SAFE GC Coalition: Evaluation of Restrictions on Flavored E-Cigs

A recently published study in JAMA Network Open, a medical journal, raised the question regarding statewide restrictions on flavored E-cigarette sales in Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, and Washington and its association with a reduction in total E-cigarette unit sales from 2014 to 2020.

New York State, implemented these restrictions in May 2020; Nearly 81% of youth ages 12-17 who had ever used a tobacco product reported their first product was flavored. Alarmingly youth vaping rates among high school teens are extremely high with a statewide average of 22% of teens are users. Nearly 81% of youth in that age group who ever used a tobacco product reported the first product they used was flavored. More than 54% of youth in that same group smoke menthol cigarettes.

The results revealed that statewide restrictions on non–tobacco-flavored E-cigarette sales were associated with the following reductions in E-cigarette sales in the 4 states compared with control states: 30.65% in New York, 31.26% in Rhode Island, and 25.01% in Washington. In Massachusetts, the comprehensive sales prohibition of all E-cigarette products was associated with a 94.38% reduction in sales compared with control states. Except in Massachusetts, where all sales of flavored e-cigarettes decreased, reductions were found only for non–tobacco-flavored E-cigarette sales in the other states with restrictions. Among control state sales initially decreased by 28.4% from August 2019 to February 2020 but then increased by 49.9% from February through December 2020.

The reductions were attributable mostly to decreases in flavored E -cigarette sales. Researchers suggested given the appeal of flavors for prompting use of tobacco products among youths, comprehensive policies that prohibit the sale of all non–tobacco-flavored E-cigarettes to prevent and reduce youth access to and use of these products should be implemented.

For help Quitting contact the American Lung Association- Lung Helpline at: 800-Lung-USA or the N.Y. State Smokers’ Quitline at 866-NY-QUITS (866-697-8487).

SAFE, Inc. is the only alcohol and substance abuse prevention, intervention and education agency in the City of Glen Cove. Its Coalition is concerned about tobacco use and vaping seeking to educate and update the community regarding its negative consequences in collaboration with Carol Meschkow, Manager- Tobacco Action Coalition of Long Island. To learn more about the SAFE Glen Cove Coalition please follow us on ww.facebook.com/safeglencovecoalition or visit the Vaping Facts and Myths Page of SAFE’s website to learn more about how vaping is detrimental to your health www