Massachusetts Closer To Banning Flavored Tobacco, 75% Vaping Tax

The Bay State's goal is to protect young people from the harmful effects of tobacco, supporters say.

It's probably going to be a lot harder to use flavored tobacco products in Massachusetts, and likely, really expensive to use vaping products. According to Boston.com, Massachusetts House lawmakers have approved a bill that would ban the sale of all flavored tobacco products. On top of that, they would roll-out a 75 percent excise tax on nicotine vaping products.

Store owners across the state are not happy with the decision, especially when the ban would include menthol cigarettes. The bill passed by a wide margin of 126-31 vote, which met with the approval of anti smoking supporters.

Boston.com also reported that under the bill, insurance would also be involved. Commercial health insurers and MassHealth would also have to cover tobacco cessation counseling and all nicotine replacement therapies. They also reported generic versions would be offered without cost-sharing to the consumer.

The bill will now move over to the Senate.