Pushing to Ban Flavored Tobacco in Maine

by Matteo Hardy

Cony students have recently been advocating with action days, writing to newspapers, testimonies, etc. to their state lawmakers to end the sale of flavored tobacco products in the state of Maine. 

“I would have told her that it’s affecting everything about our school. I would tell her that many of my classmates still think these products are safe and non-addictive — because that’s how they look — like candy.” - Batool Albraihi 

Flavored tobacco products are targeting youth (people in middle and high school). Flavored tobacco products are not made for seasoned smokers. Flavors like Blue Raspberry, Cotton Candy, and Mango are all flavors that kids enjoy. The state of Massachusetts already ended the sale of flavored tobacco products. 

One of Augusta's city councilwomen, Courtney Gary-Allen, aims to end the sale of flavored tobacco in Hallowell. She feels that doing this will just move the sales of flavored tobacco to surrounding cities. 

“While the council aimed to curb the use of flavored tobacco, their action merely shifts the market for these products across city boundaries. This outcome underscores a fundamental truth: prohibition is ineffective.” - Courtney Gary-Allen

Batool Albraihi a Cony student asked Councilwoman Gary-Allen if she had talked to a high school student before she wrote this and asked how all of these products affect everyday life. 

“I would like to ask Councilor Gary-Allen if she asked any high schoolers what they thought before she sent in that letter. That might have been a good starting place.”- Batool Albraihi 

While lobbying in support of the bill, a representative talked to Cony student Matteo Hardy about this cause he was told that there is no common ground to find on this issue and that her vote was a firm No.  1 in 4 or 25% Cony students use tobacco products. Cony’s high school enrollment with middle and high schools is about 1000 students. That means that 250 students at Cony High School are using tobacco products. 

“My own encounter with flavored tobacco disguised as mint-flavored gum at a school event proves how insidious these products are and the urgent need for legislative action. The deceptive packaging and enticing flavors of these products pose a serious threat to youth, who may unknowingly become addicted and suffer from lifelong health consequences.” - Matteo Hardy