Blink and you might have missed it: In December, the federal government passed a bill that raises the legal age to buy tobacco to 21, now in effect. On top of that, the federal government also issued enforcement guidance that will remove some flavored e-cigarette products from the shelves. These laws are in response to the epidemic of youth e-cigarette use, with 27.5 percent of high schoolers reportedly using them. This podcast investigates what these federal policies might mean for youth e-cigarette use and discusses what states can do on their own to make tobacco products less available and attractive to youth and young adult consumers.

Speakers:

• David Dobbins, JD, MPH, Chief Operating Officer, Truth Initiative
• Joneigh Khaldun, MD, MPH, FACEP, Chief Medical Executive and Chief Deputy Director for Health, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
• Marcus Plescia, MD, MPH, Chief Medical Officer, ASTHO

Resources:

• Newly Signed Legislation Raises Federal Minimum Age of Sale of Tobacco Products to 21 (FDA)
• FDA finalizes enforcement policy on unauthorized flavored cartridge-based e-cigarettes that appeal to children, including fruit and mint (FDA)
• E-Cigarette Policy Options for States (ASTHO)
• Menthol Cigarette Use Remains Issue Among African American Communities (ASTHO)