Washington State Lawmakers Propose Ban on Flavored Vape, Nicotine Pouch, and Menthol Sales
A broad coalition of Washington educators, doctors, researchers, and social justice advocates has launched a campaign called “Flavors Hook Kids Washington” to ban flavored nicotine vapes and other tobacco products in the state. The group cites the contribution of these products to youth addiction as the primary reason for the proposed ban.
Rep. Kristine Reeves (D-Federal Way) and Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-University Place) have agreed to sponsor the legislation once the Legislature reconvenes in January. Nobles, who also serves as a school board director in University Place, has personal experience with the issue, as her district sued popular e-cigarette company JUUL in 2022 over advertising allegedly targeting youth.
According to the 2024 National Youth Tobacco Use Survey, 7.7% of Washington high school students use vapes, which is approximately on par with the national rate. The survey found that 87.6% of youth e-cigarette users preferred flavored products, with fruit flavors being the most popular.
However, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in September that e-cigarette use among youth had dropped to its lowest level in a decade. Tony Abboud, executive director of the Vapor Technology Association, an e-cigarette trade association, argued that this data demonstrates that there is no current youth vaping crisis and that the proposed ban is “fighting yesterday’s news.”
Abboud also warned that banning flavored vaping products could lead to an increase in traditional cigarette smoking, citing a 2023 Yale University study that found flavor restrictions in place for a year or longer resulted in a 20% increase in sales of cigarette brands often used by underage smokers.
While many experts consider vaping to be safer than traditional cigarettes, they largely agree that any use of tobacco among youth is unsafe. A study from The Ohio State University found that nearly two-thirds of youth would quit vaping if flavors were banned.
However, as a vaping industry professional, it is essential to consider the potential unintended consequences of broad flavor bans. Some research suggests that flavored vapes may be more effective than unflavored products in helping adults quit smoking traditional cigarettes.
Furthermore, Abboud noted that Washington state could lose hundreds of millions in sales and business taxes if flavored tobacco sales were banned, highlighting the potential economic impact of the proposed legislation.
As lawmakers and advocates continue to debate the merits of the proposed ban, it is crucial for policymakers to carefully evaluate the effectiveness of existing regulations, such as the increased legal age for tobacco purchases, and consider targeted approaches that balance public health concerns with the rights of adult consumers and the economic impact on businesses.
- Washington State Lawmakers Propose Ban on Flavored Vape, Nicotine Pouch, and Menthol Sales - December 20, 2024
- Iowa Vape Companies Lawsuit Challenges PMTA Registry Law - December 20, 2024
- FDA Issues Warning Letters to Nine Online Firms for Selling Unauthorized Flavored, Disposable Vapes - December 20, 2024
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