Washington advocates are hoping to ban flavored e-cigarettes next year. (Getty Images)
A broad coalition of Washington educators, doctors, researchers and social justice advocates has launched a campaign to ban flavored nicotine vapes in the state, citing the product’s contribution to youth addiction.
“We want to create a generation that will not be targeted by the tobacco industry, a generation who will not be susceptible to tobacco-related death and disease,” said Brittany Grant, regional advocacy director for Tobacco-Free Kids, one of the groups leading the coalition. “We can’t put profits over lives.”
The group has already found two lawmakers willing to sponsor a ban once the Legislature returns in January: Rep. Kristine Reeves, D-Federal Way, and Sen. T’wina Nobles, D-University Place. Nobles is a University Place school board director. The district sued popular e-cigarette company JUUL in 2022 over advertising which allegedly targeted youth.
“ I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting legislation that would end the sale of flavored tobacco products in our state, holding companies accountable for harm that has been caused by targeting young people,” Nobles said.