Read articles from United States of America

January 23, 2026 by apnews.com

The FDA is considering approving Phillip Morris International's Zyn pouches as a less harmful alternative for smokers. FDA experts are inclined towards approval, though concerns about underage use and marketing efficacy remain. Zyn, with various flavors, is a fast-growing product in the tobacco industry. Phillip Morris aims to promote Zyn as reducing risks associated with smoking-related diseases. Evidence supports Zyn's potential health benefits, but long-term studies and impact on smokers switching are lacking. FDA must also assess potential harm to young people despite low teenage use of nicotine pouches.

January 21, 2026 by 13wham.com

Governor Hochul's FY2027 budget proposes taxing nicotine pouches like Zyn under the tobacco products definition, drawing criticism from Philip Morris International. The FDA authorized Zyn in 2025 as a safer alternative for smokers. The Hochul Administration sees nicotine pouches as a public health concern despite their potential benefits. The proposed tax aims to generate $54 million in revenue, but critics argue it hinders smokers seeking healthier options.

January 05, 2026 by jamanetwork.com

When e-cigarettes first appeared, many public health professionals saw them as a potential tool to help people who smoke transition away from combustible cigarettes to a less harmful source of nicotine. While this approach worked for some individuals, aggressive and risky marketing strategies contributed to a surge in vaping among young people. Now, a new effort from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggests that the agency may be shifting its harm-reduction strategy toward another product: nicotine pouches.

December 17, 2025 by reason.org

Washington state implements harm reduction policies for opioids and HIV prevention but contradicts this approach by imposing a 95% wholesale tax on nicotine pouches, potentially hindering smokers from switching to a safer alternative to cigarettes. The tax may lead to unintended consequences such as continued cigarette use. Unlike tobacco, nicotine itself is not carcinogenic, thus taxing all tobacco products equally, including safer options, may not be beneficial for public health. Evidence from Sweden demonstrates the effectiveness of low-risk nicotine alternatives in reducing smoking rates. Taxing nicotine products indiscriminately could impede smoking cessation efforts, particularly for low-income individuals. Washington's taxation strategy contrasts with successful harm reduction practices, raising concerns about its effectiveness.

December 09, 2025 by washingtonexaminer.com

President Trump's efforts to reduce Chinese vape imports recorded a decrease from April to June, but a surge in July to October. Despite U.S. import declines since 2023, Chinese export data revealed a steady increase. Conflicting trade records show illicit vapes dominating the market, while efforts continue to curb their sale. Possible explanations include underreported imports and deceptive tactics by manufacturers. Investigations unveiled networks aiding illegal vape flow into the U.S. Officials seized significant amounts of illicit vapes, yet the total imported remains unaccounted for. Ongoing efforts to combat this issue involve increased enforcement actions and coordination between government agencies. The FDA and CBP play significant roles, with allocated funds for e-cigarette enforcement.

November 26, 2025 by washingtontimes.com

Less than a year into his second term, President Trump is facing the consequences of decisions made during the Biden years, especially visible in the crisis of the illicit nicotine market. Currently, up to 85% of vaping devices sold in the U.S. are illegal because they have not received FDA authorization. Around 9 in 10 products have never undergone full FDA review, have not been approved for sale, or are stuck in the agency’s backlog. The ingredients and manufacturing processes of devices that avoid FDA oversight remain unknown.

October 27, 2025 by i2i.org

Denver voters face Referendum 310, deciding on a ban on flavored nicotine products. Proponents aim to curb youth access, but opponents argue it's unnecessary due to declining underage vaping rates. The ban overlooks harm-reducing alternatives like e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. Similar bans in other places led to revenue loss and thriving black markets. Advocates suggest focusing on education and enforcement, not prohibition. The ban could push consumers to neighboring areas, causing economic losses. Critics warn of repeating past policy failures and urge for a balanced approach. Ultimately, the ban might do more harm than good, impacting public health, freedom, and the economy.

October 15, 2025 by reason.org

The FDA initiated a pilot program to speed up the approval of nicotine pouches. The move is welcomed by advocates who criticize the agency's slow approval process that favored traditional cigarettes over safer alternatives like e-cigarettes. Legacy tobacco firms have benefited from exemptions that hinder newcomers. The flawed process led to the dominance of Big Tobacco in the e-cigarette market, causing harm to smaller companies like Juul. Expanding the program to include e-cigarettes is crucial to provide smokers with safer options and combat the illicit market. The accelerated pathway is a step towards rectifying regulatory failures and improving public health.

October 15, 2025 by denverpost.com

Denver small businesses oppose billionaire funding to maintain a flavored tobacco ban. Referendum 310 gives voters the chance to decide on flavored vape sales to adults, protecting local revenue and businesses. On the other hand, supporters of the ban argue for health reasons due to nicotine's addictiveness. Meanwhile, Lakewood faces zoning conflicts over residential density changes. Proponents seek affordability and vibrancy, while others fear losing open space and trees. The impact on infrastructure and existing homeowners is a concern. The decision could shape the city's future.

October 14, 2025 by missouriindependent.com

Originally meant to help smokers quit, e-cigarettes and vaping products have become a new form of addiction, especially among young people. While designed for adult smokers, many young users now vape without ever having smoked. In Missouri, surveys show record-high use — 21% of college students vape and 28% use nicotine overall. Experts warn that easy access to vape shops and high-nicotine products has made this generation more addicted than ever before.