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January 17, 2025 by bbc.com

The US FDA has officially authorized Zyn nicotine pouches, made by Phillip Morris, for sale in the US to help quit smoking. These pouches, offering 10 flavors, are placed between the gum and lips to release nicotine. Unlike tobacco, nicotine pouches have gained popularity without evidence of widespread teen use. While the FDA's approval does not signify safety, it acknowledges the harm reduction compared to other nicotine products. The agency emphasizes that no tobacco product is safe and discourages youth and non-users from starting. Additionally, the FDA has proposed a rule to limit nicotine levels in cigarettes, cigars, and rolling tobacco.

January 16, 2025 by nbcnews.com

The FDA proposed drastically lowering nicotine levels in cigarettes sold in the U.S. to reduce addiction and health risks. The plan aims for a 95% reduction, potentially preventing 48 million youth from becoming addicted and prompting 13 million current smokers to quit within a year. The proposal does not include e-cigarettes or other products, but public health officials support further reductions to non-addictive levels in all tobacco products. The rule, open for public input until mid-September, could be implemented in the next four years, promoting a shift towards safer, non-combustible products for nicotine consumption.

January 16, 2025 by thealbertan.com

Federal officials proposed capping nicotine levels in cigarettes to reduce addiction, potentially helping millions quit smoking and preventing new smokers. Despite strong support and health benefits, the plan may face delays and legal challenges from tobacco companies. The FDA's slow progress is due to anticipated industry lawsuits. The regulation aims to cut smoking-related deaths and chronic diseases, complementing efforts to combat tobacco use. While the plan excludes some tobacco products, like e-cigarettes, concerns about illegal markets have been raised. The proposal, subject to public feedback, could take years to implement. The FDA's push to limit nicotine aligns with declining smoking rates and prior initiatives to reduce nicotine content in cigarettes.

January 15, 2025 by cbsnews.com

The U.S. may soon mandate graphic warnings on cigarette packages, following a ruling upholding the FDA's requirement. Despite challenges from the tobacco and vaping industries, public health officials aim to deter smoking initiation and reduce health risks, including bladder cancer. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health researchers support the warnings' efficacy in preventing smoking uptake, emphasizing that no tobacco or vaping product is safe. While progress is noted in educating the public about health risks, concerns remain about the marketing of nicotine products to young people. Overall, efforts towards tobacco control and public education are progressing positively.

January 15, 2025 by alaskabeacon.com

Two bills, previously unsuccessful, return in this session in Alaska. House Bill 37 proposes cancer warning signs in alcohol-selling places, promoted by Rep. Andrew Gray. Senate Bill 24 by Senate President Gary Stevens seeks a tax on vapes, raising the purchase age to 21. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy highlights the alcohol-cancer link. In 2022, Gov. Dunleavy vetoed a bill passing after session end. The state's fight against smoking shifts to vaping, based on youth surveys. Stevens revamped the initial vape bill after a veto but rejected it due to late marijuana-related amendments. Youth vape usage dropped from 26% to 17.3% from 2019 to 2023.

January 14, 2025 by reason.com

The FDA has been reluctant to approve non-tobacco-flavored vaping products, potentially hindering smoking reduction efforts. A study in Addictive Behaviors showed that participants using non-tobacco flavors had higher e-cigarette uptake and reduced cigarette smoking compared to tobacco flavor users. Despite evidence supporting the benefits of alternative flavors, the FDA continues to deny marketing applications for such products without clear justification. The study suggests that non-tobacco flavors may be more effective in helping adults quit smoking than tobacco flavors. This highlights the FDA's narrow approach to vaping products, potentially impeding public health efforts to reduce smoking.

January 14, 2025 by aol.com

Canada implements new cigarette policy requiring individual cigarettes to display warnings such as "poison in every puff" to reduce smoking-related harm. Graphic images on cigarette boxes were mandated in 2001. Smoking on domestic flights was banned in 1994. The government aims to lower the smoking rate to under 5% by 2035. Anti-smoking measures have decreased smoking rates to 10.2%. Despite progress, nearly 50,000 Canadians die annually from smoking-related causes. Research shows warnings increase awareness. The new warnings will be in English and French. Phillip Morris International's Canadian branch supports the initiative.

January 14, 2025 by regulatorwatch.com

The future of the U.S. vaping industry hangs in the balance. As Donald Trump prepares to retake the White House, his administration could dismantle FDA red tape and overhaul tobacco harm reduction—or let bureaucracy and big tobacco tighten their grip. In this episode of RegWatch, Brent Stafford interviews Clive Bates, renowned tobacco control policy expert, to unpack what’s at stake for millions of American vapers. Should Trump’s team reform the system—or burn it all down?

January 14, 2025 by regulatorwatch.com

The future of the U.S. vaping industry hangs in the balance. As Donald Trump prepares to retake the White House, his administration could dismantle FDA red tape and overhaul tobacco harm reduction—or let bureaucracy and big tobacco tighten their grip. In this episode of RegWatch, Brent Stafford interviews Clive Bates, renowned tobacco control policy expert, to unpack what’s at stake for millions of American vapers. Should Trump’s team reform the system—or burn it all down?

January 13, 2025 by thehill.com

The Biden administration is preparing to reduce nicotine levels in tobacco products, an effort years in the making. This move gives the White House a final opportunity to regulate tobacco, after previously delaying a pledge to ban menthol cigarettes. Although the rule hasn't been made public, it is expected to require tobacco companies to reduce nicotine in cigarettes and other products to make them less addictive. The rule could be published by the FDA as early as Monday, but concerns exist that a future Trump administration could hinder its progress. Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the U.S., killing over 480,000 people annually, with more than 16 million Americans suffering from smoking-related diseases. Despite many smokers wanting to quit, less than 1 in 10 succeed due to nicotine's addictive nature.