Vermont Governor Vetoes Flavored Tobacco Sales Ban

Gov. Phil Scott of Vermont has vetoed a bill that would have banned the sale of flavored tobacco products and flavored e-liquids in Vermont.

In a letter sent to John H. Bloomer Jr., secretary of the Vermont Senate, Scott said that he struggled with this legislation but ultimately found the proposal to be inconsistent with other laws that allow for the sales of flavored cannabis products, other flavored products and the ability for Vermont consumers to purchase flavored products online or out-of-state. Ultimately, he vetoed S. 18, a bill that was passed by the Vermont Senate in March 2023, though only cleared the Vermont House last month.

Update (April 11, 2024) — Per multiple reports, the Vermont Senate will not try to override the veto.

“From my perspective, this bill is inconsistent with other laws related to legalized substance use,” wrote Scott. “In 2020, the Legislature legalized the commercial sale of cannabis, including edibles and other flavored products, which are now widely available, despite the known risks to youth and their developing brains. Yet, to my knowledge, I’m not aware of an initiative to ban such products, even considering their obvious appeals to minors and negative health impacts.”

He pointed out that “from a purely practical point of view, these products would continue to be widely available just across the river in New Hampshire, and through online sales.”

Scott, a Republican, said that inconsistent laws like this lead to people losing faith in government.

In addition, his letter asked the Vermont Legislature to direct the Attorney General and Department of Liquor and Lottery to “crack down on direct online sales to minors.”