Juul CEO Makes Statement as Pressure on Company Builds

WASHINGTON (AP) — E-cigarette giant Juul Labs is facing mounting scrutiny from state law enforcement officials, with the attorneys general in Illinois and the District of Columbia investigating how the company’s blockbuster vaping device became so popular with underage teens, The Associated Press has learned.

The company’s rapid rise to the top of the multi-billion dollar U.S. e-cigarette market has been accompanied by accusations from parents, politicians and public health advocates that Juul fueled a vaping craze among high schoolers. In addition to the ongoing inquiries in Illinois and the...

Juul CEO Kevin Burns said Thursday that non-smokers should not use his company’s product. “Don’t vape. Don’t use Juul,” Burns said during an appearance on CBS This Morning. “Don’t start using nicotine if you don't have a preexisting relationship with nicotine. Don’t use the product. You’re not our target consumer.”

The straightforward message comes as the company faces multiple lawsuits, growing concern from the public over the popularity of Juul among teenagers, and an investigation launched by House Democrats earlier this year. Burns has previously apologized to the families of...