Flavored Vaping Ban Bill in Maine Gaining Support
Maine State House (Credit: Jovannig)
A proposal to ban all flavored vaping and other tobacco products in Maine is gaining momentum, with key lawmakers from both sides of the aisle lining up behind the bill.
The legislation sponsored by State Sen. Jill Duson is supported by House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross and Senate President Troy Jackson, according to Union Leader.
It was printed on Friday, revealing details of the proposal for the first time. Committee meetings and public hearings will be scheduled in the coming weeks.
The measure would ban the use of all flavors in all vaping and other tobacco products sold in Maine, other than tobacco flavor. The ban would also include menthol.
Bill supporters say that the flavors are added to the products to attract teens and get them hooked on nicotine, even though vaping products are illegal for those under 21 to purchase.
Opponents say it would simply drive people out of state to buy flavored tobacco, which they argue should be available to adults who turn to vaping as a way to quit smoking.
Several cities in Maine have already banned flavored tobacco products.
Bar Harbor become the fifth town in the U.S. state to ban flavored tobacco products earlier this month.
Portland, South Portland, Brunswick, and Bangor have also voted for similar bans.