TSET Urges Oklahoma Lawmakers to Curb E-Cigarette Use

Sep.05.2022
TSET Urges Oklahoma Lawmakers to Curb E-Cigarette Use
Oklahoma's TSET seeks policy to decrease e-cigarette use and tighten restrictions on retailers. Rise in teen e-cigarette use alarming.

The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) in Oklahoma is urging state lawmakers to introduce a policy that would curb the use of e-cigarettes. TSET is seeking to address potential loopholes in the law that may allow teenagers to use e-cigarettes.


The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) has stated that the downward trend in teenage smoking over the past 20 years has come to a halt. In the last five years, they have seen the emergence of electronic cigarettes, which has surpassed alarming levels. This week, the TSET board approved a resolution concerning electronic cigarettes, supporting policies that require electronic cigarette retailers to obtain licenses and other related measures.


The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) in Oklahoma is calling on state lawmakers to develop a policy to reduce the use of e-cigarettes in the state.


According to Thomas Larson, the Public Information and Outreach Director for TSET, unlike traditional tobacco products, retailers need a tobacco retail license to sell these products. He stated that electronic cigarette retailers that contribute to the problem do not have similar licensing requirements, making law enforcement difficult and enforcement of underage sales challenging because the state does not even have a complete list of electronic cigarette retailers.


If we want to prevent young people from becoming addicted to nicotine, raising the taxes on these electronic cigarettes to prices closer to those of traditional cigarettes will hinder their use," said Larson. The Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust is calling on state lawmakers to enact a policy that reduces the use of e-cigarettes in the state.


According to Larson, TSET has valid reasons for wanting these new policies targeting electronic cigarettes. "Apart from nicotine, they have found heavy metals such as tin and lead in electronic cigarettes, so it's not just vapor and it's not harmless," Larson said.


Currently, up to 1 to 4 young Oklahomans have reported using e-cigarettes or vaping in the past 30 days, according to Larson. "It's a growing epidemic in our youth. It's attracting a whole new generation of nicotine users," Larson said. Several bills were proposed on this issue before two legislative sessions, but none were heard in committee, Larson said. TSET stated that they are trying to get something done at the upcoming legislative session.


Statement


This article is compiled from third-party information and is intended for industry exchange and learning purposes only.


This article does not represent the viewpoint of 2FIRSTS, and 2FIRSTS is unable to confirm the authenticity or accuracy of the article's contents. The translation of this article is solely for the purpose of industry communication and research.


Due to the limited translation skills, the translated article may not fully reflect the original text. Please refer to the original text for accuracy.


In regards to any domestic, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan or foreign-related statements and stances, 2FIRSTS is completely aligned with the Chinese government.


The copyright of compiled information belongs to the original media and author, and if there is any infringement, please contact us for removal.


The original article by the technology company belongs to the company in terms of copyright and usage rights. No individual or entity is permitted to copy or reproduce the article without company authorization. Unauthorized usage of the company's copyright is subject to legal action.



Disclaimer

This article is provided solely for professional research, industry discussion, and informational purposes. Any references to brands, companies, products, technologies, or policies are made for factual reporting and analytical purposes only, and do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, promotion, or advertising by 2Firsts.

Nicotine-containing products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, carry significant health risks. Readers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions, including age restrictions and access limitations.

The information contained in this article should not be regarded as investment, legal, medical, regulatory, or commercial advice. While 2Firsts strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its content, it does not assume liability for any direct or indirect loss arising from errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or reliance on the information contained herein.

This article is not intended for individuals below the legal age for accessing tobacco or nicotine-related information in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright Notice

This article is either original content produced by 2Firsts or content reproduced, translated, summarized, or adapted from third-party sources with attribution where applicable. The intellectual property rights of the original content remain with 2Firsts or the respective original rights holders.

No individual or organization may copy, reproduce, distribute, republish, modify, translate, or otherwise use this content without prior authorization. Any unauthorized use may result in legal action.

For copyright-related inquiries, corrections, or removal requests, please contact: info@2firsts.com.

 

AI-Assisted Translation and Editing Notice

Portions of this article may have been translated, edited, or reviewed with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools to improve efficiency and readability. Due to the limitations of AI-assisted translation and editing, discrepancies, omissions, or inaccuracies may exist when compared with the original source.

Where applicable, readers are advised to refer to the original source for the most complete and accurate information. If you identify any errors or believe that any content infringes upon your rights, please contact us at info@2firsts.com, and we will review and address the matter promptly.

Nicotine Pouches Gain Ground in U.S. Convenience Stores as Vape Unit Sales Fall 14%
Nicotine Pouches Gain Ground in U.S. Convenience Stores as Vape Unit Sales Fall 14%
According to convenience retail publication CStore Decisions, U.S. convenience store tobacco categories are undergoing a structural shift. Based on Circana OmniMarket Total U.S. Convenience data for the 52 weeks ending June 14, 2026, cigarettes remained the largest category with $50.8 billion in sales, but unit sales declined 5.3%. Electronic smoking devices and vaping products also declined, while modern oral nicotine products continued to grow, with nicotine pouch sales rising 29% in dollars and 17% in units. Retailers said changing consumer preferences are reshaping tobacco product assortments at convenience stores.
Regulations
Aug.07
BAT Expands ITC Infotech Partnership Across Poland, Romania and India to Advance AI
BAT Expands ITC Infotech Partnership Across Poland, Romania and India to Advance AI
ITC Infotech has expanded its multi-year strategic technology partnership with British American Tobacco (BAT), providing technology services across Poland, Romania and India while continuing to support BAT's newly launched Future Capabilities Centre in India and existing technology hubs in Malaysia and Mexico. The companies said the agreement will focus on AI-enabled innovation, technology capability building and greater operational efficiency. The partnership also aligns with BAT's broader Fit2Win transformation programme, under which the group is expanding the use of external technology and business-services partners to simplify its global operating model.
Aug.13
FDA Grants MRTP Orders for 20 ZYN Nicotine Pouches
FDA Grants MRTP Orders for 20 ZYN Nicotine Pouches
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued modified risk granted orders to Swedish Match USA for 20 ZYN nicotine pouch products, allowing the already-authorized products to be marketed with a specific claim that using ZYN instead of cigarettes lowers the risk of mouth cancer, heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Jul.01
2Firsts Data | China’s U.S. Vape Exports Have Yet to Regain Previous Growth Momentum in H1 2026, but Hardware Grew 15.2% and 6-Methyl Nicotine-Related Products Rose 234.7%
2Firsts Data | China’s U.S. Vape Exports Have Yet to Regain Previous Growth Momentum in H1 2026, but Hardware Grew 15.2% and 6-Methyl Nicotine-Related Products Rose 234.7%
China’s vape exports to the U.S. reached approximately $1.58 billion in the first half of 2026, remaining broadly stable from a year earlier but still below previous growth momentum. 2Firsts’ analysis of China Customs data shows that the U.S. market has not simply returned to its previous trajectory after the enforcement shock and inventory-driven swings of 2025. Instead, export momentum is shifting across product categories. Vaping devices and atomization hardware increased 15.2% year over year, while 6-methyl nicotine-related and other nicotine substitute products surged 234.7%. Meanwhile, traditional nicotine-containing vaping products continued to face pressure.
Jul.22
Japan’s Heated Tobacco Tax Reform Drives Price Increase as JT Raises All Ploom Sticks by ¥40
Japan’s Heated Tobacco Tax Reform Drives Price Increase as JT Raises All Ploom Sticks by ¥40
Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) has applied to Japan’s finance minister for approval to revise retail prices of its Ploom heated tobacco sticks following planned changes to the heated tobacco tax system from October 1, 2026. If approved, all 31 Ploom stick products will increase by ¥40. After the adjustment, EVO products will cost ¥620 per 20-stick pack, MEVIUS products ¥590 and CAMEL products ¥570. JT said the price revision is intended to respond to tax changes while maintaining product quality and brand value. The tax reform is expected to narrow the tax gap between combustible cigarettes and heated tobacco products, potentially reshaping pricing strategies in Japan’s heated tobacco market.
Jul.22
Kaival Brands Explores Nicotine Pouches as Smaller Nicotine Companies Seek Smoke-Free Growth
Kaival Brands Explores Nicotine Pouches as Smaller Nicotine Companies Seek Smoke-Free Growth
U.S. nicotine company Kaival Brands Innovations Group is exploring opportunities in nicotine pouches and other modern nicotine products, reflecting a broader shift among smaller nicotine businesses beyond traditional vaping products.
Jul.17