New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed a ban on flavored vaping products Tuesday in response to growing concerns about the health impacts of e-cigarettes.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has suggested that the use of e-cigarettes could increase the likelihood of future tobacco use, particularly among younger individuals.
The actual text of the bill outlaws selling, distributing, or furnishing vapor products with a “characterizing flavor.” The law subsequently goes on to define this term as “a distinguishable flavor, taste, or aroma other than tobacco, including, but not limited to, any fruit, chocolate, vanilla, honey, candy, cocoa, dessert, alcoholic beverage, herb, mint, menthol, wintergreen, or spice flavoring.”
Proponents of the bill argue that this will be an effective way to address the health and safety concerns of vaping among children. The governor has noted that the data and research demonstrate that flavored aromas increase a child’s likelihood of future tobacco use. Opponents assert that vaping related health issues could be addressed in other ways, such as strictly enforcing the smoking age. They also add that this ban could simply open up a black market for flavored e-cigarette products.
The ban will start on April 20, 2020.