I'm writing this petition because I'm deeply concerned about the implications of Act 57 of 2025 (House Bill 1425). This piece of legislation effectively creates a corporate monopoly for major tobacco companies, prioritizing their interests over public health. As someone who has seen the devastating effects of nicotine addiction, I can't stand by while the very companies that led us to this crisis are given more power.

It's outrageous to think that these corporations, who profited from getting people hooked on nicotine, are being rewarded with further market control.

  Approved Manufacturers

• R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company
• Juul Labs, Inc.
• NJoy, LLC
• Blue Nine LLC
• Custom Technologies, LLC
• The Schwartz E-Liquid

The Biggest Winners:

1. The Big Tobacco Giants

• R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company (Vuse): Owned by Reynolds American, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of British American Tobacco (BAT), one of the largest tobacco companies in the world. [1​, 2]
• NJoy, LLC (NJOY): Wholly owned by Altria Group (the makers of Marlboro cigarettes), which purchased the company in 2023 for $2.75 billion

While framed as a public health measure, this legislation fails to protect Pennsylvanians. Instead, it severely restricts consumer choice and effectively grants a market monopoly to the very multi-billion-dollar tobacco corporations that caused widespread nicotine addiction in the first place.

This law will handcuff those that have quit smoking. They will have to physically travel out of state if they don't want to support big tobacco. 

Big Tobacco already got them hooked and it doesn't want to let go of the monopoly they built on the addiction they created. 

This law will also destroy small businesses and vape shops across the Commonwealth while enriching Big Tobacco.

But regular cigarettes that have worse health outcomes will still be legally sold everywhere. 

This legislation isn't about protecting the public, but handing a monopoly to the highest bidders. 

To address this, I propose a revision of the legislation that ensures a diverse market, enabling new startups and smaller companies in the tobacco cessation industry to have a fair chance.

This approach would encourage innovation, helping produce more effective quit-smoking aids and ultimately benefit public health.

Furthermore, any legislation related to tobacco products must include stringent measures to reduce youth access and promote education on tobacco's dangers. Funding needs to be redirected towards public health campaigns and support services for those looking to quit smoking.

We can't ignore the ethically irresponsible choice of creating a monopoly, handing over power to entities that have historically prioritized profits over people. It’s time to act and prioritize health over corporate gain.

Please join me in urging lawmakers to reconsider this act. We need regulations that prioritize public health and fair market practices, standing against corporate monopolies. Sign this petition to demand change today.