E-Cigarette And Vaping-Related Prosecutions
1. United States v. Juul Labs, Inc. (2020)
Misleading Marketing and Sales to Minors
Background: Juul was prosecuted (civilly and criminally pressured) for marketing e-cigarettes with flavors and ads appealing to youth, contributing to underage vaping.
Charges/Claims:
Violation of FDA regulations
Deceptive marketing practices
Legal Significance:
Highlighted regulatory oversight of vaping industry and public health concerns.
Resulted in stricter controls on advertising and flavors.
Outcome: Juul agreed to pay large settlements and restrict marketing.
2. United States v. Dank Vape (2019)
Illicit THC Cartridge Distribution
Background: Dank Vape sold THC-containing vaping cartridges without FDA approval, many causing health issues.
Charges:
Distribution of unapproved drug/device
Health code violations
Legal Significance:
Showed enforcement against black market THC vape products tied to lung injury outbreaks.
Outcome: Several arrests and product seizures.
3. United States v. Chang (2021)
Illegal Sale of E-Cigarettes to Minors
Background: Chang operated a vape shop selling e-cigarettes and nicotine products to minors in violation of federal age restrictions.
Charges:
Selling tobacco products to minors
Violation of the Tobacco Control Act
Legal Significance:
Emphasized enforcement of age restrictions and retailer responsibility.
Outcome: Convicted; fined and license revoked.
4. United States v. Vape Store Owner (2020)
Distribution of Counterfeit and Unregulated Vaping Products
Background: Owner sold counterfeit vaping devices and cartridges lacking health and safety approvals.
Charges:
Trademark infringement
Distribution of unregulated tobacco products
Legal Significance:
Enforcement against counterfeit goods and unregulated vaping devices protects consumers.
Outcome: Convicted; sentenced to prison and fined.
5. United States v. Zhang (2022)
Illegal Online Sales of Vaping Products
Background: Zhang operated an online store selling e-cigarettes and nicotine liquids without verifying buyer age, shipping to minors.
Charges:
Distribution of tobacco products to minors
Mail fraud (for misrepresenting shipping and sales)
Legal Significance:
Addressed challenges of regulating online vape sales and age verification.
Outcome: Convicted; sentenced to prison.
Summary Table
| Case | Key Charges | Legal Significance | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Juul Labs, Inc. (2020) | FDA violations, deceptive marketing | Regulatory crackdown on youth-targeted ads | Settlements, marketing restrictions |
| Dank Vape (2019) | Unapproved drug/device distribution | Enforcement on illicit THC vape products | Arrests, product seizures |
| Chang (2021) | Sale to minors | Enforcement of age restrictions on retailers | Conviction, fines, license loss |
| Vape Store Owner (2020) | Counterfeit goods, unregulated products | Protection against counterfeit vaping devices | Prison sentence, fines |
| Zhang (2022) | Online sales to minors, mail fraud | Online age verification enforcement | Conviction, prison sentence |
Quick Recap
E-cigarette prosecutions often target sales to minors, unapproved or counterfeit products, and deceptive marketing.
Regulatory agencies like the FDA play a key role alongside criminal prosecution.
Cases cover brick-and-mortar shops and online sales.
Penalties include fines, license revocation, and imprisonment.
RELATED Blog
0 comments