Read articles from North America

February 17, 2026 by traveltomorrow.com

Mexico has implemented a comprehensive ban on vaping products since January 16, 2022. The law prohibits the import, distribution, and sale of e-cigarettes, extending to tourists entering the country. This law closes the gap in previous restrictions and strengthens enforcement. Penalties for violating the ban range from fines to imprisonment, with additional restrictions on public smoking. The initiative aligns with global efforts to curb smoking and vaping, as seen in other countries like France, the Maldives, Belgium, and Spain. Travelers, including cruise passengers, are advised to leave vaping devices at home to avoid legal consequences.

February 05, 2026 by snusforumet.se

U.S. regulators are close to approving Zyn nicotine pouches as safer than cigarettes. Experts at a FDA hearing support the claim that Zyn reduces risks, with minimal youth use. In contrast, Europe is restricting similar products due to youth concerns. The Association of Swedish Snus Manufacturers praises U.S. openness to harm reduction. FDA granted pre-market approval to Zyn last year, recognizing it as less harmful. The public can comment until March 4, 2026, before the FDA's final decision. Previously, FDA approved Swedish Match USA's tobacco snus as a reduced-risk product in 2019.

January 29, 2026 by cato.org

When governments ban products, they don’t eliminate demand—they redirect it. That basic economic fact is especially important in nicotine policy, where people don’t simply stop using nicotine because a preferred product disappears. Flavored vaping bans are a case in point. Many states and some cities have enacted bans on in-store and/​or online sales of flavored vapes. However, adults also enjoy these flavored products, and many trying to quit smoking find it easier with flavored options.

January 29, 2026 by kjzz.org

Arizona received a failing grade in tobacco control efforts according to the American Lung Association's report. Despite an increase in funding to $22 million in 2026, the state still falls short of CDC recommendations. The report urges Arizona to improve funding for tobacco prevention programs and raise taxes on tobacco products to protect communities and reduce tobacco use.

January 27, 2026 by westernstandard.news

Health Canada’s recent Tobacco Strategy progress report celebrates declining smoking rates and low youth smoking levels. The government aims to reduce tobacco use to under 5% by 2035. However, the report fails to differentiate effective nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) for quitting smoking. Around 300,000 Canadians quit smoking in 2024, with over half quitting unaided, 25% using NRTs collectively, and 21% turning to vaping products.

January 27, 2026 by vapingpost.com

Public health authorities are shifting focus to regulations on oral nicotine pouches as smoking rates decline worldwide. The debate centers on harm reduction benefits over past mistakes, such as youth vaping uptake. US FDA approvals for pouches aim to offer less harmful options to adult smokers. Usage remains low but is growing, particularly among younger adults. Concerns about youth uptake persist, prompting calls for stricter regulations. Sweden shows success in reducing smoking with pouch alternatives. Despite oral health risks, innovation in product design aims to minimize harm.

January 23, 2026 by apnews.com

The FDA is considering approving Phillip Morris International's Zyn pouches as a less harmful alternative for smokers. FDA experts are inclined towards approval, though concerns about underage use and marketing efficacy remain. Zyn, with various flavors, is a fast-growing product in the tobacco industry. Phillip Morris aims to promote Zyn as reducing risks associated with smoking-related diseases. Evidence supports Zyn's potential health benefits, but long-term studies and impact on smokers switching are lacking. FDA must also assess potential harm to young people despite low teenage use of nicotine pouches.

January 23, 2026 by junonews.com

Even though new data show that alternatives such as vaping are helping thousands of Canadians stop smoking, the Liberal government continues to maintain strict restrictions on these nicotine replacement products. In 2024, around 300,000 Canadians successfully quit smoking, yet federal rules on many nicotine replacement options remain unchanged.

January 21, 2026 by 13wham.com

Governor Hochul's FY2027 budget proposes taxing nicotine pouches like Zyn under the tobacco products definition, drawing criticism from Philip Morris International. The FDA authorized Zyn in 2025 as a safer alternative for smokers. The Hochul Administration sees nicotine pouches as a public health concern despite their potential benefits. The proposed tax aims to generate $54 million in revenue, but critics argue it hinders smokers seeking healthier options.

January 21, 2026 by filtermag.org

Banning vape flavors can lead to increased cigarette sales, as shown by a study in Canada. Research demonstrates that restrictions on vape flavors backfire, causing a spike in cigarette purchases. Despite strict tobacco laws, flavor bans have proven counterproductive. Experts highlight the substitution effect between vapes and cigarettes, emphasizing the need for evidence-based public health policies. Advocates urge policymakers to consider the unintended consequences of flavor bans, which can undermine harm reduction efforts and public trust in health authorities. Calls for a science-based approach to regulating nicotine products aim to protect access to safer alternatives and prevent harmful outcomes.