Imagining a Generation Free of Nicotine

Since 2020, 17 Massachusetts towns and cities, representing over 500,000 residents, have adopted a revolutionary policy called Nicotine-Free Generation (NFG). This policy, implemented at the local level, ties the ability to buy nicotine products to a set date versus a person’s birthdate. For example, if a policy were to go into effect on January 1, 2026, nobody born after January 1, 2005 (21 years prior) would ever be able to buy nicotine.

NFG is a long-term solution to the growing availability of nicotine products designed to hook future generations on nicotine. Beyond cigarettes and vapes, tobacco companies, often known as “Big Tobacco,” not tempt young people with high-potency nicotine pouches and nicotine toothpicks designed to satisfy their nicotine addiction. It is very difficult for the most conscientious of parents to identify these products.

The North Reading Youth Substance Use Prevention Coalition is seeking the public’s support in implementing a NFG policy in North Reading. Coalition Chair Jen Ford explained, “It’s an innovative and novel approach to prevention. Yes, we still use other strategies like education and providing treatment options. But this is long-term policy that aims at preventing nicotine addiction for future generations.” She added, “It’s the Coalition’s mission to stop the use of harmful substances among youth before it gets started, and NFG will do that.”

North Reading Drug-Free Communities Director Amy Luckiewicz collects data from North Reading students in grades six through twelve annually. She explained, “Although North Reading nicotine use is certainly declining in North Reading, it’s not zero. And zero is the goal.” In addition, in 2025 North Reading students self-identified the median age of first use of vape products at age 15 and first tobacco use at age 17.

Over the past year, the Coalition has been hosting informal conversations with community stakeholders including parents, business owners, and law makers. These discussions elicited some common questions, which are addressed here:

How does NFG stop nicotine use for current youth? This is a long-term solution. The number one source of nicotine is from an older sibling or friend. This policy will expand the age gap between those who can and cannot buy nicotine over time, thus reducing secondary access (versus direct purchase from a retailer).

Doesn’t this take away free choice for adults and infringe on personal rights? NFG does not take away personal rights or freedoms, it phases out the sale of a dangerous and addictive products. People who currently can purchase nicotine, will still be able to do so.

Isn’t this like Prohibition? No, NFG never removes the nicotine access of current users like Prohibition did. Stores can still carry nicotine products.

This has never been studied long-term. How do we know it will work? Similar bans on sales of lead paints, asbestos, or FDA-banned supplements for public health reasons have demonstrated long-term solutions that improved public health. Similarly, policies such as requiring people to wear seat belts have been proven to save lives.

Won’t people just buy online or over the border? NFG will NOT prevent internet sales or travel to another location to buy. However, it will reduce the likelihood of use by reducing access to products at an enforceable local level AND reduce the market demand. Reducing demand for a product and local enforceable policy also aids in reducing black markets from surging.

Youth use of cigarettes and vapes are down in North Reading. Is this necessary? Although youth use of these products is down, other nicotine products are on the rise. New products are constantly developed to entice the future generations.

Won’t North Reading lose tax revenue from the sale of nicotine? In MA, tobacco taxes contribute to the STATE’S overall budget. Nicotine tax money does not go directly to North Reading, but rather, it is used in the overall calculation of the state budget. The state budget includes North Reading aid. In 2024, MA took in over $340 million in tobacco tax revenue, which was then divided into the State’s general budget to help the 351 towns and cities in the state along with the state’s own operational budget. Local aid is not proportionate to how much money a town collects in nicotine tax.

There are two ways which North Reading can adopt an NFG policy: by town vote or a Board of Health measure. This fall, the Board of Health is seeking input from the community in consideration of NFG. The public is invited to participate in upcoming informational sessions on:

• Thursday, October 23rd at 7:00pm in the NRHS Distance Learning Lab
• Thursday, November 20th at 10:00am in North Reading Town Hall, Room 14

In addition, comments can be shared with town leaders at https://forms.gle/LhtkMnytxVeVoRQd8 or scan the QR code. Consideration of testimony from those living in North Reading will be prioritized. For more information, please contact northreadingcit@gmail.com.