Read articles from North America

December 05, 2024 by tbsnews.net

Mexican lawmakers recently passed a constitutional amendment banning e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and cracking down on synthetic drugs like fentanyl. Ex-President Lopez Obrador argued these products harm public health, especially affecting children. The legislation also targets the production and sale of harmful substances. Despite a presidential decree, vaping products are still accessible. The reform saw overwhelming support in the lower house with 410 votes in favor. The ban affects a small fraction of the population, with less than 1 million people using vapes, 500,000 teens, and 300,000 adults using e-cigarettes. The proposal now moves to the senate for further consideration.

December 05, 2024 by reason.com

The FDA's stance on flavored vaping products is in question, with Triton challenging the agency's denial of its applications for approval. The case highlights the FDA's shifting criteria and concerns about youth access. The Supreme Court is considering the issue, with divided views on the FDA's actions. Critics argue the FDA's arbitrary rule changes impact adult vapers' preferences and harm reduction potential. Triton's appeal could impact the future of flavored vaping products. The FDA's strict approach aims to address underage use concerns but may limit harm reduction opportunities. The outcome may hinge on the FDA's discretion under the Tobacco Control Act and potential changes in leadership.

December 05, 2024 by mexiconewsdaily.com

Mexico's lower house approved a constitutional reform banning e-cigarettes, vapes, and synthetic drugs like fentanyl. The law aims to reduce respiratory illnesses and deaths, particularly among young people. The former president and current president supported the ban, while critics raised concerns about including vapes in drug legislation. The legislation now moves to the Senate, expected to pass like in the lower house. Illegal vaping products from organized crime are a worry. The ban also covers chemicals and toxic substances. Fentanyl, except for medical use, is prohibited in Mexico.

December 05, 2024 by mexiconewsdaily.com

Mexico's lower house approved a constitutional reform banning e-cigarettes, vapes, and sanctioning synthetic drugs like fentanyl to prevent respiratory illnesses and deaths. The proposal awaits Senate approval to become law. The ban aims to curb public health issues, with 16.4% of Mexican adults smoking tobacco. Previous attempts by former President López Obrador to ban vaping were unsuccessful. The vote passed with 410 in favor and 24 against, also prohibiting toxic substances. Concerns include the black market rise due to the ban. The legislation, supported by the majority Morena party, is likely to pass in the Senate, signaling stricter regulations in Mexico.

December 03, 2024 by filtermag.org

The United States Supreme Court reviewed the FDA's regulation of nicotine vapes, focusing on the denial of two companies to sell flavored vaping liquids. The court did not heavily address the broader debate on the benefits versus risks of flavored vapes. The case's outcome may impact future FDA decisions under new leadership. Justices raised questions on the legality and fairness of the FDA's actions. The case centers on whether the FDA's guidance to vaping companies was legal amidst shifting regulations due to youth vaping concerns. The ruling, not expected for months, will influence the future of vaping products in the US.

December 02, 2024 by westernstandard.news

The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) has been a prominent advocate in the fight against tobacco use, championing policies and programs to help Canadians quit smoking. However, questions have been raised about potential conflicts of interest stemming from the organization’s corporate partnerships, which could influence its stance on smoking cessation methods. Relationships between health organizations like the CCS and pharmaceutical companies have become a central topic in discussions about public health recommendations and potential biases. While the CCS remains dedicated to reducing cancer rates and promoting healthy lifestyles, its collaboration with stakeholders, including pharmaceutical companies that manufacture smoking cessation products, continues to be scrutinized.

December 02, 2024 by nbcnews.com

The Supreme Court will hear a case on FDA's refusal to approve flavored e-cigarettes, raising questions about the agency's oversight of new tobacco products. Despite challenges by vape makers like Triton Distribution and Vapestasia, the FDA cites health concerns, especially for youth. The companies argue flavored vapes can aid smoking cessation. The FDA claims insufficient evidence supports their applications. The agency already regulates tobacco but started overseeing vapes in 2016 due to youth appeal. While it approved some flavors, the FDA remains cautious, considering benefits and risks. President Trump's potential policy changes could impact the FDA, crucial in addressing public health issues.

November 29, 2024 by reuters.com

A dispute over the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's refusal to let two e-cigarette companies sell flavored vape products due to their health risk to youths goes before the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday in another case involving the power of regulatory agencies. The FDA has appealed a lower court's ruling that the agency did not follow proper legal procedures under a federal law called the Administrative Procedure Act when it denied applications by Triton Distribution and Vapetasia to sell their nicotine-containing products.

November 26, 2024 by aol.com

A study by UC San Diego found that many online vape sellers do not comply with regulations to prevent sales to minors. Out of 156 transactions tested, 73% were processed and 67% were delivered, violating laws on age verification and flavor restrictions. The study highlighted challenges in enforcing regulations on online vape sales, urging more oversight to protect youth from accessing vaping products easily. The findings suggest a need for stricter enforcement and monitoring of online retailers to prevent underage sales. The study also underlined the significant growth of online e-cigarette sales, emphasizing the necessity for improved regulation in this sector.

November 25, 2024 by oyston.com

Several safer alternatives to cigarettes, like vapes, heat-not-burn products, snus, and nicotine pouches, are not being effectively promoted. Instead, political actions are making them less appealing, more costly, and harder to access. The letter urges Health Canada to rethink its approach to these products, emphasizing that millions of lives could be saved.