ALBANY, NY – APRIL 12, 2023 – Earlier today, JUUL announced it will pay $462 million to settle a multi-state investigation into its underage marketing practices to attract young consumers to its addictive e-cigarettes.
This settlement is evidence that JUUL intentionally preyed upon young consumers with the sole goal of addicting a generation that had the potential to be the first tobacco-free generation. JUUL entered the market early, commanding a substantial share of the market, and was largely responsible for the surge in youth e-cigarette use and the growth in the percentage of youth who have become addicted to e-cigarettes—an epidemic that continues to this day. Under the settlement, New York will receive $112.7 million.
The following is a statement from Michael Davoli, New York Senior Government Relations Director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN):
“New York has a long track record of pushing back against the tobacco industry and working to protect our kids from Big Tobacco’s continued targeting. But the fight is far from over. As the tobacco industry continues to work hard to addict future generations with e-cigarettes and other tobacco products, the need for increased funding for tobacco prevention and cessation programs and an end to the sale of menthol cigarettes and all flavored tobacco products has never been greater.
“While the settlement addresses JUUL’s early and unconscionable influence over youth, the proliferation of flavored tobacco products is compounding the ongoing youth tobacco epidemic.
“If New York wishes to have a meaningful impact in the effort to reduce tobacco use and uptake, then we need to deploy multiple strategies, allowing the settlement to be a building block for progress in the state. ACS CAN urges New York to dedicate all dollars from the JUUL settlement to the New York State Tobacco Control Program on top of at least a $52 million annual investment and complement this bold action by ending the sale of menthol cigarettes and all flavored tobacco products. Though the CDC recommends that New York spend $106 million annually on tobacco cessation programming, the JUUL settlement—when paired with a $52 million recurring investment—is a good start, bringing New York several steps closer to shepherding a tobacco-free generation. We look forward to working with Attorney General Letitia James, the state legislature and Governor Hochul to ensure this settlement money is used to protect kids from the continued, intentional influence of the tobacco industry.”
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that improves the lives of people with cancer and their families. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.