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August 20, 2025 by washingtontimes.com

The FDA portrays itself as protecting Americans from dangerous products, but its history suggests otherwise. Its approval of opioids helped cause the deadly epidemic that has killed hundreds of thousands since 2000. At the same time, the FDA restricts safer alternatives to cigarettes, applying stricter standards to harm-reduction products while effectively protecting cigarette companies. Although the dangers of smoking have been known since the 1960s, the 2009 Tobacco Control Act gave the FDA broad authority over nicotine products, requiring new ones to undergo a burdensome approval process to prove they benefit public health.

August 19, 2025 by axios.com

Illinois has raised its tobacco tax from 36% to 45% as part of the 2026 budget, which now also applies to nicotine pouches like Zyn. The change, effective July 1, is expected to generate about $53 million in new revenue. Zyn pouches, popular among young people for their discreet use and flavored options, are now taxed similarly to cigarettes, though they remain cheaper—a tin starts at $5.60 before tax and about $9.92 after. By contrast, heavy taxation makes cigarettes in Chicago cost up to $20 per pack, the highest in the U.S.

August 18, 2025 by the-sun.com

Starting September 1, popular items like nicotine pouches will be banned in Southborough, Massachusetts, affecting stores like 7-Eleven, with fines for violators increased to $1,000. The decision aims to prevent sales appealing to children due to flavored varieties. Despite protests from industry groups citing FDA approval and low youth usage, officials emphasize the products' risks to teens and difficulty in detection by parents. The unanimous board decision follows concerns over teens turning to pouches after a decline in youth vaping. Adult-only stores are the only remaining option for purchasing these products post-ban.

July 23, 2025 by reason.org

Rhode Island has increased taxes on nicotine pouches by 80%, impacting harm reduction efforts and public health. The FDA approved Zyn pouches as a safer alternative for smokers, reducing tobacco-related harms. The tax hike jeopardizes these benefits, affecting low-income individuals and potentially leading to unintended consequences such as reduced tax revenue and cross-border shopping. The move contradicts harm reduction strategies, neglecting the success of providing safer options. Nicotine pouches offer a less harmful alternative to smoking, yet the tax increase may hinder their accessibility. States should consider evidence-based policies supporting harm reduction to improve public health outcomes instead of punitive taxation.

July 23, 2025 by dcjournal.com

With most state legislatures on break, vapers have a temporary pause from new taxes and restrictions. However, the FDA’s failure to regulate harm reduction products continues to pose a threat. In 2025, Indiana and Illinois passed major tax hikes on cigarettes and vaping products, while flavor bans failed in states like Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington. A consistent, science-based federal approach is urgently needed.

July 18, 2025 by cbsnews.com

The FDA has decided to allow Juul to continue selling its tobacco and menthol-flavored e-cigarettes. The agency stated that Juul's research shows these products are less harmful for adult smokers who switch completely from traditional cigarettes. This decision follows years of controversy, with Juul being widely blamed for contributing to the rise in teen vaping. The ruling applies only to the tobacco and menthol versions, as Juul had already pulled its fruit and candy flavors from the market due to their appeal to teens.

July 17, 2025 by njspotlightnews.org

New Jersey, a longtime leader in tobacco prevention, banned flavored vaping products in 2020 to protect youth. However, e-cigarette use among teens remains high, with 18.2% of high school students reporting current use. New legislation aims to strengthen enforcement of the ban by increasing penalties, requiring more inspections, and prohibiting deliveries to those under 21. Lawmakers are urged to pass these measures quickly to better protect young people’s health.

July 14, 2025 by washingtontimes.com

A new study published in JAMA Network Open on Friday analyzed data from 55,406 U.S. adults between 2013 and 2022. It found that in states where recreational marijuana was legalized, monthly marijuana use increased by 3.28% and tobacco e-cigarette use rose by 1.39%. These increases accelerated after marijuana dispensaries opened. However, there was no significant change in the number of people smoking traditional cigarettes. Experts express concern over the rising use of vapes and cannabis, especially as today’s marijuana is more potent and potentially more harmful than in the past.

July 14, 2025 by cnn.com

A recent study highlights a concerning rise in nicotine poisoning among children due to nicotine pouches, with a 760% increase from 2020 to 2023. These pouches, popular for their high nicotine concentration and appealing taste, pose a serious risk, especially to young ones. Public health experts worry about their popularity among teens, despite a small overall user base. Ingesting even small amounts of nicotine from these pouches can lead to severe symptoms. Parents are advised to keep such products out of reach of children and seek immediate help from Poison Control if ingestion is suspected. Ultimately, avoiding exposure and educating caregivers on the dangers are crucial preventive measures.

July 03, 2025 by medicalxpress.com

University of Queensland research reveals that youths with friends who vape are 15 times more likely to use e-cigarettes. Studies show a rise in underage vaping of cannabis compounds, with an alarming increase in synthetic cannabinoids use, posing health risks. Peer influence significantly impacts vaping trends, with disapproval from influential figures reducing likelihood of vaping. Social media plays a role in promoting vaping as a trendy lifestyle choice. More regulation, campaigns, and research are needed to address these concerning trends. Key findings include increased vaping of cannabis products and shifting social norms towards cigarette and e-cigarette use among American teens.