29: Tobacco 21 and Flavor Restrictions: What Actually Happened?

Blink and you might have missed it: In December, the federal government passed a bill that raises the legal age to buy tobacco to 21, now in effect. On top of that, the federal government also issued enforcement guidance that will remove some flavored e-cigarette products from the shelves. These laws are in response to the epidemic of youth e-cigarette use, with 27.5 percent of high schoolers reportedly using them. This podcast investigates what these federal policies might mean for youth e-cigarette use and discusses what states can do on their own to make tobacco products less available and attractive to youth and young adult consumers. Speakers: David Dobbins, JD, MPH, Chief Operating Officer, Truth Initiative Joneigh Khaldun, MD, MPH, FACEP, Chief Medical Executive and Chief Deputy Director for Health, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Marcus Plescia, MD, MPH, Chief Medical Officer, ASTHO Resources: Newly Signed Legislation Raises Federal Minimum Age of Sale of Tobacco Products to 21 (FDA) FDA finalizes enforcement policy on unauthorized flavored cartridge-based e-cigarettes that appeal to children, including fruit and mint (FDA) E-Cigarette Policy Options for States (ASTHO) Menthol Cigarette Use Remains Issue Among African American Communities (ASTHO)