Herbal cigarettes, which are commonly made of jasmine, ginseng, passion flower, clove, turmeric, or capnip, are not restricted by tobacco laws in terms of who may purchase them.

Although herbal cigarettes contain no tobacco, health officials say they are still hazardous. Usually they contain more tar and other substances that can cause cancer, emphysema and heart trouble.

Officials are concerned that manufacturers of herbal cigarettes are specifically targeting young people with their product and misleading them into thinking that the cigarettes are less risky than smoking tobacco.

"With youth, you're concerned that these herbal cigarettes will initiate them into smoking tobacco cigarettes later," said Dr. Alonzo Plough, director of public health for Seattle and King County.

To address the issue, state Rep. Jeanne Edwards (D-Bothell) plans on introducing a bill that would include herbal cigarettes under the same age-related restrictions governing tobacco.

"It's clear the companies producing these are trying to lure kids," Edwards said. "I was just dumbfounded to learn that children can buy these items in grocery or convenience stores. It's crazy."

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