Oregon’s SB 702: A Threat to Nicotine Alternatives and Consumer Choice

Oregon lawmakers are considering SB 702, a bill that would ban the sale of all flavored nicotine and tobacco products—except for tobacco flavor—even if those products have been authorized by the FDA. This sweeping proposal would prohibit the sale of mint, menthol, wintergreen, and even the flavors found in recently approved nicotine pouches, without any scientific evaluation by the state legislature or health department. 

If passed, SB 702 would: 

  • Override FDA decisions that have already deemed some flavored products appropriate for public health. 

  • Remove options for adult smokers looking to transition away from combustible cigarettes. 

  • Push consumers toward less convenient and accessible alternatives like DIY e-liquid, out-of-state purchases, or the unregulated black market. 

This bill is not currently scheduled for a hearing, but that could change quickly. Now is the time for Oregonians to take action by contacting their state senators and urging them to oppose SB 702. 

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The Importance of Vape Flavors 

For many adults who have successfully quit smoking, flavored vapor products and nicotine pouches have played a crucial role in their transition away from cigarettes. Studies show that non-tobacco flavors are preferred by the vast majority of adult vapers, and those who use them are more likely to stay smoke-free. 

Prohibiting flavored alternatives while keeping traditional cigarettes widely available makes little sense from a public health perspective. Instead of reducing harm, this type of ban risks sending former smokers back to combustible tobacco, undoing years of progress in reducing smoking-related diseases. 

The FDA has already evaluated and authorized some flavored nicotine products as appropriate for public health. SB 702 would ignore this scientific review process and implement an outright ban without considering the real-world consequences. 

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What a Flavor Ban Means for You 

If SB 702 is enacted, Oregon consumers will face tough choices: 

  • Crossing state lines: Many people will be forced to buy their preferred nicotine products in neighboring states where they remain legal. 

  • Turning to online sales: While some consumers may seek products online, shipping restrictions have made it increasingly difficult to purchase vapor products legally. 

  • The black market grows: Prohibitions don’t eliminate demand—they just push sales underground, increasing the risk of unregulated and potentially unsafe products. 

  • DIY vaping: Some users may attempt to make their own e-liquids, which could pose additional risks due to lack of quality control. 

Rather than forcing consumers into these uncertain situations, Oregon lawmakers should focus on enforcing existing regulations and keeping nicotine products out of the hands of youth, rather than removing superior options for adults. 

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Take Action: Tell Your Legislators to Oppose SB 702 

If you’re an Oregon resident, your voice matters. Urge your state senator to reject SB 702 and protect access to FDA-authorized nicotine products. 

📢 Take Action Now: CASAA’s Call to Action for Oregon 

How You Can Help: 

  • Share your story. If you switched from smoking to vaping or nicotine pouches, explain how flavors helped you quit. 

  • Describe your health improvements. Many former smokers experience better breathing, increased energy, and overall improved well-being after making the switch. 

  • Explain the impact of a ban. Let lawmakers know what losing access to flavored products would mean for you—whether you’d shop elsewhere, turn to riskier alternatives, or struggle to stay smoke-free. 

Oregon legislators must consider the real-world impact of banning harm-reduction products. Tell them to oppose SB 702 and stand for science-based policies, not prohibition. 

 

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