Oregon Proposed Ban on Flavored Tobacco Products Sparks Debate

Key takeaways:

Oregon state in the United States is considering banning the sale of all flavored tobacco products.

Supporters believe that the ban will help reduce the use of flavored e-cigarettes among teenagers, while tobacco shop owners argue that the ban may lead to the expansion of the black market.

Some people believe that the ban may encourage users to return to traditional cigarettes.

According to a report from KGW8 on March 4th, a bill aiming to ban flavored nicotine products in the state of Oregon held its first hearing on the same day.

The bill will prohibit the sale or distribution of any "flavored tobacco products" in the state. Senator Lisa Reynolds stated that the bill is broadly worded and covers any flavored products containing tobacco or nicotine, and could even encompass "things we haven't thought of.

The bill will also prohibit promotional gifts and other free distribution of all tobacco products, flavored or not. In addition, all cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco products can only be sold at licensed retailers.

At a hearing of the Senate Committee on Early Childhood and Behavioral Health, dozens of individuals voiced their opinions on the bill. Students, parents advocates, and lawmakers were mainly concerned about the health risks of tobacco and the appeal of flavored e-cigarettes to adolescents and young people. However, several tobacco shop owners argued that purchasing e-cigarettes and tobacco products for those under 21 is already illegal. They believe that a complete ban on flavored products would significantly harm their business and potentially lead to the expansion of a black market for flavored products.

Senator David Brock Smith believes that e-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products pose less risk to user health than traditional cigarettes, and that banning these alternative products could potentially lead some users to return to smoking traditional cigarettes.