Title
Resolution Urging the Michigan Legislature to End the Sale of Flavored Tobacco Products, Including Menthol Products, and Repeal Local Preemption of Tobacco Licensure and Sales Policies in the State of Michigan
Staff
Prepared by: John Reiser, Senior Assistant City Attorney
Body
Whereas, Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death and disability in Michigan and contributes greatly to heart disease, cancer, and stroke;
Whereas, Flavors improve the taste and mask the harshness of tobacco products, most notably, menthol flavor. Adult use of flavored tobacco products is linked with increased tobacco addiction. Menthol is a chemical added to cigarettes and other tobacco products that creates a cooling sensation. These features make menthol more appealing to youth and new smokers, more addictive, and more difficult to quit;
Whereas, Flavored tobacco products play a key role in youth initiation and continued use of tobacco. More than 80 percent of 12-17-year-olds who have ever used a tobacco product start with a flavored product. Two-thirds of youth have reported using these products "because they come in flavors [they] like." More than 72 percent of current tobacco users surveyed have reported using a flavored tobacco product in the past month;
Whereas, 79% of Washtenaw County residents are concerned about young people using tobacco products;
Whereas, African Americans, Hispanics, youth, and LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transsexual) individuals, and individuals with a behavioral health diagnosis are disproportionately impacted by the harms of menthol cigarettes. Despite African Americans usually smoking fewer cigarettes, they are more likely to die from smokingrelated diseases related to higher menthol use. There is a long history of the tobacco industry targeting these populations with tobacco marketing;
Whereas, Including a comprehensive "tobacco product" definition in a flavored tobacco policy would prevent tobacco users substituting o...
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