Read articles from North America

April 10, 2024 by usatoday.com

Zyn pouches, a non-tobacco nicotine product, are raising concerns about addiction, especially among young users. Marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, Zyn has lower health risks but can still lead to dependence and cardiovascular issues. The product lacks FDA approval, leaving questions about its long-term safety and effects on young non-smokers. Experts stress caution, warning against nicotine dependence and potential harm, especially for youths.

April 10, 2024 by thefederalist.com

The CDC and FDA seek more funding for tobacco control in FY 2025. Both agencies have been criticized for their handling of reduced-risk tobacco products and misinformation campaigns. The CDC requests $265 million, while the FDA aims to increase user fees and include e-cigarettes. Youth vaping rates have decreased significantly since 2019, despite agency initiatives. The FDA's exaggerated claims about vaping harm have been debunked. The CDC and FDA continue to focus on reducing youth tobacco use. Policy changes like banning menthol cigarettes could have negative impacts.

April 09, 2024 by slate.com

Antismoking advocates are urging Joe Biden to ban menthol cigarettes, which could improve public health by discouraging smoking. However, concerns exist regarding the impact on smokers who may turn to illicit markets or stick with conventional cigarettes. Political implications also play a role, with worries about alienating voters and potential legal challenges. Implementing the ban effectively is questioned due to limitations on flavored e-cigarettes and potential legal obstacles. Advocates push for action before the 2024 election, balancing the need for public health benefits with political risks and challenges in enforcement. The Biden administration faces complex trade-offs in addressing the issue.

April 09, 2024 by healthydebate.ca

Canadian health charities, including the Canadian Cancer Society and the Heart and Stroke Foundation, opposed a new nicotine pouch product by Imperial Tobacco Canada, fearing it could attract youth and criticized Health Canada's approval. Despite its potential as a safer smoking cessation aid, concerns over flavors and marketing tactics led to the backlash. Health Minister Mark Holland vowed to address the issue, emphasizing protection of minors. The debate highlights the importance of proper regulation, responsible marketing, and considering safer nicotine alternatives for smokers. The focus should be on reducing smoking-related deaths and promoting effective cessation methods.

April 05, 2024 by npr.org

Despite cannabis legalization in California, a thriving black market persists, surpassing legal sales. Challenges include high taxes hindering licensed operations, limited access to capital, and insufficient law enforcement. Illegal stores operate openly, with raids increasing in recent years. Consumers are drawn by lower prices and unaware of legality. The restricted number of licensed stores drives demand for illegal products. Enforcement teams target illicit growers, focusing on associated crimes. The Riverside Sheriff highlights negative impacts of legalization, fueling illegal activities including exports and criminal syndicates involvement.

April 04, 2024 by cnn.com

Civil rights and medical groups are suing the FDA for missing its deadline to ban menthol cigarettes. Delay in action prioritizes profits over people, impacting health disparities within Black and LGBTQ+ communities. The FDA's ban on menthol could save lives and reduce healthcare costs, especially benefiting these marginalized groups. Studies show significant health impacts, with menthol marketing affecting smoking rates and related illnesses disproportionately among Black individuals. Implementing a menthol ban is crucial for public health, aligning with cancer prevention goals and potentially reducing lung cancer deaths.

April 03, 2024 by cnn.com

The rise in oral nicotine pouch usage, led by brands like Zyn, has raised concerns about attracting new, especially young, users. Despite marketing restrictions, the product is gaining popularity, prompting a call for regulatory scrutiny. While seen as a tobacco-free alternative, health experts warn of addiction risks and unknown long-term effects. Nicotine pouches vary in strength and can aid in quitting tobacco gradually, but dependence remains a concern. Social media plays a role in product promotion, with a rise in underage use highlighted. Additionally, potential health risks include gum irritation and dependency issues, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making on nicotine use.

April 03, 2024 by marijuanamoment.net

Decades after the legalization of marijuana in some states, the success of this policy compared to criminalization is evident. The regulated market has led to tax revenue, decreased arrests, and improved product safety. Data shows no increase in teen use or mental health issues. The legal market has also disrupted the illicit one. Public support for nationwide legalization is high. Legalization has proven more effective than prohibition, marking the end of outdated "canna-bigotry" policies after a history of failures. Paul Armentano from NORML highlights the positive impacts of ending cannabis prohibition.

April 02, 2024 by newsweek.com

Vaping might not be as safe as we once thought, especially when it comes to the health of our heart. As of 2021, 4.5 percent of U.S. adults used e-cigarettes, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaping is particularly prevalent among young people, with roughly one in seven high school students using e-cigarettes, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. "More and more studies are linking e-cigarettes to harmful effects and finding that it might not be as safe as previously thought," Yakubu Bene-Alhasan, a resident physician at MedStar Health in Baltimore and the study's lead author, said in a statement.

April 02, 2024 by inews.co.uk

Vaping significantly increases the risk of heart failure, especially HFpEF, according to a US study on 175,667 adults. E-cigarette users face a 20% higher chance of developing heart failure compared to non-users, urging more research due to observed harmful effects on heart health. Studies suggest vaping could impact heart function and exacerbate heart failure risks. With vaping on the rise, especially among youth in the UK, researchers stress the importance of understanding e-cigarettes' health consequences promptly. The UK government has taken steps to discourage underage vaping. Further studies are recommended to inform the public and potentially mitigate vaping-related health risks.