About Flavored Tobacco
The tobacco industry uses flavored tobacco to attract the next generation of smokers. Young people are much more likely to use flavored tobacco products than adults. In fact, 80 percent of youth who use tobacco use fruit, candy or menthol flavored tobacco.
Studies show that young people perceive flavored tobacco products as tasting better and being safer than unflavored products, even though they are just as dangerous and addictive. Disposable vapes like these were not regulated by the U.S Government when it instituted restrictions on flavored vapes in February 2020.
The tobacco industry has a long history of targeting the African American community, women, LGBTQ and youth with menthol tobacco marketing. Tobacco industry documents show targeted efforts to market menthol products to African Americans, LGBTQ communities and youth. Menthol makes tobacco easier to start smoking and harder to quit.
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Take Action
Removing menthol and flavored tobacco from the marketplace will address health disparities caused by Big Tobacco’s lethal tactics. Racism is a public health crisis. Clearing the market of menthol and all flavored products will directly improve the health of Black communities and other groups targeted by Big Tobacco.
Communities across Minnesota are working to protect youth and other targeted groups by enacting flavored tobacco restrictions. Minneapolis and Saint Paul led the way in Minnesota in passing policies that prohibit the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including menthol. Now, there are 16 Minnesota communities that have restricted or ended the sale of flavored tobacco, including menthol. Communities across Minnesota are working to protect youth and other targeted groups by ending the sale of flavored and menthol tobacco.
Who we are
We are a coalition of health and community organizations in Minnesota committed to reducing the harm caused by menthol-flavored cigarettes and other flavored tobacco products. We share a common goal of working to reduce the harm caused by menthol and flavored tobacco. Join us for our regular meetings to learn about opportunities to advocate for clearing the market of menthol and flavored tobacco.
This campaign is a joint effort of the Association for Nonsmokers-MN and NorthPoint Health and Wellness, Inc.