BANNING FLAVORED TOBACCO PRODUCTS IN VERMONT

This study explores the public health and financial impacts of a ban on the retail sale of flavored tobacco products in Vermont, including flavored e-cigarettes except for menthol, which is dependent on the results of Vermont's health equity advisory commission.[i] In January 2023, this policy was introduced in Senate Bill 18 "An Act Relating to Banning Flavored Tobacco Products and E-Liquids." Three methodologies are utilized in this report to address the ban's effectiveness in reducing tobacco usage rates, especially among youth. First, case studies of the results from five states (Massachusetts, California, New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island) that have passed similar legislation provide evidence of the costs and benefits that can be applied to Vermont. Student interviews provide further insight into how Vermont citizens might respond to this legislation. Finally, a series of expert interviews with researchers and Vermont policymakers yield information on complex topics in health and economics as well as policy alternatives. We aim to provide the House Human Services Committee with information about how this ban would affect the health and revenue of Vermont. Our findings suggest that the ban may have many unintended consequences, such as an increase in illegal tobacco smuggling, out of state purchases, and switching to economic substitutes with similar if not worse health consequences.