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Draft:Nicotine free generation

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Nicotine free generation policy (NFG) is a public health measure that aims to prevent future generations from becoming addicted to nicotine by forbidding the sale of nicotine products to people born after a certain year. The policy allows sales to people who are already of age when the law is passed.[1] Thus, it gradually phases out the sale of nicotine products.

Some say that NFG policies are more palatable politically than other endgame policies because the change is phased in over time. However, others say that these policies can entrench health inequities and leave behind people who currently use tobacco products.[2]

Jurisdictions in which Nicotine Free Generation is fully enacted

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US State of Massachusetts:

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As of December 2024, twelve towns and cities in the US state of Massachusetts have adopted Nicotine Free Generation regulations. These regulations prohibit the sale of nicotine products to people born after a specific date, such as those born after January 1, 2004. The communities include Brookline, Belchertown, Chelsea, Concord, Malden, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Melrose, Needham, Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield, and Winchester.[3][4]

These regulations were sanctioned by the Supreme Judicial Court in a unanimous ruling in March 2024. The court ruled that municipalities have a right to enact regulations to protect the public health, even beyond those enacted statewide. It also ruled that there is "No equal protection discrimination". [5]

Jurisdictions in which final enactment of Nicotine free generation is pending

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The United Kingdom

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The UK is working to create a smoke-free generation through the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which includes the following measures: [6] The Tobacco and Vapes Bill passed the UK House of Commons 415-47 ("Stopping the Start") in its second reading on November 26, 2024. It still awaits final approval. [7]

References

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  1. ^ Berrick, A. J. (2013), "BMJ Journals, Tobacco Control", Tobacco Control, 22 Suppl 1 (Suppl 1): i22-6, doi:10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2012-050865, PMC 3632970, PMID 23591500
  2. ^ Public Health Law Center and American Lung Association, The Nicotine-Free Generation Approach (PDF)
  3. ^ City of Melrose, Melrose Will Enact Nicotine-Free Generation Policy Starting in 2025
  4. ^ Belchertown officials vote to adopt new nicotine policies, 12 December 2024
  5. ^ Justia US Law, Six Brothers, Inc vs. Town of Brookline
  6. ^ Creating a Smoke free generation, 15 April 2024
  7. ^ The Lancet Respiratory Medicine (2025), "The Lancet Editorial: The UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill: a historic opportunity", The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, 13 (1): 1, doi:10.1016/S2213-2600(24)00419-3, PMID 39708818
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