Read articles from North America

February 12, 2025 by filtermag.org

The Canadian government has postponed a proposed vape flavor ban following advocacy efforts. Proponents argue flavors aid smoking cessation, but the ban could still be implemented after elections. Health Canada wanted to restrict flavors to menthol, tobacco, and mint due to youth vaping concerns. The harm-reduction case prevailed temporarily. A study showed 68% of Canadian adults quitting smoking used flavors targeted by the ban. Supporters believe banning flavors could lead to dangerous practices. Various provinces have already enacted flavor bans, with negative consequences like vapers reverting to cigarettes in Quebec. The fight to keep flavors available continues, supported by evidence and advocacy efforts.

February 12, 2025 by regulatorwatch.com

For many within public health, the war on tobacco is over—and the new enemy is nicotine. It’s an uncomfortable pivot, one that requires ignoring what may be the greatest public health achievement of the century: the collapse of smoking rates across the Western world. Instead of celebrating, tobacco control, regulators, and activists have turned their guns on safer nicotine products—demonizing vaping, banning flavors, and destroying small businesses. Joining us today to break down the lies, bans, politics, and betrayal in the war on nicotine are two of the most prolific voices in tobacco harm reduction: Lindsey Stroud, and Martin Cullip from the Taxpayers Protection Alliance out of Washington, D.C.

February 10, 2025 by gfn.tv

In Canada, youth vaping dominates the public health debate—but what about the millions of adult smokers left behind? Dr. Mark Tyndall reveals how fear, misinformation, and political convenience are obstructing access to safer nicotine products. Is Canadian public health failing its most vulnerable by rejecting harm reduction?

February 03, 2025 by vapingpost.com

In the U.S. and across the world, the increase in vaping has led to a significant drop in smoking rates. Sadly, instead of celebrating the fact that most smokers have shifted to using a proven safer alternative, authorities are in most cases just fixating on the increase in vaping.

January 30, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu

Canada's proposed ban on vape flavors is likely delayed until 2025 due to concerns from health groups. The ban, aiming to limit youth vaping, faces opposition from anti-smoking organizations citing flavored vapes' role in helping smokers quit. Despite calls from public health officials, the government's postponement is attributed to provincial bans causing a rise in black market trade. The vaping industry warns that a flavor ban could push adult vapers back to smoking. Health Minister Ya'ara Saks reaffirms the eventual restriction on flavors, emphasizing the need to address vaping risks effectively.

January 29, 2025 by financialpost.com

Teen smoking rates in the U.S. and Canada have dropped dramatically, nearing zero, from 25% in the 1990s. This significant decline, celebrated by researcher Ken Warner, is largely attributed to the rise of vaping, particularly after 2018 with the introduction of Juul and Vuse. While health authorities deserve credit for the gradual decline in smoking, vaping has accelerated this trend, especially among youth. However, this factor remains underdiscussed by health groups and governments.

January 28, 2025 by dcjournal.com

The Biden administration’s last-minute proposal to drastically reduce nicotine levels in cigarettes was seen by many as a political move rather than a serious public health effort. However, experts like Jed Rose, head of the Rose Research Center, highlight the need for scientific progress and better public education to address smoking addiction effectively. Rose emphasizes that smoking isn’t just about nicotine—it’s also tied to sensory cues that create satisfaction. His decades of research, which began unexpectedly during his studies on anxiety, underscore the complexity of smoking behavior and the importance of targeted cessation strategies.

January 27, 2025 by politico.com

America faces a significant teenage vaping problem, with 1.63 million middle and high schoolers reporting usage. Popular disposable vapes, often brightly colored and flavored like candy or fruit, are designed to attract kids, despite packing dangerous nicotine levels equivalent to 590 cigarettes. These flavored vapes are technically illegal, but state laws, like Oklahoma's 2021 legislation, have been ineffective due to loopholes. Oklahoma’s law intended to limit sales to FDA-authorized or pre-2016 vapes but failed in enforcement, allowing unauthorized products to remain widely available. This highlights the challenges in regulating youth vaping.

January 24, 2025 by substack.com

Mexico's vaping prohibition, included in its constitution in 2024, resulted from authoritarian governance and collaboration with Bloomberg Philanthropies and local NGOs influencing policy. Despite opposition and Supreme Court rulings, the ban passed in a questionable process. President AMLO's personal motives, possibly linked to his son's health, drove this extreme measure. The enforcement may lead to criminal cartel dominance in the vape market. Foreign involvement influenced Mexico's anti-vaping stance, favoring a controversial ban despite limited public support. The prohibition's consequences, including black market risks, await assessment under the new administration. This hasty, authoritarian process reflects a concerning direction in Mexico's policy-making.

January 23, 2025 by latinamericanpost.com

British American Tobacco halted e-cigarette sales in response to Mexico's vaping restrictions and concerns over a growing black market. The company emphasizes the need for balanced rules to protect health, businesses, and tax revenues. Mexico's ban on e-cigarettes has impacted the tobacco industry, with BAT temporarily stopping vape sales. The focus is on preventing illegal markets and youth access while considering economic consequences. Mexico's ban stems from health worries, but BAT argues for regulated products to reduce harm and prevent illicit trade. The company suggests Mexico follow global examples of balanced regulations. BAT highlights potential tax losses from the black market and advocates for sensible regulations to allow adult smokers to access safer alternatives.