E-cigarette and vape pen company Juul Labs has announced it will cease its support for a ballot question that seeks to overturn a San Francisco e-cig ban.

The new CEO of Juul, K.C. Crosthwaite, made a statement on Sept. 30 regarding the company’s decision to pull support for the ballot question, which would legalize vape pens in the city.

“This decision does not change the fact that as a San Francisco-founded and headquartered company we remain committed to the city,” Crosthwaite said. The Coalition For Reasonable Vaping Regulation, which is sponsored by Juul, also announced that they will be withdrawing support for the question.

The ballot question, known as Proposition C, is expected to be on the Nov. 5 ballot.

San Francisco Bans Vapes Due to Health Dangers of E-Cigs

Earlier this year, San Francisco passed an ordinance banning e-cigarettes and flavored tobacco products from being sold in the city. The San Francisco e-cig ban is intended to last until the U.S. Food and Drug Administration finishes reviewing the safety of these products. Violations of the ban are punishable by a $1,000 fine.

Although the ban on flavored tobacco and vape products is meant to curb the rising epidemic of teen nicotine users, many tobacco users have criticized the ban, saying that it unfairly penalizes legal adult smokers.

Research on the use of Juul by teenagers estimates that up to 2,000,000 youths under the age of 17 may be frequent users of vape products and e-cigarettes. The health risks may be additionally high for youth users, due to their still-developing brains.

About Proposition C

In response to the San Francisco e-cig ban, Proposition C was added as a ballot question for the November ballot. Proposition C seeks to permanently legalize the sale of vape products and e-cigarettes in San Francisco.

While Proposition C was presented as a reasonable replacement for the outright ban on e-cigarettes, it has been criticized by many as a worse solution. Critics say the way that the ballot question has been written includes complex regulations that would make it impossible for the San Francisco Board of Supervisors to alter the legislation once it passes. Under the regulations, any amendments to the legislation would need to be approved by voters.

Vape Pen Dangers and Side Effects

Recent studies on the health dangers of e-cigarettes and vape pens including Juul pods indicate that these devices may include toxic chemicals in addition to nicotine. Use of these products may result in any of several adverse reactions, including seizures or vape-related lung disease.

At least 120 cases of seizures related to vape products have been reported to the FDA. In addition to seizures, many victims have been diagnosed with vape-related lung illnesses. Symptoms of vaping lung illnesses may include coughing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pain, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting or diarrhea, and fever.

Victims who have suffered from seizures or other adverse side effects due to the use of vape pens or e-cigarettes may be eligible to hire a qualified attorney and pursue legal action against the manufacturers and distributors of these devices. Victims may be able to recover financial damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and injuries.

Join a Free JUUL E-Cigarette Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you or your child suffered seizures after vaping with a JUUL e-cigarette, you may benefit from participating in a free JUUL class action lawsuit investigation.

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This article is not legal advice. It is presented 
for informational purposes only.