In an effort to reduce the growing number of minors using electronic smoking devices, including 25% of high schoolers, three Assembly Democrats have sponsored legislation to ban the sale of flavored vaping products in New Jersey. The bill (A-3178) would also ban the sale of traditional menthol cigarettes. The sponsors released the following statements:
“Our state cannot and will not ignore the widespread use of these harmful nicotine products among adolescents,” said Assemblyman Herb Conaway (D-Burlington). “Flavored products are designed to attract young people, which is one of the reasons why most traditional cigarette flavors were banned a decade ago.”
“Menthol is the only combustible cigarette flavor still permitted in our country, despite the fact that these cigarettes historically targeted African Americans, enhance the addictive effects of nicotine and accelerate cancer and other fatal diseases. It’s high time we get both new and old flavored nicotine products off the market to help protect our youth.”
“The nicotine in e-cigarettes is just as harmful as that of traditional cigarettes, yet many people may not realize just how detrimental nicotine really is for anyone under the age of 25,” said Assemblywoman Carol Murphy (D-Burlington). “Nicotine can expose developing brains to negative effects such as addiction, mood disorders and lower impulse control.”
“Many teens are even worried about the damage vaping can do to their health but are too addicted to stop. It’s our responsibility to help them by doing everything in our power to limit the appeal of – and access to – these products going forward.”
“Study after study has shown that flavors such as cotton candy and mango not only draw teens in, but keep them coming back when it comes to electronic cigarettes,” said Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle. “Mint is especially popular since the menthol helps ease new users into vaping by cooling their throat and reducing any harshness they would normally feel when inhaling the nicotine.”
“We know what needs to be done to help keep kids safe and that’s what we’re doing with this legislation.”