Read articles from North America

October 10, 2024 by financialpost.com

Last Friday, anti-vaping activists gathered on Parliament Hill, demanding the resignation of Addiction Minister Ya’ara Saks for not implementing stronger vaping regulations after 14 months. Their primary concern is the availability of flavored vaping products, pushing for a ban on all flavors except tobacco. Critics argue that this would undermine harm reduction efforts, questioning why non-tobacco products should taste like tobacco and pointing out that limiting flavors could hinder smokers who are trying to quit.

October 08, 2024 by filtermag.org

Washington State allows Extended Family Visits (EFV), despite evidence showing benefits of family bonding for prisoners. However, the state's policy banning nicotine products like vapes poses challenges for visitors and prisoners. This restriction leads to missed opportunities for family connections and worsens re-entry prospects. The policy's inflexibility contrasts with the goal of supporting families impacted by incarceration. Relaxing these rules could ease stress for visitors and strengthen family bonds. The current anti-nicotine policy creates barriers to successful reintegration, highlighting the need for change in Washington's Department of Corrections.

October 08, 2024 by daily-pouch.com

Convenience store giants are challenging Health Canada's new rule restricting nicotine pouch sales to pharmacies, fearing it may fuel black markets. The shift favors harm reduction strategies, akin to successful models in Sweden, while critiquing Canada's approach as overly restrictive. Critics argue that bans on flavors and limited sales locations hinder harm reduction efforts. Restricting sales to pharmacies could lead to illicit trade, safety risks, and tax losses. Advocates of a pragmatic, education-focused approach urge regulatory flexibility to balance youth protection and adult access. Proponents stress the need for rational regulations to address smoking-related harm effectively without stifling alternatives.

October 03, 2024 by usc.edu

A study by researchers from USC, Keck School of Medicine, and UC Irvine reveals harmful effects of e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes on cardiovascular health. Nicotine from both types damages blood vessels and heart function. The research used a fluid dynamics method to assess cardiovascular impact and calls attention to vaping's adverse effects. A smartphone tool for assessing risk in e-cigarette users is being developed. This innovative approach may revolutionize cardiovascular health monitoring. The study highlights the urgent need for awareness and informed choices regarding vaping and traditional smoking.

October 02, 2024 by clearingtheair.eu

In 2019, Trump claimed he saved flavored vaping, but his policies led to a flood of disposable vapes. He also made it difficult to ship vapes and added to legal uncertainties for vapers. While some populists support safer nicotine products, the center-left has alienated vapers, accusing them of links to big tobacco. This stance has driven vapers towards right-wing parties. The left's reluctance to embrace harm reduction contrasts with the right's support for vapers' concerns, impacting political outcomes. The center-left's opposition to vaping overlooks its benefits for marginalized groups and undermines harm reduction efforts.

October 01, 2024 by youtube.com

We spent the day in Minister of Health Mark Holland's riding to investigate his decision to ban flavoured Zonnic nicotine pouches, a licensed cessation product, and move it behind pharmacy counters. Our goal was to see if other nicotine pouches were available within 10 km of Minister Holland's riding—and you’ll be surprised at what we found. At Rights 4 Vapers, we believe adults, especially smokers, should have easy access to Tobacco Harm Reduction products. Watch to see what we uncovered and why this matters for public health.

September 30, 2024 by spokesman.com

A broad coalition of Washington educators, doctors, researchers and social justice advocates has launched a campaign to ban flavored nicotine vapes in the state, citing the product’s contribution to youth addiction. “We want to create a generation that will not be targeted by the tobacco industry, a generation who will not be susceptible to tobacco-related death and disease,” said Brittany Grant, regional advocacy director for Tobacco-Free Kids, one of the groups leading the coalition. “We can’t put profits over lives.”

September 25, 2024 by washingtonstatestandard.com

A coalition in Washington is advocating to ban flavored nicotine vapes, aiming to reduce youth addiction. Led by Tobacco-Free Kids, the group plans to introduce legislation with the support of lawmakers in 2024. The campaign "Flavors Hook Kids Washington" seeks to prohibit all flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes. Despite a decrease in youth vaping, concerns about increasing cigarette smoking arise from potential flavor bans. Advocates argue for protecting children from addiction and harmful marketing tactics, especially targeting vulnerable communities. Opponents mention the potential negative impact on smoking cessation efforts and advocate for considering all facts before implementing a ban.

September 25, 2024 by slate.com

Despite reluctance, acknowledgment was given to Trump for supporting flavored vaping. Trump's compromise in 2019 saved flavored vaping, benefitting smokers who switch to vape, despite critics questioning his motives. The decline in youth vaping can be attributed to various factors including awareness campaigns and policy changes. Democrats' push for flavor bans may inadvertently increase smoking rates and illicit markets. Attention to vaping issues is essential due to its impact on public health. The next president will face challenges in vaping policy, with potential influence on FDA decisions. Addressing tobacco harm reduction is crucial for both parties to consider, impacting millions of adult vapers and potentially preventing premature deaths.

September 24, 2024 by mjbizdaily.com

The slate of cannabis ballot referendums this November is headlined by Florida, the third-most-populous U.S. state, where voters will decide whether to legalize recreational marijuana through ballot measure Amendment 3. A victory in Florida would be one of the top legalization events in recent U.S. cannabis history, trailing only California’s successful referendum in 2016, New York’s Legislature approving adult use in 2021 and, most recently, President Joe Biden’s administration seeking to reschedule marijuana.