The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) recently submitted comments in response to the Federal Drug Administration's (FDA) proposed e-cig regulations. Among these comments was a request to conduct further research into the devices and how they affect users' health.

The FDA first proposed a set of new regulations on the production, sale and use of the electronic smokeless nicotine delivery devices known as e-cigs earlier this year. These regulations include prohibiting sales to minors, requiring companies to receive FDA approval before their products are sold, prohibiting vape lounges and e-cig shops from giving out free samples, and requiring all products to list their ingredients on the label.

It's important to note, however, that these regulations are still in the early stages of being implemented. The FDA wants to ensure it's protecting consumers' health while treating e-cig companies in a fair manner before the regulations are made official. Its opened several public commenting forums (referred to as workshops) to obtain opinions on its proposed regulations.

During one of the more recent workshops, APhA -- representing more than 62,000 pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists, student pharmacists and pharmacy technicians -- supported the FDA's proposed rule but also urged the administration to conduct further research on e-cigs.

"Many patients who are trying to quit smoking are now turning to e-cigarettes or other vapor-inhalation products as a means to quit, rather than utilizing approved prescription and nonprescription therapies. In many cases, e-cigarettes are cheaper than approved smoking therapies that may not be covered by insurance," the Association wrote. "We strongly encourage the FDA to conduct additional analyses of the potential health effects of e-cigarettes, vapor inhalation products, and their components, as well as the use of these products as possible smoking cessation aids."

The FDA's proposed rule would give it authority over e-cigs and other nicotine delivery devices through the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act of 2009. It's unclear, however, when these changes will take place. Restructuring an entire industry is no easy task, especially when it's as large as electronic cigarettes. Some analysts expect the changes to occur next year, while other less-optimistic analysts say it will likely take several years before the changes go into effect. In the meantime, however, the FDA will continue to take comments from both industry professionals and the general public alike.