Atlanta, GA: A politician from Athens has proposed that the state establish a database of vape items that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
The lawmaker said that the bill will make sure that both sellers and buyers are aware of what is and isn’t legal.
Harris Gaines, an Athens politician, displayed a number of illicit vape items; upon inspection of the reverse side, one can see the words “Made in China.”
Gaines said that Georgia should not approve them either since the FDA has not.
Therefore, Gaines drafted a bill to establish a formal registry, which would catalog all vape products that have been authorized or are awaiting FDA certification.
Its publication and upkeep would fall within the purview of the State Department of Agriculture. It would be illegal to sell any goods in Georgia that wasn’t on that list.
Due to the large turnout at the committee hearing on Monday afternoon, the chairman decided to schedule a second hearing so that everyone could speak; however, some members strongly objected to this.
Dillon Gilbert, owner of a vape shop, is among those who had a say on Monday; he claims the bill will wipe out his business.
“I am the proud owner of vape shops in Savannah and Columbus,” Gilbert declared. “This bill is devastating to our industry, and we are fighting for common sense regulation.”
However, according to Gaines, the law will make it easier to prohibit fentanyl and THC-laced vape items.
Any retailer found selling these unlicensed e-cigarette goods would be subject to hefty fines and license suspensions under the proposed law. The passage of this law is dependent on its rapid consideration. There will be a crossover next week.