I believe in the case of NY it was all flavors except menthol that were banned.

Ya, it is politically too difficult to ban menthol at the moment.

Menthol competes for the same enzyme that breaks down nicotine, keeping nicotine active longer. It is also a moderately strong kappa-opioid receptor agonist: vaping too strong menthol liquid can induce extreme dysphoria, anxiety and panic attacks.

Can you elaborate?

Menthols are especially popular with African Americans, which has been a big consideration in not banning them so far.

I thought that stereotype was out the door with Billy Dee Williams and Colt 45 ads but OK.