Oregon Governor Set to Sign Online Vapor Sales Ban

The Oregon Senate approved House Bill 2261 on Wednesday, a move that supporters said will limit Oregon’s youth from accessing nicotine products by closing loopholes that have allowed those underage to purchase vaping products. The legislation passed the Oregon House on April 10. It now goes to the governor for her signature, which she has said she will sign.

“The use of vaping products by our youth is shocking,” said State Sen. Kathleen Taylor. “No matter how diligent our retailers are, there is still significant access to these products online.” Oregon prohibited the online sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products from taking place online in 2017. Oregon brings vaping products in line with that policy.

E-cigarettes started to be taxed for the first time in Oregon beginning Jan. 1 after voters overwhelmingly approved Measure 108 in late 2020.

In 2015, Taylor championed House Bill 2464 to make certain access and use laws around inhalant delivery systems aligned with that of other tobacco products. The bill added age restrictions on purchasing and defined where the use of vape products is allowed, according to KTVZ.com.

“Vaping is harmful to our youth. Not only is it habit forming, the nicotine contained in these products can have lasting effects on kids’ still-developing brains,” said Taylor. “The use of these products continues to rise, and they contain products and chemicals that are highly addictive. Oregon’s licensed retailers have agreed to do the right thing, protect our kids, and sell only to those of legal age. Ensuring a face-to-face exchange is required for purchasing these products, we remove a loophole that may be used that can result in lifelong addiction and negative health outcomes.”