Letter: Vaping can have positive impact

As the owner of Indy E Cigs, a local vape retail, wholesale and manufacturing business here in Indianapolis, I welcome the continuing discussion about vaping and our shared public health.

Recently, I had the opportunity to testify before the Summer Study Committee examining vaping and participate in a constructive conversation about next steps on this issue. I applaud Indiana lawmakers and the Governor’s Office for not succumbing to knee-jerk reactions and taking their time to gather information and listen to diverse voices.

From talking with both customers and former customers, it is clear that e-cigarettes can aid people who are trying to quit smoking. In fact, one of the reasons I got into this business is to help provide people with a tool to quit smoking traditional cigarettes.

Indy E Cigs opened its doors in 2013, and we currently employ more than 40 Hoosiers in our 10 retail locations along with our wholesale and manufacturing headquarters; we take our corporate responsibility seriously when it comes to preventing youth from getting access to vapor products.

Clearly, industry issues exist requiring the public and private sector conversations taking place today. I am determined to participate to the fullest possible extent in these conversations. Collectively, we can combat youth use with sensible regulation and not permit the legitimate vaping industry to be targeted because of irresponsible actors or black-market products.

My hope is by working together, we can avoid the imposition of punitive taxation to penalize conscientious adults who choose vapor products over deadly combustible tobacco. As a young entrepreneur, I embrace the responsibility that comes with having a small business in this industry.

If used properly and regulated in a reasonable fashion, this technology can have a positive public health impact with a combined and attainable goal of youth prevention and adult cessation.

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Shadi Khoury