An official with the Kentucky Department of Alcohol and Beverage Control says middle and high school students in the Commonwealth are apparently obtaining electronic cigarettes, even though it’s illegal for them to purchase those products.
Matt Neal is a policy advisor for the department and is in charge of its tobacco inspection program.
Neal testified on Friday (July 10) before the Kentucky Legislature’s Interim Joint Committee on Licensing and Occupations.
He says 2014 surveys of students for the Kentucky Incentives for Prevention Program track the use of liquor, drugs and tobacco during a 30-day period.
“Three percent of 6th graders, nine percent of 8th graders, and sixteen percent of 10th graders, and seventeen percent of 12th graders have used these cigarettes in the last thirty days.”
Neal says the percentage of 6th and 8th grade students using e-cigarettes is higher than it is for traditional tobacco products.