Read articles from United States of America

March 12, 2024 by northcarolinahealthnews.org

North Carolina is utilizing $40 million from a settlement with Juul to combat youth vaping. Programs include research, data monitoring, and education initiatives. There’s a searchable database of Juul documents for public access. Despite efforts, vaping remains prevalent, with enticing flavors like Elf Bar's unapproved offerings. Federal regulations restrict flavors and sales to minors. Youth-focused cessation programs like "QuitlineNC" and "This is Quitting" aim to combat addiction. Further research, prevention, and flexible strategies are planned using additional settlement funds. The state's challenge lies in reaching youth most in need of assistance. Monitoring data and adapting programs based on effectiveness are critical for success in reducing youth vaping rates.

March 12, 2024 by foxnews.com

Kentucky House passed a bill to combat illegal e-cigarette sales to teens and unauthorized vaping products. Businesses must declare involvement in tobacco sales, with info forwarded to authorities. The rise in unauthorized disposable vapes from China fueled the U.S. market. The bill enforces age restrictions, fines for violations, and aims to keep unauthorized products out of stores. The FDA struggles to control the vape market. The bill aims to balance access to FDA-approved products while protecting children. Critics argue it may harm adult users and businesses, calling it governmental overreach. The bill aims to follow FDA regulations.

March 11, 2024 by regulatorwatch.com

Known as PMTA registry or directory bills, its new legislation or amendments to existing state law that require manufacturers, distributors, or sellers of nicotine vaping products to attest under penalty of perjury that the products are either authorized for sale by the FDA or are still undergoing the agency’s arduous pre-market tobacco application process. The problem is that the FDA has approved only 23 products out of the 5 million submitted for approval. And all of these products are owned by big tobacco and are only available in tobacco flavors. Joining us today to discuss the impact of these efforts to take out vaping are vape shop owners Danny Gillis and Chris Lautz, [...]

March 11, 2024 by regulatorwatch.com

Known as PMTA registry or directory bills, its new legislation or amendments to existing state law that require manufacturers, distributors, or sellers of nicotine vaping products to attest under penalty of perjury that the products are either authorized for sale by the FDA or are still undergoing the agency’s arduous pre-market tobacco application process. The problem is that the FDA has approved only 23 products out of the 5 million submitted for approval. And all of these products are owned by big tobacco and are only available in tobacco flavors. Joining us today to discuss the impact of these efforts to take out vaping are vape shop owners Danny Gillis and Chris Lautz, [...]

March 08, 2024 by tobaccoreporter.com

Senators from key committees urged major convenience stores and wholesalers to cease selling illicit flavored vaping products, citing federal law violations. They expressed concern over children being attracted to colorful, candy-flavored disposable e-cigarettes and highlighted the public health risks. Senator Dick Durbin emphasized the need for action from the FDA and the industry to combat youth vaping. The letters were sent to retailers such as 7-Eleven and BP America, following earlier FDA warnings about unauthorized vaping brands. The senators involved in the initiative were Ron Wyden, Bernie Sanders, Sherrod Brown, and Richard Blumenthal.

March 08, 2024 by nytimes.com

Senate committee chairs urged convenience store CEOs to halt the sale of illegal flavored vaping products due to violating federal law. Expressing concern over e-cigarettes' appeal to youth, the lawmakers called for immediate removal of unauthorized products from shelves to tackle the public health risk posed by rising teen addiction to nicotine. Senator Durbin emphasized the need for stronger actions by the FDA and industry to combat the youth vaping epidemic. Letters were sent to major retailers such as 7-Eleven, Circle K, and bp America, following FDA warnings about unauthorized brands like Elf Bar and E.B. Design.

March 08, 2024 by jacobgrier.com

Massachusetts released an annual report showing arrests related to selling illegal flavored e-cigarettes, despite advocates believing flavor bans only regulate products. The ban led to a surge in illicit sales, with cases involving untaxed products resulting in arrests and prosecutions. Violations can lead to felony charges and up to five years in prison. The criminal justice process is slow, with some cases pending for years. Research suggests flavor bans increase cigarette sales, potentially harming public health. The text emphasizes the negative impact of such policies and calls for a shift from illiberal tobacco regulations.

March 05, 2024 by time.com

Juul reshaped the smoking landscape but now Zyn, an inconspicuous nicotine pouch brand, is gaining popularity. Zyn, owned by PMI, targets adult smokers with less visible nicotine delivery. Concerns arise about Zyn's appeal to teens, reminiscent of Juul's rise. Sales of oral nicotine products have surged, with Zyn seeing 62% growth in 2023. Health experts debate the safety of pouches for adult users, noting potential cardiovascular risks. While Zyn aims to attract adult tobacco users, there are worries about underage use and influencers promoting the product. Research indicates pouches might pose fewer risks than cigarettes, though some users continue smoking or vaping alongside.

March 05, 2024 by go.com

Zyn nicotine pouches trending on TikTok have sparked a debate among politicians, health experts, and the public. While some see them as a potential harm reduction tool for smokers, others are concerned about their appeal to underage teens. Advocates argue that Zyn could help adults quit cigarettes, despite its link to Big Tobacco. The FDA is reviewing its risks and benefits. Zyn's discreet nature and various flavors have contributed to its popularity, with growing sales of $1.8 billion. However, research on its effectiveness as a substitute for smoking remains inconclusive. Users tout its convenience and taste, while critics warn of potential health risks, especially for young people.

March 04, 2024 by tobaccoinsider.com

Philip Morris International now faces its first major legal challenge for ZYN in the US on the basis of ZYN being addictive and harmful to young people. The lawsuit says that ZYN pouches deliver more nicotine than cigarettes and that PMI benefits from “Zynfluencers” who promote the brand on social media (with an estimated 30,000 TikTok accounts that use the hashtag #Zyn). The single plaintiff alleges addiction and dental issues as a result of ZYN use. The suit seeks class-action status and claims that PMI and Swedish Match failed to warn about the risk of addiction and other harmful effects like cognitive issues, cardiovascular injuries, gastrointestinal problems and gum disease.