Read articles from North America

June 03, 2025 by alreporter.com

A new law in Alabama, effective June 1, will change how retailers sell vape products, banning flavored e-cigarettes in convenience stores. It introduces two permits: the ABC Tobacco Permit for traditional tobacco and approved e-nicotine products, and the ABC Specialty Permit for vape-focused stores. Only FDA-approved tobacco and mint e-cigarettes can be sold in convenience stores, with fruit and candy flavors restricted to specialty shops. Aimed at curbing youth vaping, the law impacts retailer revenue with fines for violations. The industry braces for financial strain, while health advocates support the move to protect youth from vaping risks.

May 25, 2025 by westernstandard.news

Most Canadians are unaware of the WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), despite Canada signing and ratifying it 20 years ago. The treaty, adopted by 182 countries, influences smoking and harm reduction policies worldwide. In Canada, critics argue that FCTC’s strict regulations have led to a rigid, anti-harm-reduction stance that may be harming smokers seeking to quit.

May 22, 2025 by fdli.org

Recent regulatory activities in the nicotine industry involve the withdrawal of a proposed menthol ban on cigarettes in the U.S. and FDA's approval of ZYN nicotine pouch products. Proposals hint at limiting nicotine levels and antagonizing flavors. Regulatory policies seek good intentions but may raise smoking rates and create black markets. U.S. regulations delay reduced-risk products, favoring large companies. Flavors aid smoking cessation, especially with adult smokers. Bans can boost cigarette sales and illicit markets, endangering public health. The focus should be on evidence-based regulations allowing flavored options for adult smokers while curbing youth access. The goal is to reduce smoking-related harm through pragmatic approaches.

May 19, 2025 by theguardian.com

China plans to flood the UK with affordable vapes due to the US-China trade tensions. The US imposed a 60% tariff on Chinese vapes, prompting Chinese manufacturers to target the UK market. With the UK banning disposable vapes, concerns arise about the influx of Chinese alternatives. Industry experts warn of challenges in regulating these new products and ensuring they are not mistaken for disposables. Manufacturers are adapting by introducing rechargeable vape kits, but refill availability remains a concern. Amid environmental worries, efforts are needed to facilitate vape recycling. The Chinese vaping industry is adapting swiftly to navigate these challenges and explore alternative markets to survive.

May 12, 2025 by nhjournal.com

New Hampshire is debating measures to protect youth from smoking while aiding adult smokers. Science and real-world impact should guide decisions, considering flavored alternatives' role in quitting smoking. Bans could harm adult smokers without curbing youth access. Data from Massachusetts and the CDC show benefits of varied nicotine products, with e-cigarettes being significantly less harmful. Despite declines in youth vaping and adult smoking rates, public health groups push for prohibitions. Mental health issues drive youth vaping more than flavors. Flavors assist adults in quitting smoking, as supported by the FDA. It's crucial to acknowledge progress in reducing smoking rates and advocate for a regulated marketplace promoting harm reduction.

May 09, 2025 by cbsnews.com

Baltimore accuses Zyn nicotine pouch owners, including Philip Morris and Swedish Match, of targeting children with deceptive marketing, violating consumer protection laws. Mayor Scott criticizes the companies for prioritizing profits over public health, particularly children's well-being. Lawsuit alleges fake advertising, enticing youth with promotions and offers. Zyn pouches are nicotine products placed between lip and gums, gaining popularity among the youth for flavors like cinnamon and mint. Concerns include addiction, mental health issues, and oral health risks. FDA approved 20 flavors in January, but health experts urge caution.

May 08, 2025 by gfn.tv

Despite the growing use of safer nicotine being strongly associated with declining smoking rates, there is still systemic opposition to these products from institutions and NGOs - but why is this the case? In this episode Lindsey Stroud joins us to unpack the FDA's reluctance to approve new nicotine products, and the misinformation used to prop up the opposition to THR.

May 08, 2025 by filtermag.org

New York City Health Department's press release, allegedly led by Michael Bloomberg, showcases a biased approach against tobacco harm reduction. Equating vaping to the leading cause of death misleads the public. While smoking rates have declined, the city demonizes vaping rather than celebrating its role in smoking cessation. Crackdowns on vaping products prevail, while ignoring the benefits they offer smokers. The city's lawsuit against flavored vapes exemplifies a misguided focus on youth appeal, neglecting adult preferences. Disregarding harm reduction principles, the city's stance on nicotine perpetuates cigarette consumption over safer alternatives. The campaign reflects a lack of access to truthful health information and obstructs progress towards saving lives.

May 07, 2025 by rights4vapers.com

Rights4Vapers congratulates the Liberal Party on forming the new federal government in Canada. They urge Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Health Ministers to prioritize harm reduction and Canadians' health with evidence-based nicotine policies. The advocacy group stresses the importance of distinguishing safer nicotine products like vaping devices from traditional cigarettes and establishing a Safer Nicotine Act. They call for the reversal of restrictions on nicotine pouch sales and emphasize the need for updated regulations to support smoking cessation effectively.

May 07, 2025 by washingtonexaminer.com

Activists urge President Trump to tackle the sale of illicit Chinese e-cigarettes to U.S. youths. Hispanic Business Caucus President wrote a letter calling for stricter regulations and border security to combat black market vapes. The CDC reports a decrease in teenage vaping, but over 1.6 million students used e-cigarettes in 2024. Most illicit vapes are traced back to China, fueling a billion-dollar market by 2030. Dubbed "Not For Sale In China," these products harm American youth. Legislative steps include Trump's ban proposal on flavored e-cigs and raising the tobacco buying age. Despite bipartisan efforts, administrative hurdles pose challenges in enforcing regulation and penalties on offenders.