New York Attorney General Letitia James announced over $4.7 million for Central New York from a historic $462 million multistate settlement with JUUL Labs Inc. (JUUL). This settlement addresses the youth vaping epidemic that led to a significant rise in underage e-cigarette use nationwide. New York state will receive a total of $112.7 million, which will be distributed across counties, Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), and the five largest cities in the state to support programs aimed at reducing and preventing underage vaping.
"Like the big tech companies that have fueled a mental health crisis among young people with their addictive products, JUUL marketed its dangerous and addictive vapes to children, putting millions at risk," said Attorney General James. "Across our state, e-cigarette use among kids spiked after JUUL hit the market. I’m proud that my office ensured JUUL paid for the damage they did to young people."
The funds allocated to Central New York will be divided among various counties and educational entities:
Counties:
- Cayuga County: $397,684.96
- Cortland County: $276,771.10
- Madison County: $396,519.43
- Onondaga County: $1,452,272.89
- Oswego County: $582,809.54
School Districts / BOCES:
- Syracuse City School District: $322,481.76
- Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES: $188,908.33
- Onondaga-Cortland-Madison BOCES: $857,352.80
- CiTi BOCES in Oswego: $299,339.81
Following JUUL's launch in 2015, e-cigarette use among New York high school students surged dramatically by 2019 leading to severe vaping-related illnesses and fatalities including a 17-year-old male from the Bronx who died due to a vaping-related illness.
In November 2019, Attorney General James sued JUUL for deceptive marketing practices targeting youth which led to this substantial settlement in April 2023.
The settlement funds are earmarked for evidence-based measures including public education campaigns on e-cigarette risks; community-based anti-vaping programs; cessation services; enforcement of vaping laws; and public health research into e-cigarette use among young people.
Additionally, the settlement mandates significant changes in JUUL's sales and marketing tactics such as prohibiting youth-targeted marketing and limiting retail purchases.
"The deceptive marketing by JUUL resulted in countless numbers of our youth becoming addicted to nicotine," said Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon.
Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh added that local licensing requirements now restrict new tobacco retail locations near schools and parks as part of broader efforts supported by these funds.
State Senator John W. Mannion emphasized the need for additional investments while State Senator Rachel May highlighted how predatory marketing strategies have influenced youth vaping rates.
Assemblymember Pam Hunter commended Attorney General James' leadership stating that these funds will bring significant resources addressing this serious issue while Assemblymember William Magnarelli acknowledged the toll taken on communities especially youths.
Assemblymember Al Stirpe expressed gratitude towards Attorney General James for her dedication towards protecting children from nicotine addiction noting that this settlement supports prevention and education programs ensuring healthier futures.
Matthew Cook OCM BOCES Superintendent praised accountability measures against harmful practices while Anthony Davis Syracuse City School District Superintendent thanked for crucial financial support enabling anti-vaping initiatives safeguarding student health.
Alexander Marion Syracuse City Auditor stated these investments would safeguard young lives while Karyn Johnson Program Coordinator Tobacco-Free CNY appreciated additional resources assisting community education compliance enforcement efforts against e-cigarettes laws regulations violations.
The extensive work leading up to this settlement involved numerous individuals within various divisions under First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy’s oversight ensuring comprehensive legal action addressing public health concerns related with youth vaping epidemic caused by misleading product promotions targeting minors by companies like Juul Labs Inc.