MA's First-In-The-Nation Ban On Menthol Cigarettes Starts Monday

MASSACHUSETTS — The sale of flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes and vaping products, will be banned in Massachusetts beginning Monday.

Gov. Charlie Baker signed the bill in November, making the state the first to prohibit the retail and online sale of flavored tobacco. Products like mint and menthol cigarettes and flavored chewing tobacco are among the products that will be banned. Flavored e-cigarettes have been banned since Baker signed the bill.

Supporters of the ban argue flavored tobacco products entice younger people to become smokers. Convenience store owners are among those who have opposed the ban.

The only exceptions for flavored tobacco sales are for licensed establishments that have on-site smoking, like hookah bars.

The law also imposes a 75 percent excise tax on even nicotine vaping products.

Baker signed the bill two months after declaring a public health emergency on vaping following vaping-related deaths and illnesses.