Mass. Legislature debates the sale of flavored nicotine

A proposed ban on flavored nicotine products is being considered in Massachusetts.

On July 16, state representatives held a hearing on a bill (S.1279/H.1902) prohibiting the sale of flavored tobacco and e-cigarette products outside of age-restricted smoking bars. The bill would help reduce the growing number of kids who are getting hooked on nicotine, which can impact youth learning, contribute to mood disorders, and increase the risk of other dangerous addictions, especially to tobacco. Four of 5 kids who have smoked tobacco used a flavored product first.

“Given the rampant rise in vaping we saw last year, it’s critical that Massachusetts lawmakers act now to protect children’s health by restricting the sale of all flavored tobacco products,” said MASSPIRG Legislative Director Deidre Cummings, who testified at the hearing alongside public health experts.

Our national network is also calling on legislators across the country to act quickly on similar bans to protect more young people from nicotine addiction.

Read MASSPIRG’s press release.

Photo Caption: MASSPIRG Legislative Director Deirdre Cummings testifies at a Massachusetts legislative hearing for a bill that would prohibit the sale of any flavored tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, anywhere in Massachusetts except for age-restricted smoking bars. Photo Credit: Staff