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Oregon City Supports Statewide Ban on Flavored Tobacco Products
March 3, 2025
OREGON CITY, OR — Oregon City has taken a stand against flavored tobacco products by passing a resolution on Wednesday that calls for an end to their sale. The resolution urges the state legislature to pass Senate Bill 702 (SB 702), which seeks to eliminate the sale of flavored tobacco and synthetic nicotine products in Oregon.
The city’s resolution highlights the dangers these products pose to youth, urging lawmakers to act swiftly to protect children from the appeal of flavored tobacco and vaping products. “We need legislation banning the sale of flavored tobacco and synthetic nicotine products to protect our children and end the allure of these dangerous products for underage users,” the resolution reads.
Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in Oregon, killing over 8,000 people each year. The resolution underscores the concerning fact that more than 80% of children who use tobacco products began with a flavored product, with nearly 90% of youth e-cigarette users also reporting the use of flavored products.
The passing of this resolution was met with strong support from Flavors Hook Oregon Kids, a statewide coalition of over 60 organizations working to safeguard the health of Oregon’s children. “These dangerous products entice kids and lure them into a lifetime of nicotine addiction,” said Kari Hampton, a representative of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. “That’s why communities across Oregon are taking a stand to protect kids from candy-flavored tobacco products like Cotton Candy, Watermelon Ice, and Cool Mint.”
Oregon has seen growing momentum in the fight against flavored tobacco products, with Multnomah and Washington counties passing local ordinances in 2021 and 2022 to end their sale. In the wake of these actions, other counties, cities, and school districts have joined the call for a statewide solution, passing resolutions and sending letters urging the state legislature to take action.
SB 702 has gained substantial support, currently having more than 15 sponsors. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee On Early Childhood and Behavioral Health, where it is expected to be reviewed in the coming weeks.
As Oregon City’s resolution indicates, the push for a statewide ban on flavored tobacco products is part of a growing effort across the state to protect children from the harmful effects of tobacco use and ensure a healthier future for all Oregonians
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