ANSR Annual Reports, Audited Financials, and 990's 2023 Audited Financials - ANSR Read More 2023 Annual Report - ANSR Read More 2023 990 - ANSR Read More 2022 Audited Financials - ANSR Read More 2022 Annual Report - ANSR Read More 2022 990 - ANSR Read More 2021 Audited Financials - ANSR Read More 2021 Annual Report - ANSR Read More 2021 990 - ANSR Read More 2020 Audited Financials - ANSR Read More 2020 Annual Report - ANSR Read More 2020 990 - ANSR Read More

RAMSEY TOBACCO COALITION The Ramsey Tobacco Coalition (RTC) is comprised of 23 partner organizations and has been working to minimize the influence of the tobacco industry in Ramsey County since 1997. RTC has been a leader in: reducing youth access to tobacco; enforcing commercial tobacco-free school ground policies; adopting commercial tobacco-free policies for parks, youth clubs and youth-serving agencies; and adopting smoke-free workplace laws and point-of-sale ordinances in Ramsey County and St. Paul. The project aims to reduce tobacco marketing and advertising practices by identifying the level and types of tobacco influences in Ramsey County; comparing industry influence between urban and suburban communities and low-, middle- and high-income neighborhoods within the city; and identifying ways these industry influences may violate the restrictions created by legal settlements and local, state and national laws. RTC is assessing and advocating for change in the following areas: Point-of-sale advertising (in-store signs, promotions, outdoor signs, branded store fixtures and paraphernalia, etc.) Promotional and sales practices designed to target youth (self-service displays, power walls, "loosies," candy-flavored products, placement at children’s eye level, etc.) RTC believes the tobacco industry uses all of these tactics to normalize commercial tobacco use and influence youth by shaping the environment in which they live. The industry specifically tailors these practices to reach low-income, 2SLGBTQ+ and BIPOC youth. The Coalition uses our research findings to advocate for changes in industry behavior, enforcement of legal restrictions and, where possible and appropriate, policy change to reduce tobacco industry influences at the point of sale. Want to get involved? Contact Katie Engman at katie@ansrmn.org to join our email list and stay up-to-date on Ramsey Tobacco Coalition meetings and programs.

Lesson Nine: Electronic Cigarettes (Vapes): A Deeper Dive Lesson Nine (PDF) Lesson Nine (PPT) Lesson Files N/A Videos Ingredients in E-Cigarettes and Vaping Products - Dr. Leslie

CONTACT Get in Touch Phone: 651-646-3005 Fax: 651-646-0142 ANSR: ansrmn@ansrmn.org Live Smoke Free: info@mnsmokefreehousing.org Follow ANSR on social media: Address 2395 University Ave W, Suite 310 Saint Paul, MN 55114-1512 If you are visiting our offices, please call ahead to make arrangements and receive information on driving directions and parking.

FLAVORED TOBACCO Nearly all commercial tobacco products come in a variety of candy, fruit, mint and novelty flavors. Flavored products are especially appealing to youth, who are much more likely to use flavored products than adults. Young people think flavored commercial tobacco products taste better and are safer than unflavored products, even though they are just as dangerous and addictive. Download Flavored Tobacco Factsheet Flavored Tobacco Factsheet Citations Oral nicotine products, including nicotine pouches, lozenges, and gums, have surged in popularity in recent years. Among these, nicotine pouches have quickly become the popular option, particularly among youth. 1 These pouches deliver nicotine discreetly, without smoke, spit or odor, making them an attractive choice for many users. Oral Nicotine Factsheet Oral Nicotine Factsheet Citations Flavored Tobacco at the Federal Level Due to the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act of 2009 , retailers can no longer sell cigarettes containing flavors other than menthol in the United States. However, other commercial tobacco products such as cigars, chewing tobacco, e-cigarettes/vapes, blunt wraps and shisha are still available in flavors such as bubble gum, mint, strawberry, grape and mango. These products help the tobacco industry get around the FDA’s 2009 ban of flavored cigarettes and attract more youth to their products. Most young people who use commercial tobacco products report using products that are flavored. The flavored e-cigarette market has changed dramatically in recent years. While brands such as JUUL dominated the market and ignited the youth use epidemic, JUUL and other similar brands have lost market share while under extreme scrutiny from the FDA. A 2020 nationwide ban of flavored “pods” marked the end of JUUL’s reign. Today the market is overrun with thousands of “disposable” vapes in myriad flavors with increasing amounts of nicotine. Brands like ElfBar (now EBCreates) and Loon are among the most popular brands among youth. They come in flavors like “Hawaii Punch,” “Blue Razz” and “Strawberry Lemonade”, underscoring the industry’s efforts to appeal to young people. While thousands of brands, varieties and flavors are available for sale in the United States, almost all flavored e-cigarettes on the U.S. market lack FDA authorization. Until 2024, no flavored e-cigarette device had received an FDA marketing order and only 23 unflavored (tobacco-flavored) vapes received approval. Unfortunately, in June 2024, the FDA approved four menthol e-cigarette products, including two pods and two “disposable” devices made by NJOY, a subsidiary of the tobacco giant Altria, the makers of Marlboro. Menthol Ban Fact Sheet This decision comes on the heels of several delays to the 2021 FDA proposal to ban menthol in cigarettes and all flavored cigars. A federal menthol ban would address public health disparities in commercial tobacco use created by the aggressive marketing of menthol products to African Americans, Indigenous communities, LGBTQ+ people and youth. The rule remains in limbo, and it is unclear when the FDA will complete its rulemaking process and issue its final rule. In the meantime, local leaders continue to work on local and statewide policies that end the sale of all flavored commercial tobacco products, including menthol. Policy Momentum in Minnesota State and local governments can adopt laws that restrict or prohibit the sale of flavored commercial tobacco products within their jurisdiction. Limiting the sale of products, setting minimum prices or creating a minimum pack size are some of the ways communities can protect their youth by making flavored commercial tobacco products less accessible and less appealing. In 2015 and 2016, Minneapolis and Saint Paul became the first cities in Minnesota to restrict fruit- and candy-flavored commercial tobacco products to adult-only stores and set a minimum price for cheap, flavored cigars. Minneapolis' ordinance passed on July 10, 2015, and Saint Paul's passed on January 6, 2016. A majority of Saint Paul residents supported the ordinance . In 2017, with support from the Minnesota Menthol Coalition, Minneapolis and Saint Paul added menthol to their flavored commercial tobacco restrictions. Fruit-, candy- and menthol-flavored tobacco products can only be sold in adult-only tobacco stores and liquor stores in the two cities. Since then, many other Minnesota cities have restricted or fully banned the sale of flavored commercial tobacco products. See below for an up-to-date map of flavored commercial tobacco restrictions and prohibitions in MN. The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners issued a resolution supporting restricting flavored commercial tobacco sales in Ramsey County in 2017. In partnership with Saint Paul – Ramsey County Public Health, ANSR evaluated flavor policies in Ramsey County cities in 2023 and found that flavor policies reduce youth access . ANSR is proud to be a member of the Minnesotans for a Smoke-Free Generation (MSFG) coalition. One of the coalition's main policy priorities is to prohibit the sale of all flavored commercial tobacco products, including menthol, at the state level. The bills to end the sale of all flavored commercial tobacco products in Minnesota (SF2123/HF2177) have made significant progress in the State Legislature in recent sessions. Visit the MSFG website to learn more about the coalition's statewide flavor policy work and access additional resources. Minnesota Flavor Policy Map As of February 2026, 13 Minnesota municipalities have prohibited the sale of all flavored commercial tobacco products, including menthol. 28 Minnesota cities have restricted or prohibited the sale of flavored commercial tobacco products in some manner. 8 Minnesota counties have restricted or prohibited the sale of flavored commercial tobacco products in some manner. 30.4% of Minnesotans are covered by a flavored tobacco policy *Click on the map to download as a PDF. 3 Facts to Know About Flavored Tobacco 1. The tobacco industry targets youth with flavored products to encourage addiction. Almost 90% of adults who smoke started smoking as teenagers. Candy- and fruit-flavored commercial tobacco products mask the harsh taste of tobacco and are shown to be attractive to youth. Many of these products are hard to distinguish from candy, gum and breath mints. As one industry official said in internal industry documents, “Flavored products would have appeal in the under-35 age group, especially in the 12-24 group.” 2. Flavored products may not taste like tobacco, but they are just as addictive and dangerous as other commercial tobacco products. Research shows that youth believe flavored commercial tobacco products are less dangerous and less addictive than unflavored tobacco. Commercial tobacco products contain nicotine, a highly-addictive substance known to be detrimental to adolescent brain development. Cigar smoke contains the same toxins as cigarette smoke. Smokeless tobacco causes oral, esophageal and pancreatic cancers. 3. An increasing number of young people are using flavored commercial tobacco products, including menthol. From 2000 to 2014, menthol cigarette use by Minnesota high school students increased from 20% to 44%. By comparison, only 25% of Minnesota adults who smoke use menthol. A recent Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) survey found that nearly 13% of Minnesota kids use e-cigarettes, which come in kid-friendly flavors like gummy bear and cotton candy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 42% of students who smoke use flavored products. Once kids start using one commercial tobacco product, they are more likely to experiment with others.

TOBACCO-FREE SPACES Tobacco-Free Youth Recreation (TFYR) Tobacco-Free Campuses Smoke-Free Lodging Tobacco-Free Youth Recreation Tobacco-Free Youth Recreation (TFYR) assists communities in their efforts to create a commercial tobacco-free environment and promote commercial tobacco-free lifestyles. The program helps youth and adult community members partner with policy makers to implement recreation-based commercial tobacco prevention strategies. TFYR's Focus A primary focus of TFYR’s work is to assist Minnesota communities in adopting commercial tobacco-free policies for their parks, playgrounds, athletic fields and other outdoor recreational facilities. More than 150 Minnesota communities have created commercial tobacco-free recreation areas for their residents and visitors. To view a directory of Minnesota’s tobacco-free parks, zoos, fairgrounds and other recreation areas, visit the TFYR policy directory. TFYR Policy Directory Tobacco-Free Parks Policy Resources TFYR has policy implementation and promotion materials for community groups and policy makers. These materials are intended to assist efforts to create and promote commercial tobacco-free environments in your community. Policy Publicity Packet Has your community recently adopted a commercial tobacco-free policy for its park and recreational facilities? Use TFYR’s Policy Publicity Packet for ideas on how to communicate the new policy to community members. A well-publicized policy helps reduce policy violations. Download the PDF Playing Tobacco Free Factsheet This factsheet provides information on why communities should have commercial tobacco-free policies for outdoor recreational facilities. Download the PDF A Policy Maker’s Guide to Tobacco-Free Policies for Parks, Playgrounds and Athletic Facilities This guide is intended to provide local policy makers information on how this type of policy can benefit their community. Download the PDF Model Tobacco-Free Parks Policy TTFYR created this model policy language with assistance from the Public Health Law Center. It has been adopted and implemented by communities throughout Minnesota. Download the PDF Playing Tobacco-Free: A Youth Guide for Policy Advocacy A step-by-step approach to commercial tobacco-free park policies for youth advocates. TFYR uses this guide to train youth groups on park policy advocacy. Contact us to schedule a training session. Learn More Commercial Tobacco-Free Policies for Other Outdoor Spaces in Minnesota Although TFYR has traditionally focused on commercial tobacco-free policies for recreational areas, the program also assists communities with tobacco-free policies for other outdoor spaces such as: School grounds Fair grounds Public grounds (such as city- or county-owned property) Employer grounds Healthcare facility grounds A number of resources exist for communities interested in implementing commercial tobacco-free policies for their outdoor spaces. Contact Emily Anderson, emily@ansrmn.org , for these resources or more information. Tobacco-Free Campuses Commercial tobacco use and exposure remain a problem on college campuses. Commercial tobacco-free college campus policies are proven solutions that provide a healthier learning, living and working environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors. Through our Tobacco-Free Campus program, ANSR promotes the adoption of commercial tobacco-free policies at colleges and universities in Ramsey County. For more information contact Emily Anderson, Tobacco-Free Campus Program Director, at emily@ansrmn.org or 651-646-3005. A Growing Trend According to Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights, as of October 2023, there are at least 2,613 100% smoke-free campuses in the US. Of these, 2,193 are 100% commercial tobacco-free and 2,284 prohibit the use of e-cigarettes anywhere on campus. For a full listing of smoke- and commercial tobacco-free campuses across the country, click here . Step 1: Getting Started Building the case for a commercial tobacco-free campus A commercial tobacco-free policy prohibits smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco products on all school properties and in all school-owned or leased vehicles. A comprehensive tobacco use policy also prohibits the sale of tobacco products on campus, tobacco advertisements in school publications and tobacco company sponsorship of school programs and events. Tobacco-Free Campus Policies Increase Quit Attempts Tobacco-Free Campus Policies Decrease Tobacco Use and Initiation Tobacco-Free Campus Policies Reduce Exposure to Tobacco Tobacco-Free Campus Policies Decrease Tobacco Litter Tobacco-Free Campus Policies Eliminate Ties to the Tobacco Industry Tobacco-Free Campus Policies Prepare Students for a Tobacco-Free Workplace Step 2: Moving Forward Steps for adopting a commercial tobacco-free policy Many post-secondary institutions have successfully implemented commercial tobacco-free campus policies. While each campus is unique, these basic steps can lead towards policy success. Here are the most common guiding principles: Focus on the tobacco use, not the tobacco user. Focus on health and safety regarding secondhand smoke, not individual rights. Obtain campus leadership support and make this support visible to all members of the campus community. Convene a monthly committee comprised of a diverse group of campus stakeholders. Complete a commercial tobacco-free campus opinion survey of students, faculty and staff. Complete an environmental assessment to determine smoking “hot spots” and the amount of tobacco litter on campus. Develop a draft policy statement and share with institution stakeholders. Allow ample time between the announcement of the new policy to the effective date for a thorough and supportive communication plan, including posting new policy signage. Provide training for supervisors on policy communication and enforcement. Offer tobacco cessation re sources to all students, faculty and staff before and after the policy change. Enforce the commercial tobacco-free campus policy just like the previous n o-smoking policy: through education. Celebrate! The policy is a positive step towards a healthier, cleaner campus! Many campuses have successfully carried out a policy development process. The University of Minnesota’s smoke- and tobacco-free policy development began in 2008, and the policy was formally adopted in 2014. Learn more about the process here . Step 3: Achieving Success Implementing and promoting a commercial tobacco-free campus policy While adopting a commercial tobacco-free campus policy is an important step towards a healthier, cleaner campus, proper implementation and enforcement of your policy plus tobacco cessation services are key to policy success. Communication Enforcement Cessation Smoke-Free Lodging The Smoke-Free Lodging program promotes 100% smoke-free policies for lodging establishments. In order to increase the number of lodging establishments with smoke-free policies, Smoke-Free Lodging educates tourism industry professionals, lodging managers, owners and key staff about the benefits of 100% smoke-free buildings. Smoke-Free Lodging also assists lodging establishment owners and managers with creating and promoting smoke-free policies for their properties.

The Association for Nonsmokers - Minnesota's mission is to reduce harm from commercial tobacco and other drugs Association for Nonsmokers-Minnesota Our Core Commitments: To protect young Minnesotans from a lifetime of addiction; To ensure that all Minnesotans can breathe clean, smoke-free air everywhere; and Reduce health inequities and other disparities in relation to commercial tobacco, nicotine and other drugs. The Association for Nonsmokers-Minnesota is a membership organization. Become an ANSR member to support our continued efforts. Donate Donate Our experienced staff are dedicated to protecting Minnesotans from the harms of commercial tobacco, nicotine and other drugs. Our Team Our Team Mission ANSR is dedicated to reducing the human and economic costs of commercial tobacco use in Minnesota. Learn more about our mission here. Mission Live Smoke Free LEARN MORE Prevention Programs LEARN MORE Policy Initiatives LEARN MORE Minnesota History LEARN MORE LATEST NEWS Increased Store Compliance with Minimum Price and Price Discounting Policies in Minneapolis The Association for Nonsmokers – Minnesota and NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center conducted pre and post store assessments in Minneapolis to assess compliance with changes to the city’s tobacco ordinance in 2024 and 2025. A sample of commercial tobacco retailers were evaluated to measure store compliance with: May 2024 ordinance change (1) setting a minimum price per pack of cigarettes and other commercial tobacco products of $15.00 and (2) disallowing price discounts and 4 days ago Reducing the Burden of Menthol and Flavored Commercial Tobacco Products through Policy Change Grant Commercial tobacco use remains a leading cause of preventable illness and death in Minnesota and across the United States. Among commercial tobacco products, menthol and other flavored commercial tobacco items pose a unique risk. These flavors attract young people, making it easier to start using tobacco and harder to quit. To address this, the Association for Nonsmokers - Minnesota (ANSR) has launched a new initiative funded by the Minnesota Department of Health’s Reducing t Feb 25 Youth and Adults: Fighting the Tobacco Industry, Together By: Mỹ Linh Nguyễn, Clara Seeley, Lily DeWitt, Ethan Kinsella, Princeton Vang, and Summer Balfanz The tobacco industry will do anything to entice youth. Their influence is deeply embedded in our communities. They use bright colors and appealing flavors, sales and discounted prices, and social media and popular influencers to make their products seem trendy and mainstream. We’ve seen the results of the tobacco industry’s tactics loud and clear. Commercial tobacco use has taken Oct 13, 2025 1 2 3 4 5 Get Involved TODAY! Protecting the next generation from the harms of commercial tobacco starts with community members like you! Sign Up POLICY ISSUES Flavored Tobacco MN Flavor Policy Map Menthol Tobacco Electronic Cigarettes Tobacco Price Discounting Environmental Impact Tobacco-Free Spaces Tobacco 21 RESOURCES MPRC Tobacco 101 Stop Sales To Minors Free Signage Retailer Compliance Project WATCH Smoke-Free Housing Tools for Schools Toolkit

Lesson Seven: Sharing Our Findings: Taking Action Lesson Seven (PDF) Lesson Seven (PPT) Lesson Files How We Will Gather Support Issues and Goals Store Survey Results Tools to Build Support Who Will Support Us Videos Saint Paul Advocates at Work Minneapolis Ordinance Prevents Youth Tobacco Use

Lesson Eleven: Mental Health and Nicotine Lesson Eleven (PDF) Lesson Files N/A Videos N/A

Lesson Eight: Price Discounting Lesson Eight (PDF) Lesson Files Don't Discount My Life Factsheet Videos Don't Discount My Life Video

Lesson Six: What is the Tobacco Industry Doing in My Neighborhood? Lesson Six (PDF) Lesson Six (PPT) Lesson Files ABC Convenience Store Locations List Rules and Conduct When Visiting Stores Store Survey Form Videos Why Point of Sale Tobacco Marketing Matters

FUNDERS AND RELATED SITES Current Funders Blue Cross Blue Shield Minnesota Center for Prevention Minneapolis Health Department Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids Saint Paul-Ramsey County Public Health Department Department of Human Services Behavioral Health Division Minnesota Department of Health Hennepin County Public Health Department Past Funders ASPiRE Center Clearway Minnesota CDC Office on Smoking and Health Minnesota Cancer Alliance Programs Live Smoke Free Beautiful Lie Ugly Truth Minnesota Prevention Resource Center Don't Discount My Life Regional Prevention Coordinators Nicotine-Free Generation Substance Use in Minnesota Stop Sales to Minors Other Prevention Organizations Action on Smoking & Health American Nonsmokers Rights Foundation NorthPoint Health & Wellness Advocates for Better Health Minnesota Public Health Association Public Health Law Center American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Minnesota SOPHE Tobacco-Free Alliance American Heart Association Minnesota Youth Council American Lung Association Minnesotans for a Smoke-Free Generation Related Sites Minnesota District Finder Minnesota State Legislature Quit Partner My Life My Quit MN Clean Indoor Air Act (MCIAA)