Stories

Prohibition haunts the U.S. vaping industry, putting millions of lives at risk. Beyond the flavor bans and moral panics, the most damaging restriction is the FDA’s sweeping ban on speech. Joining us today to discuss groundbreaking litigation to overturn the FDA’s commercial speech restrictions is Jim McCarthy, President of Counterpoint Strategies and agency of record for American Vapor Manufacturers. The goal? To secure the right to tell the truth about vaping.

Youth smoking and vaping in the U.S. are at a 25-year low, with a significant decrease in vape use among students. The decline is notable, as highlighted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In 2024, vaping remained the most common nicotine product among U.S. youths, followed by nicotine pouches. While vapes and nicotine pouches are labeled as "tobacco products," they do not contain tobacco. The decline in youth tobacco use is a positive public health achievement, but efforts to combat tobacco product use among all youth must continue.

Controversy arose after Baker Mayfield was seen allegedly using Zyn nicotine pouches during a football game. Zyn, introduced in 2014 by Swedish Match, is gaining popularity but raises concerns due to its addictive nature and health impacts, especially on youth. Swedish Match released a statement emphasizing age restrictions. The product, containing nicotine powder and various additives, warns of addictive properties and health risks. Despite being smoke-free, Zyn carries risks like other nicotine products and has raised safety concerns, leading Senate Leader Schumer to call for stricter regulations. The rise in popularity of nicotine pouches has experts worried about potential health issues, particularly among young users.

Australia faces a rising black market, with criminal gangs resorting to firebombing shops amid high tobacco taxes and e-cigarette bans. The UK, following a similar path, witnesses declining legal tobacco sales and a growing black market due to high taxes. Government denial and lack of action exacerbate the issue. The situation signals an impending crisis, prompting a call for e-cigarette legalization and tax reduction as a solution. Without intervention, the black market will continue to thrive, affecting public health and government revenue.

A new ordinance in Bangladesh aims to ban e-cigarettes, vapes, loose cigarettes, bidis, and chewing tobacco. Shopkeepers need licenses to sell tobacco products, with fines up to Tk50,000 for violations. Smoking is prohibited within 100 meters of certain areas. The draft law also includes stricter regulations on tobacco advertising and use in public spaces. Anti-tobacco organizations support the law to decrease tobacco-related deaths, but tobacco companies oppose it, calling some clauses unrealistic. Penalties for violations include fines and imprisonment, with stricter rules on tobacco product packaging and sale locations. The draft ordinance aims to improve public health by controlling tobacco and tobacco products effectively.

Zonnic, a nicotine pouch, was marketed in Canada by Imperial Tobacco as a smoking cessation aid without explicit warnings. Health Canada approved it despite concerns about youth access. The government issued a ban on non-mint flavors and restricted sales to pharmacies in response to underage use. Meanwhile, smoking rates decline as tobacco companies pivot to alternative products. Industry efforts to present these products as harm reduction tools are scrutinized, with critics cautioning about potential addiction risks and marketing to new users. Settlement talks between provinces and tobacco companies could reshape the industry's future. BAT aims to transition to non-nicotine ventures, anticipating a shift away from traditional tobacco products.

A survey conducted on 1,000 e-cigarette users in Northern Ireland revealed that 80% have never been asked for age verification, the highest rate in the UK. Concerns about youth vaping have led to calls for stricter policies. Across the UK, 45% of vapers have not been asked for age verification, with females more frequently asked than males. Belfast, Norwich, and Plymouth are cities where ID checks are lacking, while Newcastle, Southampton, and Birmingham are stricter. Many supermarkets fail to enforce age verification, posing a threat. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to address underage vaping, enforcing fines for non-compliant retailers up to £2,500. Retailers are urged to take responsibility to prevent vape sales to minors.

In July, the FDA and CBP seized a record-breaking 3 million unregulated nicotine vapes worth $76 million. This marked the largest seizure to date, part of a federal task force combatting illegal e-cigarettes trafficking. The FDA highlighted the risk of these products reaching children, with plans to incinerate the seized vapes. The joint task force is coordinated by the FDA, DOJ and involves other agencies for enforcement. Despite the FDA's efforts to curb unauthorized vapes, its regulations have limited legal vaping products, prompting a debate on harm reduction. Tobacco firms support PMTA bills to curb unauthorized vapes, even as unregulated vapes aid in reducing harm for users.

Nicotine pouches are gaining popularity in the UK as a tobacco-free alternative. Goallwhite offers affordable options. Price comparisons are essential due to variations in brand, strength, and quantity per can. Goallwhite stands out for its competitive pricing. Factors affecting pouch prices include brand recognition, nicotine strength, and bulk offers. Online stores generally offer better deals. PriceRunner aids in finding cost-effective options. Market growth is attributed to the demand for healthier alternatives. Flavored pouches are popular. Bulk buying saves money in the long run. Price comparison tools are crucial for finding the best deals amidst the expanding market.

The Malaysian Society for Harm Reduction (MSHR) held a conference on tobacco harm reduction in Kuala Lumpur, emphasizing the need for tailored policies and collaboration to reduce smoking rates. Experts endorsed reduced-risk products and highlighted New Zealand's success in lowering smoking rates. The conference addressed concerns about youth access to nicotine products and called for evidence-based regulations. MSHR and the Coalition of Asia Pacific Harm Reduction Advocates urged policymakers to implement harm reduction strategies and educate the public on the benefits of such approaches. Collaboration with governments and stakeholders was emphasized to improve public health outcomes in the region.