The sale of flavored e-cigarettes will be banned for all under a proposed ruled filed Tuesday by the Department of Public Health and Human Services with state officials saying it is in response to an “epidemic” of use among Montana teens.
The proposal, to be discussed at a July 16 public hearing at 3 p.m. held via remote conferencing, eliminates the sale, marketing, advertising or distributing flavored electronic smoking products, also known as vaping, that target Montana youth.
“This is a serious health issue in Montana that is causing major health consequences for our youth driving a lifelong addiction to nicotine,” Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Director Sheila Hogan said in a news release.
She asked Montana residents to offer comment and suggestions.
The proposed rule is posted online at: dphhs.mt.gov/Portals/85/rules/37-923pro.pdf. People can also call into the hearing to participate. Call-in information is provided in the rule posting.
Comments can also be submitted in writing to Heidi Clark, DPHHS Office of Legal Affairs, PO Box 4210, Helena, MT, 59604; fax (406) 444-9744; or email dphhslegal@mt.gov, and must be received no later than 5 p.m. July 24, when the public comment period ends.
The proposed rule follows a temporary ban on the sale of such products. That ban has expired.
Phil Drake – Great Falls Tribune – June 16, 2020.