Read articles from North America

February 29, 2024 by floridapolitics.com

Florida's SB 1006 bill restricts the sale of vaping products to FDA-approved ones, mostly owned by major tobacco companies. The aim is to protect children from flavored vapes marketed to them. The bill requires manufacturers to register with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Retailers must comply, facing fines and prison sentences for violations. Critics argue limiting choices could lead to a harmful black market and impact medical marijuana users. Despite opposition, Senator Perry maintains the bill will benefit public health by deterring underage vaping.

February 28, 2024 by salon.com

Health data reveals a painful legacy of deception towards Black Americans. The decades-long failure to curb cigarette addiction has fueled health inequities experienced by Black communities, where smoking disproportionately cuts lives short. But marginalized groups now suffer a new injustice: government agencies banning tobacco alternatives that empower harm reduction. Science shows switching to e-cigarettes provides the single most effective path for Black smokers to reduce smoking.

February 28, 2024 by financialpost.com

A major problem with pouches, the Society explains, is that they are not regulated like tobacco products. In particular, they come in different flavours, which is not legal for tobacco. But why are flavours a problem? Pouches aren’t a tobacco product. They contain literally zero tobacco. Why should they be regulated as if they were tobacco? Flavoured smoking cessation products have existed in Canada for some time. Nicorette, which comes in gums, lozenges, and sprays, offers a variety of flavours, including mint, fresh fruit, cool berry and mild spearmint.

February 28, 2024 by bloomberglaw.com

The FDA didn’t mislead two makers of flavored liquids for e-cigarettes when the agency denied their applications to market their products, a federal appeals court ruled Tuesday. The US Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit backed the Food and Drug Administration’s decision to toss the marketing applications for flavored liquids for e-cigarettes from Electric Clouds Inc. and Cloud 9 Vapor Products LLC. The two manufacturers requested judicial review of the FDA’s denials, which involved products bearing names such as Ice Cream Dream, Berries Gone Wild, Cap’n Berry Crack, Banana Colada, Apple Pie, and Candy Man.

February 28, 2024 by tobaccoreporter.com

The FDA is pursuing $20,678 penalties on brick-and-mortar retailers who continue to sell unauthorized Elf Bar e-cigarettes despite warnings. Over 100 complaints have been filed, with concerns that these products are popular among U.S. youth. Retailers failing to address violations face consequences, as shown by the FDA's actions. The agency has issued numerous warning letters and taken enforcement actions against retailers, manufacturers, importers, and distributors for selling unauthorized tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.

February 27, 2024 by news-medical.net

The University of California, Riverside study showed that vapers are more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection due to e-cigarette aerosols. Nicotine, propylene glycol, and vegetable glycerin in e-liquids enhance COVID-19 infection. Adding benzoic acid to e-liquids can prevent this. The study used airway stem cells to simulate infection and found increased ACE2 and TMPRSS2 with nicotine exposure. Vapers are advised to stop vaping or use acidic e-liquids with benzoic acid to reduce susceptibility. The FDA could use these findings for e-cigarette regulations.

February 27, 2024 by citynews.ca

A group of University of Calgary students are calling for the Alberta and Federal government to tightly regulate vaping and nicotine pouches.

February 27, 2024 by citynews.ca

A group of University of Calgary students are calling for the Alberta and Federal government to tightly regulate vaping and nicotine pouches.

February 27, 2024 by ctvnews.ca

A health advocacy group, SAAVE, is urging for stricter regulations on vaping and e-cigarettes for youth in Calgary. They call for bans on flavored products, single-use devices, and nicotine pouches, with packaging restrictions. The aim is to prevent nicotine addiction and health issues in children. Dr. Campbell emphasizes the dangers of marketing addictive substances to youth. Dr. Yaholnitsky notes an increase in gum problems and tooth decay due to vaping. SAAVE member Kahlon expresses concern over the appeal of vaping to students. They are hosting an event to raise awareness and advocate for immediate government action to protect youth from vaping and nicotine addiction.

February 26, 2024 by deseret.com

A bill in Utah aims to ban most flavored e-cigarettes to reduce teen vaping, but vape shop owners fear it will benefit Big Tobacco. Senate's Dr. Plumb introduced SB61 to combat teenage nicotine use. Despite e-cigarettes being seen as safer, they pose health risks. The ban targets flavors popular with teens. Menthol, associated with increased addiction, is still legal. Opponents argue the ban limits adult access and harms businesses. Plumb stated the bill aims to protect young people. Despite protests against the bill, it passed the Senate and is awaiting final approval. Adjustments may be needed for affected businesses.