Taxes

Legislators target nicotine pouches as they gain popularity

Proposals include new taxes and including them in bans on flavored tobacco products.
Containers of Zyn, a smokeless nicotine pouch, are displayed for sale among other nicotine and tobacco products at a newsstand on Feb. 23, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews, File)

Lawmakers are responding to the surging popularity of nicotine pouches with potential new regulations, addressing concerns that the products marketed as an alternative to smoking still have health risks and could become a pathway to addiction.

At least four states — Hawaii, New Jersey, New York and Washington — are considering first-in-the nation legislation this year that would include nicotine pouches in bans on flavored tobacco products. 

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