Bill targets flavored vapes
Law would be the nation’s first if passed
Legislation calling for a ban on all flavored-tobacco products statewide, including increasingly popular Juul vape pods, would be the first of its kind in the nation if passed.
“Make no mistake about it, Big Tobacco is now Big Vape,” said state Rep. Danielle Gregoire (D-Marlboro) who is co-sponsoring the bill with state Sen. John Keenan (D-Quincy).
The stifling hot State House hearing room could not contain the hundreds of people who came out for and against the proposed law Tuesday, including several young people.
High school and college students from across the state held a press conference before the hearing got underway, sharing stories of school bathrooms cloaked in vape smoke and their own struggles with nicotine addiction. Because the vaping pods are the size of a USB stick, they’re easy to hide in hands and sleeves, and students said they’ve seen friends vape during class.
“The withdrawal symptoms set in within hours and people are constantly trying to just get that next hit of nicotine,” said Matthew Murphy, 20, who added he’s a former Juul user.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Juul Labs’ sales increased 641% from 2016 to 2017. A CDC analysis showed that nationwide, 74% of young people “who used Juul reported obtaining the device from a physical retail store.”
Advocates for the bill say the flavors in some vaping products appeal to young customers.
“They are selling candy, fruit and dessert-flavored liquids that smell and taste like sour gummy worms, apple juice, chocolate cake and bubble gum,” said Attorney General Maura Healey.
But Bay State convenience store owners turned out in droves to keep the product on their shelves, many wearing T-shirts reading: “I PROTECT MINORS.”
“Everyone’s buying online,” said Bridgewater store owner Jenish Patel. “That’s how the majority of the kids, the under-21 crowd, is getting it.”
Patel said in his store, e-cigarette devices account for some 10% of profits, but expressed concern that the ban would simply take would-be customers away from his store. A customer coming in to buy a Juul might also pick up a pack of gum and a lottery ticket, but with no Juul incentive, the same customer may not come in at all.
In a statement, a Juul Labs spokesperson wrote: “We strongly agree that there is no place for youth-appealing flavors in the marketplace. That is why we would support an outright ban on inappropriate flavors and packaging, such as those that mimic kid candies, foods, and drinks.”
However, the company does not support a sweeping ban of flavored-tobacco products for adults, noting that they see many customers use the device for smoking cessation.