CVS Health eliminates tobacco products while supporting smoking cessation products

The California State Board of Pharmacy's Legislation and Regulation Committee convened on April 9, 2025, to discuss several key legislative measures impacting pharmacy practices in the state. The meeting highlighted significant changes in pharmacy operations, particularly regarding tobacco sales and the furnishing of hypodermic needles.

The session opened with a discussion on CVS Health's decision to remove all tobacco products from over 10,000 stores. A representative noted that this move has transformed the shopping environment, shifting patient focus towards health care products rather than tobacco and alcohol. Despite the loss of approximately $2 billion in sales, the representative expressed support for the initiative, advocating that all pharmacies in California should consider similar actions to promote public health.

Following this discussion, the committee addressed Assembly Bill 1037, which seeks to eliminate the January 1, 2026, sunset date on pharmacists' authority to furnish hypodermic needles and syringes without a prescription. The bill had recently passed the Assembly Health Committee. The committee members unanimously voted to support the measure, emphasizing its importance in maintaining access to essential health services.

The meeting then turned to Assembly Bill 1460, which aims to prohibit discriminatory practices by prescription drug manufacturers that could hinder the purchase or delivery of drugs under federal pricing requirements. The committee expressed strong support for this bill, with members highlighting concerns about potential limitations on access to the 340B drug pricing program, which allows safety net providers to purchase medications at reduced costs. The discussion underscored the significance of this program in ensuring affordable access to medications for patients.

Public comments were invited, with Keith Yoshizuka from the California Society of Health System Pharmacists expressing support for both bills, particularly the permanent establishment of the hypodermic needle provision after years of temporary extensions.

The meeting concluded with a roll call vote on the discussed measures, all of which passed with unanimous support from the committee members. The committee's actions reflect a commitment to enhancing public health and ensuring equitable access to medications in California. Further discussions on these legislative measures are anticipated as they progress through the Assembly Health Committee.