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This publication is made possible by funding from the Minnesota Department of Health’s Tobacco-Free Communities Grant Program. 2395 University Avenue W, Suite 310, St. Paul, MN 55114 651-646-3005 | www.ansrmn.org HOW DOES THIS IMPACT COMMUNITIES? As a result of industry targeting, African Americans smoke menthol cigarettes at higher rates and are more likely to suffer from tobacco related diseases. In fact, 88 percent of African American adults who smoke use menthol, compared to 25 percent of adult smokers overall.11 Menthol smoking significantly reduces quitting success among African American smokers.12 In Minnesota, 34 percent of teen smokers smoke menthol.13 Nationally, 70 percent of LGBTQ youth smokers smoke menthol.14 The Association for Nonsmokers-Minnesota is dedicated to reducing the human and economic costs of tobacco use in Minnesota. (September 2020) The tobacco industry heavily targets African Americans with menthol tobacco by advertising in popular magazines, as well as supporting music festivals. The tobacco industry has a long history of targeting the African American community, women, LGBTQ and youth with menthol tobacco marketing. Tobacco industry documents show targeted efforts to market menthol products to African Americans, LGBTQ communities and youth. 9,10 Menthol makes tobacco easier to start smoking and harder to quit.4 WHAT CAN COMMUNITIES DO ABOUT FLAVORED PRODUCTS? While the FDA banned flavored cigarettes other than menthol in 2009, the ban does not affect other tobacco products. Because the FDA ruling does not prevent local communities from addressing other types of flavored tobacco products, state and local governments can adopt laws that restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products within their jurisdiction. Limiting the sale of products, setting a minimum price or creating a minimum pack size are some of the ways communities can protect their youth by making flavored tobacco products less accessible and less appealing. The FDA issued a ruling in February 2020 that banned flavored, disposable e-cigarette cartridges like those used by JUUL, except for tobacco and menthol flavors. This ruling left thousands of appealing flavored products, such as Puff Bars or refillable systems like Suorin, on the market. The ruling also allows for the continued sale of tobacco-flavored and menthol-flavored e-cigarette cartridges. As a result, mint and menthol are popular among youth. MORE ABOUT MENTHOL FLAVORED TOBACCO References are available at www.ansrmn.org/flavors Communities that restrict sales of fruit- and candy-flavored tobacco Communities that restrict sales of all flavored tobacco, including menthol www.BeautifulLieUglyTruth.org Communities that prohibit sales of all flavored tobacco, including menthol