Attorney General Kwame Raoul, alongside a bipartisan coalition of nine attorneys general, has announced coordinated actions to address the unlawful manufacturing, distribution, sale, and marketing of flavored disposable e-cigarette products. This initiative aims to curb the spread of these products among youth by enforcing state tobacco and consumer protection laws.
"Flavored, disposable vaping products have flooded the market nationwide, with many of these products coming in sweet, fruity flavors that appeal to teenagers," Raoul stated. "Protecting our youth from the harms of e-cigarette use does not end at Illinois’ borders. That is why I am committed to continuing to collaborate with other state attorneys general on a bipartisan basis. My priority remains holding accountable those who have and continue to fuel the youth vaping epidemic."
Raoul has filed a lawsuit against entities responsible for distributing Posh, one of Illinois' bestselling disposable vape brands. The lawsuit claims violations of the Illinois Youth Prevention Vaping Act due to marketing strategies targeting youth through social media platforms like Instagram. Posh products are not authorized for sale by the FDA.
An investigation into Midwest Goods, a major e-cigarette distributor in Illinois, has also been initiated by Raoul's office concerning their distribution practices.
Many flavored disposable e-cigarettes are manufactured and imported illegally from China without FDA authorization. Despite federal efforts to control these products, they remain widely available in various flavors appealing to young consumers.
The coalition states—Illinois, California, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Vermont—are employing legal measures such as lawsuits and subpoenas against companies involved in importing and selling these products.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta is pursuing legal action against an importer of FLUM flavored vape products for alleged violations of state and federal laws. Connecticut Attorney General William Tong has issued civil investigative demands to retailers selling illegal e-cigarettes. New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin has sent warning letters reminding retailers about state laws prohibiting flavored vapor product sales.
This crackdown forms part of Raoul's broader efforts against youth e-cigarette usage. Previously he supported FDA decisions against certain flavored vape products and achieved a $462 million settlement with Juul Labs Inc., a leading e-cigarette manufacturer.
For more information on quitting tobacco use visit the Illinois Tobacco Quitline website or call 1-866-QUIT-YES.