Right now, the Maryland General Assembly is considering legislation to end the sale of all flavored tobacco products – and legislators need to hear that their constituents support it!
The latest CDC data shows the youth e-cigarette epidemic is getting worse. Now, 5.3 million kids – including 1/4 high school students – are using e-cigs. An overwhelming majority of them say flavors are why.
We must end the sale of flavored e-cigarettes and all other flavored tobacco products. This includes menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars – which the tobacco industry uses to target and addict youth, especially in communities of color.
To whom it may concern:
As your constituent, I'm writing to ask that you SUPPORT HB 3/SB 233 and protect Maryland children from big tobacco. We need to end the sale of all flavored tobacco in Maryland – including at vape shops.
The evidence is clear that vape shops, which often claim to be adult-only, are selling to kids and should not get special treatment. Many more youth report buying e-cigarettes at a vape shop than from a gas station or convenience store. Vape shops sell thousands of kid-friendly flavors. In fact, many of the most egregious and kid-friendly flavors—like cotton candy and gummy bear—you'll only find in vape shops and online. About two-thirds of tenth graders say that it's easy to get vaping devices and e-liquids. If flavored products are allowed for sale anywhere in the city, kids will get them.
A comprehensive policy that bans all flavored tobacco in all retailers is the best way to reduce youth access and protect kids. We are facing a public health crisis. With the skyrocketing rate of youth e-cigarette use, protecting our kids' health should be the top priority.
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Many thanks,
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