Read articles from United States of America

April 09, 2026 by hawaiipublicradio.org

Lawmakers in Hawaii are considering new legislation that would ban the sale of disposable e-cigarettes as part of efforts to curb youth vaping. The proposal reflects growing concern over the popularity of single-use devices, which are often seen as particularly appealing to younger users due to flavours and ease of access. Supporters argue that removing disposable products from the market could reduce underage use and limit environmental waste linked to single-use plastics. At the same time, critics warn that such restrictions may push consumers towards alternative products or unregulated markets. The debate highlights a broader trend of targeted regulations focusing specifically on product types rather than vaping as a whole.

April 08, 2026 by clearingtheair.eu

Recent US data point to a significant shift in nicotine use patterns, with smoking rates falling to historic lows while vaping continues to rise, particularly among younger adults. The latest figures show that daily cigarette use has dropped dramatically over the past two decades, reaching levels as low as around 3 percent among young adults. At the same time, vaping has become increasingly common, with a growing share of the population reporting regular use of e-cigarettes. This trend is being interpreted by some as evidence of a broader transition away from combustible tobacco towards alternative nicotine products. The data is now fuelling ongoing debate about whether vaping is displacing smoking or introducing new patterns of use within the population.

April 07, 2026 by dcjournal.com

Growing debate is emerging over how regulators communicate progress in reducing youth tobacco use in the United States. Newly released federal data show significant declines across multiple categories, including vaping, cigarette smoking, and nicotine pouch use among young people. Despite these trends being widely described as a public health success, critics argue that the lack of public response from the Food and Drug Administration raises questions about transparency and consistency. Some commentators suggest that declining youth usage challenges earlier narratives of a widespread “youth vaping epidemic,” prompting calls for a reassessment of current regulatory approaches. At the same time, the discussion highlights broader tensions between youth protection policies and the role of lower-risk nicotine alternatives for adult smokers.

March 31, 2026 by filtermag.org

A significant policy shift in Oklahoma is allowing prisoners to access nicotine vapes and pouches through prison commissaries, marking a notable development in harm reduction approaches within correctional systems. Smoking rates among incarcerated populations remain exceptionally high, while traditional tobacco bans have often fuelled illicit trade, debt and violence inside prisons. Officials argue that providing regulated access to lower-risk nicotine alternatives could reduce contraband markets and improve safety conditions. The move reflects a broader debate about whether harm reduction strategies should play a greater role in institutional settings, particularly where complete abstinence policies have proven difficult to enforce.

March 31, 2026 by reason.com

Public opinion in New York is showing clear resistance to proposed new taxes on nicotine pouches, highlighting growing tensions around how alternative nicotine products should be regulated. A plan put forward by Governor Kathy Hochul would apply the same high tax rate to nicotine pouches as to cigarettes, despite differences in how these products are used and perceived. Polling data suggests that less than half of New York voters support the measure, with a significant share favouring lower taxation for these products. The proposal has sparked a broader debate about whether treating lower-risk alternatives the same as combustible tobacco could discourage smokers from switching. At the centre of the discussion is how taxation policy can balance public health goals, consumer behaviour, and harm reduction strategies in an evolving nicotine market.

March 30, 2026 by regulatorwatch.com

The FDA issued draft guidance on evaluating flavoured nicotine vaping products for public health. The new framework may not significantly impact the U.S. vaping industry. The guidance places a high evidentiary burden on flavored vapes, preferred by adult smokers. It questions whether flavoured vapes should exceed tobacco vapes or match combustible tobacco.

March 30, 2026 by regulatorwatch.com

The FDA issued draft guidance on evaluating flavoured nicotine vaping products for public health. The new framework may not significantly impact the U.S. vaping industry. The guidance places a high evidentiary burden on flavored vapes, preferred by adult smokers. It questions whether flavoured vapes should exceed tobacco vapes or match combustible tobacco.

March 27, 2026 by tobaccoinsider.com

A growing number of U.S. states, including New York, Michigan, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Washington, are considering taxing nicotine pouches similar to tobacco products due to public health concerns and declining cigarette tax revenues. Supporters argue the tax would curb youth nicotine use, but critics fear it may discourage smokers from switching to safer alternatives. Washington State implemented a significant 95% excise tax on all nicotine products, impacting prices and revenue generation. This trend reflects a shift in state taxation policies towards alternative nicotine products as cigarette consumption declines. Nicotine pouch taxes are also being debated in Rhode Island, Oregon, Illinois, Nebraska, Maine, and Minnesota, reflecting a broader national movement towards regulating these products within existing tobacco tax frameworks.

March 27, 2026 by abcnews.com

Smoking rates in the US hit a record low in 2024 as e-cigarette use rises, says the CDC. Cigarette smoking among adults dropped to nearly 10% from about 11% in 2023. The decline follows efforts to educate about smoking hazards since the Surgeon General's 1964 report. 7% of American adults used e-cigarettes in 2024, up from 6.5% in 2023 and nearly double than in 2020. E-cigarettes come with uncertainties about their harm compared to cigarettes. Factors like age, location, and mental health affect smoking and vaping habits, with concerns about e-cigarette companies targeting young users.

March 20, 2026 by tobaccofreekids.org

The adult cigarette smoking rate in the U.S. has dropped to a historic low of 9.9%, marking a significant public health achievement. However, further progress is threatened by the dismantling of federal tobacco control infrastructure. Despite the decline, over 25 million U.S. adults still smoke, highlighting the need for continued implementation of proven strategies like tobacco tax increases and public education campaigns. Tobacco remains a major public health issue, with disparities in usage and associated harm across different groups. Sustaining tobacco control efforts, including the CDC's Office on Smoking and Health, is crucial to reducing smoking-related health and economic burdens nationally.