Read articles from United States of America

October 30, 2024 by filtermag.org

Youth smoking in the US is at an all-time low, but the public focus remains on vaping. Professor Kenneth Warner highlights this discrepancy in a paper questioning why the decline isn't celebrated more. Misconceptions linking nicotine vapes to cigarettes' harm persist, hindering recognition of reduced youth smoking rates as a public health success. Social norms and policies have primarily driven the decline, but e-cigarettes likely accelerated it since the mid-2010s. The decline in youth smoking contributes to longer life expectancies and reduced demand for cancer treatment, though care for older populations may increase.

October 28, 2024 by regulatorwatch.com

Prohibition haunts the U.S. vaping industry, putting millions of lives at risk. Beyond the flavor bans and moral panics, the most damaging restriction is the FDA’s sweeping ban on speech. Joining us today to discuss groundbreaking litigation to overturn the FDA’s commercial speech restrictions is Jim McCarthy, President of Counterpoint Strategies and agency of record for American Vapor Manufacturers. The goal? To secure the right to tell the truth about vaping.

October 28, 2024 by regulatorwatch.com

Prohibition haunts the U.S. vaping industry, putting millions of lives at risk. Beyond the flavor bans and moral panics, the most damaging restriction is the FDA’s sweeping ban on speech. Joining us today to discuss groundbreaking litigation to overturn the FDA’s commercial speech restrictions is Jim McCarthy, President of Counterpoint Strategies and agency of record for American Vapor Manufacturers. The goal? To secure the right to tell the truth about vaping.

October 25, 2024 by filtermag.org

In July, the FDA and CBP seized a record-breaking 3 million unregulated nicotine vapes worth $76 million. This marked the largest seizure to date, part of a federal task force combatting illegal e-cigarettes trafficking. The FDA highlighted the risk of these products reaching children, with plans to incinerate the seized vapes. The joint task force is coordinated by the FDA, DOJ and involves other agencies for enforcement. Despite the FDA's efforts to curb unauthorized vapes, its regulations have limited legal vaping products, prompting a debate on harm reduction. Tobacco firms support PMTA bills to curb unauthorized vapes, even as unregulated vapes aid in reducing harm for users.

October 18, 2024 by iwf.org

The 2023 Massachusetts Youth Health Survey (MYHS) shows decreased tobacco and vapor product use among high school students, with a slight increase in combustible cigarette use but a significant decline since 2019. E-cigarette use has also decreased among high schoolers but increased among middle school students, reflecting national trends. Massachusetts' ban on flavored tobacco products hasn't significantly impacted youth e-cigarette use. Nearby states show similar e-cigarette usage rates. Restrictive policies aimed at reducing youth e-cigarette use may not be effective and could harm adults using e-cigarettes to quit smoking.

October 18, 2024 by fortune.com

Youth tobacco use in the U.S. hit a 25-year low, with a 20% drop in middle and high schoolers using tobacco products. The number decreased from 2.8 million to 2.25 million, the lowest since 1999. E-cigarette use fell to under 6%, down from 7.7%. The overall decline is attributed to various factors including public health campaigns and enforcement against underage sales. High school students' tobacco use dropped to 10%, while no change was reported for middle schoolers. Tobacco use decreased among girls and Hispanic students, but increased among American Indian and Alaska Native students, with a rise in nicotine pouch use among white students.

October 16, 2024 by iwf.org

The 2023 New Hampshire Youth Risk Behavior Survey shows a decline in combustible cigarette use among high school students, with current usage at a record low. E-cigarette use has slightly increased since 2021 but remains significantly lower than in 2019. While some concerns exist, e-cigarettes have been beneficial in helping adults quit smoking. Policy makers should recognize the positive trends to further reduce adult smoking and monitor youth tobacco and vapor product use. Lindsey Stroud, affiliated with various organizations, supports acknowledging the survey results in ongoing efforts.

October 11, 2024 by theatlantic.com

The vaping industry markets illegal flavors to Americans, leading to concerns about youth nicotine addiction. Despite some FDA scrutiny, vapes are seen as a tool to help smokers quit, offering more effective nicotine delivery than traditional aids. Flavored vapes attract both smokers and non-smokers, with some flavored options enticing users. While potential risks and lack of strict regulations exist, vapes may still be preferable to cigarettes for harm reduction. Public health groups remain cautious, and seeking presidential support for vaping could aid in its acceptance. Vapes face uncertainty in regulations, with the debate ongoing about their long-term efficacy and safety compared to traditional smoking cessation methods.

October 11, 2024 by vaping360.com

California passed two new laws, AB 3218 and SB 1230, tightening restrictions on vaping and nicotine pouch sales. Effective January 1, 2025, the laws ban non-menthol coolants, nicotine analogs like Metatine, and online sales of flavored products. The legislation expands the state's flavored tobacco ban, regulates synthetic nicotine, and introduces on-the-spot fines for violators. A "unflavored tobacco list" will restrict sales to approved products only, enforced by authorities empowered to seize illegal items. The laws aim to combat cigarette smuggling but may fuel a black market. Cannabis and hookah products are exempt, and these laws are the first to address nicotine analogs in the US.

October 08, 2024 by filtermag.org

Washington State allows Extended Family Visits (EFV), despite evidence showing benefits of family bonding for prisoners. However, the state's policy banning nicotine products like vapes poses challenges for visitors and prisoners. This restriction leads to missed opportunities for family connections and worsens re-entry prospects. The policy's inflexibility contrasts with the goal of supporting families impacted by incarceration. Relaxing these rules could ease stress for visitors and strengthen family bonds. The current anti-nicotine policy creates barriers to successful reintegration, highlighting the need for change in Washington's Department of Corrections.