The American Heart Association says progress has been made in stopping kids from smoking and vaping -- but there is still a lot of work to do. The Association's Jeff Willett says there was good news on the topic. "We have seen a reduction between 2019 and 2020 with regard to the overall use of … [Read more...]
State receives its annual Tobacco Settlement payment
The state of Iowa recently received a payment of nearly 53 million dollars from the tobacco companies involved in the 1998 settlement agreement. The spokesman for Iowa's Attorney General, Lynn Hicks, says the payments are made every April. "We're up now to $1.36 billion that has come into the … [Read more...]
Native American casinos go smoke free after pandemic reopening
The four Native American-owned casinos in Iowa are temporarily smoke-free. The WinnaVegas Casino Resort in Sloan has had the no-smoking policy in place since reopening in mid-June with restrictions, which include requiring face masks for all employees and customers. Casino marketing director … [Read more...]
Governor approves changes in medical cannabis law, raises tobacco-buying age
Governor Kim Reynolds has taken action on a host of bills, including three that deal with marijuana, alcohol and cigarettes. When bars and restaurants were closed this spring due to the pandemic, Governor Reynolds issued a proclamation allowing the sale of carry-out cocktails in addition to … [Read more...]
Iowa legislature raises tobacco buying age to 21
The legislature has voted to move the age for buying tobacco products to 21. This puts Iowa law in line with the recent federal change. "Iowa law enforcement officers, local law enforcement officers cannot enforce federal law," Representative Rob Bacon, a Republican from Slater, said last night. … [Read more...]
Advocate says thousands of flavored e-cigarettes still on market despite new rules
A survey finds nearly one quarter of Iowa's high schoolers vape and critics say new federal regulations on e-cigarettes are having virtually no impact toward heading off the epidemic. Matt Myers, president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, says the new policies are "entirely inadequate" and … [Read more...]
American Lung Association gives Iowa low grade for tobacco prevention
Iowa is getting a failing report card for its efforts to reduce the use of tobacco products, according to the American Lung Association's 18th annual State of Tobacco Control report. Beth Turner, manager of health promotions for the American Lung Association in Iowa, says Iowa got F-grades in … [Read more...]
Bill would ban vaping under Iowa’s Smoke-free Air Act
Iowa Senators are considering bills to regulate the use and purchase of tobacco products. One bill changes Iowa law to follow the new federal standard that raised the age for buying tobacco products to 21. The other would add electronic cigarettes to Iowa's Smoke-free Air Act. It means "vaping" … [Read more...]
Iowa’s governor unveils anti-vaping ads targeting teens, parents
State officials are launching a digital ad campaign about the dangers of "vaping" with electronic cigarettes, hoping to get the message to both teenagers and their parents. Governor Kim Reynolds today said one out of four high schoolers vapes and the most recent data indicates 29 percent of 11th … [Read more...]
Reynolds decides against executive action on e-cigarette sales
Governor Kim Reynolds says due to legal challenges of executive action in other states, she's ruled out issuing an executive order that would restrict electronic cigarette sales. Reynolds met Friday with key staff to discuss ways to address underage "vaping" and the illness that's been associated … [Read more...]