Massachusetts is moving to become the first state to implement a generational tobacco ban, potentially eliminating all legal tobacco sales to future generations. Under the proposed law, individuals who are not old enough to legally buy tobacco will never be able to purchase these products, aiming to reduce tobacco use and prevent addiction in youth.
The 2018 law raised the age to purchase tobacco products to 21, while also banning flavored tobacco to reduce youth interest. The new proposal would continue this trend by phasing out all tobacco sales, effectively preventing any new users from entering the market.
In 2020, the town of Brookline became the first in the U.S. to adopt a generational tobacco ban, prohibiting sales to those born on or after January 1, 2000. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court upheld this ban following legal challenges, indicating strong support for such public health measures.
Critics warn that generational bans could lead to unintended consequences, such as a continued underground market for tobacco products. However, advocates argue that the focus is on protecting youth and reducing smoking rates over time.
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