Mass. judge upholds restriction on "blunt wraps"

BOSTON—A Massachusetts judge has upheld the authority of the Boston Public Health Commission to ban the sale of "blunt wraps," tobacco-leaf papers often used to roll marijuana cigarettes.

The Commission's Board of Health last year adopted a regulation prohibiting the sale of blunt wraps.

Three manufacturers as well as a trade group challenged the decision in court, arguing that their product had been unfairly singled out.

Dr. Barbara Ferrer, executive director of the Boston Public Health Commission, said Thursday that a judge agreed that the board has the authority to enact regulations in the interests of public health.

The commission argued that the blunt wraps were being marketed to youth because of their bright packaging and exotic flavors.