New York Gov. Hochul’s nicotine pouch tax would be bad for public health
February 24, 2026 by reason.org
New York Gov. Hochul’s nicotine pouch tax would be bad for public health
Gov. Hochul's $260 billion budget includes a new tax on nicotine pouches to match cigarette prices, raising $18 million initially and $44 million later. While meant to improve public health, pouches don't contain tobacco or produce smoke. They offer a safer alternative as proven by the FDA approval. However, taxing them heavily may deter smokers from switching, consequently boosting cigarette sales. Existing tobacco tax revenue could be better used to enforce compliance and prevention programs instead of introducing new taxes.
February 24, 2026 by consumeraffairs.com
Could nicotine pouches be a less harmful alternative for smokers?
New national research shows that nicotine pouch use is low among U.S. adults, with higher rates amo…
14.10% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 39.8 million current smokers in United States 17.10% of men are current smokers but only 11.10% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
