We are proud Democrats and supporters of the Biden administration. But as menthol cigarette smokers, we are concerned about the Food & Drug Administration’s plan to ban menthol-flavored tobacco products.

While we understand the intentions behind this initiative, in Maine we believe in the role of government but also believe government should have limited interference in the personal choices of responsible adults.

Adults should have the right to make informed decisions regarding their lifestyle and consumption preferences without undue government intrusion, and this ban would fly in the face of that.

Moreover, history has shown us the pitfalls of prohibitionist approaches. The war on drugs, characterized by criminalization and strict enforcement, has resulted in the rise of illicit markets and increased criminalization with a disproportionate impact on marginalized communities.

By pursuing a menthol ban, we risk repeating these mistakes.

Rather than focusing solely on menthol cigarettes, the FDA should prioritize addressing more pressing concerns. For instance, unauthorized disposable vapes from China pose a significant public health risk, especially among young people. By directing regulatory efforts toward enforcing the existing regulations on these products, the FDA can better protect consumers and youth.

We urge the FDA to reconsider its proposed menthol ban and instead redirect its attention to addressing the unauthorized disposable vapes flooding the market.

This approach would strike a balance between public health concerns and preserving personal freedom, and we think that it is something all folks can agree on.

Jimmy and Brenda McHugh, Mexico