Ann Arbor Urges Michigan Legislature to End Sale of Flavored Tobacco Products, Citing Health Disparities
Ann Arbor, a city in Michigan, has called on the state’s legislature to ban flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes. In a resolution approved by the City Council, the aim is to help people avoid smoking, save lives, protect children, and reduce health disparities. Council Member Cynthia Harrison highlighted that flavored tobacco, particularly menthol, has been aggressively marketed towards Black communities, leading to disproportionate health impacts on Black and brown adults and youth.
The city of Ann Arbor joins the Washtenaw County Board of Health and the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners in advocating for action from state lawmakers. They are urging the repeal of a section of state law that restricts local governments from implementing their own policies on the sale or licensure of tobacco products. By lifting this restriction, municipalities would be empowered to implement measures tailored to their specific communities.
Council Member Jen Eyer emphasized that sweet-flavored tobacco products are designed to entice adolescents into nicotine addiction. She compared the situation to a game of Whac-A-Mole with the tobacco industry, as new issues continuously arise, worsening the problem. Mayor Christopher Taylor expressed gratitude to county officials for raising awareness about this vital public health and equity issue.
The resolution cites survey data indicating that 79% of county residents are concerned about young people using tobacco products, and 77% support ending sales of flavored tobacco. It also highlights that African Americans, Hispanics, youth, LGBT individuals, and individuals with behavioral health diagnoses are disproportionately affected by the harms of menthol cigarettes. Despite smoking fewer cigarettes than other racial groups, African Americans are more likely to suffer from smoking-related diseases due to higher menthol use. The tobacco industry has a long history of targeting these populations with targeted marketing.
Michigan would follow the lead of 10 other states that have banned flavored tobacco products if it takes action on this issue. Council Member Chris Watson cited a study from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, projecting that banning menthol cigarettes could save 633,000 lives, including 237,000 Black lives.
In conclusion, Ann Arbor is urging the Michigan Legislature to prohibit the sale of flavored tobacco products or grant local governments the authority to do so. The aim is to protect public health, particularly among marginalized communities, and tackle the disproportionate impact on Black and brown populations. By taking action, Michigan can join other states in addressing the dangers associated with flavored tobacco products and potentially save hundreds of thousands of lives.
