Read articles from North America

May 08, 2025 by gfn.tv

Despite the growing use of safer nicotine being strongly associated with declining smoking rates, there is still systemic opposition to these products from institutions and NGOs - but why is this the case? In this episode Lindsey Stroud joins us to unpack the FDA's reluctance to approve new nicotine products, and the misinformation used to prop up the opposition to THR.

May 08, 2025 by filtermag.org

New York City Health Department's press release, allegedly led by Michael Bloomberg, showcases a biased approach against tobacco harm reduction. Equating vaping to the leading cause of death misleads the public. While smoking rates have declined, the city demonizes vaping rather than celebrating its role in smoking cessation. Crackdowns on vaping products prevail, while ignoring the benefits they offer smokers. The city's lawsuit against flavored vapes exemplifies a misguided focus on youth appeal, neglecting adult preferences. Disregarding harm reduction principles, the city's stance on nicotine perpetuates cigarette consumption over safer alternatives. The campaign reflects a lack of access to truthful health information and obstructs progress towards saving lives.

May 07, 2025 by rights4vapers.com

Rights4Vapers congratulates the Liberal Party on forming the new federal government in Canada. They urge Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Health Ministers to prioritize harm reduction and Canadians' health with evidence-based nicotine policies. The advocacy group stresses the importance of distinguishing safer nicotine products like vaping devices from traditional cigarettes and establishing a Safer Nicotine Act. They call for the reversal of restrictions on nicotine pouch sales and emphasize the need for updated regulations to support smoking cessation effectively.

May 07, 2025 by washingtonexaminer.com

Activists urge President Trump to tackle the sale of illicit Chinese e-cigarettes to U.S. youths. Hispanic Business Caucus President wrote a letter calling for stricter regulations and border security to combat black market vapes. The CDC reports a decrease in teenage vaping, but over 1.6 million students used e-cigarettes in 2024. Most illicit vapes are traced back to China, fueling a billion-dollar market by 2030. Dubbed "Not For Sale In China," these products harm American youth. Legislative steps include Trump's ban proposal on flavored e-cigs and raising the tobacco buying age. Despite bipartisan efforts, administrative hurdles pose challenges in enforcing regulation and penalties on offenders.

May 05, 2025 by westernstandard.news

Australia's tobacco excise revenue plummeted to $7.4 billion AUD this year from $16.3 billion AUD in 2019‑20, despite high taxes. Smokers turned to cheaper contraband due to tax hikes, leading to a 50% revenue drop in five years. Canadian authorities should pay attention as they increase taxes and regulations, resulting in a rise in vape store robberies across the country.

May 02, 2025 by mjbizdaily.com

Three research firms — Cannabis Public Policy Consulting (New York), Capital Consulting Services (St. Louis), and Whitney Economics (Oregon) — are competing to study Missouri’s cannabis market. The goal is to help the state decide whether to issue more adult-use marijuana business licenses. All firms agree that Missouri’s recreational cannabis market, launched in 2022, has been a success. Experts say the success is largely due to the state issuing only the minimum number of licenses allowed by its constitution.

May 02, 2025 by mjbizdaily.com

Three research firms — Cannabis Public Policy Consulting (New York), Capital Consulting Services (St. Louis), and Whitney Economics (Oregon) — are competing to study Missouri’s cannabis market. The goal is to help the state decide whether to issue more adult-use marijuana business licenses. All firms agree that Missouri’s recreational cannabis market, launched in 2022, has been a success. Experts say the success is largely due to the state issuing only the minimum number of licenses allowed by its constitution.

May 01, 2025 by axios.com

The CEO of Philip Morris International’s U.S. business claims nicotine is misunderstood and offers cognitive benefits, arguing that regulators should support smoking alternatives. This comes as PMI pushes to end cigarette sales. With Robert F. Kennedy Jr. now leading the Department of Health and Human Services, there may be major changes in tobacco regulation. Meanwhile, PMI's nicotine pouch brand Zyn is seeing rapid growth in the U.S., with shipments in the Americas up nearly 54% in Q1 2025. Smoke-free products now make up 42% of PMI's revenue, compared to 25% a year ago. Although PMI still earns most of its revenue from smokers, that could soon shift due to Zyn’s rising popularity.

April 30, 2025 by medicalxpress.com

The USC study reveals a nearly doubled usage of nicotine pouches among U.S. high school students in 2023-2024. Concerns rise over their popularity linked to confidence and masculinity on social media, prompting calls for regulation by organizations like the FDA. Data shows an increase in teens using both pouches and e-cigarettes. Demographics indicate higher usage among males, non-Hispanic whites, and those in rural areas, highlighting the need for tailored prevention strategies. Risks include nicotine addiction and potential health effects on brain development. Monitoring trends and tailored prevention approaches are essential to address this growing issue. Regulatory policies and prevention efforts, especially for high-risk groups, are crucial.

April 28, 2025 by alaskabeacon.com

Smoking rates in Alaska have steadily declined over the past decades, according to a new report from the state's Department of Health. Adult smoking dropped from 28% in the 1990s to 16% in 2023, with significant decreases also among Alaska Native adults. Despite this progress, about one in four adults still used tobacco or nicotine products in 2023. Among youth, both cigarette and e-cigarette use have also fallen, showing the success of public health campaigns.