Ohio Governor John Kasich has signed a bill that aims to keep electronic cigarettes out of the hands of those under age 18. E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that provide users with aerosol puffs that typically contain nicotine, and sometimes flavorings like fruit, mint or chocolate. Users get their nicotine without the thousands of chemicals, tar or odor of regular cigarettes. The measure signed on Tuesday would prohibit minors from obtaining, possessing and using the products. Groups such as the Ohio State Medical Association have questioned the legislation because it defines the items as "alternative nicotine products" rather than tobacco-derived products. The organization has said the new category could exempt the products from taxation laws that govern tobacco.
A native of Chicago, naturalized citizen of Cincinnati and resident of Columbus, Alison attended Earlham College and the Ohio State University. She has equal passion for Midwest history, hockey and Slavic poetry.