Authored by: Ollie Lammers
According to LexBlog, JUUL Labs, Inc. (JUUL) and North Carolina entered into a final consent judgment. This judgment ends an almost two-year legal battle, and this is the first time a state has successfully settled a case against the company.
North Carolina’s lawsuit alleged that JUUL targeted young people with their marketing and downplayed the effects of nicotine. The company denies any wrongdoing or liability in the agreement. The consent judgment includes new requirements for the company and a fine of $40 million to be paid over the next six years. The fine will go towards the state’s research programs to stop Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS) usage and preventative programs.
The judgment has requirements for JUUL’s actions within the state, including marketing, online sales, and health claims.
Some of the requirements include not being allowed to sponsor any sports or entertainment events in North Carolina. Social media video campaigns are limited to only older habitual cigarette smokers using JUUL products. The company must have a strict age verification with their online and retail sales.
JUUL is currently in litigation with thirteen states, including California, Illinois, and New York. These cases have similar allegations to North Carolina’s claims that JUUL’s marketing focuses on selling their products to teenagers and leading to a public health crisis.
For more information on JUUL litigation, click here to be taken to LexBlog’s article.
Phot Credit: fabrikacrimea, 123rf.com