Minnesota's Flavored Tobacco Ban Facing Challenges in Legislature

According to a report by Valley News Live on April 19th, it is feared that the ban on flavored tobacco in Minnesota may not pass this year.

On Thursday (the 18th), students, educators, and parents gathered at the Minnesota State Capitol to express their support for the bill. Supporters argued that flavored tobacco products may attract the attention of children and teenagers, leading them to become addicted to nicotine at a young age.

The bill, drafted by state representative Ethan Cha, was put on hold during last month's House Commerce Committee hearing. However, both chambers did not adopt the House version of the bill and instead moved forward with the Senate version, which does not include the ban on flavored tobacco.

The lawmaker stated that the only chance for the ban to pass is if it is adopted in a committee meeting between the House of Representatives and the Senate, and called on all supporters to continue putting pressure on the lawmakers.

Although the bill may not be implemented this year, lawmakers at the state capitol have clearly stated that they plan to continue their fight against flavored tobacco products, with Cheh and other legislators possibly reintroducing the bill next year.

If the bill ultimately passes, Minnesota will become the third state in the United States, following California and Massachusetts, to ban all flavored tobacco products.