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Massachusetts Nicotine-Free Generation Bill Introduced: A Sensible Step Toward Ending the Tobacco Epidemic
Boston, MA – January 16, 2025 – Today, a new piece of legislation, aimed at phasing out the sale of nicotine products, was introduced in the Massachusetts Senate. The bill seeks to ban the sale of nicotine products to anyone born after 2005 and represents a critical step in efforts to end the tobacco epidemic.
“The introduction of this bill is a landmark moment in Massachusetts’ impressive history of being deeply committed to public health,” said Laurent Huber, executive director of the advocacy group Action on Smoking and Health. “By creating a generational firewall, we can ensure that future generations grow up free from the dangers of nicotine-related illnesses.”
Under the proposed legislation, it would be illegal to sell nicotine products, other than FDA-approved nicotine replacement therapy, to all individuals born on or after January 1, 2006. The bill does not penalize the purchase, use or possession of tobacco products. The bill does not take away access to nicotine products for any current adult.
“This is not a ban on smoking,” Huber confirmed. “The bill targets the perpetrator of the tobacco epidemic – the tobacco industry – not their victims.”
Tobacco continues to be by far the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, killing more people than alcohol, drug use, motor vehicle accidents, suicides, and homicides combined. Approximately two-thirds of people who smoke long term will have their lives shortened as a result. Tobacco is the only consumer product that kills when used as intended.
Thirteen towns in Massachusetts have already passed nicotine-free generation laws, and more are lining up to join them. Similar bills have been introduced in the United Kingdom and South Australia. Two cities in California have banned tobacco sales entirely.
Nicotine is more addictive than heroin or cocaine. The vast majority of people who smoke became addicted as children, and most would like to quit, wish they had never started, and are desperate that their children don’t become addicted.
“The fight against nicotine addiction is far from over. This is not the end, but perhaps the beginning of the end,” said Huber. “For too long society has allowed the tobacco industry to prey on people, especially children, with their deadly, addictive products. This bill is a way for us to must stop them.”
ACTION ON SMOKING AND HEALTH
Founded in 1967, Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) is America’s oldest anti-tobacco organization, dedicated to a world with ZERO tobacco deaths. Because tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death worldwide, ASH supports bold solutions proportionate to the magnitude of the problem. ash.org