Read articles from North America

May 05, 2025 by westernstandard.news

Australia's tobacco excise revenue plummeted to $7.4 billion AUD this year from $16.3 billion AUD in 2019‑20, despite high taxes. Smokers turned to cheaper contraband due to tax hikes, leading to a 50% revenue drop in five years. Canadian authorities should pay attention as they increase taxes and regulations, resulting in a rise in vape store robberies across the country.

May 02, 2025 by mjbizdaily.com

Three research firms — Cannabis Public Policy Consulting (New York), Capital Consulting Services (St. Louis), and Whitney Economics (Oregon) — are competing to study Missouri’s cannabis market. The goal is to help the state decide whether to issue more adult-use marijuana business licenses. All firms agree that Missouri’s recreational cannabis market, launched in 2022, has been a success. Experts say the success is largely due to the state issuing only the minimum number of licenses allowed by its constitution.

May 02, 2025 by mjbizdaily.com

Three research firms — Cannabis Public Policy Consulting (New York), Capital Consulting Services (St. Louis), and Whitney Economics (Oregon) — are competing to study Missouri’s cannabis market. The goal is to help the state decide whether to issue more adult-use marijuana business licenses. All firms agree that Missouri’s recreational cannabis market, launched in 2022, has been a success. Experts say the success is largely due to the state issuing only the minimum number of licenses allowed by its constitution.

May 01, 2025 by axios.com

The CEO of Philip Morris International’s U.S. business claims nicotine is misunderstood and offers cognitive benefits, arguing that regulators should support smoking alternatives. This comes as PMI pushes to end cigarette sales. With Robert F. Kennedy Jr. now leading the Department of Health and Human Services, there may be major changes in tobacco regulation. Meanwhile, PMI's nicotine pouch brand Zyn is seeing rapid growth in the U.S., with shipments in the Americas up nearly 54% in Q1 2025. Smoke-free products now make up 42% of PMI's revenue, compared to 25% a year ago. Although PMI still earns most of its revenue from smokers, that could soon shift due to Zyn’s rising popularity.

April 30, 2025 by medicalxpress.com

The USC study reveals a nearly doubled usage of nicotine pouches among U.S. high school students in 2023-2024. Concerns rise over their popularity linked to confidence and masculinity on social media, prompting calls for regulation by organizations like the FDA. Data shows an increase in teens using both pouches and e-cigarettes. Demographics indicate higher usage among males, non-Hispanic whites, and those in rural areas, highlighting the need for tailored prevention strategies. Risks include nicotine addiction and potential health effects on brain development. Monitoring trends and tailored prevention approaches are essential to address this growing issue. Regulatory policies and prevention efforts, especially for high-risk groups, are crucial.

April 28, 2025 by alaskabeacon.com

Smoking rates in Alaska have steadily declined over the past decades, according to a new report from the state's Department of Health. Adult smoking dropped from 28% in the 1990s to 16% in 2023, with significant decreases also among Alaska Native adults. Despite this progress, about one in four adults still used tobacco or nicotine products in 2023. Among youth, both cigarette and e-cigarette use have also fallen, showing the success of public health campaigns.

April 28, 2025 by westernstandard.news

A Conservative government plans to allow smokers to purchase nicotine pouches at corner stores and gas stations, overturning the Liberal policy of restricting sales to pharmacies under the Food and Drugs Act. The Conservatives emphasize freedom of choice for adults and access to less harmful alternatives for those trying to quit smoking. Currently, Health Canada has licensed Zonnic as a nicotine pouch for smoking cessation.

April 23, 2025 by realclearhealth.com

The latest CDC report shows adult smoking at its lowest in 60 years. Yet, concerns shift to rising e-cigarette use, despite many using them to quit smoking. Misinformation surrounds tobacco harm reduction products, with the CDC downplaying e-cigarettes' harm reduction potential. Policies backed by Bloomberg are pushed, despite their misleading labeling of e-cigarettes as tobacco products. E-cigarettes are proven to be significantly less harmful than cigarettes. The CDC's skepticism towards e-cigarettes contrasts with their effectiveness in smoking cessation. The influence of Michael Bloomberg on public health policies raises questions of objectivity. Despite opposition, harm reduction efforts are reducing smoking rates, especially through e-cigarettes.

April 22, 2025 by vaping360.com

Arkansas passed its PMTA registry law, banning some vaping products with unclear e-liquids requirements. The law requires products to meet specific criteria and be listed in the directory by Sept. 1, 2025. It exempts open-system devices with replaceable batteries but not products with built-in batteries. Violators face penalties, and packaging restrictions target child-appealing designs. Arkansas restricts personal possession and importation of unregistered products. This law is only the second in the U.S. to ban personal possession of vaping products. More states are introducing PMTA registry bills in 2025, following Mississippi's lead. Consumer advocacy groups are mobilizing against these bills across the country.

April 17, 2025 by reason.com

Young adults are increasingly turning to Zyn oral nicotine pouches over e-cigarettes, with rising popularity and positive impacts on smoking rates. These pouches provide a discreet and varied nicotine experience, appealing to a diverse audience including women and athletes. Despite concerns from some policymakers, Zyn offers a safer alternative to traditional tobacco products. Caution is advised to avoid potential side effects of overuse. Regulators should recognize and support the benefits of these products in reducing smoking rates, rather than restricting access.