By Brandon Quinn
TULSA - The start of the new decade brought about a new law that is getting an increasing amount of attention, especially from younger adults. The age to purchase nicotine-containing products across the nation was recently raised to 21. This revision to the Public Health Service Act was included with passage in December of the federal budget.
This left retailers scrambling to ensure they would be in compliance with the revised statute, and many young adult smokers feeling annoyed. While this change is seen as an enormous win in the public health sector with hopes to continue to encourage the decline in the number of people using tobacco products, it is being seen by others as a sort of “forced New Year’s resolution.” The new law doesn’t affect only your Marlboros and Newports but also electronic cigarettes containing nicotine. Given the recent rise in the number of individuals, especially young people, using electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) with nicotine, this will impact these users, as well. With the passage or change of any new law, there are always potential unintended consequences that have to be considered. When it comes to e-cig users there is concern that there may be an increase in the number of “black market” purchases.
While the risks of smoking are well-established, we are only just now seeing some of the potential health effects associated with e-cigarettes. Recently many of these effects have been seen with the use of these black-market devices and modifications (mods). If users transition to these black-market devices, then there will likely be an increase in the number of vaping-associated lung injuries across the state and even the nation. This targeted young adult-focused, government-forced New Year’s resolution leaves young adults with some difficult decisions in the coming days as their current supplies of nicotine-containing products begin to dwindle. These individuals may decide to seek black-market devices that were mentioned earlier, with all of their associated risks; attempt to circumvent the law by getting others to purchase the products for them; or individuals may decide that now is a good time to quit – which is indisputably the best decision.
Ask any current or former smoker and they will agree that giving up cigarettes is one of the most difficult things that can be done. There are treatment regimens and medications that can be helpful to overcome nicotine dependence. Nicotine-replacement therapy is one such therapy which uses decreasing doses of nicotine-containing products (including patches, lozenges or gum) to help users overcome their dependence on tobacco. Unfortunately, these items are included in the new law, therefore they are not available for purchase by anyone under the age of 21. However, if this is something that young adults believe might be effective in helping them overcome dependence on nicotine, then this form of therapy is still available through the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline (1-800-QUIT-NOW).
The Helpline is still able to provide adults (18 and older) with patches, lozenges and gum, if that is something they are interested in using to help them quit. Resources are available to help quit tobacco and nicotine-containing products. Your doctor can help you on this journey to become a healthier version of yourself for 2020 and beyond.
Brandon Quinn is a second-year medical student at Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine.