By Bob Katzen

This bill would broaden the definition of “smokeless tobacco,” which is subject to the tobacco excise tax, to include any product whether chewed, absorbed, dissolved or ingested.

“Right now, Big Tobacco and other companies are skirting the rules by selling products made with lab-created nicotine instead of tobacco,” said sponsor Sen. Julian Cyr (D- Truro). “[The measure] has broad bipartisan support and closes that loophole so all nicotine products are treated the same under state law. This means products like nicotine patches can’t slip through the cracks, making it more difficult for young people to get hooked and ensuring Massachusetts keeps strong protections for public health.”