Group: Vape Laws Could Push People Back to Smoking

Illinois now has a law that bans the use of electronic cigarettes in indoor public spaces, but a consumer advocacy group warns such laws could backfire.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker recently signed into law a measure that adds electronic smoking devices to the 2008 Smoke-Free Illinois Act, which banned smoking in most public spaces in the state.

Elizabeth Hicks with the Consumer Choice Center says vaping should not be compared with smoking regular cigarettes, according to media reports.

Hicks says the assault on vaping may push Illinoisans back to cigarettes, leaving taxpayers to pick up the tab.

“Taxpayers unfortunately also suffer in addition to consumers,” said Hicks. “The annual Medicaid costs for smoking-related illnesses in Illinois is over $2 billion, which is one of the highest throughout the country.”

The Illinois Department of Public Health noted that e-cigarettes can cause lung damage and addiction to nicotine. The law goes into effect January 2024.