Menthol cigarettes to be banned in Nova Scotia

The Canadian Lung Association said on Wednesday that it ‘salutes’ Nova Scotia for becoming the first jurisdiction in North America to ban menthol flavoured tobacco, according to a Marketwired story.

The day before, the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly had approved a ban on menthol cigarettes and other flavored tobacco products. The ban is due to come into effect on May 31.

“We commend the Nova Scotia Legislature for taking the lead and approving a ban on menthol cigarettes and other flavored tobacco products,” said Debra Lynkowski, president and CEO of the Canadian Lung Association. “Menthol is the most popular flavour among Canadian youth. We urge other provinces and the federal government to follow Nova Scotia’s lead in protecting our youth.”

According to the Marketwired story; the most recent national Youth Smoking Survey had found that 32 per cent of smokers in high schools smoke menthols. ‘Menthol cigarettes have been directly linked to higher nicotine addiction among youth in Canada, according to a recent study from the Propel Centre for Population Health Impact at the University of Waterloo,’ the story said.

‘Across Canada, other provinces are also taking action against menthol flavoured tobacco. In Ontario, the provincial legislature is also expected to pass new legislation shortly to ban menthol cigarettes and other flavoured tobacco products.

‘In Quebec, the provincial government has said that it will introduce legislation on flavoured tobacco, including menthol, this spring.’