Read articles from North America

April 27, 2026 by regulatorwatch.com

Tensions are rising within the US administration over the future of flavoured nicotine products. Reports suggest that the head of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is resisting pressure from the White House to relax restrictions on flavours. The dispute highlights internal divisions over how to balance youth protection with harm reduction strategies. Critics argue that limiting flavoured alternatives could reduce options for adult smokers trying to switch. The situation reflects a broader struggle over how nicotine policy should be shaped and on what evidence.

April 27, 2026 by regulatorwatch.com

Tensions are rising within the US administration over the future of flavoured nicotine products. Reports suggest that the head of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is resisting pressure from the White House to relax restrictions on flavours. The dispute highlights internal divisions over how to balance youth protection with harm reduction strategies. Critics argue that limiting flavoured alternatives could reduce options for adult smokers trying to switch. The situation reflects a broader struggle over how nicotine policy should be shaped and on what evidence.

April 24, 2026 by tobaccoreporter.com

Lawmakers in Iowa are moving to introduce a new tax on alternative nicotine products, signaling a shift in how these categories are regulated. The proposal sets a 5-cent levy on nicotine pouches and a per-milliliter tax on e-liquids used in vaping products. The measure would apply broadly across both disposable devices and refill systems, creating a more uniform approach to taxation. Supporters argue the policy is aimed at generating funding for pediatric cancer research rather than significantly reducing usage. Critics, however, question whether such a modest tax can meaningfully influence consumer behaviour or public health outcomes.

April 23, 2026 by senate.gov

Durbin called on Secretary Kennedy to regulate illegal e-cigarette products, particularly those aimed at children. He highlighted the impact of tobacco on his family and criticized the FDA for authorizing JUUL Labs despite concerns. Durbin urged Kennedy to prioritize public health over Big Tobacco's interests, emphasizing the need to protect children from addictive substances. He questioned the proposed elimination of the CDC's Office of Smoking and Health and emphasized the importance of combating youth vaping. Durbin stressed the Tobacco Control Act's requirements for e-cigarette approval and advised against expanding their market. He shared a recent GAO report exposing the illegal sale of flavored e-cigarettes and criticized the lack of enforcement actions by FDA and DOJ.

April 23, 2026 by senate.gov

Durbin called on Secretary Kennedy to regulate illegal e-cigarette products, particularly those aimed at children. He highlighted the impact of tobacco on his family and criticized the FDA for authorizing JUUL Labs despite concerns. Durbin urged Kennedy to prioritize public health over Big Tobacco's interests, emphasizing the need to protect children from addictive substances. He questioned the proposed elimination of the CDC's Office of Smoking and Health and emphasized the importance of combating youth vaping. Durbin stressed the Tobacco Control Act's requirements for e-cigarette approval and advised against expanding their market. He shared a recent GAO report exposing the illegal sale of flavored e-cigarettes and criticized the lack of enforcement actions by FDA and DOJ.

April 17, 2026 by filtermag.org

Debates over the EVALI outbreak and its implications for vaping policy continue to resurface in public health discussions. Critics argue that regulatory and media responses to the 2019 lung injury cases contributed to widespread confusion about the actual causes of the illness. Evidence from investigations by U.S. health authorities indicated that most cases were linked to illicit THC products containing vitamin E acetate rather than nicotine vaping. Despite this, some analysts believe that the CDC’s communication approach had lasting effects on public perception of all vaping products. The issue remains central to ongoing disputes about how public health agencies should communicate risks related to emerging nicotine technologies.

April 16, 2026 by substack.com

Regulation of nicotine products in the United States has created barriers for lower-risk alternatives to smoking. While cigarettes remain widely available, newer smoke-free products face strict approval processes. This imbalance may limit access to potentially less harmful options for smokers. Research suggests that allowing and promoting safer alternatives could reduce smoking-related deaths. The debate focuses on how policy decisions influence both public health outcomes and consumer choices.

April 15, 2026 by regulatorwatch.com

Canada’s approach to vaping regulation is facing growing scrutiny as critics point to unintended consequences of recent policies. Increasing taxes and restrictions on vaping products are argued to be reshaping consumer behavior rather than eliminating nicotine use. Some analyses suggest that tighter rules may be linked to a decline in legal vape sales alongside a rise in cigarette consumption. There are also concerns about the expansion of illicit markets and associated criminal activity driven by high taxation and limited access to regulated alternatives. The situation is fuelling debate over whether current policies are achieving public health goals or producing counterproductive outcomes.

April 15, 2026 by regulatorwatch.com

Canada’s approach to vaping regulation is facing growing scrutiny as critics point to unintended consequences of recent policies. Increasing taxes and restrictions on vaping products are argued to be reshaping consumer behavior rather than eliminating nicotine use. Some analyses suggest that tighter rules may be linked to a decline in legal vape sales alongside a rise in cigarette consumption. There are also concerns about the expansion of illicit markets and associated criminal activity driven by high taxation and limited access to regulated alternatives. The situation is fuelling debate over whether current policies are achieving public health goals or producing counterproductive outcomes.

April 15, 2026 by regulatorwatch.com

Canada’s approach to vaping regulation is facing growing scrutiny as critics point to unintended consequences of recent policies. Increasing taxes and restrictions on vaping products are argued to be reshaping consumer behavior rather than eliminating nicotine use. Some analyses suggest that tighter rules may be linked to a decline in legal vape sales alongside a rise in cigarette consumption. There are also concerns about the expansion of illicit markets and associated criminal activity driven by high taxation and limited access to regulated alternatives. The situation is fuelling debate over whether current policies are achieving public health goals or producing counterproductive outcomes.