As a resident of Wasco, CA, I support protecting youth from flavored and mentholated tobacco products. 

Here's why:

• 4 out of 5 teens who use tobacco, started with a flavored tobacco product. 1
• Flavors improve the taste and reduce the harshness of tobacco products, making them more appealing and easier for beginners to try the product and ultimately become addicted. 2.
• In 2018, more than 86% of tobacco retailers in California sold flavored non-cigarette tobacco products, over 91% of tobacco retailers sold menthol cigarettes, and, as of 2016, 8 out of 10 tobacco retailers near schools sold flavored non-cigarette tobacco.3

1. Tobaccofree.ca

2. Tobaccofreekids.org

3. Publichealthlawcenter.org