Prohibits the packaging, sale and distribution of confectionery and candy designed to resemble a tobacco product

• Democratic2

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why James Skoufis says this is needed

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that smoking is the leading cause of preventable death, and it harms nearly every organ of the body and that in 2015, nearly 70% of adult smokers wanted to stop. Smoking continues to sicken millions more and costs the nation and New York State significant amounts of money in health care bills each year. For years, candy cigarettes and other confectionary products designed to mimic tobacco has faced public pressure and criticism. This public pres- sure rightfully influenced the market and removed these products from many convenience stores in the state. Still, despite their decline in popularity, they remain legal for sale and are still on the shelves of some local stores. These candies are a thing of the past and should no longer be available to children and young adults. Confectionary or candy products designed to mimic tobacco products are one of the most glaring examples of marketing tobacco use to our youth. These products can increase the likelihood of young children and teens to take up smoking later in life. Several countries, including Austra- lia, Canada, and Thailand, prohibit the sale of imitation tobacco products such as candy cigarettes. In the United States, St. Paul, Minnesota, enacted an ordinance 2009 banning imitation tobacco products. It's time to make it official and ban the sale of these deceptive products in our state.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.