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Measure Would Ban Flavored Tobacco In Maryland

February 6th, 2020 by WCBC Radio

Members of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland and the state's attorney general expressed support Thursday for a measure to ban flavored tobacco, including menthol cigarettes. Darryl Barnes, who chairs the black caucus, said menthol is a flavor that has been heavily targeted at black communities.

“Flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes, are particularly dangerous because they are designed to soften the harsh taste of tobacco, hook new tobacco users and can lead to use of other tobacco products,” Barnes said at a news conference before a bill hearing in the House Economic Matters Committee.

Studies have shown menthol cigarettes are consumed disproportionately by young people and minorities, and anti-tobacco groups and health experts have argued menthol has been marketed in particular to African Americans.

The Maryland bill would ban any tobacco product, including vaping products, that has a taste or smell other than that of tobacco. That includes tobacco with a taste or smell of fruit, menthol, mint, a candy or dessert or an herb or spice.

Supporters of the ban say the flavors like bubble gum entice children.

8 Responses to “Measure Would Ban Flavored Tobacco In Maryland”

  1. February 06, 2020 at 5:36 pm, Brian said:

    So the state of Maryland it’s going to take away something that minorities use more than other people Isn’t that discrimination?

    Reply

    • February 06, 2020 at 7:57 pm, Jay said:

      Didn’t take lawmakers long to ban the vaping flavors. On the other hand, hundreds of innocent people die in mass shootings from assault rifles every year and all we hear are crickets.

      Reply

  2. February 06, 2020 at 8:31 pm, John P said:

    Jay you are fake news.

    Reply

    • February 07, 2020 at 8:02 am, Jay said:

      What did I say that was fake? Maryland is banning vaping flavors – true. Large numbers of people have been murdered with assault rifles – true.

      Reply

  3. February 06, 2020 at 10:25 pm, Toast said:

    Jay, you got come in your ears and eyes? You see and hear the news after every shooting?

    Reply

    • February 07, 2020 at 7:59 am, Jay said:

      Nice to see people thinking on a high level.

      Reply

  4. February 07, 2020 at 9:07 am, Peter said:

    Because Prohibition has worked so well in the past. Nobody ever came of the idea to make and sell alcohol illegally…..

    Reply

  5. February 08, 2020 at 9:20 pm, Joseph Smith said:

    look how much $$$ in tax we would lose $$$

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Peter