(Getty Images)
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The Massachusetts Senate passed a ban on the sale of flavored tobacco on Wednesday, that covers both flavored cigarettes and vaping products.
The bill includes a ban on menthol cigarettes, while also putting a 75 percent excise tax on nicotine vaping products.
Now, it will be sent to Gov. Charlie Baker for approval.
This comes amid concerns over the growing vaping crisis across the country, and if passed, Massachusetts would become the first state in the country to implement such restrictions.
Three people have reportedly died in the Commonwealth from vaping-related illnesses, and more than 200 people are suspected of suffering from lung injuries. The Massachusetts Department of Health has reported 47 probable cases and 21 confirmed cases of lung injuries to the CDC.
Supporters of the ban hope the move will protect young people from the harms of tobacco and vaping.
"Massachusetts moved quickly to act on behalf of the children of the Commonwealth to modernize our laws that regulate tobacco," Massachusetts House Speaker Robert DeLeo said in a statement. "I hope other states will follow our example in combatting [sic] the public health crisis with comprehensive legislation amid inaction by the Trump Administration."
The New York Times reports President Donald Trump ditched his plan to put a ban on vaping products after he was told he would lose supporters if he continued with the measures.
Follow WBZ NewsRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | iHeartmedia App