Response to Another "Epidemic" Is Likely to Generate Harmful Unintended Consequences--As Usual

Jeffrey A. SingerAfter addressing the “meth epidemic” with the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005 (don’t look now, but meth-related deaths are at historic highs, eclipsing those solely from prescription opioids), and after addressing the opioid epidemic by depriving patients of pain medication while  driving nonmedical users to more dangerous drugs, it appears politicians, assisted by an eager press, are setting their sights on fixing the newest “epidemic:” the “growing epidemic of e-cigarette use in our children.”Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar announced today that the Food and Drug Administration is considering removing all flavored e-cigarettes from the market, with the exception of tobacco flavored one. Sales of e-cigarettes to those under age 18 have been banned in the U.S. since 2016. Of course, as is the case with all forms of prohibition, that hasn ’t prevented minors from obtaining and using them. A recent spate of hospitalizations of young vapers for lung injury associated with vaping—including 5 reported fatalities—has fueled the sense of urgency for politicians and policymakers to take action. Evidence suggests the majority of these cases were from illegal products obtained on the black market—a very common unintended consequence of underground use due to prohibition.Commenting on the recent outbreak, former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, MD told the New York Times:“I think this is probably going to be ass...
Source: Cato-at-liberty - Category: American Health Authors: Source Type: blogs