Washington lawmakers have tried to ban flavored vape products before. This time, they’re also going after menthol cigarettes.
OLYMPIA, Wash — A bill filed for consideration by Washington lawmakers would ban the sale of flavored tobacco and nicotine products in the state – this includes flavored vape cartridges and menthol cigarettes.
The legislation, HB 1203, was filed on Wednesday. It would also ban newer products that pair the act of consuming tobacco or nicotine with a gaming component.
The bill text specifically cites how the tobacco industry is targeting young people and people of color with their product marketing and offerings as justification for the ban.
Washington lawmakers have tried to ban flavored vape products before. This time, they’re also going after menthol cigarettes, a commonly used tobacco product that has a long history in the United States. A 2020 national survey showed that over 43% of people who self-reported smoking cigarettes smoked menthols.
The tobacco …