Vape Tax
Creating a Barrier for Youth Vaping
Raising the price of vapes could prevent teens from ever starting.
Vapes are easy for Oklahoma kids to get. One big reason is the price. Oklahoma has additional taxes on cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and cigars. Vapes however, which deliver the same addictive nicotine, aren’t taxed the same way. Teens notice the price difference and often reach for them first.
The simplest way to change that is to tax vapes at a rate similar to traditional tobacco products.
How Will a Tax Protect Teens?
Vapes are affordable, and teens are quick to spot a deal. Yes, you have to be 21 or older to purchase nicotine products in Oklahoma, however teens find ways around that — through online retailers, older friends or retailers who don’t check ID. The fact is, teens are still paying retail price when purchasing illegally, so a higher price is still a barrier.
If Teens Are Already Addicted, Why Does Price Matter?
Price will always be a factor to consumers. Similar to how the cigarette tax helped tobacco users quit, a vape tax could do the same. The cost becomes another barrier in the purchasing process which could convince adults and teens alike to second-guess the purchase or use the product less overall.
Why Should We Tax Vapes Specifically?
Vapes are made by the same brands who have manufactured other tobacco products for decades. While many vapes don’t contain tobacco, they still contain high levels of addictive nicotine, often more than traditional cigarettes. Vapes are also marketed to minors and young adults and are the gateway products to addiction. A tax could prevent teens from ever vaping in the first place, that’s why 70% of Oklahoma voters support a vape tax.
Will a Vape Tax Push Teens Toward Cigarettes?
No, a vape tax will not encourage the use of other products. Cigarettes and other tobacco products already have an additional tax. Extending that tax to nicotine products will ensure there is no affordable option for teens to select, overall eliminating the illusion of choice.
A Fair Fix
Updating the definition of taxable tobacco products to include vapes lets Oklahoma keep pace as new products enter the market. It’s a common-sense change that doesn’t ask anything of families. It simply closes a gap.
get involved
If you’re ready to take action against Big Tobacco and make a difference in your community, find resources to help you get started.
Protect Your Teens From Tobacco and Nicotine
If you’re a parent, guardian or educator, there’s another line of defense that stands between the teens in your life and nicotine. Talking with them about the dangers of addiction and the threat of tobacco products can make a difference. Find guides, an interactive experience and other materials to help you start the conversation.