Proposed Vaping Legislation Will Limit Liquid Nicotine Concentration

US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has announced new legislation that aims to cap the amount of nicotine that can be used in vaping liquids. Assuming the legislation passes, the FDA will retain the right to lower the maximum nicotine concentration in these liquids in the future if necessary. The move is intended to reduce the addiction potential of nicotine-based vaping liquids, some of which contain very high concentrations.

Consumers currently have the option of buying vaping liquid that contains concentrations ranging from very low to very high — the idea, at least in theory, is that cigarette smokers can start with a higher potency and then slowly downgrade to lower concentrations to ease their addiction. In reality, though, many people find themselves working up to higher concentrations or failing to lower their dose over time.

These high concentrations, some vapers have claimed, have led to strong nicotine addictions — ones that require more nicotine than a pack of cigarettes can reasonably satisfy. This is particularly concerning among teenagers who may face life-long addiction as a consequence of vaping.

The FDA is currently working to remove flavored liquids from the market — with the exception of tobacco flavors — in an effort to reduce the appeal among minors. As well, multiple states have temporarily banned or otherwise limited access to electronic cigarettes over public health concerns, particularly amid the ongoing lung disease outbreak.

Under this legislation, manufacturers would be limited to offering nicotine concentrations at up to 20 milligrams per milliliter. In comparison, the 5-percent JUUL pod features 59mg/ml. Critics have expressed concerns that lowering the nicotine concentrations may make vaping less appealing to smokers who may return to traditional tobacco cigarettes.