W.Va. Settles With Juul For $7.9 Million

West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey announced his office has settled a lawsuit with Juul for a total of $7.9 million.

The electronic cigarette company was accused of violating the state’s Consumer Credit and Protection Act by engaging in unfair or deceptive acts when promoting and distributing e-cigarettes in West Virginia. The suit said this was especially targeted at underage users.

“This settlement puts companies like Juul in check to not copy big tobacco’s playbook and gear marketing strategies toward underage people,” Morrisey said. “In Juul’s case, we have alleged it has deceived consumers about its nicotine strength, misrepresented the nicotine equivalency of its products to traditional cigarettes and understated the risks of addiction that occur with such powerful levels of nicotine.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Juul e-cigarette pods contain as much nicotine as a pack of 20 regular cigarettes.

In 2017, more than 14 percent of high school students in West Virginia used e-cigarettes at least one day in the past 30 days. 

Morrisey’s office stated the nearly $8 million is just part of the settlement, which includes stipulations dictating how Juul can advertise in West Virginia.

It is unclear how the settlement money will be used. West Virginia Public Broadcasting did not receive a response from the Attorney General’s Office before this story was published.