Stories

The 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey in Montana revealed a mixed picture of youth tobacco use. While e-cigarette use has decreased, combustible cigarette use among high school students is rising, suggesting a shift towards more harmful tobacco products. Efforts to reduce youth vaping have led to unintended consequences, with an increase in traditional cigarette smoking. Understanding the motivations behind youth vaping is crucial, as only a small percentage cite flavors as a reason. The data highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to address both e-cigarette and combustible cigarette use among Montana teens.

Michael Russell Award 2024 - presented to Dr. Colin Mendelsohn by Professor Gerry Stimson

Richard Pruen's experience in a mental health hospital highlighted high smoking rates among patients. Recent studies show various quitting aids work well for individuals with mental health conditions. Vapes, prescription NRT, and websites were popular choices. Despite mental health histories, cessation aids were effective. The UK's smoking rate has decreased, but remains high among those with mental health issues. Individuals smoke to regulate symptoms, and nicotine helps without serious downsides. Pruen, diagnosed with ADHD, autism, and schizophrenia, unintentionally quit smoking with vaping. His advocacy led to better access to safer nicotine products in mental health units. Efforts continue to support smoking cessation for mental health patients.

The Biden administration is moving toward reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug, which will foreseeably embolden Mexican cartels and Chinese legal growing operations to generate millions in profit while creating greater strains on law enforcement and increasing health-related risks, from severe depression to impairing psychosis. The Justice Department moved forward last month with the rulemaking process to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I drug, which includes substances with high potential for abuse such as heroin, to a Schedule III drug, which is defined as having “moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence” and includes substances such as testosterone and Tylenol with codeine.

Philip Morris International is accused of manipulating science and marketing strategies to promote its heated tobacco product, IQOS, in Japan. Leaked documents suggest targeting politicians and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. PMI funded research and concealed involvement in smoking cessation studies. Critics argue these tactics deceive consumers and policymakers, urging reforms in tobacco research funding. The company denies allegations, claiming transparency. Watchdogs warn of PMI's broader agenda beyond adult smokers, raising concerns about public health and deceptive marketing practices.

NJOY will be the first company to have flavored e-cigarette products legally sold on the U.S. market. The decision came late last week when the U.S. FDA announced it had issued marketing granted orders to NJOY LLC for four menthol-flavored e-cigarette products under the PMTA pathway. It’s the first time the FDA has authorized a non-tobacco flavored e-cigarette product. Joining us today for a special two-part edition of RegWatch is former NJOY exec Jeffrey Weiss, whose tenure at NJOY was significant and consequential. Weiss served on the board, as general counsel, and during the tumultuous years as interim president. His time at NJOY ended with the completion of the Altria purchase in 2023.

EU health ministers met to discuss a potential ban on flavored vapes and nicotine products, facing concerns from advocates of tobacco harm reduction. Denmark and Latvia proposed crackdowns on sales, aiming to protect children but also acknowledging risks like black markets. Criticisms include potential harm and the EU missing smoking-cessation goals. Eurobarometer data shows slow progress towards a smoke-free EU by 2040. A ban could lead to increased smoking rates, black markets, and safety risks. Political support for tobacco harm reduction varies, with the potential for the European Parliament to vote on any new legislation. The debate emphasizes the need for a balanced approach considering public health and individual choices.

The text discusses the Global Forum on Nicotine in Warsaw, focusing on harm reduction products and tobacco policies. Professor David Sweanor highlights the need to listen to science and adult smokers. The European Union faces debates on regulating newer tobacco and nicotine products. Contrary to bans, examples like Sweden show success with harm reduction products like snus. The author criticizes the EU's restrictions and calls for common sense in tobacco policies globally. Despite challenges, consumer-driven market solutions are reducing cigarette smoking rates in countries like Japan and New Zealand.

The Parliament passed vaping reforms to protect Australians from e-cigarette harms, banning their domestic manufacture, supply, and advertisement. Vapes can now be sold as schedule 3 medicine with stricter controls. The AMA played a key role in advocating for these reforms, successfully influencing the passing of the legislation. The AMA criticized the National Party's proposal to impose an excise on vapes and actively engaged with MPs, Senators, and media to support the reforms. The Therapeutic Goods Administration provides updates on vaping reforms on its Vaping Hub.

Kyrgyzstan has approved a bill banning e-cigarettes to combat health concerns. The fines for violations include: a reduced fine of $115 for personal use, $692 for corporations, $576.74 for selling, and $1,730 to $2,307 for importing. Lawmakers emphasized balancing deterrence and fairness, reducing fines for personal use.