According to a recent survey, nearly two-thirds of Maine voters say they support a law ending the sale of flavored tobacco products in our state. The poll also revealed that 76% of those surveyed are concerned with Maine kids becoming addicted to tobacco products.

The concern is valid. A staggering 30% of high school students use e-cigarettes. The rise in popularity of e-cigarettes is a direct result of ruthless marketing campaigns targeting our children. Big Tobacco companies have gotten extremely sneaky with the way they pander their products to attract kids with tactics like cartoon logos, cheap pricing, colorful packaging, and candy flavors. The sweet flavors are designed to disguise the taste of tobacco and instantly hook the users with the highly addictive ingredients.

A legislative committee is deciding whether ending the sale of flavored tobacco in Maine is a priority or not. The proposed ending of the sale of flavored tobacco would include flavored cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, and snuff.

Here’s why the proposed bill is so important: 29% of cancer deaths in Maine are attributed to smoking. Flavored tobacco products are lethal, and almost all flavored tobacco products contain nicotine.

If two-thirds of Maine voters support a law ending the sale of flavored tobacco, it’s time to make people’s voices heard. People should let legislators and Gov. Janet Mills know that ending flavored tobacco sales in our state is a priority.

Amran Osman, Lewiston

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