We must end the sale of menthol cigarettes in New York City because they are much more addictive and dangerous than regular tobacco, hooking and killing thousands of New Yorkers every year-mostly from Black communities. Big Tobacco is profiting from the death of our brothers and sisters. It's time to end the sale of menthol cigarettes before they kill more of us.
For more than half a century, Big Tobacco has used menthol flavoring to successfully addict young people. Now, 41% of high school smokers use menthol cigarettes — which are easier to start, more addictive and harder to quit. And due to heavy tobacco industry targeting, 85% of Black smokers now use menthols. This has had devastating health impacts on Black communities.
The City Council must put the health of our kids and communities of color above tobacco industry profits — and get rid of ALL flavored tobacco products. Close the menthol loophole.
Tell the City Council to pass Intro 0577.
Menthol, mint and wintergreen flavored tobacco products are currently exempt from the city's flavored tobacco law. This huge loophole has allowed Big Tobacco to continue targeting kids and communities of color with these insidious "starter products." That must end.
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