Director, Commonwealth Policy Center

The number of Kentucky kids who are smoking cigarettes is decreasing according to a recent report. However, more kids are vaping, which is just as addictive and dangerous. In fact, one vaping packet contains as much nicotine as a full pack of cigarettes!  State Senator Ralph Alvarado says small vaping devices could lead to “a whole new generation of nicotine addicts." He says that "kids in some of our schools are smoking eight of those cartridges on a daily basis." Alvarado, who is a medical doctor, questioned how these kids neurological systems can handle it. The legislature is responding with a bill that seeks to curtail vaping in schools. The bill would allow anonymous reporting for minors who are vaping; cessation programs for student users; and written notification to parents.