Feds slap new restrictions on JUUL sales in effort to curb teen use

NEWTON, Mass. — The popular e-cigarette brand Juul has put into place new restrictions after much backlash from the FDA and state officials, who are accusing the company of selling and marketing to minors.

"You just hate to see it start that young," said Jack Carenza, a vape pen smoker.

These small e-cigarettes that resemble flash drives are filled with extremely high levels of nicotine and seem to be a trend for younger crowds.

"Definitely not suitable for someone who’s in high school," Carenza said.

It's a powerful and addicting device that Vape Daddy's in Newton sells to 21 and older customers, but they wouldn't necessarily recommend it unless you're a cigarette smoker hoping to transition to vaping.

"I say, don’t get started with nicotine. It is, you will have a hell of a time giving it up," Carenza said.

Juul CEO Kevin Burns says: "We know that to successfully fulfill our mission of helping adult smokers, we must be trusted – and we must earn that trust. That starts with action, not words."

The company plans to pull flavored Juul pods from the shelves of gas stations and convenience stores.

"They’re candy, they’re sweet. They’re appealing to people of that age," Carenza said.

Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey is calling this an epidemic.

"Unfortunately, much of the damage has already been done and our investigation into JUUL’s practices, including if it was knowingly selling and marketing its products to young people, will continue,” Healey said.

"They're gonna take a huge hit. That’s what it takes to keep these out of the hands of kids, so be it," said avid Bershad, co-owner of Vape Daddy’s in Newton.

In Newton, you only buy those flavor pods at vape stores, with a valid 21 and older identification. That will be the new standard for this company nationally. Vape Daddy's says it's likely their business would boost with this change.

Cox Media Group