Governor Cuomo’s Proposal No. 9 in the 2020 State of the State to better address illegal cigarette sales by retailers is a helpful reminder of the dangers of tobacco use and nicotine addiction.
“The Governor is spot on when he says that cigarettes claim thousands of lives each year,” said Caitlin O’Brien, J.D., the American Heart Association’s government relations director for New York state. “The American Heart Association has long advocated for policies that fight the deadly effects of all tobacco products. We’re glad that this proposal also shows the need for strong measures against tobacco. There is a strong focus on e-cigarettes now, but it is critical that we do not forget about the harms associated with all tobacco products.”
According to the New York State Department of Health, youth use of traditional combustible cigarettes has increased for the first time in roughly two decades. It is this growing popularity of tobacco products like menthol cigarettes that requires decisive action.
The American Heart Association will work in 2020 to eliminate the sales of all flavored tobacco products in New York State.
“We thank Gov. Cuomo for bringing the dangers of cigarette use front and center with this proposal. We urge him to continue doing all that’s possible to end tobacco use and nicotine addiction once and for all,” said O’Brien. “To ensure that New Yorkers are no longer harmed by these products, we need to prohibit the sale of all flavored tobacco products. That includes e-cigarettes, menthol cigarettes, and flavored cigarillos. Once we remove these appealing flavored products from our marketplace, we will be able to keep future generations from becoming addicted.”