Steve Hilton Proposes Lifting California Ban on Flavored Nicotine Pouches

Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton has proposed allowing the sale of flavored nicotine pouches, such as Zyn, to return to California. The proposal is part of his plan to dismantle what he describes as burdensome state regulations.

Hilton stated that feedback from Californians indicated a desire to eliminate the ban on flavored nicotine pouches, placing it at the top of a list of bureaucratic rules to be removed. "There’s no medical reason or health reason why you shouldn’t be able to buy flavored pouches like you can in other states," Hilton said, noting that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized flavored varieties of Zyn for sale.

California currently prohibits the sale of most flavored nicotine pouches, a ban that was later expanded to include products offering a "cooling sensation." Hilton's campaign acknowledges that nicotine is addictive but argues that adults should have the autonomy to make their own choices. Assemblymember David Tangipa (R) supported Hilton's stance, calling the ban an example of government overreach.

Despite the state's ban, the demand for these products persists, with some customers reportedly purchasing them from out-of-state or online retailers. A manager at a gas station where Hilton held an event noted that customers frequently inquire about flavored Zyn, leading to lost business for the store.

Hilton characterized the ban as "pointless" and "ridiculous." His proposed policy would maintain existing age restrictions and penalties for sales to minors. It would also exclude products not reviewed and authorized by the FDA, and California's existing restrictions on flavored cigarettes would remain in effect.

The idea has garnered support on social media, with some users expressing frustration over the ban, especially in light of California's legalization of cannabis and psilocybin. Others believe the proposal could appeal to a broader range of voters. "As a life long progressive Democrat I love this idea," one user commented, adding that bans on such products are often ineffective.

Public health advocates, however, maintain that the ban is necessary to prevent the tobacco industry from targeting young people with flavored products. In 2022, California voters approved a ballot measure (Proposition 31) with 63.5% of the vote to uphold the state's ban on the sale of certain flavored tobacco products.