Minnesota sued JUUL Dec. 4, accusing the e-cigarette company of targeting youth as consumers. By displaying the idea that e-cigarettes are dangerous and deterring support for tobacco, the amount of e-cigarettes used by younger generations will hopefully decrease. 

Minnesota taking action against JUUL for targeting minors is very important because the state is increasing awareness surrounding the danger e-cigarettes pose to youth. The idea that the health of young adults is in danger because of these advertisements is disappointing.

According to the Minnesota Health Department, the brain continues developing until the age of 25. When teens use nicotine and it becomes an addiction, it has the ability to cause defects in attention and learning. It is not safe for teens to use any amount of nicotine because it prevents education opportunities.

More people are participating in these dangerous activities which will lead to a generation with delayed education and abilities. Minnesota attempting to put an end to targeting certain underage groups will hopefully decrease the number of students using e-cigarettes, allowing them to focus on their education. 

According to Kelo, the amount of 11th graders using e-cigarettes has increased by 54% from 2016 to 2019 due to advertisements from tobacco companies such as JUUL. 

The Minnesota Department of Health also states e-cigarette use has almost doubled between 2016 and 2019. One in four 11th graders now use many forms of e-cigarettes.

The number of young kids using e-cigarettes such as JUUL is disappointing and will continue to increase if companies keep seeking young consumers. Minnesota’s attempt at barring JUUL from targeting the most vulnerable part of society will spread awareness of the dangers caused by e-cigarettes such as heart disease or respiratory problems. This will hopefully improve the lives of the young adults by protecting them from future health problems such as heart attacks.

According to Newser, Minnesota wants to provide education encompassing the dangers surrounding vaping and health issues that stem from excessive e-cigarette use.

Putting an end to marketing and providing an education system explaining the dangers of e-cigarettes will give people the information needed to make smart choices. People need to be educated on these dangers because a lot of people are oblivious to the side effects. Some of the numerous side effects of excessive vaping include nausea, impaired memory and loss of coordination.

This is a step in the right direction because Minnesota has begun to take action to protect the health of youth and give people a chance at a healthier lifestyle. By eliminating the marketing guided toward youth from e-cigarette companies such as JUUL, Minnesota has the ability to help reduce the number of hospitalizations and serious illnesses, which is a much needed change.