California Terminates the Sale of Flavored Tobacco and E-Cigarette Products
By: Jasmine Cuza
On Aug. 28 2020, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill (sb) 793 which bans the sale of tobacco and nicotine flavored products across stores in the state. The ban includes products such as disposable vape pens, e-cigarette juices, menthol cigarettes, hookah flavored tobacco and cigarillo wraps. Hookah pipes that are worth more than $12 do not apply to this law. Sen. Jerry Hill was one of the senators that created this bill and several organizations endorsed it such as Cancer Action Network California, the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association. This new law will be put into effect Jan. 2021 and any retail store that is caught distributing these harmful will be fined $250.
This new law comes into effect after a number of deaths caused by the engagement of vaping among young teens and adults. As of Feb. 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 2,087 cases of respiratory illnesses among teens and adults due to vaping these harsh chemicals. This has led to 68 deaths across the country. The push to pass the bill has been a priority for lawmakers since the spread of COVID-19 which can be a huge threat for those who vape. Those who vape are five times more likely to contract the deadly coronavirus than those who do not. The chemicals such as vitamin e included in these products weaken the lungs and cause scar tissue to form. The tobacco industry has been known to target the youth through their ads that advertise fruity flavor e juices for vape pens. Flavors such as mint, chocolate, banana, cream soda and fruit punch are just some of the flavors that have attracted young audiences to smoking.
Minority groups in low-income communities have also been hit hard with these vaping ads. According to the Center For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), they state that Native Americans were ranked highest for smoking menthol cigarettes with Hispanics, African Americans and Asians following behind. The current percentage of vaping and smoking among Native Americans have reached 38.9 percent. They are also most likely to develop health problems such as heart disease and high blood pressure due to vaping.
The tobacco companies argues passing of the bill and even state that this will affect tobacco taxes in California. Many of these companies will lose the majority of their business. They fear that with the ban in place that illegal sales of these products will rise and cause even more harm.
Gov. Newsom took pride in the signing of this bill and has always been supportive of the ban on tobacco and nicotine products. He explained that he’s had family who has died due to the poisonous chemicals found in these nicotine and tobacco products. He is a proud father of four children and knows with the bill being passed, it will protect the future lives of many children and help prevent deaths related to these vaping activities.