Vermont leverages 92% vaping tax

By Kyle Hooten

Vermont implemented a 92% tax against e-cigarettes Monday in an effort to reduce the popularity of vaping and curb youth use.

Vaping in Vermont was previously only taxed at 6%, making it cheaper than smoking cigarettes, according to the bill’s sponsor, Democratic state Rep. George Till.

Wikimedia Commons/Lindsay Fox

In addition to leveraging a 92% tax, separate legislation in Vermont this session has also raised the age to purchase vape and tobacco products to 21.

“We are trying to keep the tax across all nasty things the same,” Till said, reported CBS News.

In addition to leveraging a 92% tax, separate legislation in Vermont this session has also raised the age to purchase vape and tobacco products to 21. It also banned the purchase of these products “by mail or through a computer network, telephonic network, or other electronic network” like the internet unless shipped to a licensed dealer.

In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration released a statement declaring youth vaping an “epidemic of addiction.” Since then, many other states have passed laws similar to those seen most recently in Vermont.

Minnesota leverages the highest tax against e-cigarettes according to the Tax Foundation. Twelve states have also raised the age beyond 18 to purchase vaping products, counting the new rule in Vermont, according to the Public Health Law Center.

“We strongly support responsible legislation, such as raising the minimum-purchasing age for tobacco products, including vapor products like JUUL, to 21 years of age,” major vape manufacturer JUUL said in a press release. “We will actively pursue Tobacco 21 laws by drafting legislation, funding advocacy campaigns, and engaging with lawmakers.”

States aren’t alone in their anti-vaping efforts. Some cities have taken action as well, such as San Fransisco which recently became the first city to outright ban the sale of e-cigarettes, according to CNN.

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5 thoughts on “Vermont leverages 92% vaping tax

  1. This is for pensions and Cadillac health insurance for the army of do nothing civil servants.They know there never will be enough but they grasp at straws and tax anything that isn’t nailed down.

    Can’t wait for the reckoning!

  2. the Food and Drug Administration released a statement declaring youth vaping an “epidemic of addiction.”

    Youth? That means under 18, correct?

    What will increasing the legal age from 18 to 21? There are also kids who drink alcohol even though the legal drinking age is 21.

    With a higher age restriction and a 92% tax it will just create a booming black market with questionable products.

    Instead of taxing and restricting sales by age, we should be looking to inform and educate on the benefits and risks of vaping.

  3. ““We are trying to keep the tax across all nasty things the same,” Till said, reported CBS News.”

    Ninety two percent …. So this is what you will tax pot? How about alcohol. 92%???

    More nanny state rhetoric with MORE regressive taxes.

    I’m a former smoker, and sure wish vaping was around to help me quit when I did.

    These democrats and progs you have want nothing more then to keep the poor poor. Maintains their voter base.

    • The tobacco industry is feeling the pinch and has decided to take out the competition. Good for them. With so many positive side effects, that industry continues to thrive.

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