Why is mass banning menthol cigarettes?

Since June 1, 2020, Massachusetts has banned the sale of flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes. When signing the ban into law, Gov. Charlie Baker (R) argued that the ban, which is the broadest in the country, was enacted to limit youth uptake of nicotine products.

Is there a plan to ban menthol cigarettes?

On April 29, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it will initiate a notice and comment rulemaking process to ban menthol-flavored cigarettes and all characterizing flavors in cigars and cigarillos within the next year.

Are menthol cigarettes returning to Massachusetts?

Massachusetts is the only state in the nation that has already eliminated menthol cigarettes (and e-cigarettes).

What states ban menthols?

In 2020, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island enacted bans on the sale of flavored e-cigarettes and California became the second state to prohibit the sale of both flavored e-cigarettes and menthol cigarettes. Two additional states—Maryland and Utah—restrict the sale of some flavored e-cigarettes.

Can you buy menthol cigarettes in Massachusetts?

Are menthol cigarettes banned in Massachusetts?

It’s official: The Massachusetts ban on the sale of flavored tobacco is a failed policy. The state has lost more than $140 million on menthol cigarettes alone, the regulated and enforced network of licensed retailers has been abandoned, and public health cannot claim a modicum of benefit.

Are menthol cigarettes illegal in Massachusetts?

BOSTON (AP) — A statewide ban on the sale of flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes, is set to take effect on Monday. Massachusetts became the first state to approve such a ban when Republican Gov. Charlie Baker signed the bill in November.

When does the ban on menthol cigarettes go into effect?

The ban on the sale of menthol cigarettes and all other flavored tobacco products goes into effect June 1, 2020.

Should convenience stores ban menthol flavors in Massachusetts?

Convenience stores are among those who oppose the law. Massachusetts’ decision to extend the ban to menthol flavors has been contentious in part because studies have shown menthol cigarettes are consumed disproportionately by minorities, which some activists have warned could lead to disproportionate police enforcement in the black community.

What does Massachusetts’ New tobacco law mean for You?

The new law also imposes a new tax of 75\% of the wholesale price on electronic cigarettes, restricts the sale of vapor electronic cigarette products with a nicotine content greater than 35 milligrams per milliliter to adult-only retail tobacco stores and smoking bars, and bans the online sale of flavored tobacco products to Massachusetts consumers.