Tobacco News and Updates: Spring 2025
How Oklahoma Stacks Up
The American Lung Association monitors tobacco control measures for each state and while Oklahoma excels in two areas — tobacco prevention/cessation funding and access to cessation services — it remains below the curve in other markers. Oklahoma received failing grades in smokefree air, largely due to current preemption policies, and flavored tobacco products, which are still legal in the state. The American Lung Association’s suggestions for Oklahoma: Increase the tax on tobacco products, repeal preemption and eliminate smoking in public places.
FDA Withdraws Proposed Bans on Menthol Cigarettes and Flavored Cigars
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) withdrew its proposal to ban menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars. The proposals had received over 175,000 comments on the menthol cigarette ban and 71,000 comments on the flavored cigar ban, indicating its significance to tobacco control efforts, who favor the ban, and to Big Tobacco, who opposes it. This withdrawal signals a shift in the FDA’s priorities, with the agency potentially becoming more receptive to tobacco industry arguments about marketing and the declining youth usage rates. While these proposals have been withdrawn, another proposal to limit nicotine content in combustible tobacco products remains pending.
Protective Bill Pushed
In early February, an Oklahoma Senate committee advanced a bill that would prohibit smoking and vaping in cars when children under 16 are present. Violators would be subject to a fine. This bill failed to move forward this year; however, it could return in 2026. Secondhand smoke is proven to cause a number of negative health effects in children including ear infections, respiratory illness, bronchitis, cancer and an increase in asthma attacks. Change is necessary to protect Oklahoma’s kids and future generations.