NATIONAL NEWS

No More Menthol Cigarettes: New Ban On Tobacco, Vape Flavors

Nov 27, 2019, 9:46 AM | Updated: 9:48 am

FILE: (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)...

FILE: (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts’ governor signed into law Wednesday a groundbreaking ban on the sale of flavored tobacco and vaping products, including menthol cigarettes.

Republican Gov. Charlie Baker’s signature makes Massachusetts the first to enact a permanent statewide ban, anti-smoking groups said.

It immediately bans the sale of flavored vaping products and will outlaw sales of menthol cigarettes starting June 1, 2020.

The American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network said it hoped the new law would send a message to an industry accused of using flavored products to introduce teenagers to smoking.

“More than 80% of teens who have ever used a tobacco product started with a flavored product, and the tobacco industry knows this,” the organization said in an emailed statement.

Matthew Myers, president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, called it “a critical step to help end the worsening youth e-cigarette epidemic and stop tobacco companies from using appealing flavors to lure kids into a lifetime of addiction.”

In September, Baker had declared a public health emergency and ordered a temporary ban on the sale of all vaping products — flavored and unflavored.

Baker said Wednesday he’ll keep that ban in place until Dec. 11 while his administration drafts additional regulations.

The new law responds to growing concern about the health effects of vaping products, including deaths.

The law also places a 75% excise tax on vaping products and require health insurers, including the state’s Medicaid program, to cover tobacco cessation counseling.

“This nation-leading step will save lives,” Democratic House Speaker Robert DeLeo said.

The ban was passed by the Senate on Nov. 21 before the legislature broke for a holiday recess. It had earlier been passed by the state House of Representatives.

Studies have shown menthol cigarettes are consumed disproportionately by young people and minorities, and anti-tobacco groups and health experts have argued menthol has been marketed in particular to African Americans.

A major retailers’ organization called the legislation disappointing.

“We are disappointed the legislature supports bills that disproportionately impact communities of color and have disastrous implications for public health, public safety, state tax revenue and jobs in the Commonwealth,” Jonathan Shaer, president of the New England Convenience Store Owners and Energy Marketers Association said in a statement.

He called menthol and mint tobacco as “legal, adult products that aren’t associated with youth overuse.”

KSL 5 TV Live

National News

Police are seen at the scene of a shooting on April 10, in Philadelphia....

Danny Freeman, CNN

5 people arrested after shooting in West Philadelphia

A law enforcement source confirms to CNN that there was a shooting in a large crowd in West Philadelphia this afternoon.

1 hour ago

A Ford sign is shown at a dealership in Springfield, Pa., Tuesday, April 26, 2022. Ford is recallin...

Associated Press

Ford recalls nearly 43,000 SUVs due to gas leaks that can cause fires, but remedy won’t fix leaks

Ford is recalling nearly 43,000 small SUVs because gasoline can leak from the fuel injectors onto hot engine surfaces, increasing the risk of fires. But the recall remedy does not include repairing the fuel leaks.

3 hours ago

stamp prices increase...

Jordan Valinsky, CNN

The US Postal Service wants to hike stamp prices again in July. Here’s how much you’ll pay

Stamp prices are set to increase — again.

5 hours ago

SAN RAFAEL, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 12: A customer shops for food at a grocery store on March 12, 2024 i...

Christopher Rugaber, AP Economics Writer

US inflation up again in March in latest sign that price pressures remain elevated

Consumer price increases remained high last month, boosted by gas, rents and car insurance.

8 hours ago

emergency lights...

Associated Press

Woman blamed in murder-suicide that left a man, baby dead in Los Angeles

Woman blamed in murder-suicide after an infant girl and her 9-year-old sister who were found on a busy Los Angeles-area freeway were thrown from a moving SUV.

21 hours ago

A woman uses eclipse glasses to observe an annular solar eclipse at the Bicentenario Park in Antigu...

Christl Dabu, CNN

How to tell if you damaged your eyes from watching the eclipse

If you watched Monday's solar eclipse, you may be wondering whether you damaged your eyes.

22 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

No More Menthol Cigarettes: New Ban On Tobacco, Vape Flavors