The sale of flavored tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and menthol cigarettes, has become a pressing public health concern.

These products are engineered to appeal to younger demographics, enticed by flavors such as strawberry, mango, and bubblegum. By ending the sale of flavored tobacco, Maine can take a proactive approach in combating youth initiation and addiction rates, safeguarding future generations from the devastating health consequences associated with tobacco use.

Flavored tobacco products have proven to be a gateway to nicotine addiction among young people. One in three Maine high school students have used e-cigarettes, and one in five are currently using a tobacco product. These rates are well above the national average. What’s more, 85% of middle and high school students who use e-cigarettes are using flavored products. Why? Because the enticing flavors mask the harshness of tobacco, making it more palatable for inexperienced users. Tobacco companies know this, which is why the market has been flooded by kid-friendly flavors.

This is not an accident or a coincidence. This is tobacco companies trying to lure young people into a lifetime of addiction and protect their own profits.

By voting in favor of An Act To End The Sale of Flavored Tobacco Products, Maine can effectively curtail the onset of addiction, protecting our youth from a lifetime of health risks and economic burdens associated with tobacco-related illnesses.

Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable diseases and premature death in the United States. Smoking causes disease and disability, harming nearly every organ of the body. There is also growing evidence that e-cigarettes can harm lung health. And now, the U.S. Surgeon General warns that nicotine exposure during adolescence and young adulthood can cause addiction and long-term harm to brain development. Our youth should not be targeted by products with these effects.

Menthol cigarettes are the most dangerous flavored tobacco product, with flavoring that makes it easier for youth to start smoking and become addicted. Menthol masks the harsh taste of tobacco and numbs the throat, making the smoke easier to inhale more deeply.

The tobacco industry has a long history of targeting vulnerable populations for profit. They have consistently marketed flavored products to appeal to young people, using aggressive advertising campaigns and strategic product placement. Ending the sale of flavored tobacco products in Maine sends a powerful message that we will not sacrifice the health of our communities for the sake of corporate profits.

The economic burden placed on our health care system due to tobacco-related illnesses far outweighs the revenue generated. By investing in preventive measures, such as ending the sale of flavored tobacco products, we can reduce lifetime health care costs associated with tobacco use, ultimately benefiting the state’s economy in the long run.

Maine has a reputation for valuing the health and well-being of its citizens, especially our youth. By taking this step, we demonstrate our commitment to creating a healthier society, and to addressing the harm of addiction. Such a decision aligns with our state’s values, fostering a culture that prioritizes the health and well-being of all individuals.

Ending the sale of flavored tobacco products in Maine is a necessary step toward protecting our youth, reducing tobacco-related illnesses, and promoting a healthier future for our state. By taking a strong stance against the manipulative tactics of the tobacco industry today, we can create a safer and more prosperous Maine.