Oregon Expands Tobacco Rules to Cover Nicotine Pouches, Lozenges, and Other Emerging Products

Oregon is tightening its tobacco sales rules as newer nicotine products continue to grow in popularity, especially among young people.

Starting June 5, oral nicotine pouches, nicotine lozenges, gum and similar products will fall under Oregon’s tobacco regulations. That means retailers must treat those items the same way they treat cigarettes, e-cigarettes and other regulated nicotine products.

The change comes through Senate Bill 1571, which expands Oregon’s legal definition of “tobacco products” to include nicotine products whether they are made from tobacco or produced synthetically.

In Oregon, and under federal law, a person must be at least 21 years old to buy tobacco products or inhalant delivery systems.

Why the Law Is Changing

State health officials say the change is aimed at keeping up with a rapidly changing nicotine market.

Oral nicotine pouches have become one of the fastest-growing nicotine products in the country. Unlike traditional chewing tobacco, many of these products do not contain tobacco leaf. They are often sold in small containers and placed between the gum and lip.

Oregon Health Authority officials say that distinction created a need to update state law so newer products are covered more clearly by tobacco retail rules.

The agency said many of the products are sold in flavors such as mint, citrus, berry and other varieties that can be appealing to younger users. National research cited by health officials found that most youth who have ever used a tobacco product started with a flavored product.

In 2024, oral nicotine pouches became the second most commonly used tobacco product among middle and high school students in the United States.

Retailers Will Need to Check IDs

Oregon has about 3,700 tobacco retailers. The Oregon Health Authority is reminding those businesses to review their age verification procedures before the new rules take effect.

Retailers are expected to train employees on the updated definition and make sure staff are checking identification for customers purchasing oral nicotine products and other covered items.

OHA and local public health authorities will continue conducting undercover compliance checks. Those checks will now include the newly covered products.

Health Officials Cite Youth Addiction Concerns

Public health officials say the updated law is part of a broader effort to reduce youth nicotine addiction.

Nicotine is highly addictive, and teenagers’ developing brains are especially vulnerable to it. Health officials also note that nearly 90% of people who smoke begin before age 18.

Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death in Oregon, accounting for about 8,000 deaths each year.

Sarah Wylie, manager of the Oregon Tobacco Retail License Program at OHA’s Public Health Division, said the law is an important update as new nicotine products enter the market.

“SB 1571 is a significant step in responding to the shifting tobacco retail landscape and the emergence of new and addictive nicotine products,” Wylie said.

She said public health rules need to evolve as the industry introduces products aimed at new consumers.

Price Promotions Also Raise Concerns

OHA’s Tobacco Prevention and Education Program reviewed tobacco availability, advertising and marketing at 1,147 retail outlets across Oregon between January and July 2025.

The assessment found that 65% of retailers offered price promotions on tobacco products. Among those stores, 43% promoted oral nicotine products.

OHA said Zyn, one of the better-known nicotine pouch brands, had the lowest advertised price of any tobacco or nicotine product in the assessment, averaging $5.60.

Health officials said lower prices can make nicotine products more accessible to young people, who are often more sensitive to cost.

Help Is Available for People Who Want to Quit

Oregon offers free resources for people who want to quit tobacco or nicotine.

Support is available through the Oregon Tobacco Quit Line by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW. Spanish-language support is available at 1-855-DEJELO-YA.

People can also text “Ready” in English or “Listo” in Spanish to 21586, visit quitnow.net/oregon, download the Quit for Life app, or visit smokefreeoregon.com/im-ready-to-quit.

Some local pharmacists may also offer counseling and treatment options, including help creating a personalized quit plan.