Read articles from United States of America

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.

October 03, 2024 by usc.edu

A study by researchers from USC, Keck School of Medicine, and UC Irvine reveals harmful effects of e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes on cardiovascular health. Nicotine from both types damages blood vessels and heart function. The research used a fluid dynamics method to assess cardiovascular impact and calls attention to vaping's adverse effects. A smartphone tool for assessing risk in e-cigarette users is being developed. This innovative approach may revolutionize cardiovascular health monitoring. The study highlights the urgent need for awareness and informed choices regarding vaping and traditional smoking.

October 02, 2024 by clearingtheair.eu

In 2019, Trump claimed he saved flavored vaping, but his policies led to a flood of disposable vapes. He also made it difficult to ship vapes and added to legal uncertainties for vapers. While some populists support safer nicotine products, the center-left has alienated vapers, accusing them of links to big tobacco. This stance has driven vapers towards right-wing parties. The left's reluctance to embrace harm reduction contrasts with the right's support for vapers' concerns, impacting political outcomes. The center-left's opposition to vaping overlooks its benefits for marginalized groups and undermines harm reduction efforts.

September 30, 2024 by spokesman.com

A broad coalition of Washington educators, doctors, researchers and social justice advocates has launched a campaign to ban flavored nicotine vapes in the state, citing the product’s contribution to youth addiction. “We want to create a generation that will not be targeted by the tobacco industry, a generation who will not be susceptible to tobacco-related death and disease,” said Brittany Grant, regional advocacy director for Tobacco-Free Kids, one of the groups leading the coalition. “We can’t put profits over lives.”

September 25, 2024 by washingtonstatestandard.com

A coalition in Washington is advocating to ban flavored nicotine vapes, aiming to reduce youth addiction. Led by Tobacco-Free Kids, the group plans to introduce legislation with the support of lawmakers in 2024. The campaign "Flavors Hook Kids Washington" seeks to prohibit all flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes. Despite a decrease in youth vaping, concerns about increasing cigarette smoking arise from potential flavor bans. Advocates argue for protecting children from addiction and harmful marketing tactics, especially targeting vulnerable communities. Opponents mention the potential negative impact on smoking cessation efforts and advocate for considering all facts before implementing a ban.

September 25, 2024 by slate.com

Despite reluctance, acknowledgment was given to Trump for supporting flavored vaping. Trump's compromise in 2019 saved flavored vaping, benefitting smokers who switch to vape, despite critics questioning his motives. The decline in youth vaping can be attributed to various factors including awareness campaigns and policy changes. Democrats' push for flavor bans may inadvertently increase smoking rates and illicit markets. Attention to vaping issues is essential due to its impact on public health. The next president will face challenges in vaping policy, with potential influence on FDA decisions. Addressing tobacco harm reduction is crucial for both parties to consider, impacting millions of adult vapers and potentially preventing premature deaths.

September 24, 2024 by mjbizdaily.com

The slate of cannabis ballot referendums this November is headlined by Florida, the third-most-populous U.S. state, where voters will decide whether to legalize recreational marijuana through ballot measure Amendment 3. A victory in Florida would be one of the top legalization events in recent U.S. cannabis history, trailing only California’s successful referendum in 2016, New York’s Legislature approving adult use in 2021 and, most recently, President Joe Biden’s administration seeking to reschedule marijuana.