inform you that, intentionally or not, you have lent your name and image to an illegal product that cannot be sold in the United States and that is fueling a youth tobacco use crisis. As such, you are giving credibility to an illegal company and we demand that this situation be rectified immediately,” Sopris said in the letters.
“Flavored waste vaping devices, like Snoop Dogg’s Death Row Vapes, have been banned by the FDA since 2020. However, these illegal devices, in 21 different flavors, are for sale online and available to ship to anywhere in the US,” the letter to Snoop Dogg says.
Hulk Hogan’s “Hulkamania” disposable vaporizer. mundovapeusa.com/
Sopris said convenience stores sell cigarettes and other types of tobacco, but “they take very seriously their responsibility to sell only legal products to people legally eligible to purchase them.”
“The endorsement of illegal products by celebrities like you is counterproductive to the efforts being made to get these products off the streets and out of the reach of young people,” he wrote.
“We ask that you cancel any sponsorship agreements you may have with the manufacturer of this product, as your participation gives the appearance of credibility and ownership of these illegal vaporizers.”
Although vaporizers have been banned since 2020, delis and convenience stores continue to sell them and teenagers continue to use the devices. mariiya – stock.adobe.com
A recent study by the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 2.55 million U.S. middle and high school students vaped, of which nearly 85% used flavored e-cigarettes and more than half used disposable e-cigarettes.
The 2022 National Youth Tobacco Survey by the CDC showed that youth use of flavored disposable vaporizers skyrocketed compared to other tobacco products, which have plummeted among youth.
New York City recently filed a Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act RICO lawsuit, the first in the country, against four of the largest distributors of illegal disposable vaporizers.
“Those who say these products are safe, that is 100% false,” Mayor Eric Adams said in July when announcing the legal action. “These products are full of nicotine, a toxic and highly addictive chemical that is particularly harmful to the minds and bodies of teenagers.”
NYACS recently published a notice to parents about illegal disposable vaporizers disguised as highlighters, pens, USB drives, or even cell phones. These devices are apparently designed to help underage vapers avoid detection in academic settings.
Representatives for Snoop Dogg, Tyson and Hulk Hogan had no immediate comment.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn