Oregon Lawmakers Propose Statewide Ban On Sale Of Flavored Nicotine Products
Oregon lawmakers have again proposed vape restrictions and are deliberating a bill prohibiting the sale of flavored nicotine products.
Oregon Vape And Flavored Nicotine Ban Proposed
As an underage vaping pandemic sweeps across Oregon, and with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) urging the FDA to ban all flavored tobacco products without exemptions, state lawmakers are revisiting the bans previously stayed by the Appeal Court. Lawmakers previously attempted to pass similar legislation in 2023.
The new bill also seeks to ban the sale, distribution, or offer of flavored inhalant delivery systems, including vapes and flavored tobacco products. In the bill, flavoring is defined as any artificial or natural taste not solely attributed to tobacco, including menthol, mint, fruit, chocolate, candy, and similar flavors.
The Oregon Court of Appeals issued an order pausing implementation of the previous ban on February 28, 2024. Supporters of the new ban believe it would protect children from harmful chemicals and early addiction.
The CDC estimates that almost nine out of 10 adults who smoke start before the age of 18, and nearly all by age 26. Although some Oregon counties have already implemented similar policies, these have been the subject of legal challenges; the bill’s opponents say banning flavored nicotine products could negatively impact adults seeking alternatives to traditional smoking.
The new bill extends to allowing local governments to strengthen laws regarding flavored nicotine products, provided they don’t weaken state laws.
Under the proposed legislation, cigarettes, only a licensed provider would be able to sell smokeless tobacco, and inhalant delivery systems and free giveaways would be prohibited.
At a public hearing, retailers who sell flavored products legally testified that the bill would harm their businesses financially. One indicated that tobacco sales make up 35% of his store’s sales, and another warned that the bill would aid the black market.
Should the new bill be enacted, it is scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2025.