New Poll Shows Strong Bipartisan Backing for Taxing Nicotine Pouches; CNY Tobacco Cessation Experts Urge Action

SYRACUSE, N.Y.— The Campaign for Tobacco‑Free Kids released new polling results showing strong bipartisan support among New York voters for taxing nicotine pouches at the same rate as other smokeless tobacco products, a position supported by public health leaders across the state, including the CNY Regional Center for Tobacco Health Systems at St. Joseph’s Health.

The Siena Research Institute poll found that nearly two‑thirds of New York voters (64%–25%) support taxing nicotine pouches at the same rate as other tobacco products. The poll also found that 68% of voters are concerned about the increasing use of nicotine pouches—such as Zyn—by young people. Support for the tax spans political parties and regions throughout New York.

“These findings confirm what public health professionals across New York are seeing on the ground,” said Kristen Richardson, RN, CTTS, Director of the CNY Regional Center for Tobacco Health Systems at St. Joseph’s Health and Director of Tobacco Free Communities Delaware, Otsego & Schoharie. “New Yorkers are deeply concerned about the growing popularity of nicotine pouches among youth and support closing the loophole that allows these products to be sold cheaply and treated differently than other tobacco products.”

The poll surveyed 804 registered New York voters between March 23 and March 26 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.2%. The results come as Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York Legislature consider budget proposals that would extend the state’s existing tobacco products excise tax to include alternative nicotine products, including nicotine pouches. Under the proposal, these products would be taxed at 75% of the wholesale price, consistent with other smokeless tobacco products.

“Increasing the price of tobacco products through taxation is one of the most effective tools we have to reduce use, especially among young people,” Richardson said. “Nicotine pouches deliver high levels of nicotine, are often marketed in youth‑appealing flavors, and can easily lead to lifelong addiction. Taxing them at the same rate as other tobacco products is a smart, evidence‑based step to protect youth and public health.”

Because nicotine pouches are currently untaxed in New York, they are often sold at lower prices than other tobacco products, making them more accessible and appealing to young people. Public health advocates say extending the tax would help curb youth use while generating revenue to support health programs, including smoking cessation counseling and medications.

“The public is sending a clear signal to policymakers,” Richardson added. “New Yorkers want policies that keep pace with the evolving tobacco marketplace and put health first. Including this tax in the final budget would be an important step toward preventing addiction and protecting our communities.”