As Stark County sheriff, I have seen firsthand how quickly new threats can emerge in our communities — especially in our schools. Today, one of the most concerning challenges facing law enforcement and school officials is the rise of illegal disposable vapor products designed to appeal to young people.
These products are often marketed with kid-friendly flavors and packaging, making them especially attractive to teenagers. Their growing presence has made it increasingly difficult for school resource officers and local law enforcement to maintain safe learning environments.
Despite ongoing efforts to address this issue, enforcement remains a challenge. Many of these products enter the country through overseas supply chains and bypass federal oversight. This creates a significant gap between what is technically illegal and what is actually accessible in our communities.
As a result, law enforcement is often left without the practical tools needed to effectively identify and remove these products from circulation.
That is why the directory legislation, House Bill 849, introduced by state Reps. Jodi Salvo, R-Bolivar, and Phil Plummer, R-Dayton, is a commonsense and much-needed solution.
By establishing a clear list of vapor products that are legally authorized for sale in Ohio, this bill gives law enforcement, retailers and regulators a straightforward way to distinguish between compliant and illegal products. This type of clarity is critical for effective enforcement.
Plummer’s background in law enforcement is evident in this approach. He understands that without clear standards, even the best enforcement efforts can fall short.
This legislation represents a proactive step toward closing the enforcement gap, supporting responsible retailers, and protecting our communities — especially our youth — from unregulated and potentially dangerous products.
Addressing this issue requires a coordinated effort between lawmakers, law enforcement, schools and families. This bill is an important part of that solution.
I commend Salvo and Plummer for their leadership and encourage support for this legislation.
Eric Weisburn is the sheriff in Stark County.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: State legislation listing legal vape products will aid law enforcement | Opinion
Reporting by Eric Weisburn, Special to the Canton Repository / The Repository
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