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As a person in recovery from substance use disorder, I can say with confidence that the War on Drugs has not only failed, it has caused immeasurable harm to Maine’s communities. Banning any addictive substance creates more activity on the black market. I think the proposed statewide ban on flavored tobacco, although well intended, is not a course of action Maine should take.
Our community knows the unintended consequences of bans all too well.
Prohibition welcomes the emergence of more potent and dangerous substances on illicit markets. I believe a ban on flavored tobacco will only make vaping products more dangerous for consumption. It is unrealistic to think that bans eliminate addictive products when they never have.
I struggled to quit smoking cigarettes for decades with no success until I found flavored vape products. I have not had a cigarette since 2021. I have noticed significant improvement in my breathing and general health since switching to vaping.
A ban will not stop people who are already getting products illegally. It will disproportionately impact adults of legal age purchasing tobacco products. We will be forced to purchase products in other states or go back to traditional tobacco products and assume the risks known to be associated with those products.
Bans reduce sales, not actual use. I urge legislators to reject LD 1215 and instead invest more funding into real solutions.
Ryan Paige
Vassalboro
