I read with interest your recent article regarding ending the sale of flavored tobacco products. I am in favor of this idea. It’s smart public health policy. Bangor and Portland have passed local ordinances in favor of banning flavored tobacco products, and I hope Brunswick does the same. I am also watching to see how the Legislature will handle the issue statewide.

Your article mentioned that youth smoking numbers have dropped while vaping has continued to gain in popularity. That makes it sound like smoking and vaping are different, when in reality, vaping is smoking. In fact, a single vape liquid pod can contain as much nicotine as a full pack of 20 cigarettes. That is what makes these e-cigarettes so addictive. And dessert- and sweet-flavored tobacco products are friendlier on the taste buds, which is exactly how the tobacco companies are hooking a new generation of smokers.

Thank you for reporting on this important issue. I urge your readers to contact their local legislators and ask them to vote to end the sale of flavored tobacco products in their communities and across the state.

Maggie Jansson, RN, MPH
Brunswick