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March 14, 2025 by ottawacitizen.com

Experts at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, known for their internationally used smoking cessation model, are now focusing on helping people quit e-cigarettes. Researchers have published a review of existing studies to guide vaping cessation programs, addressing the growing need for support in this area.

March 13, 2025 by filtermag.org

The Senate will hold a confirmation hearing for Dr. David Weldon, the nominee for CDC director. Weldon faces challenges, including proposed budget cuts and past controversial views. The CDC's misleading information on nicotine products perpetuates confusion. Despite declines in cigarette smoking, the CDC paints reduced use as a problem. The agency's inconsistent messaging on harm reduction methods hinders smoking cessation efforts. Criticisms include unclear terminology and failure to promote proven cessation aids like vapes. The CDC's resistance to change perpetuates misinformation and obstructs public health progress. Weldon's stance on nicotine is unknown. The need for a drastic shift in the CDC's approach to smoking cessation is crucial for improving public health outcomes.

March 03, 2025 by cleveland.com

Ohio Senate passed a bill cracking down on recreational marijuana, potentially criminalizing users. The legislation restricts growth, caps potency, and alters rules for sellers, partly undoing a law legalizing marijuana. Renters could face criminal charges for using or growing marijuana, even if leases don't explicitly ban it. Passengers in cars face strict penalties for smoking marijuana, raising concerns. Home growers may not share plants, inviting debate on interpretation. The law removes protections for users in various aspects of life. Overall, the bill tightens regulations on marijuana in Ohio, impacting users and growers.

February 28, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu

Flavour bans in the U.S. resulted in a 3.6% decrease in vaping and a 2.2% increase in smoking. Research showed that for every five fewer vapers, there were between 3.1 to 4.4 additional daily smokers. Flavour restrictions may lead to reduced vaping but higher cigarette smoking among young adults, potentially offsetting public health benefits. The impact varies by state, with Maryland's limited ban on non-menthol vapes showing a lesser increase in smoking. The study suggests exempting menthol vapes or open-system devices from flavour restrictions may help reduce youth vaping without promoting smoking. Future research is needed to explore effective measures to address this issue.

February 27, 2025 by rhodeislandcurrent.com

Nearly two months after Rhode Island's flavored e-cigarette ban took effect on Jan. 1, the controversy continues. During a recent House Committee hearing, Rep. William O’Brien proposed legislation to exempt vape shops from the ban, calling it an “injustice” with unintended consequences for small businesses and smokers using flavored vapes to quit cigarettes. The ban, part of the state’s fiscal 2025 budget, does not include menthol or tobacco flavors, which remain available but are now subject to new taxes.

February 25, 2025 by reuters.com

Some e-cigarette companies targeted by U.S. authorities have changed their business models or corporate structures, including moving operations offshore, to evade regulations, according to the FDA and industry sources. These tactics have complicated efforts to curb unauthorized vape imports. Chinese vape giant Heaven Gifts transferred its Lost Mary brand to a British Virgin Islands firm after the FDA banned several imports in 2023, while Texas-based Ludicrous Distro stopped selling its own unlicensed vapes and shifted to distributing third-party unauthorized devices.

February 24, 2025 by indiatoday.in

New York State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal is pushing for a ban on flavored nicotine pouches despite FDA support for aiding adult smokers. The bill aims to prohibit enticing flavors in all nicotine products to prevent addiction, particularly among youth. FDA approval of nicotine pouches like Zyn acknowledges their harm reduction compared to cigarettes. While critics fear the ban might hinder smoking cessation efforts for 1.6 million smokers, supporters emphasize the need to prevent youth nicotine addiction. Hoylman-Sigal stresses the importance of targeting flavored products that appeal to young people to curb nicotine use among students.

February 24, 2025 by nypost.com

Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal is leading a push to ban flavored nicotine pouches in New York to prevent young people from becoming addicted. The FDA approved certain flavors of Zyn pouches, sparking concerns about youth usage. Opponents argue that banning these products could lead to increased criminal activity and harm legitimate businesses. While the FDA acknowledges the potential benefits for adult smokers, Senator Hoylman-Sigal emphasizes the risks of addiction, particularly among youths. The debate highlights the complexities of balancing public health concerns with economic impacts and tobacco harm reduction strategies.

February 21, 2025 by reuters.com

New York Attorney General Letitia James has sued several major e-cigarette manufacturers, distributors, and retailers for allegedly fueling a youth vaping epidemic. The lawsuit seeks hundreds of millions in damages, accusing the companies of gross negligence and violating state and federal laws by marketing flavored vape products with kid-friendly packaging. Defendants include Demand Vape and Puff Bar, two leading e-cigarette brands among young users. James likened their tactics to Big Tobacco, saying they made nicotine seem "cool" while creating a public health crisis.

February 20, 2025 by sacbee.com

Disposable e-cigarettes pose a threat not only to public health but also to safety and the environment, experts warn. Due to their highly flammable lithium-ion batteries, they increase the risk of fires in garbage trucks and waste processing facilities. In response, California Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin has introduced Bill AB 762, which bans the sale of disposable e-cigarettes. The bill includes financial penalties starting at $500 per violation. Irwin emphasizes that disposable vapes are harming beaches, the environment, and public health.