Dozens of parents and anti-vaping advocates held a protest Tuesday (August 20) outside the JUUL offices in Manhattan.<br /><br />Critics want the City Council to restrict the e-cigarette company from selling flavored products, which they say attract kids.<br /><br />Last year, Altria, the parent company of Marlboro-maker Philip Morris USA, bought a 35% stake in Juul.<br /><br />“Kids start with flavored pods,” said 16-year-old Phillip Fuhrman, who is now vape-free after taking his first puff of a JUUL two years ago. “When my mom took my first one away from me and I started to feel the withdrawal symptoms, that was the first time I realized I was addicted.”<br /><br />Stanford University Professor Robert Jackler, an expert in tobacco advertising, testified before Congress earlier this year that Juul’s early promotions — including youthful models, colorful advertising and launch parties across the U.S. — mimicked tactics pioneered by cigarette makers.<br /><br />The group is backing a bill sponsored by City Councilman Mark Levine.<br />Last November, JUUL announced it was pulling its flavored pods from more than 90,000 stores nationwide.<br /><br />Vaping advocates also attended today’s rally to share their perspective.
