Gov signs bill banning flavored rolling papers

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Associated Press

Story Created: Thu Aug 9, 2012 4:40 PM

Story Updated: Thu Aug 9, 2012 4:40 PM

CHICAGO — Flavored tobacco rolling papers are now banned in Illinois.

Gov. Pat Quinn signed a bill into law Thursday that bans the sale of non-menthol flavored wrapping paper more commonly called "blunt warps."  Opponents say they're used to smoke marijuana and other drugs.
Quinn calls them a "public health menace" and a ban will keep people away from drugs.
It was sponsored by Republican Rep. Dennis Reboletti. He says the papers that come in fruit and candy flavors are designed to appeal to children. However critics have said that there's no evidence of that.
The bill also toughens the penalty for heroin sales. The new law sends anyone who sells 3 or more grams of heroin to prison. The threshold is now 5 grams.
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Online: www.ilga.gov
The bill is HB3801.