This campaign is deeply personal to me as I see daily the havoc and destruction these substances wreak on our communities and our world. They damage the lives of people, loved ones, and even strangers whom we daily share our world with.

Cigarette smoking harms nearly every organ of the body, and is responsible for more than 480,000 deaths per year in the United States, including more than 41,000 deaths resulting from secondhand smoke exposure. Additionally, alcohol misuse leads to 95,000 deaths in the United States per year. These are not just numbers, but precious lives lost, families torn apart, and communities in shambles.

In today's world, the rapid rise of vaping, particularly among the younger generations, is alarming, contributing to nicotine addiction and acting as a gateway to other substances. And it is needless to speak about the irreparable harm done by illegal drugs, not just to individuals but to society as a whole.

As responsible citizens, we strongly advocate for the banning of these harmful substances when used outside of medicinal purposes. This isn't about curtailing freedoms, but about preserving life, advancing public health and creating safer, thriving communities. We, therefore, call upon lawmakers and regulatory authorities to drastically revise the legal frameworks, which hitherto allow such destructive substances to flood our societies unchecked.

This isn't a fight we can afford to lose. Sign this petition to support a healthier, safer world.