Read articles from United States of America

September 11, 2024 by dglobe.com

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison urged over 5,000 retailers to cease selling unauthorized flavored tobacco products, emphasizing the harm to minors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention supports stricter tobacco regulations. Vaping among youths is present in ISD 518, with a focus on prevention through social and emotional learning in schools and communities. Programs like My Life, My Quit offer support for quitting vaping. Educators stress early intervention and education as crucial in combating the youth vaping issue. Proactive measures, including youth coalitions and community involvement, are seen as essential.

September 11, 2024 by scientificamerican.com

A new synthetic nicotine, Metatine, similar to traditional nicotine, has entered the U.S. vaping market, evading FDA regulations. Concerns arise as studies suggest it may be more potent and harmful than nicotine. Researchers worry about mislabeling and lack of data on its effects when burned or metabolized. Calls for regulatory action urge caution due to potential risks and loopholes in current laws. Experts emphasize the need for thorough scientific evidence to ensure public health protection. The FDA is funding research on nicotine analogs but acknowledges a lack of comprehensive data. Authorities face challenges in defining and regulating these emerging products amid growing concerns.

September 10, 2024 by atr.org

Brian King, head of the FDA's Center for Tobacco Control, faces a House hearing due to agency failures and political influence. The CTP's mishandling led to court criticism and whistleblower claims of neglecting science for politics. Amid demands for FDA reform, the agency's delays in approving safer nicotine products endanger public health. Transparency issues, administrative burdens, and public misperceptions on vaping worsen the situation. The hearing seeks accountability and urges the FDA to prioritize harm-reducing products, highlighting the need for structural reforms to protect millions of lives.

September 10, 2024 by tobaccoreporter.com

Representatives of the U.S. vapor industry had mixed feelings on the fourth anniversary of PMTA filings. The FDA has received 26 million applications for novel tobacco products, mostly e-cigarettes, but rejected over 99% of them. The agency approved over 6,000 new combustible tobacco products while only allowing four vaping devices as cigarette alternatives. The refusal to authorize flavored e-cigarettes aimed to protect youth, despite a decline in youth vaping rates. The vapor industry criticized the FDA for prioritizing deadly combustible products, leading to millions of smoking-related deaths and substantial healthcare costs.

September 09, 2024 by theblaze.com

The latest U.S. vaping statistics show increasing popularity in vaping and decreasing smoking rates, highlighting the need for updated FDA regulations. Despite the rise in vaping, restrictions hinder access to safer smoking alternatives. SAMHSA reports an increase in adult vaping and a decrease in cigarette use. Tobacco manufacturers face declining sales due to economic pressures and rising disposable e-cigarette products. Current regulatory processes favor major tobacco companies, limiting market competition. The FDA's slow approval of safer alternatives poses challenges, overlooking the growing adult vaping market. Congressional intervention is crucial to amend outdated tobacco laws and improve access to harm reduction products for American adults.

September 06, 2024 by thehill.com

The number of teenagers who use electronic cigarettes in 2024 dropped significantly from its peak in 2019, according to new federal data, which officials touted as a major public health victory against vaping products. Half a million fewer U.S. youth reported current use of e-cigarettes in 2024 compared to 2023. In 2024, an estimated 6 percent of all middle and high school students said they currently used e-cigarettes, a drop from last year’s 7.7 percent, according to the survey. 

September 06, 2024 by filtermag.org

A group of attorneys general and members of Congress filed amicus briefs with the Supreme Court, arguing against the sale and marketing of flavored vaping products. They claim vaping leads to health risks, especially among youth. The FDA's authorization of some menthol vaping products is criticized. While allegations suggest vaping is linked to lung cancer, solid evidence is lacking. Despite claims of negative health consequences, flavored vapes are seen as less harmful than cigarettes they can replace. Some studies linking vapes to harm are criticized for methodological flaws. Additionally, bans on flavored vapes may increase cigarette sales. The debate highlights conflicting views on vaping's impact on public health.

August 16, 2024 by alaskabeacon.com

Alaska's recent Youth Risk Behavior Survey shows troubling increases in mental health issues among teens, particularly girls. Depressive symptoms, suicidal thoughts, and cyberbullying have risen since 2011. The survey also highlights declining rates of healthy weight maintenance, physical activity, and sugary beverage consumption among students. However, positive trends include decreased tobacco and e-cigarette use. The state aims to address these issues through public health initiatives and support for youth. Efforts to combat vaping include comprehensive strategies and alternatives to school suspensions.

August 15, 2024 by marijuanamoment.net

Nearly 8 in 10 cannabis consumers in legalized states buy their marijuana from licensed retailers, supporting regulated markets. A poll by NuggMD shows 77% purchase from legal stores, with 65% buying exclusively there. In California and New York, consumers also favor legal outlets, but some uncertainty exists over store licenses. Daily cannabis use surpasses alcohol, with fewer reported secondhand harms. Teen marijuana use has decreased post-legalization. Some consumers would return to the illicit market if cannabis became a prescription drug. Pain management is a common reason for marijuana use, with fruity strains being popular.

August 14, 2024 by newsweek.com

Despite the widespread drop in smoking over the past decades, cigarettes are still more popular than vaping. In a new Gallup poll, roughly 11 percent of Americans said they smoked a cigarette in the past week, compared with 7 percent who said the same for electronic cigarettes. Overall, traditional cigarette smoking remains at roughly an 80-year low. In 2022, cigarette smoking reached a record low of 11 percent and has stayed around that level ever since.