The Troy School District’s Code of Student Conduct states that possession of drug paraphernalia (including e-cigarettes) is prohibited. In violation of this policy, students can face punishments varying from a parent notification, a ten day suspension, expulsion or police notification. When the Troy Police Department is informed, it is often Officer John Julian who responds to the call.

“I’m usually called in to add a different perspective to the situation,” Julian said.
He confiscates the vapes from the school and takes them back to the department where he fills out a request form for their destruction.

According to Michigan.gov, “as of August 8, 2016, the U.S. FDA imposed a minimum purchase age of 18 for selling e-cigarettes to minors.” There is not currently a law in Michigan that prohibits the sale of vape products to minors. According to federal law, minors under the age of 18 cannot legally purchase e-cigarettes. In January of 2017, the bill was repealed in Michigan in an attempt to close what Senator Rick Jones calls a loophole.

“While it’s a policy against school, unfortunately, it’s not necessarily against the law to be in possession of a vape underage,” Julian said.
According to Julian, many shop owners will still I.D. potential vape purchasers despite it not being an official law.

“Ethically they say, ‘this is considered a smoking product so I’m going to take it upon myself to restrict the sales to minors.’” Julian said.
Although it is not unlawful, Julian still advises minors not to vape, stating that an e-cigarette should only be used as a means to quit smoking.

“I think sometimes the opposite happens when you’re someone that’s youthful that’s vaping, then it’s a gateway to actual smoking.” Julian said.