The Oklahoma Department of Corrections (DOC) has announced that beginning in 2026, incarcerated individuals will be allowed to purchase disposable nicotine e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches through the prison commissary system. Officials say the policy is designed to replace long-standing contraband supply chains with a “controlled supply” and to reduce prison violence linked to black-market trading.

According to the DOC, Oklahoma will become the first state in the United States to offer such products within its prison system.

Key Takeaways

• Oklahoma’s prison system plans to allow commissary sales of disposable nicotine e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches starting in 2026.
• The DOC says Oklahoma would be the first U.S. state to provide these products within a prison system.
• Officials argue the policy will help reduce contraband smuggling, debt disputes, and violent incidents.
• Products must be purchased directly from the DOC; personal or outside products are prohibited.
• E-cigarettes will be disposable, non-pod devices.
• The policy also applies to staff: DOC employees will be allowed to use nicotine products while on duty.

Policy Details

According to local media outlet News On 6, all incarcerated individuals in Oklahoma facilities will be able to purchase approved nicotine products directly from the DOC through the commissary. Only DOC-supplied products will be permitted; bringing in or using outside nicotine products will remain prohibited.

The DOC emphasized that the e-cigarettes offered will be single-use, disposable devices and will not use refillable cartridges or pods.

Reducing Violence and Black Markets

DOC Director Justin Farris said contraband trading inside prisons frequently leads to debt, which in turn fuels violence among inmates. He noted that tobacco products have long been among the most commonly smuggled items.

“Debt equals prison violence,” Farris said. “We believe this will reduce some of the contraband coming into prisons and also reduce violence, because many people will no longer be carrying debt.”

According to Farris, officials recognize that incarcerated individuals often find ways to bring prohibited items into facilities. By offering nicotine alternatives through official channels, the DOC hopes to reduce smuggling, lower inmate debt, and decrease conflict.

Background: Smoking Ban and Ongoing Smuggling

Oklahoma banned smoking in its prisons in 2006. Since then, DOC officials say the majority of items smuggled into facilities via “drop” methods have continued to include tobacco products, along with cell phones, drugs, and weapons.

The DOC reported that in 2025 alone, authorities seized more than 1,600 pounds of smuggled tobacco products. Officials argue that contraband trafficking not only creates debt and violence but also opens pathways for other illegal items to enter the prison system.

Staff Policy and Harm Reduction Rationale

The new policy will also apply to DOC employees, who will be allowed to use nicotine products while working. Farris said the goal is to steer both inmates and staff away from traditional tobacco and black-market products.

Under the plan, the DOC will provide nicotine pouches and e-cigarettes rather than combustible tobacco products, positioning the policy as a harm-reduction and security measure rather than a return to smoking.