Read articles from North America

March 27, 2026 by tobaccoinsider.com

A growing number of U.S. states, including New York, Michigan, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Washington, are considering taxing nicotine pouches similar to tobacco products due to public health concerns and declining cigarette tax revenues. Supporters argue the tax would curb youth nicotine use, but critics fear it may discourage smokers from switching to safer alternatives. Washington State implemented a significant 95% excise tax on all nicotine products, impacting prices and revenue generation. This trend reflects a shift in state taxation policies towards alternative nicotine products as cigarette consumption declines. Nicotine pouch taxes are also being debated in Rhode Island, Oregon, Illinois, Nebraska, Maine, and Minnesota, reflecting a broader national movement towards regulating these products within existing tobacco tax frameworks.

March 27, 2026 by abcnews.com

Smoking rates in the US hit a record low in 2024 as e-cigarette use rises, says the CDC. Cigarette smoking among adults dropped to nearly 10% from about 11% in 2023. The decline follows efforts to educate about smoking hazards since the Surgeon General's 1964 report. 7% of American adults used e-cigarettes in 2024, up from 6.5% in 2023 and nearly double than in 2020. E-cigarettes come with uncertainties about their harm compared to cigarettes. Factors like age, location, and mental health affect smoking and vaping habits, with concerns about e-cigarette companies targeting young users.

March 27, 2026 by stratcann.com

Canada’s cannabis market continues to expand, with total sales rising significantly alongside growth in licensed production space. Recent data show that extracts and edibles are gaining market share, reflecting a shift in consumer preferences away from traditional dried flower. This trend points to a maturing market where diversification of products is becoming a key driver of growth. At the same time, evolving demand is reshaping both retail strategies and regulatory considerations across the industry.

March 20, 2026 by tobaccofreekids.org

The adult cigarette smoking rate in the U.S. has dropped to a historic low of 9.9%, marking a significant public health achievement. However, further progress is threatened by the dismantling of federal tobacco control infrastructure. Despite the decline, over 25 million U.S. adults still smoke, highlighting the need for continued implementation of proven strategies like tobacco tax increases and public education campaigns. Tobacco remains a major public health issue, with disparities in usage and associated harm across different groups. Sustaining tobacco control efforts, including the CDC's Office on Smoking and Health, is crucial to reducing smoking-related health and economic burdens nationally.

March 19, 2026 by marijuanamoment.net

A new study found alcohol and tobacco cause more harm than marijuana, with alcohol ranked as the most harmful substance. Marijuana's harms mostly come from the illegal market. The study, supported by government funding, evaluated various substances for their harm to consumers and society. Alcohol scored highest in overall harm, while tobacco ranked first in certain categories. The study suggested governments consider drug harms in policy-making. Surveys show a shift towards marijuana over alcohol, with some opting for cannabis-infused products. Studies indicate cannabis use reduces alcohol consumption. Research suggests cannabis may be a healthier alternative to alcohol, potentially leading to legalization nationwide. More evidence supports marijuana's medical benefits and lower risk compared to current regulations.

March 18, 2026 by washingtonpost.com

The debate over flavoured e-cigarettes is once again gaining momentum as regulators reconsider how best to address nicotine use in modern society. What began as a public health effort to curb youth vaping has evolved into a more complex discussion about unintended consequences and policy effectiveness. Questions are now being raised about whether strict regulations have truly reduced harm or simply shifted it into less controlled spaces. At the same time, the role of e-cigarettes as a potential alternative for adult smokers remains highly contested. This issue ultimately reflects a broader challenge of balancing public health priorities with individual choice in an evolving nicotine landscape.

March 18, 2026 by washingtonpost.com

The debate over flavoured e-cigarettes is once again gaining momentum as regulators reconsider how best to address nicotine use in modern society. What began as a public health effort to curb youth vaping has evolved into a more complex discussion about unintended consequences and policy effectiveness. Questions are now being raised about whether strict regulations have truly reduced harm or simply shifted it into less controlled spaces. At the same time, the role of e-cigarettes as a potential alternative for adult smokers remains highly contested. This issue ultimately reflects a broader challenge of balancing public health priorities with individual choice in an evolving nicotine landscape.

March 18, 2026 by washingtonpost.com

The debate over flavoured e-cigarettes is once again gaining momentum as regulators reconsider how best to address nicotine use in modern society. What began as a public health effort to curb youth vaping has evolved into a more complex discussion about unintended consequences and policy effectiveness. Questions are now being raised about whether strict regulations have truly reduced harm or simply shifted it into less controlled spaces. At the same time, the role of e-cigarettes as a potential alternative for adult smokers remains highly contested. This issue ultimately reflects a broader challenge of balancing public health priorities with individual choice in an evolving nicotine landscape.

March 18, 2026 by washingtonpost.com

The debate over flavoured e-cigarettes is once again gaining momentum as regulators reconsider how best to address nicotine use in modern society. What began as a public health effort to curb youth vaping has evolved into a more complex discussion about unintended consequences and policy effectiveness. Questions are now being raised about whether strict regulations have truly reduced harm or simply shifted it into less controlled spaces. At the same time, the role of e-cigarettes as a potential alternative for adult smokers remains highly contested. This issue ultimately reflects a broader challenge of balancing public health priorities with individual choice in an evolving nicotine landscape.

March 18, 2026 by washingtonpost.com

The debate over flavoured e-cigarettes is once again gaining momentum as regulators reconsider how best to address nicotine use in modern society. What began as a public health effort to curb youth vaping has evolved into a more complex discussion about unintended consequences and policy effectiveness. Questions are now being raised about whether strict regulations have truly reduced harm or simply shifted it into less controlled spaces. At the same time, the role of e-cigarettes as a potential alternative for adult smokers remains highly contested. This issue ultimately reflects a broader challenge of balancing public health priorities with individual choice in an evolving nicotine landscape.