Read articles from North America

February 27, 2026 by regulatorwatch.com

Canadian flavour bans were sold as a public health win, but the data says otherwise. In this episode of RegWatch, economist Dr. Michael Pesko breaks down new research examining the real-world impact of provincial bans on flavoured nicotine vaping products. Using retail sales data from across Canada, Pesko and his co-authors found that nicotine vape sales fell by roughly 30 percent after provincial flavour bans took effect, while cigarette sales rose by nearly 10 percent.

February 27, 2026 by regulatorwatch.com

Canadian flavour bans were sold as a public health win, but the data says otherwise. In this episode of RegWatch, economist Dr. Michael Pesko breaks down new research examining the real-world impact of provincial bans on flavoured nicotine vaping products. Using retail sales data from across Canada, Pesko and his co-authors found that nicotine vape sales fell by roughly 30 percent after provincial flavour bans took effect, while cigarette sales rose by nearly 10 percent.

February 25, 2026 by reason.org

Aligning with scientific evidence and international success stories, safer nicotine alternatives offer a way to reduce smoking-related harm. Tobacco harm reduction, supported by the FDA, stresses the reduced risks of products like e-cigarettes. Taxing these products less than cigarettes is crucial to incentivize smokers to switch, promoting public health. Regressive taxing unfairly impacts lower-income smokers. Following FDA guidelines and global examples such as Sweden and the UK, Wisconsin should adopt risk-proportionate taxation to encourage harm reduction.

February 24, 2026 by consumeraffairs.com

New national research shows that nicotine pouch use is low among U.S. adults, with higher rates among recent ex-smokers or vapers. Men and non-Hispanic White adults were more likely users. Nicotine pouches offer an alternative to traditional smoking, but more data is needed to understand their impact. U.S. FDA approval in 2025 raised interest in pouches as a harm-reduction option. The study used Census data to analyze pouch usage, showing that tobacco users, especially recent quitters, were the primary users. While pouches might assist some in quitting traditional tobacco, non-users should not start. Understanding the demographics and habits of pouch users is important for public health.

February 24, 2026 by reason.org

Gov. Hochul's $260 billion budget includes a new tax on nicotine pouches to match cigarette prices, raising $18 million initially and $44 million later. While meant to improve public health, pouches don't contain tobacco or produce smoke. They offer a safer alternative as proven by the FDA approval. However, taxing them heavily may deter smokers from switching, consequently boosting cigarette sales. Existing tobacco tax revenue could be better used to enforce compliance and prevention programs instead of introducing new taxes.

February 23, 2026 by gfn.tv

In this episode of GFN News, we break down Mexico’s strict new regulations on vaping, including bans on marketing, sales, and imports—and the possibility of prison sentences for violations. Joined by Juan José Cirión Lee, president of Mexico y el Mundo Vapeando, the discussion explores what the law actually allows, what remains unclear, and how these changes could impact consumers and public health. Is vaping truly illegal in Mexico, or is it still a legal gray area? Watch to understand the real implications of this controversial policy shift.

February 17, 2026 by traveltomorrow.com

Mexico has implemented a comprehensive ban on vaping products since January 16, 2022. The law prohibits the import, distribution, and sale of e-cigarettes, extending to tourists entering the country. This law closes the gap in previous restrictions and strengthens enforcement. Penalties for violating the ban range from fines to imprisonment, with additional restrictions on public smoking. The initiative aligns with global efforts to curb smoking and vaping, as seen in other countries like France, the Maldives, Belgium, and Spain. Travelers, including cruise passengers, are advised to leave vaping devices at home to avoid legal consequences.

February 05, 2026 by snusforumet.se

U.S. regulators are close to approving Zyn nicotine pouches as safer than cigarettes. Experts at a FDA hearing support the claim that Zyn reduces risks, with minimal youth use. In contrast, Europe is restricting similar products due to youth concerns. The Association of Swedish Snus Manufacturers praises U.S. openness to harm reduction. FDA granted pre-market approval to Zyn last year, recognizing it as less harmful. The public can comment until March 4, 2026, before the FDA's final decision. Previously, FDA approved Swedish Match USA's tobacco snus as a reduced-risk product in 2019.

January 29, 2026 by cato.org

When governments ban products, they don’t eliminate demand—they redirect it. That basic economic fact is especially important in nicotine policy, where people don’t simply stop using nicotine because a preferred product disappears. Flavored vaping bans are a case in point. Many states and some cities have enacted bans on in-store and/​or online sales of flavored vapes. However, adults also enjoy these flavored products, and many trying to quit smoking find it easier with flavored options.

January 29, 2026 by kjzz.org

Arizona received a failing grade in tobacco control efforts according to the American Lung Association's report. Despite an increase in funding to $22 million in 2026, the state still falls short of CDC recommendations. The report urges Arizona to improve funding for tobacco prevention programs and raise taxes on tobacco products to protect communities and reduce tobacco use.