R.J. Reynolds Challenges California's Menthol Cigarette Ban in Court

R.J. Reynolds, one of the largest tobacco companies in the world, has initiated a legal battle in the Fresno County Superior Court, contesting the legality of new lines of cigarettes introduced following the statewide ban on menthol cigarettes in California. The company, along with a coalition of retailers and convenience store Fresno Elite Car Wash Inc., filed a lawsuit against Attorney General Rob Bonta, arguing that the additive they created mimics menthol while complying with state law. The lawsuit follows a drastic drop in cigarette sales, a decline of $13 billion from 2020 to 2021.

In November 2022, California voters backed a law that banned flavored e-cigarettes and menthol cigarettes, asserting that tobacco companies marketed these products towards children and targeted Black Americans. The ban was further supported by 63.4% of voters approving Proposition 31. Critics of the law argue it only punishes adult smokers, as underage sales were already prohibited.

R.J. Reynolds reacted to the ban by developing new brands, Newport EXP and Camel Crush, claiming to create a menthol-like flavor while marketing them as “non-menthol.” However, after Politico reported on this marketing strategy, Attorney General Bonta ordered the products removed from store shelves, a move contested by R.J. Reynolds in the current lawsuit.

Despite the ongoing legal battle, R.J. Reynolds remains firm in its belief that its products comply with California state law and should continue to be sold. It urges the Attorney General to focus on controlling the surge of "illegal, unregulated, disposable vapes."

Reference:

[1] Cigarette Company Picks Fresno Court as Battleground for Flavored Tobacco Bans