Sell Flavored Tobacco in Massachusetts, Go To Jail
February 18, 2025 by reason.com
Sell Flavored Tobacco in Massachusetts, Go To Jail
A Massachusetts vape shop owner was sentenced to six months in jail for tax evasion linked to illicit sale of flavored e-cigarettes. Massachusetts bans all flavored tobacco products, with violators facing felony charges up to five years in prison. The ban has spawned a surge in illegal markets, prompting concerns from criminal justice reformers and civil rights groups. Cases like the one in Marlborough highlight the unintended consequences of such bans, including revenue loss and increased cigarette sales. Despite public health motivations, the enforcement of flavor bans has led to criminal prosecutions and jail sentences, challenging the balance between regulation and criminal justice in the tobacco industry.
19.30% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 52.1 million current smokers in United States 22.90% of men are current smokers but only 15.80% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
