Colorado Set to Receive $31M Settlement from Juul Over Teen Vaping and Deceptive Marketing

The state of Colorado is set to receive $31.7 million in a multistate settlement with electronic cigarette manufacturer Juul Labs. The lawsuit, filed in 2020, accused the company of using deceptive marketing tactics and promoting their products to teens. The settlement funds will be used solely for tobacco prevention and teen mental health programs, according to Colorado’s Attorney General Phil Weiser.

Deceptive marketing tactics and the targeting of young people

The lawsuit against Juul claimed that the company misrepresented the health risks of their vapes and used deceptive marketing tactics to target young people. Juul hired social media influencers to promote e-cigarettes and brand ambassadors to give free samples to teens at Colorado convenience stores.

“This settlement is a victory for the state of Colorado and everyone who fell victim to Juul’s reckless, deceptive, and unconscionable marketing tactics,” Attorney General Phil Weiser said in a statement.

Settlement funds to support young people

The $31 million settlement funds will be used to support young people who have been affected by the vaping epidemic. Weiser stated that the money will be dedicated entirely to addressing public and mental health issues related to teen vaping. The attorney general’s office will also send $167,000 to the National Association of Attorneys General to reimburse them for investigation and litigation costs.

Juul prohibited from using deceptive marketing tactics

Under the settlement agreement, Juul will be prohibited from using deceptive marketing tactics in the future. The company will also be required to hire a compliance officer and provide the public opportunities to review documentation of their compliance with the agreement.

Impact of vaping on Colorado teens

According to the Healthy Kids Colorado Survey, when Colorado filed the lawsuit, the state had the highest rate of vaping teenagers in the nation at 27%, double the national average. The most recent state data shows that 16% of Colorado teens reported they had vaped in the past month.

Juul settles lawsuits with 47 states and territories

Juul has settled lawsuits with 47 states and territories, paying over $1 billion. A company spokesman said that the settlement with Colorado represents a major step towards strengthening Juul Labs’ operations and securing the company’s path forward.

Conclusion

The settlement with Juul Labs represents a significant win for the state of Colorado in its efforts to combat teen vaping. The funds received from the settlement will be used to support young people who have been affected by the vaping epidemic. Juul will also be prohibited from using deceptive marketing tactics in the future, and the company will be required to hire a compliance officer and provide documentation of their compliance with the agreement.

FAQs

• What is Juul? Juul is an electronic cigarette manufacturer.

• What was the lawsuit against Juul about? The lawsuit accused Juul of using deceptive marketing tactics and promoting their products to teens.

• How much money will Colorado receive from the settlement with Juul? Colorado will receive $31.7 million from the settlement with Juul.

• How will the settlement funds be used? The settlement funds will be used solely for tobacco prevention and teen mental health programs.

• Will Juul be prohibited from using deceptive marketing tactics in the future? Yes, under the settlement agreement, Juul will be prohibited from using deceptive marketing tactics in the future.