AMA calls for stronger policy on sale of e-cigarettes

CHICAGO (WABC) -- The American Medical Association is calling for the passage of laws and regulations that would set the minimum legal purchase age for electronic cigarettes and their liquid nicotine refills at 21 years old.

The AMA is expanding on their longtime efforts to help keep all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, out of the hands of young people.

From 2013 to 2014, the use of e-cigarettes among middle and high school students has tripled from 660,000 to 2 million students.

"We also urge the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to act now to implement its proposed rule to effectively regulate electronic cigarettes." said AMA President Robert M. Wah, M.D.

"We will continue to advocate for policies that help reduce the burden of preventable diseases like cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, both of which can be linked to smoking," said Dr. Wah.

The policy would also require liquid nicotine to be packaged in child-resistant containers and urge strict enforcement of laws prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to minors.