Read articles from North America

October 21, 2024 by gfn.tv

Canada's Minister for Health wants to ban nicotine pouches but how easy will it be to shut down the booming black market? In Part 2 of our Canada special, Maria Pappaioannoy talks to Joanna Junak about the difficulties THR advocates are facing in Canada, and why Rights for Vapers now advocates for all safer alternatives to smoking.

October 18, 2024 by iwf.org

The 2023 Massachusetts Youth Health Survey (MYHS) shows decreased tobacco and vapor product use among high school students, with a slight increase in combustible cigarette use but a significant decline since 2019. E-cigarette use has also decreased among high schoolers but increased among middle school students, reflecting national trends. Massachusetts' ban on flavored tobacco products hasn't significantly impacted youth e-cigarette use. Nearby states show similar e-cigarette usage rates. Restrictive policies aimed at reducing youth e-cigarette use may not be effective and could harm adults using e-cigarettes to quit smoking.

October 18, 2024 by fortune.com

Youth tobacco use in the U.S. hit a 25-year low, with a 20% drop in middle and high schoolers using tobacco products. The number decreased from 2.8 million to 2.25 million, the lowest since 1999. E-cigarette use fell to under 6%, down from 7.7%. The overall decline is attributed to various factors including public health campaigns and enforcement against underage sales. High school students' tobacco use dropped to 10%, while no change was reported for middle schoolers. Tobacco use decreased among girls and Hispanic students, but increased among American Indian and Alaska Native students, with a rise in nicotine pouch use among white students.

October 16, 2024 by iwf.org

The 2023 New Hampshire Youth Risk Behavior Survey shows a decline in combustible cigarette use among high school students, with current usage at a record low. E-cigarette use has slightly increased since 2021 but remains significantly lower than in 2019. While some concerns exist, e-cigarettes have been beneficial in helping adults quit smoking. Policy makers should recognize the positive trends to further reduce adult smoking and monitor youth tobacco and vapor product use. Lindsey Stroud, affiliated with various organizations, supports acknowledging the survey results in ongoing efforts.

October 16, 2024 by gfn.tv

Whilst Canada's looming flavour ban may have been postponed, various provinces and the Minister for Health have taken action to prevent the sale of flavoured nicotine products. Joining us today is Maria Papaioannoy to highlight the adverse impact these prospective bans may have on marginalized communities in Canada, and the broader implications these actions could have on the right to health.

October 11, 2024 by theatlantic.com

The vaping industry markets illegal flavors to Americans, leading to concerns about youth nicotine addiction. Despite some FDA scrutiny, vapes are seen as a tool to help smokers quit, offering more effective nicotine delivery than traditional aids. Flavored vapes attract both smokers and non-smokers, with some flavored options enticing users. While potential risks and lack of strict regulations exist, vapes may still be preferable to cigarettes for harm reduction. Public health groups remain cautious, and seeking presidential support for vaping could aid in its acceptance. Vapes face uncertainty in regulations, with the debate ongoing about their long-term efficacy and safety compared to traditional smoking cessation methods.

October 11, 2024 by vaping360.com

California passed two new laws, AB 3218 and SB 1230, tightening restrictions on vaping and nicotine pouch sales. Effective January 1, 2025, the laws ban non-menthol coolants, nicotine analogs like Metatine, and online sales of flavored products. The legislation expands the state's flavored tobacco ban, regulates synthetic nicotine, and introduces on-the-spot fines for violators. A "unflavored tobacco list" will restrict sales to approved products only, enforced by authorities empowered to seize illegal items. The laws aim to combat cigarette smuggling but may fuel a black market. Cannabis and hookah products are exempt, and these laws are the first to address nicotine analogs in the US.

October 11, 2024 by rights4vapers.com

Rights4Vapers in Ottawa urges the Canadian government to revamp tobacco control groups and support harm reduction methods. They highlight the benefits of reduced harm nicotine products and advocate for consistent regulations nationwide. The group calls for dismantling current structures, criticizing fear tactics and misinformation spread about vaping. They stress the importance of recognizing the role of vaping in smoking cessation globally.

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.