SHAMOKIN -- The FDA has issued sweeping new rules extending its authority to tobacco products like electronic cigarettes.
The form of smoking -- known as vaping -- has been growing in popularity, but there was no federal rule that prevented minors from buying e-cigarettes.
There is flavored liquid inside e-cigarettes. They are marketed to help people quit smoking.
On Wednesday, the FDA set regulations on e-cigarettes and cigars.
"We've been waiting and waiting for the FDA to finally make a decision," said Christopher Walters, the co-owner of Black Hills Vapes in Shamokin.
Retailers will soon not be able to sell e-cigarettes to people under 18. Health warnings must be placed on the products, and the products will be taxed.
"We are not afraid of a tax, but we just want it to be a fair and reasonable tax," Walters said.
Everyone Newswatch 16 spoke with agrees there should be regulations, especially for people 18 and under.
"We haven't been selling to minors this entire time so that's not going to affect us," Walters said.
"I don't think it's a good idea for people under 18 because it can still harm kids," Nathaniel Montiel of Shamokin said.
The FDA says e-cigarettes are popular in schools, partly due to the hundreds of flavors offered. But Montiel and others, say e-cigarettes helped them quit smoking regular cigarettes.
"Instead of spending $7 a day for a pack of cigarettes, you're paying about $15 every two weeks for juice," Montiel said.
"I used to smoke a pack a day, now I'm down to 30-60 ml bottles. So that's $18-20 a week now instead of a pack a day," said Anthony Durio of Shamokin.
The new rules will not go into effect right away since companies need time to comply, but retailers must stop selling to minors within the next 90 days.
