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President Biden Expected To Propose Ban On Menthol Cigarettes & Flavored Cigars

President Biden Expected To Propose Ban On Menthol Cigarettes & Flavored Cigars

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 18: Former U.S. Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden speaks during a campaign kickoff rally, May 18, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Since Biden announced his candidacy in late April, he has taken the top spot in all polls of the sprawling Democratic primary field. Biden's rally on Saturday was his first large-scale campaign rally after doing smaller events in Iowa and New Hampshire in the past few weeks. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Photo Credit: Drew Angerer / Staff

Reportedly, the Biden administration will announce a new proposal to ban menthol-flavored cigarettes this week.

Civil rights groups that say the hurt of the tobacco industry’s aggressive targeting of the Black community has affected African Americans sought this action.

“The predatory marketing of menthol cigarettes and other flavored tobacco products must be stopped and we should all recognize this as a social justice issue, and one that disproportionately impacts youth and communities of color,” said a recent letter from 10 civil rights and Black health organizations pushing for a ban.

This ban will include menthol and other flavors popular with young adults, like Swisher Sweets and Backwoods. It could take years before this ban takes effect if passed, but honestly, how effective could this be?

“A ban on menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars would do more to reduce youth tobacco use and health disparities than any other single action the federal government has ever undertaken,” said Matthew Myers, president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

Tobacco use in the United States is the leading cause of illness and death, especially among African Americans.