Read articles from United States of America

April 05, 2024 by npr.org

Despite cannabis legalization in California, a thriving black market persists, surpassing legal sales. Challenges include high taxes hindering licensed operations, limited access to capital, and insufficient law enforcement. Illegal stores operate openly, with raids increasing in recent years. Consumers are drawn by lower prices and unaware of legality. The restricted number of licensed stores drives demand for illegal products. Enforcement teams target illicit growers, focusing on associated crimes. The Riverside Sheriff highlights negative impacts of legalization, fueling illegal activities including exports and criminal syndicates involvement.

April 04, 2024 by cnn.com

Civil rights and medical groups are suing the FDA for missing its deadline to ban menthol cigarettes. Delay in action prioritizes profits over people, impacting health disparities within Black and LGBTQ+ communities. The FDA's ban on menthol could save lives and reduce healthcare costs, especially benefiting these marginalized groups. Studies show significant health impacts, with menthol marketing affecting smoking rates and related illnesses disproportionately among Black individuals. Implementing a menthol ban is crucial for public health, aligning with cancer prevention goals and potentially reducing lung cancer deaths.

April 03, 2024 by cnn.com

The rise in oral nicotine pouch usage, led by brands like Zyn, has raised concerns about attracting new, especially young, users. Despite marketing restrictions, the product is gaining popularity, prompting a call for regulatory scrutiny. While seen as a tobacco-free alternative, health experts warn of addiction risks and unknown long-term effects. Nicotine pouches vary in strength and can aid in quitting tobacco gradually, but dependence remains a concern. Social media plays a role in product promotion, with a rise in underage use highlighted. Additionally, potential health risks include gum irritation and dependency issues, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making on nicotine use.

April 03, 2024 by marijuanamoment.net

Decades after the legalization of marijuana in some states, the success of this policy compared to criminalization is evident. The regulated market has led to tax revenue, decreased arrests, and improved product safety. Data shows no increase in teen use or mental health issues. The legal market has also disrupted the illicit one. Public support for nationwide legalization is high. Legalization has proven more effective than prohibition, marking the end of outdated "canna-bigotry" policies after a history of failures. Paul Armentano from NORML highlights the positive impacts of ending cannabis prohibition.

April 02, 2024 by newsweek.com

Vaping might not be as safe as we once thought, especially when it comes to the health of our heart. As of 2021, 4.5 percent of U.S. adults used e-cigarettes, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaping is particularly prevalent among young people, with roughly one in seven high school students using e-cigarettes, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. "More and more studies are linking e-cigarettes to harmful effects and finding that it might not be as safe as previously thought," Yakubu Bene-Alhasan, a resident physician at MedStar Health in Baltimore and the study's lead author, said in a statement.

April 02, 2024 by inews.co.uk

Vaping significantly increases the risk of heart failure, especially HFpEF, according to a US study on 175,667 adults. E-cigarette users face a 20% higher chance of developing heart failure compared to non-users, urging more research due to observed harmful effects on heart health. Studies suggest vaping could impact heart function and exacerbate heart failure risks. With vaping on the rise, especially among youth in the UK, researchers stress the importance of understanding e-cigarettes' health consequences promptly. The UK government has taken steps to discourage underage vaping. Further studies are recommended to inform the public and potentially mitigate vaping-related health risks.

March 28, 2024 by bloomberg.com

For Big Tobacco, the ideal user of one of its nicotine pouches is an older ex-smoker who indulges in the tiny packets to get their daily dose of the stimulant. But so-called “Zynfluencers” cropping up on TikTok to extol the virtues of Zyn, produced by Philip Morris International Inc., are sparking a frenzy over whether young people who have never smoked are getting hooked on them. The debate over Zyn, as well as Velo from rival British American Tobacco Plc, is eerily similar to that which engulfed vaping around five years ago.

March 28, 2024 by bloomberg.com

For Big Tobacco, the ideal user of one of its nicotine pouches is an older ex-smoker who indulges in the tiny packets to get their daily dose of the stimulant. But so-called “Zynfluencers” cropping up on TikTok to extol the virtues of Zyn, produced by Philip Morris International Inc., are sparking a frenzy over whether young people who have never

March 27, 2024 by richmond.com

Virginia faces impending disaster if Gov. Youngkin signs Senate Bill 550 and House Bill 1609, which effectively bans most vaping products while favoring those from big tobacco. The bills hinder harm reduction, jeopardize public health, and stifle innovation. Advocates urge a balanced approach to protect consumers and businesses. By pushing these measures, big tobacco aims to eliminate competition, benefiting only themselves. Gov. Youngkin should consider the implications on public health and the economy before making a decision. It is vital to maintain alternatives for smokers and resist big tobacco's influence for the well-being of Virginians.

March 26, 2024 by ndtv.com

A recent study by the University of Kentucky sheds light on why women may find quitting smoking harder than men. The research suggests the female sex hormone, estrogen, might be playing a key role in nicotine addiction. The study found that women become dependent on nicotine faster than men and experience more difficulty quitting. Researchers led by Sally Pauss investigated this disparity and discovered a potential link to olfactomedin, a protein involved in the brain's reward system.