TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE Minnesota Technical Assistance National Technical Assistance Minnesota Technical Assistance ANSR provides technical assistance (TA) to grantees in Minnesota working on projects through the Minnesota Department of Health's Commercial Tobacco-Free Communities, Statewide Health Improvement Partnership and Youth E-Cigarette Prevention and Cessation Initiative grants. A NSR provides TA and training to grantees for commercial tobacco-specific policy areas and general skills development through various methods, including: individual consultation via in-person, phone, email or video conversations; group trainings via conference calls, webinars, lunch-and-learns, presentations or workshops; and providing materials and other resources for commercial tobacco -specific areas, general policy development or skills developmen t . Grantees Served Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) Commercial Tobacco-Free Communities (CTFC) Youth E-Cigarette Prevention and Cessation Initiative (YEPCI) Strategy Expertise Commercial tobacco- and smoke-free policies Tobacco control Smoke-free housing Tobacco-free campuses Point-of-sale/retail environment Smoke-free foster care and/or child care Tobacco-free or smoke-free outdoor spaces (parks and recreation, transit stops, healthcare sites, etc.) Population-Specific Expertise Urban, suburban and rural populations Black, African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian and Native American populations 2SLGBTQ+ populations Youth and young adults Adults over 60 Persons with mental illness and/or experiencing substance misuse Foundational Skill Expertise Community Engagement Advocacy/community mobilization Coalition building and sustaining Partnership/leadership development Identifying and developing key relationships Asset and power mapping Leading and facilitating effective meetings Building teams Assessment, Planning & Evaluation Assessment or survey development Strategic planning Evaluation planning Evaluation tool development Continuous program improvement (quality improvement) Understanding of Policy, Systems & Environmental Change (PSE) General PSE knowledge and skills Policy development and analysis Policy implementation guidance Communications Communications tools and planning Earned and paid media campaigns Factsheet/material development Branding Effective messaging Identifying and using success stories Meet the TA Team Jeanne Weigum President Email Jeanne Contact Jeanne for: Questions about state-level tobacco control work General policy strategy assistance Inquiries about the history of tobacco control Emily Anderson Director of Policy Email Emily Contact Emily for: Assistance with outdoor air policy work (parks, grounds, campuses, etc.) Information about menthol tobacco Point-of-sale policy development and implementation Community outreach and coalition building tips Preparation for meetings and public hearings with decision makers Community assessment Youth engagement tools Alex Eberhart Project Lead Email Alex Contact Alex for: Technical assistance to property owners, property managers, and public health professionals Property signage and materials Smoke-free housing resources for property, managers, renters, and common interest communities Policy implementation in affordable, market rate, and common interest communities Creation and utilization of educational materials Social media content and best practices Molly Schmidtke Policy and Technical Assistance Manager Email Molly Contact Molly for: Point-of-sale policy advocacy assistance Community outreach and coalition building help Youth engagement and advocacy best practices Resource development Information about the environmental impacts of commercial tobacco Planning for meetings with decision makers Community assessments Public hearing organization Katie Engman Program Director, Policy & Compliance Email Katie Contact Katie for: Commercial tobacco-free policy adoption and implementation at schools Help reaching out to decision makers and organizing public hearings Point-of-sale policy advocacy Community outreach, youth engagement and coalition building best practices Development of new resources Planning for meetings with decision makers Community assessments Jaclyn Frank Community Outreach Coordinator Email Jaclyn Contact Jaclyn for: Technical assistance to property owners, property managers, and public health professionals Smoke-free housing community assessments and data tracking Policy implementation in affordable, market rate, and common interest communities Housing industry outreach and engagement Resident outreach and engagement Creation and utilization of educational materials Technical Assistance Resources Available These are examples of available resources for grantees. Click to view and download. Factsheets Electronic Cigarettes Factsheet (PDF) Hookah Factsheet (PDF) Little Cigars Factsheet (PDF) Swiss Cheese Prevention Model (PDF) Sign Order Forms E-Cigarette School Sign Order Form Tobacco-Free Property Sign Order Form Smoke-Free Window Cling Order Form Smoke- & Tobacco-Free Grounds Signage Templates 2023 MYTS Highlights Factsheet (PDF) Commercial Tobacco Retail Licensing (PDF) Youth Engagement Checklist (PDF) Group Facilitation Guide (PDF) 2024 Surgeon General's Report Highlights (PDF) Toolkits and Trainings More Information Build Your Quit Kit (PDF) Environmental Impact Toolkit Tools for Schools Toolkit K-12 Schools Policy Guide (PDF) Point of Sale Assessment & Engagement Tool (PDF) Flavored Commercial Tobacco Project WATCH Industry Monitoring Price Discounting Minnesota History of Tobacco Control Stop Sales to Minors Retailer Training Tobacco 101 Curriculum About Us and Our Technical Assistance Minnesota Tobacco-Free Grounds Map National Technical Assistance ANSR’s boots-on-the-ground experience and commitment to best practices prepares us to assist tobacco programs at all levels of need and expertise. ANSR will help you accomplish your goals whether you’re taking your first steps toward educating your community about the harms of commercial tobacco, working on smoke-free multi-unit housing or developing cutting-edge point-of-sale policies. We tailor our approach to meet your needs and can customize a contract for you from our wide menu of services. Contact us at ansrmn@ansrmn.org to learn more about our fee-for service model. Example of Past National TA Project: Clean Air for All ANSR was awarded a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in March 2018 to support public housing agencies (PHAs) nationwide with implementation of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Smoke-Free Public Housing Rule. With this grant, ANSR created Clean Air for All: The Smoke-Free Public Housing Project, a partnership between our Live Smoke Free program and the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO). Clean Air for All provided resources, technical assistance and a variety of training opportunities to public health agencies and PHAs in all 50 states, with a focus on 13 Tobacco Nation states where smoking rates are high and there are fewer resources to support tobacco prevention. Clean Air for All created a Smoke-Free Public Housing Compliance and Enforcement Toolkit (pictured right) that was distributed to 436 stakeholders in 34 states. ANSR's Live Smoke Free team can work with you to build a smoke-free housing compliance and enforcement toolkit for your state or region. Visit the Live Smoke Free website to learn more.

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 Saint Anthony Village First in Nation to Set Minimum Price on Vapes On April 8th, 2025, Saint Anthony Village City Council voted 4-0 to update their Commercial Tobacco Ordinance . The amendment: Cap the... Apr 14 ANSR staff presented to faculty and staff at the University of Minnesota's Tobacco Research Programs ANSR staff presented to faculty and staff at the University of Minnesota's Tobacco Research Programs in December 2024. The presentation,... Feb 18 Minnesota Communities Addressing Flavored Tobacco Sales This updated map highlights Minnesota communities actively working to restrict or prohibit the sale of flavored tobacco products,... Nov 26, 2024 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

POLICY INITIATIVES Flavored Tobacco The tobacco industry adds fruit, candy, menthol and other novelty flavors to their products to attract customers and hook kids. Learn More About Flavored Tobacco E-Cigarettes E-cigarettes, or vapes, have become extremely popular over the past decade and have driven the youth commercial tobacco use epidemic. Learn More About E-Cigarettes Tobacco 21 Minnesota's Tobacco 21 law, which raised the legal age to buy commercial tobacco products to 21, went into effect in 2019. Learn More About Tobacco 21 Secondhand Smoke According to the CDC, there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. Learn More About Secondhand Smoke Menthol Beautiful Lie, Ugly Truth Price Discounting Don't Discount My Life Nicotine-Free Generation Nicotine-Free Generation

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 May 2025, 13 Minnesota municipalities have prohibited the sale of all flavored commercial tobacco products, including menthol. 26 Minnesota cities have restricted or prohibited the sale of flavored commercial tobacco products in some manner. 7 Minnesota counties have restricted or prohibited the sale of flavored commercial tobacco products in some manner. *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.

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YOUTH ENGAGEMENT Student Action Team at the Minnesota State Capitol in the Governor's Room WETV member teaching middle schoolers about the dangers of the tobacco industry. WETV member talking with Representative Herr. Student Action Team at the Minnesota State Capitol in the Governor's Room 1/6 Why Engage Youth? At ANSR, we believe that youth are not just the future, they're powerful leaders right now. We know young people bring fresh ideas, lived experience, and unmatched energy into commercial tobacco prevention. Their voices have the power to influence their peers, shift community norms, and drive meaningful policy change. By investing in youth leadership, we're helping students build skills in advocacy, public speaking, and organizing, while also ensuring that prevention strategies reflect the realities of their generation. Meet Our Youth Groups! Student Action Team with ANSR President, Jeanne Weigum and Monique Muggli from Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Student Action Team members at their 2025 Mini Day at the Capitol. Ramsey County Student Action Team (SAT) The Ramsey County Student Action Team (SAT) is led by staff from the Association for Nonsmokers - MN and is partially funded by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Health through the Youth E-Cigarette Prevention and Cessation Initiative as well as a grant from Saint Paul - Ramsey County Public Health through the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) of the Minnesota Department of Health. A total of 21 youth from 11 communities across Ramsey County participate in the SAT group. They are a dedicated group of youth advocates united by a common mission: stopping Big Tobacco. They’ve witnessed the impact of commercial tobacco use and nicotine addiction on their peers, family members and community, and they refuse to let this insidious industry continue targeting youth. Members of Ramsey County SAT have advocated at the state and local levels in Minnesota for effective policies to prevent youth tobacco use. At the local level, they have worked to strengthen policies in the cities of Vadnais Heights, Arden Hills and New Brighton, including ending sales of flavored e-cigarettes and other flavored commercial tobacco products, capping the number of retailers allowed to sell tobacco products, and increasing fines for retailers who break the law. They are particularly proud that, in November 2024, the Vadnais Heights City Council voted unanimously to end flavored tobacco sales after members of Ramsey County SAT testified before the council, organized letters of support and submitted letters to the editor in the local newspaper. At the state level, Ramsey County SAT participated in MN Day at the Capitol, making a bold statement with bright pink “Keep Lungs Loud!” t-shirts. They met with state legislators, engaged with the media and came together to make their voices heard. Their efforts helped convince a local lawmaker to co-sponsor the bill to end flavored tobacco sales. Group members have also helped conduct compliance checks to ensure retailers aren’t selling tobacco products to youth and educated middle schoolers about the harms of e-cigarettes and other tobacco products. Recent Accomplishemts Teens representing the Ramsey County Student Action Team (SAT) accepted the Group Advocates of the Year award from the national organization Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. on May 8, 2025. Clara Seeley of White Bear Lake, Summer Balfanz of Roseville, and Mỹ Linh Nguyẽn of Arden Hills, accepted the award on behalf of the entire SAT group. The award recognizes the group's leadership in preventing nicotine addiction among their peers. Student Action Team members accepting the "Youth Group Advocates of the Year" Award WETV at their 2025 Mini Day at the Capitol Members of Wash Escapes the Vape in front of the Minnesota State Capitol Recent Accomplishemts WETV visited the Minnesota State Capitol to participate in a Mini Day at the Capitol, making a bold statement with bright pink “Keep Lungs Loud!” t-shirts. They met with their state legislators to tell their personal stories, talk about youth commercial tobacco prevention, and how flavored commercial tobacco effects their peers. Wash Escapes the Vape (WETV) Wash Escapes the Vape (WETV) is a small but mighty group of high schoolers at Washington Technology Magnet School in St. Paul, MN that is led by staff from the Association for Nonsmokers - MN as well as a Health Educator at the Community Cares - Health Start Program. WETV is funded by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Health through the Youth E-Cigarette Prevention and Cessation Initiative that focuses on building youth leaders to support youth e-cigarette prevention and cessation efforts. The group has spent time spreading their message and educating their peers on commercial tobacco prevention through in-class presentations and tabling opportunities both in the school and in the community. Members of Wash Escapes the Vape talking with MN Representative Athena Hollins. Youth Engagement Best Practices Engaging youth in commercial tobacco prevention requires thoughtful approaches that empower them to take ownership of their projects and advocacy efforts. At ANSR, we've found that following best practices to be crucial for fostering meaningful, impactful youth involvement. Youth Led, Adult Supported At ANSR we do our best to give young people the space to lead while providing guidance behind the scenes. We empower their ideas and help turn their visions into action. Skip the Scare Tactics While fear appeals sometimes lead to changes in perceptions or behavior, they are far less effective than strategies that model skills and solutions to limit risk behaviors. Fear appeals can cause trauma and harm, and often do not lead to positive changes. Consistency Builds Community Regular meeting times, clear communication, regular action opportunities and follow through help youth feel valued and connected. Compensate Youth for Their Time Youth are experts in their own experiences and should be treated as such. At ANSR, we have the ability to offer stipends, gift cards or other forms of compensation for their time, leadership, and creativity. Factsheet on Fear Appeals in Prevention Celebrate Wins! Recognize youth contributions, whether it's speaking at a city council meeting or designing a flyer. Appreciation goes a long way! Learn more about best practices in engaging youth in commercial tobacco prevention from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Click Here for More Current Opportunities for Youth Are you a high schooler looking to make a difference? Look no further! Tobacco Retailer Compliance Checks Visit our North Suburban Tobacco Compliance Project (NSTCP) page to learn more! Minnesotans for a Smoke-Free Generation Coalition The coalition welcomes individuals and organizations to become members who are committed to a future where every person is free of commercial tobacco’s harms. Videos Wanted! We need your voice! Minnesotan's for a Smoke-Free Generation Coalition is looking to produce a series of brief, face-to-camera video testimonials featuring community leaders—such as students, educators, counselors, coaches, and faith leaders—discussing the negative impacts of commercial tobacco on youth. A videoographer will conduct these five-minute interviews via Zoom. The resulting videos will be shared on Minnesotans for a Smoke-Free Generation's social media channels. If you would be willing to share your insights, please complete this Google Form: https://forms.gle/2cUqpvuy5rYbjTX8A Here is an example of what the video would look like: https://youtu.be/DI0IZNjbbJ4?si=Id2PX6mF5zOnGW3s

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF COMMERCIAL TOBACCO Commercial tobacco products like cigarettes and e-cigarettes have a substantial impact on our environment. These products contribute to the litter problem, with cigarettes being the most littered product in the US and e-cigarettes contributing to the single-use plastic problem and electronic waste. Throughout their life cycle, commercial tobacco products contribute to deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, litter, single-use plastic waste and electronic waste, threatening our planet and our people. Environmental Impact of Commercial Tobacco Toolkit Environmental Impact of Commercial Tobacco Factsheet Paragraph Download the PDF Hazardous Waste Disposal Factsheet Paragraph Download the Fact Sheet Youth E-Cigarette Environmental Graphic Paragraph Download the Graphic Additional Environmental Resources From the Public Health Law Center, FDA and more. Download Resources Environmental Impacts Lesson Plan This is Chapter 9 of ANSR's Tobacco 101 curriculum. Download Lesson Plan Additional Materials Available Upon Request Environmental Impacts and Hazardous Waste Presentation Examples of Letters of Support Letters to the Editors on the Environmental Impacts Request Materials Tobacco - Threat to our Environment (WHO SEARO)

Lesson Two: Marketing and Advertising Lesson Two (PDF) Lesson Two (PPT) Lesson Files Billboard Advertising Pictures Indoor Tobacco Advertising Pictures Looking at Tobacco Advertising Factsheet Magazine Tobacco Advertising Pictures Mail Tobacco Advertising Picture Outdoor Tobacco Advertising Pictures Social Media Tobacco Advertising Picture Videos Teens React to Cigarette Commercial Through Our Eyes, NYC Youth on Tobacco Marketing

NORTH SUBURBAN TOBACCO COMPLIANCE PROJECT (NSTCP) The North Suburban Tobacco Compliance Project (NSTCP) offers law enforcement, decision makers, vendors and communities a proven and comprehensive method to ensure youth don’t have access to commercial tobacco products. NSTCP recruits and trains all youth buyers to follow a specific compliance check protocol, and they continually receive feedback after each time they assist. Each student receives a gift certificate to reimburse them for their time or verification of service hours completed. NSTCP Trainings NSTCP holds two scheduled tobacco vendor trainings per year open. These trainings are open to all vendors in participating cities and cost nothing to the vendor. Program coordinator Katie Engman is also available to provide onsite vendor trainings when requested. This allows for all employees to be present at the training, provides individualized attention and offers flexibility to the vendors. Training materials are also available for vendors. After the tobacco compliance check is completed, a certificate is sent by NSTCP to notify vendor management that the store has passed a tobacco compliance check. This saves time for law enforcement, as they do not need to go in after each check and notify the vendor. All tobacco compliance check results are tracked to create a longitudinal look at trends. Each city receives its results, so it can identify problems and celebrate success in reducing youth access to commercial tobacco. All results are communicated to city, county and state elected officials. The cost of the program is based on a per vendor ratio. State law allows for cities to charge a tobacco license fee large enough to cover all enforcement and administrative costs. The only limitation is that the fee should not exceed the direct and indirect costs in issuing the license and policing the licensed activities. The fee for participation in the North Suburban Tobacco Compliance Project could fall under this category. The project continues to receive a grant from the Association for Nonsmokers-MN to offset each city’s cost to participate in the program. Learn how to conduct compliance checks during the COVID-19 pandemic using this factsheet . For more information: Katie H. Engman Project Coordinator 651-646-3005 katie@ansrmn.org

TOBACCO 21 The tobacco industry heavily targets teens and young adults to recruit new customers and guarantee profits. About 95 percent of current adults who smoke started before they were 18.¹ A 2015 report from the National Academy of Medicine (formerly the Institute of Medicine) found that increasing the legal age to buy commercial tobacco to 21 would decrease smoking initiation among 15-17 year olds by 25 percent.² A Minnesota-specific study looked at the impact of raising the tobacco age and found that 25% fewer 15 year olds would start smoking by the time they turn 18. This translates into 30,000 young people never starting smoking or using commercial tobacco over 15 years.³ If youth don’t smoke by the time they are 21, they likely never will. Tobacco 21 Fact Sheet Tobacco 21 Fact Sheet Citations Why Tobacco 21 Matters Nicotine is addictive and particularly harmful to the developing adolescent brain. Evidence suggests that nicotine interferes with brain maturation and can have a long term effect on cognitive development and mental health.⁴ The long-term effects of nicotine on the adolescent brain is a significant public health concern.⁵,⁶ Any step to prevent youth from becoming addicted to tobacco products is a step in the right direction, especially in the face of the youth nicotine epidemic. Federal, State, and Local Efforts As of December 2019, 19 states (Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia and Washington) had raised the tobacco age to 21, along with Washington, D.C. and more than 540 localities. On December 20, 2019, former President Trump signed Tobacco 21 into federal law. Raising the national tobacco sales age to 21 is a victory for youth and health, but state and local action is still needed to maximize health benefits. ANSR continues to work with state and local partners to implement this policy and pursue a comprehensive approach to commercial tobacco prevention and cessation here in Minnesota. By May 2020, 75 Minnesota cities and counties had raised the commercial tobacco sales age to 21. This set the stage for the Minnesota State Legislature to pass a Tobacco 21 law in May that ensured all youth in the state are protected. ANSR provided signage to vendors across the state. If you need more signage, please contact us at info@ansrmn.org . Resources for Law Enforcement and Schools Law Enforcement T21 Fast Facts Law Enforcement T21 Resource Support Over Suspension Fact Sheet School Policy Assessment Tools for Schools Toolkit Alternatives to Penalties for Youth Penalties on underage possession, use, and purchase of commercial tobacco have not been proven to reduce commercial tobacco use. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends education, counseling, and support to reduce youth use. Research shows that punitive measures against young people can results in unintentional consequences and increase the likelihood of youth initiation. The community programs for youth listed below are available as alternatives to punitive measures. My Life My Quit Youth ages 13-18 can access free tobacco treatment services through My Life, My Quit (MLMQ) supported by the MN Department of Health. Features include: Free continuing education for school staff on commercial tobacco treatment for youth at CoursesThatClickMN.com ; resources to implement MLMQ as an alternative to suspension; and Posters and other promotional materials. My Life My Quit Stanford Medicine Tobacco Prevention Toolkit The Stanford Medicine Tobacco Prevention Toolkit is a free theory-based and evidence-informed curriculums and resources created by educators, parents, youth and researchers aimed at preventing middle and high school students’ use of tobacco and nicotine. The Toolkit Includes: You and Me, Together Vape-Free Curriculum ; Healthy Futures Curriculum: Alternative-to-Suspension Curriculum ; Smokeless Tobacco 101; Hookah 101; and Factsheets and posters. Stanford Toolkit This Is Quitting This is Quitting is a free and anonymous text messaging program from Truth Initiative designed to help young people quit vaping. Features include: Tailored programming based on age (within 13-24 years old) and product usage to give teens and young adults appropriate recommendations about quitting; and Free promotional materials to promote This is Quitting within schools and local communities. This Is Quitting INDEPTH | American Lung Association INDEPTH is a FREE interactive program that teaches students about nicotine dependence, establishing healthy alternatives and how to kick the unhealthy addiction that got them in trouble in the first place. How it works: Schools connect with the American Lung Association; Facilitators complete an online INDEPTH training ; and Facilitators prepare and implement the INDEPTH program . INDEPTH Escape the Vape Video Challenge Escape the Vape Video Challenge is a PSA video contest where Minnesota middle and high schools can use their voice to raise awareness about the dangers of vaping and expose the shadowy tactics of the tobacco industry. Students create and upload their 30-second, vape-bashing PSA video, and have the chance to win $500 for themselves and $500 for their school or organization, along with other great prizes. #mnjointheescape Escape the Vape Vape, Educate Vape, Educate is an online course originally designed to be completed by middle and high school students. It can be purchased and used as an educational program for teachers, parents, and other community members. The program is intended to be used as a tool that provides supplemental material to educate students about vaping. Vape, Educate Essentia Health As part of the Don’t Blow It: Anti-vaping Campaign , Essentia Health developed a toolkit that can be used by teachers and community groups to educate students and the general public about the dangers of vaping. Don't Blow It: Anti-Vaping Citations U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Preventing Tobacco Use Among Youth and Young Adults: A Report of the Surgeon General. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National 2 Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health. 2012. National Academy of Medicine. Public Health Implications of Raising the Minimum Age of Legal Access to Tobacco Products. National Academy Press. 2015. Boyle, R., Kingsbury, J. & Parks, M. Raising the Minimum Legal Sales Age for Tobacco to 21. Minnesota Medicine. 2017. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Health Consequences of Smoking: 50 Years of Progress. A Report of the Surgeon General. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health. 2014. Goriounova, N., Mansvelder, H. Nicotine exposure during adolescence alters the rules for prefrontal cortical synaptic plasticity during adulthood. Frontiers in synaptic neuroscience. 2012. Nelson, D. et al. Long-term trends in adolescent and young adult smoking in the United States: metapatterns and implications. Am J Public Health. 2008.

Lesson Ten: Environmental Impacts Lesson Ten (PDF) Lesson Files How Do Vapes Harm the Environment Factsheet "WHO Accuses Tobacco Industry of 'Greenwashing' in New Report" by Tracy J. Wholf and Eric Fayeulle Videos The Earth is Not Disposable Tobacco and the Environment Tobacco: Threat to Our Environment

OUR MISSION ANSR is dedicated to reducing the human and economic costs of commercial tobacco, nicotine and other drug use in Minnesota. Our core commitments are: to protect young Minnesotans from a lifetime of addiction; to ensure that all Minnesotans can breathe clean, smoke-free air everywhere; and to reduce health inequities and other disparities in relation to commercial tobacco, nicotine and other drugs. In 1975, ANSR helped pass the nation’s first comprehensive state clean indoor air legislation. Since then, ANSR has continued to play a leading role in shaping tobacco policy and has been involved in every major state-wide policy, such as the Freedom to Breathe Act in 2007 and raising the tobacco tax in 2013. ANSR helped Minneapolis and Saint Paul restrict the sales of flavored tobacco, including menthol, and also helped Edina become the first Minneapolis city to raise the tobacco sales age to 21. Financial Documents 2023 ANSR Audited Financial Statements 2023 Federal Form 990 Annual Reports 2023 Annual Report 2022 ANSR Audited Financial Statements 2022 Federal Form 990 2022 Annual Report 2021 ANSR Audited Financial Statements 2021 Federal Form 990 2021 Annual Report 2020 ANSR Audited Financial Statements 2020 Federal Form 990 2020 Annual Report 2019 ANSR Audited Financial Statements 2019 Federal Form 990 2019 Annual Report 2018 ANSR Audited Financial Statements 2018 Federal Form 990 2018 Annual Report 2017 ANSR Audited Financial Statements 2017 Federal Form 990 2017 Annual Report