SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Governor Pat Quinn signed a new law into effect on Thursday that bans the sale of flavored tobacco wrapping papers in Illinois. It was part of a larger bill intended to stiffen penalties for the sale of heroin.
State Representative Dennis Reboletti (R) and State Senator Kwame Raoul (D) sponsored House Bill 3801.
The new law, which takes effect immediately, bans the sale of nonmenthol flavored wrapping paper, also known as blunt wraps.
The legislation says "a person shall not knowingly sell, give away, barter, exchange, or otherwise furnish to any person any wrapping paper or wrapping leaf, however characterized, including, without limitation, cigarette papers, blunt wraps, cigar wraps, or tubes of paper or leaf, or any similar device, for the purpose of making a roll of tobacco or herbs for smoking, that is or is held out to be, impregnated, scented, or imbibed with, or aged or dipped in, a characterizing flavor, other than tobacco or menthol, including, without limitation, alcoholic or liquor flavor, or both, chocolate, fruit flavoring, vanilla, peanut butter, jelly, or any combination of those flavors or similar child attractive scent or flavor." (Click here to view the full text of the legislation.)
In a press statement, the governor claimed, "These products are a public health menace, and this new law will help keep people away from illegal substance abuse."
He added, "These cigar wrappers are commonly used to roll illicit drugs such as marijuana, PCP and crack cocaine. With flavors such as chocolate chip and banana, the product is marketed by tobacco companies and other manufacturers to young people and children."
Opponents deny that allegation.
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