Flavor Bans Proposed in Maine and San Francisco

Jan.12.2023
Flavor Bans Proposed in Maine and San Francisco
Maine considers statewide ban on flavored tobacco as part of a growing trend in the US. Study on San Francisco flavor ban reveals mixed results.

Following the approval of tobacco product bans in four cities in Maine, state senator Jill Duson from Portland is expected to introduce a bill proposing a statewide ban on flavored tobacco products.


If passed, Maine will join a number of other US states, including Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York, in implementing flavored tobacco product restrictions. Dan Cashman, spokesperson for advocacy group Flavors Hook Kids Maine, stated that State Senator Jill Duson from Portland is expected to soon propose a bill containing the ban.


This is crucial," said Kashman. "Maine cannot wait any longer. Every day, the children of Maine are being drawn in by these marketing ploys and tobacco products targeted towards young people. These are dangerous and addictive products.


At the same time, a study examining the ban on flavored e-cigarettes in San Francisco has reported shocking findings. Titled "The Impact of San Francisco's Comprehensive Tobacco Flavor Ban on Youth", the research aims to determine the effects of the ban on tobacco use behavior. A sample of 247 San Francisco residents were surveyed on their e-cigarette and tobacco use before and after the flavor ban.


The study found that although the ban did lead to a decrease in sales of electronic cigarettes and cigars, unfortunately it also resulted in a surge in smoking rates. Additionally, researchers found that the measure was not properly enforced, with 65% of participants reporting that they were able to obtain flavored products by various means.


According to these research findings, a comprehensive ban on local flavors cannot significantly reduce the supply or use of flavored tobacco products among residents. However, local bans can still significantly reduce overall use of e-cigarettes and cigar consumption, but may increase the use of traditional cigarettes. This was concluded by the study.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

PMI AI White Paper Warns of “Cognitive Atrophy” and Attention Erosion, Calls for Focus on Human Cognition’s Evolution
PMI AI White Paper Warns of “Cognitive Atrophy” and Attention Erosion, Calls for Focus on Human Cognition’s Evolution
Philip Morris International (PMI) has released a white paper calling for cross-sector dialogue on how AI may affect human cognitive abilities. The paper flags risks including “cognitive atrophy” and attention erosion, and warns of a widening cognitive divide and rising pressures on information verification and trust.
Jan.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Japan Tobacco seeks retail price hike for Ploom tobacco sticks; EVO and others to rise by 30 yen per pack
Japan Tobacco seeks retail price hike for Ploom tobacco sticks; EVO and others to rise by 30 yen per pack
Japan Tobacco (JT) said it has applied to raise retail prices for its heated tobacco-related products from April 1, 2026, covering 37 variants of Ploom tobacco sticks and with capsules, with most increases at 20–30 yen per pack (about $0.13–$0.19).
Jan.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Former Malaysian Health Minister Allegedly Rejected RM50 Million Bribe Over GEG
Former Malaysian Health Minister Allegedly Rejected RM50 Million Bribe Over GEG
A former political aide has alleged that a RM50 million bribe was offered to Malaysia’s then health minister to abandon the tobacco generational end game (GEG) policy. The claim was published in an opinion article and on social media. No report was made to anti-corruption authorities. Despite the alleged rejection, the GEG provision was later removed from the tobacco bill tabled in Parliament in 2023.
Dec.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
China’s E-Cigarette Exports Fall Slightly to USD 10.6 Billion in 2025, U.S. Market Further Consolidates Lead
China’s E-Cigarette Exports Fall Slightly to USD 10.6 Billion in 2025, U.S. Market Further Consolidates Lead
China’s e-cigarette exports totaled approximately USD 10.60 billion in 2025, down 3.3% year-on-year from USD 10.96 billion in 2024, according to annual trade data released by the General Administration of Customs of China. Despite the mild decline, exports remained firmly above the USD 10 billion mark, with a clear rebound in the fourth quarter.
Jan.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Breaking | FDA to Hold PMTA Roundtable for Small ENDS Manufacturers, Spotlighting Small Business Applications
2Firsts Breaking | FDA to Hold PMTA Roundtable for Small ENDS Manufacturers, Spotlighting Small Business Applications
The FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) will hold a PMTA roundtable on February 10, 2026, for small electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) manufacturers, seeking input on PMTA submission experiences and recommendations for streamlining and improving the review process.
Dec.24
Kazakhstan’s Astana Baikonur District Fines Illegal Smokeless Tobacco Sales Over USD 5,800
Kazakhstan’s Astana Baikonur District Fines Illegal Smokeless Tobacco Sales Over USD 5,800
Authorities in Astana’s Baikonur District have intensified enforcement against illegal smokeless tobacco and related products in 2025. Police conducted 59 inspection raids, identifying 63 cases of illegal sales of smokeless tobacco (nasvay). Total fines imposed reached KZT 3,096,450(approximately USD 5,880). Officials said inspections and preventive outreach will continue.
Dec.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai