Maine Lawmakers to Hear Testimony on Banning Flavored Tobacco Products

Maine lawmakers are set to hear testimony on a bill to ban flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes, in the state. The bill aims to protect kids from the tobacco industry's targeted marketing and prevent nicotine addiction. High school students who have witnessed the devastating effects of flavored tobacco products are speaking out against the industry's tactics, urging lawmakers to take action.

Key Takeaways:

• A majority of Maine high school students who use e-cigarettes report using flavored e-cigarettes, with approximately 8 in 10 admitting to this behavior.
• Overall youth tobacco use in Maine has skyrocketed, with nearly 1 in 5 high school students using some form of tobacco product in the last 30 days.
• More than one in 20 Maine high school students smoke cigarettes, highlighting the ongoing issue of nicotine addiction.
• Tobacco use remains the largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in Maine, with smoking responsible for nearly 34% of cancer deaths in the state.
• Maine has the 9th highest rate of tobacco-related cancer deaths in the nation.
• Flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes, are being targeted as a means to reduce nicotine addiction and protect kids from the tobacco industry's tactics.

Statistics:

• Approximately 8 in 10 Maine high school students who use e-cigarettes report using flavored e-cigarettes.
• Nearly 1 in 5 high school students in Maine use some form of tobacco product in the last 30 days.
• More than 30% of 12th graders in Maine use some form of tobacco product.
• Over 20% of Maine high school students smoke cigarettes.
• Tobacco use is responsible for nearly 34% of cancer deaths in Maine.
• Maine has the 9th highest rate of tobacco-related cancer deaths in the nation.

Sources:

• American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Newsletter, April 25
• American Cancer Society, Copyright 2017 Contify.com