Tobacco Policies

To properly address tobacco use involves creating and enforcing tobacco-related policies. Below are policies that have been or are encouraged to be enforced to properly address tobacco use in the community.

Tobacco 21

Increasing the legal age of tobacco is beneficial as it restricts youth from accessing tobacco products and delays initiation.

9 out of 10 smokers started by the age 18. Many attain these tobacco products from social sources like siblings, friends, or classmates who are of legal age. By increasing th legal age to 21, it decreases the number of social sources available, in turn decreasing the number of youth who can start or even continue to smoke.

This law is already in effect at the federal level as of December 2019, but it's important that North Dakota adopts the law statewide as well to allow local law enforcement to enforce the policy.

Learn more: Tobacco 21

Tobacco Taxes

Research shows a 10% increase in price for tobacco decreases consumption by 3-5%. Increased tobacco prices is a strong deterrent from youth using tobacco. Another benefit is taxes collected from tobacco products can be used to fund tobacco prevention programs. Currently, North Dakota has the 48th lowest tobacco tax, at 44 cents per pack, with only tobacco growing states with even lower tax rates.

States like Minnesota, who have have increased their tobacco taxes in the past, noticed a large decrease in youth tobacco use. Most notably, there was a 33% decrease of smokers among 11th graders. (Source: MDH)

Learn more: Raising the Tobacco Tax

E-Cigarette Flavor Ban

E-cigarettes have become a rising concern for public health officials due to the increased use among youth. One reason youth use is high is due to the flavors available. 70% of youth e-cigarette users report vaping a product that is flavored. (Source: CDC).

While the FDA recently created a 'Flavor Ban', it only was directed to e-cigarettes that use a pod, like JUUL. It excluded disposable and refillable e-cigarettes. It also excluded menthol from being banned (similar to combustable cigarettes). Creating a comprehensive flavor ban is important as it will protect youth and other vulnerable populations that are disproportionately targeted with these flavors.

Learn more: Ending Flavored Tobacco Sales

Policy changes at the local and state level will have great benefit for not only the health of the population, but the economic health of the state due to decreased healthcare costs and increased productivity. Contact your legislatures today and ask them to focus on tobacco-related legislation in session.