A proposed bill in Oregon targeting flavored nicotine products received its first hearing on Tuesday. According to Sen. Lisa Reynolds, the legislation’s language is intentionally broad—designed to cover any flavored product containing tobacco or nicotine, as well as “things we haven’t thought of yet.”
If enacted, Senate Bill 702 would outlaw the sale or distribution of any “flavored inhalant delivery system products or flavored tobacco products” in the state.
Anthony Macuk of KGW8 explained, “The bill would also ban promotional giveaways and other free distribution of all tobacco products, whether flavored or not, and it would require all cigarettes, vapes, and smokeless tobacco products to be sold only at licensed retailers.”
During the hearing before the Senate Committee on Early Childhood and Behavioral Health, dozens of witnesses testified. Students, parent advocates, and lawmakers emphasized the health risks associated with tobacco and the particular appeal of flavored vapes to teens and young adults.
In contrast, several tobacco shop owners argued that since it is already illegal for individuals under 21 to purchase vaping and tobacco products, a blanket ban on flavored products would significantly damage their businesses and likely empower an illicit market.
Additionally, Sen. David Brock Smith maintained that vapes and smokeless tobacco are generally less harmful than traditional cigarettes, warning that banning these alternatives could inadvertently push users back towards more dangerous tobacco products.
