'Vape vehicles' not welcome, says Drug Free Punta Gorda

PUNTA GORDA — Drug Free Punta Gorda leaders don’t want to see vape shop vehicles coming to Charlotte County.

Ashley Chandler, executive director of Drug Free Punta Gorda, said vape trucks stocked with a variety of fruity juices and electronic devices will be attractive to teens.

Although they may not be allowed to park near schools, libraries, parks churches, licensed vape vehicles will likely set up at sporting events, concerts, outside night clubs and bars.

“We need to fight for compliance checks on these vehicles,” she said.

Vaping is wildly popular in Florida. With about $410 million in annual sales, Florida vape dealers sell 20% more than the national average, according to the Florida Retail Federation.

In 2023, the FDA issued a warning after vape stores in Florida sold fentanyl-laced disposable e-cigarettes imported from China.

“The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) doesn’t regulate vape product ingredients,” Chandler said. “So even if it says ‘nicotine-free,’ the vape juice has some amount of nicotine in it, let alone something as serious as fentanyl.”

Florida also allows hemp-derived products including CBD, Delta 8 and Delta 9 for sale to anyone 21 and older.

“We need to make sure any vape store with these vehicles are fined if they sell to teenagers,” Chandler said.

Chandler said most who vape don’t know what it’s doing to their lungs. E-cigarettes also contain acrolein and formaldehyde, which can cause lung and cardiovascular disease.

“The liquid from the vape stays in the lungs,” she said. “A person can develop popcorn lung. I explain this to all students so they understand what happens to the lungs. Most people think because it’s not a cigarette, that vaping is better for them. That’s just not true.”

Diacetyl is one of many chemicals in tobacco. It’s also used to create fruity, buttery and dessert-like vape juice flavors. The chemical causes bronchiolitis obliterans, known as popcorn lung. It’s found in several e-cigarette brands, according to the American Lung Association.

“These are the flavors that are appealing to teenagers who are inhaling this chemical into their lungs,” she said. “It scars the lungs and thickens and narrows airways.”

Anyone can attend The Drug Free Punta Gorda Coalition meetings 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month 27050 Fairway Drive, Punta Gorda.

For more information, visit drugfreepg.com