Dangerous Vapes Are Targeting Our Children

As a mother of teenagers, my top priority is keeping my kids safe. But right now, our communities are being flooded with illegal, unregulated vape products designed to hook our kids. These products contain dangerously high nicotine levels, come in kid-friendly flavors, and even feature built-in video games. We cannot stand by while our children are targeted.

 Federal law requires nicotine products to be FDA-approved, but the agency does not release a list of what’s legal. This lack of transparency allows illegal vapes to dominate the market. Since 2020, Chinese tobacco companies—controlled by the Chinese government—have flooded the U.S. with billions of dollars’ worth of illicit vapes. Shockingly, these products are illegal in China but aggressively sold here, with profits funding China’s military and tech industries.

 These vapes enter the U.S. disguised as toys and battery chargers to bypass detection. While federal efforts focus on border control, Montana must act locally. A simple, effective solution is a statewide vapor directory—listing only FDA-compliant products legally allowed for sale. Enforcing this would protect kids, support responsible businesses, and stop illegal profits from flowing overseas.

 As a mom, I refuse to let our children be victims of an industry built on addiction. Montana must take control and protect our kids from these dangerous products.

By: Jill Venable Billings, MT