Oregon Passes Bill to Ban Online Sales of Vaping Products
The Oregon Senate has approved House Bill 2261, a measure that will prohibit the online sale of all nicotine vaping devices and components in the state. The bill, which previously passed the House with near-unanimous support, now heads to the governor’s desk for signature.
Supporters of the legislation argue it is a crucial step to limit youth access to nicotine products by closing a significant loophole. “No matter how diligent our retailers are, there is still significant access to these products online,” stated Senator Kathleen Taylor (D-Portland), a long-time advocate for youth tobacco control. She emphasized that vaping is harmful to young people, as nicotine can have lasting effects on still-developing brains.
Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum applauded the bill’s passage, stating, “There is no effective way to verify an age or stop minors from purchasing these products over the internet.” She highlighted that while underage cigarette smoking has declined, rising e-cigarette use among teenagers threatens public health progress. By eliminating online sales, the state aligns the policy for inhalant delivery systems with its existing 2017 ban on the online sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products.
Concerns over youth vaping are underscored by 2019 data showing 1 in 4 U.S. high school students had recently vaped. The bill is seen as a major step forward in preventing lifelong addiction and negative health outcomes for young Oregonians.
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