Florida tightened its regulations on cigarettes due to the alarming effects of smoking. Florida Health explains that cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, and it even causes about 32,300 deaths in Florida every year. Sadly, authorities report that for every person who dies from smoking, at least 30 people live with a serious illness caused by cigarette smoking.
Cigarette smoking affects the health of thousands of Florida residents, which is why the state government is enforcing new rules regarding the health hazard. To illustrate, here are the laws on cigarette smoking in Florida:
Florida’s Regulations on Cigarette Smoking
Florida has had regulations against cigarette smoking for many decades now. To illustrate, the Florida Clean Indoor Air Act was enacted in 1985 to protect people against secondhand smoke in public areas. Due to the amendments made to this act, people are also prohibited from using cigarettes and electronic vapor products in indoor workplaces.
However, it was only last year that smoking was regulated at beaches. The Florida Legislature passed House Bill 105 back in March 2022, which is why some Tampa Bay mayors are planning to designate fines, laws, and even bans on smoking at beaches. This bill does not just protect people from secondhand smoke, but it also prevents people from littering cigarette butts that can pollute the ocean and harm marine wildlife.
Aside from reducing smoking in public areas, Florida lawmakers have also made it illegal for minors to buy, possess, or smoke any tobacco and nicotine products. The law also bans people from using e-cigarettes, especially due to the rising amount of middle and high school students who vape on a regular basis. Through these efforts, Florida can reduce any smoking-related illnesses and deaths.
Strategies that Can Help Smokers in Florida
Use nicotine patches
Nicotine patches are widely available in Florida, so smokers can use these handy products in places where there are cigarette bans. Nicotine patches like NicoDerm CQ and Rite-Aid Step 1 Nicotine Transdermal System Patch only need to be applied on your upper arm, chest, shoulder, or back before they release a steady flow of nicotine from your skin to your bloodstream. Locals can even participate in the free tobacco quit classes of HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital this year to get nicotine patches. These patches are FDA-approved medications for smoking cessation, which is why the hospital provides them as a part of their free classes.
Opt for nicotine pouches
People can also discreetly enjoy nicotine in public places by using nicotine pouches. Unlike patches, pouches are an oral product which makes them ideal for those who associate smoking with having a cigarette in their mouth. The pouch is placed under the lip area to release the flavor and a low amount of nicotine for 30 minutes. The advantage these pouches have over patches is that they come in many different flavors. Leading e-commerce site Prilla stocks VELO nicotine pouches and they are available in coffee, dragon fruit, and citrus flavors, as well as the more traditional spearmint and peppermint. This allows users to have a much more enhanced nicotine experience and tailor their pouches to their personal preferences. And unlike other tobacco products, nicotine pouches won’t emit any smoke or stain your teeth, making them useful whenever one needs to get their nicotine fix in a public place.
Consider getting prescription medications
Aside from using nicotine cessation products, smokers can also talk to their medical providers to get a prescription medicine that can help them quit for good. Dr. Li-Shiun Chen from Washington University’s School of Medicine states that Chantix is an effective prescription nicotine-blocker medication, especially when it is paired with counseling sessions. Dr. Chen points out that these cessation treatments are very helpful compared to vaping, which is just as addictive as cigarette smoking. Though Chantix is quite an expensive medication, it’s proven and tested to be helpful in stopping smoking habits.
Cigarette smoking has affected the public health of Florida locals. Through these new regulations, the harmful effects of cigarette smoking on the health of locals and the cleanliness of the environment can be reduced.