I could get behind the idea of postponing legislation if there was some mechanism in place to ensure that children were not allowed to purchase juice until any suspicion about possible adverse effects (of NIC as we use it) were dispelled.
It's a tall order though. Protecting children, I think, has a deeply moral impetus and also is an idea that pulls very deeply at a type of decision making which circumvents making rational choices. As a parent of a 12-year old (and you can call this adultism if you like) I will always err on the side of safety rather than "taking a chance" when my son's well-being and health are concerned. I have parental prerogative so I can manage many of the choices concerning my son. A sad but hard fact is that not all parents exercise that duty. DO these children then become lost IF one day we find out that there are health issues associated with vaping nicotine?
Again, not trying to argue, just asking what I think are relevant questions and/or are points that I have concerns about.
Either way, some kids will fall through the cracks, there are always exceptions.
Not everyone will see it this way, but here's how I see it.
Without an age limit:
Yes it is possible, however unlikely, that younger children could buy nicotine e-liquid. More likely it would be teens who would otherwise be experimenting with smoking, but this may be a larger group than it would be with just smoking available. Even if more kids try nicotine, with the latest information, they won't be hooked into a lifelong dependence like they would be with tobacco smoke. Since the purchases will be legal, they would be able to buy from actual vape shops, who would hopefully provide usage guidance, and some consumer protections. (try returning a defective product to a back alley dealer) Teens who have already started smoking, without their parents knowledge, who CAN'T tell their parents, for whatever reason, will have access to a "safer" alternative to smoking.
With an age limit:
Children(by which I mean teens/preteens) will find ways to acquire e-cigs, illegally, possibly through less than honest dealers. Possibly fewer than if they were legal, probably not much fewer if the past history of smoking among teens is any indication. Those that do pick up vaping won't have the benefit of being able to ask knowledgeable vape shop employees for assistance. Technically they won't even be allowed to come here. The ban will never be lifted, even if vaping is shown to be more harmless than breathing regular air, that's how laws work, repeals are next to impossible. You'll start seeing the argument that, even vaping enthusiasts believe that kids should be protected from vaping, etc. etc.
