Letter Urges NY to Tax Nicotine Pouches Like Other Tobacco Products

Editor argues nicotine pouches are not approved for smoking cessation and appeal to youth.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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In a letter to the editor, a public health advocate argues that New York Governor Hochul's proposed excise tax on nicotine pouches is warranted, as these products are not approved for smoking cessation and feature flavors that appeal to youth. The letter urges the state to treat nicotine pouches like other tobacco products and highlights resources available to help New Yorkers quit smoking.

Why it matters

The letter highlights a debate over the regulation of nicotine pouches, a newer tobacco product that has raised concerns about youth appeal and addiction. As New York has seen a drop in youth vaping, the tobacco industry is introducing new products that could undermine those public health gains.

The details

The letter writer argues that nicotine pouches, unlike FDA-approved nicotine replacement therapies, are not standardized, can contain high nicotine concentrations, and feature youth-appealing flavors. The writer urges New York to apply the same excise tax to nicotine pouches as other tobacco products, as tax increases are known to reduce tobacco use, especially among youth.

  • Gov. Hochul's proposed excise tax on nicotine pouches was announced recently.

The players

Gov. Kathy Hochul

The governor of New York who has proposed an excise tax on nicotine pouches.

Jon Chaffee

A public health advocate from Tobacco-Free Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany who wrote the letter to the editor.

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What they’re saying

“Nicotine pouches are not approved for smoking cessation, and it is well known that tax increases on tobacco products reduce tobacco use, especially among youth.”

— Jon Chaffee, Tobacco-Free Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany (springvillejournal.com)

What’s next

The proposed excise tax on nicotine pouches in New York will likely be debated in the state legislature in the coming months.

The takeaway

This letter highlights the ongoing debate over the regulation of newer nicotine products like pouches, which some public health advocates argue should be treated similarly to traditional tobacco products in order to curb youth use and addiction.