New form of tobacco use sparks tax discussion in South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - Anti-tobacco groups and tobacco companies agree that no tobacco product is 100% safe.

But a new proposal in South Carolina has them split over whether it would provide a safer alternative for cigarette smokers or could open the door for more tobacco use – including among young people.

A bill deals with “heated tobacco products.” If it becomes law – it would create three different tiers for how tobacco products are taxed in South Carolina.

As opposed to traditional cigarettes – which burn tobacco – or e-cigarettes and vapes – which heat liquid – these products heat tobacco leaves.

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“While this product isn’t yet being sold in South Carolina, it’s likely coming our way soon. And so we want to stay ahead of the game,” said Beth Johnson of the American Cancer Society. “We want to be sure that we’re doing everything in our power to protect youth from ever starting to use these products and to help adults quit.”

Right now, only one heated tobacco product made by one company is authorized to be sold in the U.S. – and Texas is the only state where people can buy them.

But this bill would establish a tax on future sales in South Carolina – which would be less than half of what traditional cigarettes are taxed.

The American Cancer Society opposes the bill – arguing all tobacco products are harmful to health and that pricing is a proven strategy to prevent and reduce tobacco use.

“What we’d like to ask you to do today is to consider these products as cigarettes, as traditional cigarettes, and we’d like them to be taxed as such,” Johnson told lawmakers.

But ers say heated tobacco is less harmful than traditional cigarettes – and this provides a better alternative for people trying to kick that habit.

“It isn’t just the nicotine. It’s the feel. It’s this motion, this oral fixation where I’m bringing something up to my mouth like this, and it’s warm and it smells like a certain thing,” said Rep. Gil Gatch, R-Dorchester, the bill’s lead sponsor. “That’s a hard habit to break outside of the nicotine addiction. This is one of those things that really benefits in that direction.”

Philip Morris International – the company that makes the only heated tobacco product being sold in the U.S. right now – told lawmakers it eventually wants to be able to sell this in South Carolina retail and convenience stores.

“There are a few things we’ll do that will ensure only adult smokers are being met,” said Jake Jacobs with Philip Morris.

A few lawmakers were skeptical – and say they worry this product could end up getting more young people hooked on tobacco.

“It is my concern that we are selling this product to the public as being 95% safer and that we may be encouraging a whole new generation of folks to start this new habit that is, in fact, not safe,” said Rep. Heather Crawford, R-Horry.

The bill had its first hearing Wednesday – advancing out of a House Ways and Means subcommittee.

Its likelihood of reaching the governor’s desk this year is slim, with just over two weeks left in this year’s legislative session.

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