Read articles from United States of America

May 08, 2025 by filtermag.org

New York City Health Department's press release, allegedly led by Michael Bloomberg, showcases a biased approach against tobacco harm reduction. Equating vaping to the leading cause of death misleads the public. While smoking rates have declined, the city demonizes vaping rather than celebrating its role in smoking cessation. Crackdowns on vaping products prevail, while ignoring the benefits they offer smokers. The city's lawsuit against flavored vapes exemplifies a misguided focus on youth appeal, neglecting adult preferences. Disregarding harm reduction principles, the city's stance on nicotine perpetuates cigarette consumption over safer alternatives. The campaign reflects a lack of access to truthful health information and obstructs progress towards saving lives.

May 07, 2025 by washingtonexaminer.com

Activists urge President Trump to tackle the sale of illicit Chinese e-cigarettes to U.S. youths. Hispanic Business Caucus President wrote a letter calling for stricter regulations and border security to combat black market vapes. The CDC reports a decrease in teenage vaping, but over 1.6 million students used e-cigarettes in 2024. Most illicit vapes are traced back to China, fueling a billion-dollar market by 2030. Dubbed "Not For Sale In China," these products harm American youth. Legislative steps include Trump's ban proposal on flavored e-cigs and raising the tobacco buying age. Despite bipartisan efforts, administrative hurdles pose challenges in enforcing regulation and penalties on offenders.

May 02, 2025 by mjbizdaily.com

Three research firms — Cannabis Public Policy Consulting (New York), Capital Consulting Services (St. Louis), and Whitney Economics (Oregon) — are competing to study Missouri’s cannabis market. The goal is to help the state decide whether to issue more adult-use marijuana business licenses. All firms agree that Missouri’s recreational cannabis market, launched in 2022, has been a success. Experts say the success is largely due to the state issuing only the minimum number of licenses allowed by its constitution.

May 02, 2025 by mjbizdaily.com

Three research firms — Cannabis Public Policy Consulting (New York), Capital Consulting Services (St. Louis), and Whitney Economics (Oregon) — are competing to study Missouri’s cannabis market. The goal is to help the state decide whether to issue more adult-use marijuana business licenses. All firms agree that Missouri’s recreational cannabis market, launched in 2022, has been a success. Experts say the success is largely due to the state issuing only the minimum number of licenses allowed by its constitution.

May 01, 2025 by axios.com

The CEO of Philip Morris International’s U.S. business claims nicotine is misunderstood and offers cognitive benefits, arguing that regulators should support smoking alternatives. This comes as PMI pushes to end cigarette sales. With Robert F. Kennedy Jr. now leading the Department of Health and Human Services, there may be major changes in tobacco regulation. Meanwhile, PMI's nicotine pouch brand Zyn is seeing rapid growth in the U.S., with shipments in the Americas up nearly 54% in Q1 2025. Smoke-free products now make up 42% of PMI's revenue, compared to 25% a year ago. Although PMI still earns most of its revenue from smokers, that could soon shift due to Zyn’s rising popularity.

April 30, 2025 by medicalxpress.com

The USC study reveals a nearly doubled usage of nicotine pouches among U.S. high school students in 2023-2024. Concerns rise over their popularity linked to confidence and masculinity on social media, prompting calls for regulation by organizations like the FDA. Data shows an increase in teens using both pouches and e-cigarettes. Demographics indicate higher usage among males, non-Hispanic whites, and those in rural areas, highlighting the need for tailored prevention strategies. Risks include nicotine addiction and potential health effects on brain development. Monitoring trends and tailored prevention approaches are essential to address this growing issue. Regulatory policies and prevention efforts, especially for high-risk groups, are crucial.

April 23, 2025 by realclearhealth.com

The latest CDC report shows adult smoking at its lowest in 60 years. Yet, concerns shift to rising e-cigarette use, despite many using them to quit smoking. Misinformation surrounds tobacco harm reduction products, with the CDC downplaying e-cigarettes' harm reduction potential. Policies backed by Bloomberg are pushed, despite their misleading labeling of e-cigarettes as tobacco products. E-cigarettes are proven to be significantly less harmful than cigarettes. The CDC's skepticism towards e-cigarettes contrasts with their effectiveness in smoking cessation. The influence of Michael Bloomberg on public health policies raises questions of objectivity. Despite opposition, harm reduction efforts are reducing smoking rates, especially through e-cigarettes.

April 22, 2025 by vaping360.com

Arkansas passed its PMTA registry law, banning some vaping products with unclear e-liquids requirements. The law requires products to meet specific criteria and be listed in the directory by Sept. 1, 2025. It exempts open-system devices with replaceable batteries but not products with built-in batteries. Violators face penalties, and packaging restrictions target child-appealing designs. Arkansas restricts personal possession and importation of unregistered products. This law is only the second in the U.S. to ban personal possession of vaping products. More states are introducing PMTA registry bills in 2025, following Mississippi's lead. Consumer advocacy groups are mobilizing against these bills across the country.

April 17, 2025 by reason.com

Young adults are increasingly turning to Zyn oral nicotine pouches over e-cigarettes, with rising popularity and positive impacts on smoking rates. These pouches provide a discreet and varied nicotine experience, appealing to a diverse audience including women and athletes. Despite concerns from some policymakers, Zyn offers a safer alternative to traditional tobacco products. Caution is advised to avoid potential side effects of overuse. Regulators should recognize and support the benefits of these products in reducing smoking rates, rather than restricting access.

April 17, 2025 by reason.com

Young adults are increasingly turning to Zyn oral nicotine pouches over e-cigarettes, with rising popularity and positive impacts on smoking rates. These pouches provide a discreet and varied nicotine experience, appealing to a diverse audience including women and athletes. Despite concerns from some policymakers, Zyn offers a safer alternative to traditional tobacco products. Caution is advised to avoid potential side effects of overuse. Regulators should recognize and support the benefits of these products in reducing smoking rates, rather than restricting access.