Little kids always dream to see people like them on television. Some companies took advantage of that dream in the form of puff bars and e-cigarettes. Juul, one of the leading vape companies, has been sued by states like California and New york for allegedly marketing their devices to teenagers. 

Juul is set to pay $438 million to settle the investigations by 36 states that sued them for marketing to teenagers however they have not admitted to any wrongdoing.

“If Juul is marketing towards teens, then I do not support it,” senior Yabi Paulino said. “It’s not putting anything good in anyone’s heads. It is illegal for teens to buy vapes, so what Juul is doing goes against the laws, and just seems morally disgusting.”

Some students vaped in the past and seeing their peers getting pushed in the direction of lung disease and addiction may not feel good.

“I’m glad that Juul was sued for the millions of dollars that they lost because I fell for the marketing tactics they used and got addicted,” junior Blake Ford* said. “My lungs had problems and the hospital bills cost me nearly $1,000 and feelings of pain that are sure to cause me issues for the rest of my life. I would never wish that on anyone.”

The cost of feeling cool in the school restroom by passing around one’s e-cigarette is a life of underdeveloped lungs and brains.

“I appreciate the fact that someone is holding Juul accountable,” senior Hayleigh Brawley said. “Vaping puts a halt to your development, so what someone thinks is fun to ‘take a hit of’ may be ruining their lives forever.”

Anyone under the age of 18 that has been inflicted by behavioral changes, cardiac problems, mental health issues or pregnancy difficulties because of a Juul, is entitled to compensation. 

“Considering my family lives in a low-income area and I spent a lot on hospital bills after suffering from lung disease, I’m glad I have the chance to finance off of my pain,” senior Jordan Bailey* said. “Juul hurt me and a lot of other teenagers because of what they did. I’m glad they’re finally getting punished for it.”

*the students wished to remain anonymous due to the nature of the subject matter