Portland, Oregon – The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) released a comprehensive evaluation of statewide tobacco‑control policies, confirming that the state has met or exceeded every target set for 2017‑2025. The findings highlight dramatic declines in traditional cigarette use among both youth and adults, while also noting that vaping among young people and persistent disparities among certain populations require continued attention.
Key policy actions and their impact
OHA’s report, Evaluating the Impact of Statewide Policies on Tobacco Use and Sales, examined trends before and after three major measures were enacted: Tobacco 21, which raised the legal purchase age for all tobacco and nicotine products to 21; Ballot Measure 108, which increased state tobacco taxes; and the Tobacco Retail Licensing program, which obligates retailers to obtain a state license.
Since those policies took effect, the data show substantial reductions in cigarette consumption. In 2024, only about 1% of eighth‑grade students and 2.8% of 11th‑grade students reported currently smoking cigarettes, down from 4.3% and 8.8% respectively in 2015. Adult smoking fell from 17.1% in 2016 to 11% in 2024, surpassing the state’s goal of 13.3%.
Per‑capita cigarette sales also dropped sharply, from 38.3 packs per person in 2016 to 21 packs in 2024, well below the target of 34 packs or fewer.
Vaping trends and remaining challenges
While traditional cigarette use has declined, e‑cigarette use tells a more mixed story. Among eighth‑graders, current vaping fell from 9.3% in 2015 to 4.1% in 2024, and among 11th‑graders it dropped from 17.1% to 9%. However, adult e‑cigarette use rose through 2023 before beginning to decline in 2024, reflecting a rapidly evolving nicotine marketplace.
Dr. Dean Sidelinger, OHA’s health officer and state epidemiologist, emphasized that tobacco remains a leading preventable cause of death in Oregon. “These declines represent meaningful progress,” he said, adding that “not everyone in Oregon has benefited equally.”
Disparities persist among vulnerable groups
The report identified higher tobacco‑use rates among several demographic groups. Among youth, gender‑nonconforming students, American Indian/Alaska Native youth, and those of North African/Middle Eastern heritage reported higher use. Among adults, Black/African American and American Indian/Alaska Native individuals, bisexual adults, people without a college degree, low‑income residents, and the unemployed continued to smoke at higher rates than the broader population.
These findings underscore the need for targeted prevention and cessation resources in communities that have not seen the same level of improvement.
Recommendations and next steps
OHA recommends sustained investment in tobacco‑prevention and cessation programs, especially in the identified high‑risk communities. The agency also plans to continue monitoring retailer compliance through the Tobacco Retail Licensing program, which has been in effect since January 1, 2022.
While the evaluation does not claim a direct causal link between the policies and the observed declines, the timing of the improvements aligns with the implementation of the three major measures.
The full report is available on the Oregon Health Authority website for anyone interested in the detailed data and methodology.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
