In the largest state settlement ever reached with JUUL, California will receive more than $175 million from the embattled e-cigarette company. Far-reaching in scope, several lawsuits claimed the popular vaping device maker actively targeted youth through advertising and promotional campaigns, a violation of state law. The California Department of Justice joined six other states — Colorado, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Mexico, and New York — for a total of $462 million in settlements, with California receiving the highest amount.
In a statement last Wednesday, April 12, California Attorney General Rob Bonta said the settlement funds will be used to “help California abate and prevent the harms of e-cigarettes and nicotine addiction” through youth education, medical research, and the enforcement of California’s recent flavored nicotine ban.
“By using advertising and marketing strategies to lure young people to its products, JUUL put the health and safety of its vulnerable targets and the California public at risk,” Bonta said. “Today’s settlement holds JUUL accountable for its actions and puts a stop to its harmful business practices.”