Other anti-tobacco advocates such as the American Heart Association, American Lung Association, and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network believe this legislation will help prevent young people from becoming addicted to tobacco products since it will make the sale of tobacco and e-cigarettes illegal to anyone under the age of 21. As a surprise to some, the bill also had the support of Richmond, VA-based tobacco company Altria Group Inc., which is quoted as saying, “We agree that the current trends in underage e-vapor use must be addressed. Tobacco harm reduction for adults cannot succeed without effective measures to reduce underage use of all tobacco products.”
Those against the bill argued that the legislation made little sense since 18-year-olds are allowed to serve in the military, be elected to the state Legislature, and can vote–but now are not allowed to have the freedom or right to purchase tobacco and e-cigarette products until they turn 21 years of age. One Republican assemblyman, Jake Ashby, voted against the bill because he said it did not fully address the expectations of service members posted in bases located in New York. Another Republican assemblyman, Andrew Goodell, supported the bill but said it did not go far enough to address how the tobacco and e-cigarette industries target children and teens through the use fo flavors. He also felt the bill should include a civil penalty for individuals under 21 who do smoke and use these products.
For all the latest legislation and FDA news impacting the tobacco industry, click here.
