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April 04, 2025 by newsweek.com

A Florida House subcommittee has approved a bipartisan proposal to waive the $75 state fee for military veterans applying for medical marijuana cards. The aim is to ease financial and procedural barriers for veterans, especially those with chronic pain or PTSD. While veterans must still meet medical qualifications and pay for doctor certification, the proposal removes the state fee and extends certification renewals from one to two years. Supporters see it as a way to reduce burdens on those who have served.

April 04, 2025 by reason.com

The Supreme Court upheld the FDA's ban on flavored nicotine solutions by rejecting Vapetasia and Triton's appeal, stating the FDA did not violate regulations. The FDA's guidance for product approvals was seen as inconsistent, leading to the ban. Vapetasia and Triton argued the FDA's evaluation criteria had changed unfairly. The court ruled that the FDA's actions were not in violation, allowing the ban to continue unless reversed by the Trump administration. Vapetasia and Triton also challenged the FDA's enforcement priorities and handling of marketing plans targeting underage use. The court highlighted the FDA's concerns about youth vaping but ultimately upheld the ban on flavored vaping products.

April 04, 2025 by regulatorwatch.com

The vaping industry faced two major shocks: Brian King, Director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products, was ousted, and the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear FDA v. Wages and White Lion, blocking hopes for relief from the FDA’s flawed PMTA process. King’s removal follows his controversial tenure, where he blocked flavored vaping products and approved cigarettes, damaging small businesses and public trust in the FDA. Jim McCarthy, President of Counterpoint Strategies, discussed the implications of these developments.

April 04, 2025 by regulatorwatch.com

The vaping industry faced two major shocks: Brian King, Director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products, was ousted, and the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear FDA v. Wages and White Lion, blocking hopes for relief from the FDA’s flawed PMTA process. King’s removal follows his controversial tenure, where he blocked flavored vaping products and approved cigarettes, damaging small businesses and public trust in the FDA. Jim McCarthy, President of Counterpoint Strategies, discussed the implications of these developments.

April 04, 2025 by filtermag.org

Dr. Brian King, head of the FDA's Center for Tobacco Products, was placed on leave amid 10,000 job cuts in the Department of Health and Human Services. Many staff lost positions without notice. The FDA faces restructuring, impacting its former leadership and tobacco regulation. King, criticized for biased decision-making, delayed authorizing certain vape products. THR advocates voiced concerns about FDA's approach under King's tenure. Uncertainty looms over access to reduced-risk products and regulatory changes. Despite ongoing issues, eliminating parts of the broken THR system brings unforeseen challenges and opportunities for tobacco harm reduction.

April 03, 2025 by indiatimes.com

E-cigarettes, commonly used by US students, contain nicotine, aerosol, and harmful chemicals. The Supreme Court upheld FDA rules on flavored liquids. Nicotine in e-cigarettes is addictive and can harm brain development. E-cigarettes produce aerosols with cancer-causing chemicals, metals, and VOCs. Studies show risks of coughing, wheezing, asthma, and cell toxicity from e-cigarette use. The FDA requires approval for new tobacco products. In 2024, over 1.6 million US students used e-cigarettes. Popular brands include Elf Bar and Breeze. Acute nicotine exposure is toxic, affecting attention, learning, and mood. E-cigarettes also deliver cannabis and other drugs. E-cigarettes pose health risks and potential harm to youth.

April 02, 2025 by tennessean.com

Tennessee's Senate bill aims to implement a 10% tax on vape products and potentially ban certain types, citing the need to curb underage vaping and counter Chinese imports. Critics argue it favors big tobacco. The bill sponsors have received significant campaign contributions from major cigarette manufacturers. It could impact the vape industry and limit choices for adult vapers. The bill, facing a final Senate vote, also addresses age verification and FDA approval. Tennessee high schoolers have a significant vaping issue, prompting stricter regulations. Revenue from the proposed tax would go to the state's general fund. The measure contrasts with some state board recommendations, with debates on the best approach ongoing.

April 01, 2025 by apnews.com

FDA's chief tobacco regulator, Brian King, was placed on leave amidst agency cuts. King, known for reducing teen vaping rates, faced backlash from vaping lobbyists. His removal follows FDA vaccine chief Dr. Marks' resignation over vaccine misinformation support. FDA is experiencing a leadership shakeup, with new commissioner Makary inheriting a workforce in flux. FDA faces challenges balancing regulation of vaping products for adults with preventing teen use. Recent departures include key officials in drugs, foods, and medical devices oversight. The agency is under scrutiny for its handling of tobacco regulations and struggles with turnover and layoffs. FDA's leadership changes coincide with efforts to promote public health and tackle preventable causes of death.

March 27, 2025 by vaping360.com

The Senate confirmed Dr. Martin Makary as the new FDA commissioner, overseeing vaping and tobacco products' regulation. Makary, a health policy expert and pancreatic surgeon from Johns Hopkins, supported FDA enforcement actions against illicit vaping products. His stance on flavored vaping remains unclear. The FDA's Center for Tobacco Products, led by Brian King, has faced criticism for its strict enforcement approach. Makary's role will be crucial for Trump's promise to support flavored vaping. The question remains if he will challenge the current anti-vaping stance at the FDA.

March 25, 2025 by cspdailynews.com

Three U.S. representatives urge Trump administration to address illegal Chinese e-cigarette smuggling, impacting American public health and youth vaping. Despite existing federal task forces, they advocate for stronger enforcement actions, emphasizing the need to seize unauthorized products. The congressmen highlight the contradiction of China banning flavored e-cigarettes domestically while exporting them globally. Recent seizures in Miami raised concerns about the safety and prevalence of these products, originating from China. The letter calls for utilizing all available enforcement tools to combat illicit vape sales in the U.S., stressing the urgency to protect public health.