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Ban On Alcohol Vaporizers Headed To Governor

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Vaportinis, which make it possible to inhale alcohol through a glass straw, may soon be illegal in Maryland.

The Senate voted unanimously Wednesday to ban the devices, sending the bill to the governor's desk. The House already approved it a month ago.

The Vaportini device has a glass sphere filled with alcohol and a candle beneath it. The heat evaporates the alcohol, and the user inhales the vapors. The alcohol is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the lungs.

Some lawmakers say it's unsafe because it can get the user drunk faster than alcoholic beverages can.

The bill makes it a misdemeanor to use this kind of device. It creates a maximum fine of $1,000.

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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