Top State Lawmaker Proposes Ban On Flavored Tobacco Products

A top state lawmaker is working on legislation to ban all flavored tobacco products, not just flavored electronic cigarettes.

Del. Dereck Davis, a Prince George's County Democrat who chairs the Economic Matters Committee, told C4 on Friday he is drafting legislation to ban all flavored tobacco products. He said it would deter youth smoking.

Davis said the recent illnesses and deaths linked to vaping electronic cigarettes sparked his interest in the legislation.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recorded 12 vaping deaths across the country, and 850 vaping-related illnesses this year, though the precise cause remains unclear.

In Maryland, health officials have tallied 15 vaping-related illnesses, with no fatalities.

Aides to Gov. Larry Hogan said this week he is briefed regularly on the vaping issue and would consider any legislation proposed.

On Tuesday, Maryland's age for buying tobacco products will raise from 18 to 21, under a law drafted by Davis.

Davis said the increased use of vaping products is a setback to the progress Maryland has made to reduce youth tobacco use.