Ohio Governor Pushes for Ending Sale of Flavored Tobacco Products

The following is a statement from American Lung Association in Ohio’s Advocacy Director Ken Fletcher.

“The American Lung Association lauds Ohio Governor Mike DeWine for calling for legislation to end the sale of flavored tobacco products in Ohio during the State of the State address earlier today.

“The Lung Association calls on the Ohio Legislature to move quickly on this legislation to end the sale of menthol cigarettes and all other flavored tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, flavored cigars, hookah and smokeless tobacco.

"Tobacco use in Ohio is above the national average and youth tobacco use in Ohio is at 36.7%. This is fueled by the tobacco industry’s overt targeting of young people, Black and Brown communities, American Indians, the LGBTQ+ community, and other populations. This is also fueled by the popularity of e-cigarettes, which continues to be alarmingly high and has created a new generation addicted to deadly tobacco products. Flavors like menthol, candy and fruit are marketed to lure kids to try these products, especially e-cigarettes. In addition, the annual healthcare costs in Ohio directly caused by smoking are $6.5 billion, according to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

 “The Lung Association appreciates Governor DeWine’s continued leadership on making public health a priority and standing up to Big Tobacco. Putting Ohio’s children and community before tobacco industry profits. We look forward to working with him on this effort.”