Read articles from North America

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.

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.

February 20, 2025 by washingtonpost.com

California lawmakers are proposing a ban on disposable vape sales by 2026 to reduce plastic pollution. The bill aims to address environmental and health concerns linked to single-use vapes, which contain harmful chemicals. Similar bans have been considered in other countries. Local businesses are concerned about the impact on sales and potential smuggling activities. The state has previously implemented regulations on vape sales, especially targeting youth. Advocates stress the health hazards and environmental damage caused by these products. The bill faces opposition but is viewed as a positive step towards addressing the risks associated with disposable vapes.

February 18, 2025 by filtermag.org

Canada is seeing a shift away from harm reduction, with senior police officials backing this change. Experts reject police claims that harm reduction doesn't work, pointing out police actions have hindered such efforts. Governments, influenced by right-wing pushback, have reversed decriminalization initiatives, such as in British Columbia. Police leaders criticizing harm reduction upon retirement are met with opposition from advocates and experts who emphasize the importance and effectiveness of harm reduction strategies. The Royal Canadian Mountain Police's enforcement against drug use in public spaces contradicted decriminalization efforts, highlighting the harm caused by law enforcement actions on vulnerable populations.

February 18, 2025 by reason.com

A Massachusetts vape shop owner was sentenced to six months in jail for tax evasion linked to illicit sale of flavored e-cigarettes. Massachusetts bans all flavored tobacco products, with violators facing felony charges up to five years in prison. The ban has spawned a surge in illegal markets, prompting concerns from criminal justice reformers and civil rights groups. Cases like the one in Marlborough highlight the unintended consequences of such bans, including revenue loss and increased cigarette sales. Despite public health motivations, the enforcement of flavor bans has led to criminal prosecutions and jail sentences, challenging the balance between regulation and criminal justice in the tobacco industry.

February 17, 2025 by gfn.tv

Mexico's smoking rates have stagnated, so why is the government insisting on amending their constitution to ban vapes? Tomás O'Gorman joins us to explain these latest developments in Mexico in this brand new episode of GFN News!

February 14, 2025 by dcjournal.com

Smoking kills half a million Americans each year, highlighting the need for bold, science-driven solutions. Quitting is an extremely difficult challenge for millions of smokers, often leading to severe health consequences. Instead of imposing bans and reinforcing misconceptions, the Trump administration has an opportunity to support innovation and a common-sense approach to reducing smoking-related harm. The nominations of Martin Makary for FDA commissioner and Jay Bhattacharya for NIH director suggest a shift in tobacco policy. Both are known for challenging rigid healthcare orthodoxy and have the potential to play a transformative role in shaping the future of public health in the U.S.

February 12, 2025 by csnews.com

President Trump's Administration made significant changes to tobacco regulations, withdrawing rules on menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars. The Biden Administration delayed these decisions due to public feedback. The FDA authorized ZYN nicotine pouches, citing their lower harmful content. The future of tobacco regulation is uncertain, with potential for harm reduction policies and more FDA authorizations for less risky tobacco products. President Trump aimed to support vaping during his campaign, suggesting the FDA should authorize more vapor products, including flavored ones, to assist adult smokers in transitioning from combustible cigarettes.

February 12, 2025 by youtube.com

In this episode of Across the Pond, Martin Cullip and Lindsey Stroud are joined by David Sweanor from the University of Ottawa to discuss tobacco harm reduction in Canada. They explore new research co-authored by Sweanor, recently shared on the Canadian government’s website, which highlights the role of flavors in helping adults quit smoking—despite ongoing government efforts to ban them. The discussion also covers the broader progress of harm reduction and how prohibitionists continue to challenge and undermine these efforts.