TRENTON, NJ – A new law aimed at prohibiting the sale of menthol cigarettes in New Jersey has been advanced by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee. The bill, sponsored by committee Chair Joe Vitale, Senator Robert Singer, Senator Sandra Cunningham, and Senator Patrick Diegnan, seeks to update current state law to align with the federal ban on clove-flavored cigarettes and extend the prohibition to menthol-flavored cigarettes.
Senator Vitale highlighted the targeted marketing of menthol cigarettes by the tobacco industry, particularly towards Black and other communities of color, over several decades.
He emphasized the detrimental impact of these products, which have led to addiction, illness, and premature death among millions of individuals in New Jersey and across the nation.
Menthol cigarettes are known to provide a more comfortable smoking experience, leading smokers to inhale more frequently, deeply, and for longer durations. This increased lung exposure to tobacco smoke chemicals poses significant health risks. Additionally, studies have indicated that menthol smokers tend to become more dependent on nicotine and face greater challenges when attempting to quit compared to other smokers.
The bill, identified as S-299, received approval from the committee with a 6-2 vote. This legislative step reflects the growing recognition of the need to address the harms associated with menthol cigarettes and hold tobacco companies accountable for their actions.