gsthr logo
Quick links to detailed datasheets for United States of America at gsthr.org

Smoking in United States of America

The overall smoking prevalence in the United States has been decreasing since 2006. 12.4% of the adult population are current smokers, down from 20.8% in 2006. This means there are now approximately 30.7 million people smoking in the country. 13.81% of men smoke whilst 10.77% of women are current smokers. The most recent data show there were 492,438 annual deaths attributable to tobacco smoking (approximately 221,600 women and 270,800 men). The annual percentage of all deaths attributable to tobacco smoking was 17.9% (women: 16.2%; and men: 19.3%). Nicotine vapes (e-cigarettes) are legal in the United States and there are 9.1 million vapers in the country, giving an adult vaping prevalence of 3.7% (women: 2.77%; and men: 4.55%). Vaping devices can only be sold to those 18 and older and can be purchased without a prescription. Health warnings are required on packaging and there are legal restrictions on their use in public places. Heated tobacco products are legal and can be marketed. Snus is also legal, but it can only be used by those aged 21 and older and a health warning on packaging is required. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products can be marketed and are available to buy in many general shops without a prescription. The NRT market in the United States is worth €862.3 million. For further information and full references, click through to the detailed datasheets above.

Read articles from United States of America

September 20, 2024 by usatoday.com

A Zyn-man no more, Tucker Carlson ditches nicotine company over politics

Conservative figure Tucker Carlson is distancing himself from Zyn nicotine pouches due to political connections, despite his earlier promotion of the brand. Carlson criticized Zyn's ties to political donations, announcing he will no longer use the product. He plans to launch his own brand, Alp Nicotine Pouches. This move follows criticism of Zyn's potential impact on teen addiction. Carlson's shift away from Zyn highlights a new phase in his views on nicotine consumption.

September 20, 2024 by fortune.com

Tucker Carlson to start a nicotine-pouch brand to compete with Zyn

Media personality Tucker Carlson is creating a new nicotine pouch brand, Alp, after cutting ties with Zyn due to political reasons. Carlson criticized Zyn's parent company, Philip Morris, for donations to Kamala Harris, deeming Zyn as more suitable for women. His comments led to a fallout with Philip Morris, prompting him to develop his own product with stronger options. Alp will launch in November, offering four flavors and three strengths. Carlson views Alp as a product free from political influences, unlike Zyn. Philip Morris clarified they do not support presidential candidates, though their subsidiary's political action committee donates to both parties.

September 19, 2024 by mjbizdaily.com

Cannabis rescheduling could permit CBD in tobacco, report says

Rescheduling wouldn’t allow marijuana to be legally added to “food, dietary supplements, tobacco products, or cosmetics,” a federal report confirmed – although hemp-derived CBD might be permitted as a tobacco additive. Hemp “may be incorporated into tobacco products without running afoul of the CSA,” stated a Congressional Research Service report released Monday, adding that products still would need to obtain marketing authorization from the Food and Drug Administration.

September 18, 2024 by filtermag.org

GA Lawmakers Welcome Increasingly Wild Testimony in Vape Registry Push

The Georgia House committee investigates the youth vaping epidemic and proposes a statewide vape registry. Law enforcement and school officials express concerns about unregulated vape products, linking them to organized crime and drug trafficking. Despite the focus on nicotine vapor products, THC vapes also raise alarm. Previous attempts to regulate vaping in the state include criminalizing public vaping. Nationwide, states are implementing PMTA registries amid criticism that they benefit tobacco companies. Reports of fentanyl-laced vapes causing harm are debunked. Schools are exploring interventions such as vape detectors and rewards programs to discourage vaping. Georgia considers raising tobacco taxes but remains cautious about vaping.

September 12, 2024 by newsweek.com

Youth Vaping Drops to Record Low

E-cigarettes remain the tobacco product most used by children in the United States, but their use has declined significantly, according to a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC says that smoking e-cigarettes, or vapes, has declined among middle and high school students. E-cigarette use has gone from 2.13 million students in 2023, to 1.63 million in 2024. Vaping still remains a significant issue, with 2.5 percent of middle schoolers reporting that they use e-cigarettes, meaning that children as young as 11 years old are starting to use nicotine products.

September 11, 2024 by iwf.org

Youth Vapor Product Use at Historic Lows, Use of New Oral Nicotine Products Still Low

The CDC released early findings from the 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey focusing on e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. E-cigarette use among U.S. middle and high school students hit record lows, with only 5.9% currently using them, down significantly from 2019. Nicotine pouch use is also low, with 1.8% of students reporting current use in 2024. Concerns over youth safety in schools, like weapon threats, are more pressing than nicotine product use. The data show a need for expedited approval of harm reduction products by federal regulators, considering the potential benefits for adults using these products for smoking cessation.

September 11, 2024 by dglobe.com

What to do about youths and vaping?

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

Vape Additives that Mimic Nicotine Are Potent—and Largely Unregulated

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

Congressional Grilling of Center for Tobacco Control Rare Opportunity For Taxpayers and Consumers

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

Mixed Feelings at PMTA Anniversary

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.