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I am writing to voice my opposition to LD 1215, a proposed bill that seeks to ban the sale of flavored tobacco products. As a flavored vape user, I am deeply concerned about the potential implications of such a ban on individuals like myself.
Flavored vaping has played a crucial role in my journey to quit smoking traditional cigarettes. Like many others, I struggled for years to break free from the grip of nicotine addiction. It wasn’t until I discovered flavored vape products that I found a viable alternative that helped me significantly reduce my cigarette consumption and eventually quit altogether.
The availability of flavored vape products made the transition away from cigarettes much more manageable for me. The diverse range of flavors provided an enjoyable and satisfying vaping experience that helped me curb my cravings and stay smoke-free. I believe banning flavored tobacco products would not only deprive adults like myself of a safer alternative to smoking but also undermine harm reduction efforts and potentially drive former smokers back to traditional cigarettes.
Instead of resorting to prohibition, I believe that policymakers should focus on evidence-based solutions that address youth access to tobacco products without penalizing responsible adult consumers. This includes stricter age verification measures, increased enforcement of existing regulations, and comprehensive education campaigns. As someone who has personally benefited from these products, I implore policymakers to prioritize public health and individual choice by supporting alternatives to smoking by rejecting LD 1215.
Kole Taylor
Winterport
