Stories

A recent European Commission survey predicts that the EU will not achieve its 5% smoking rate target by 2030, now aiming for 2100. The survey shows vaping and heated tobacco products are effective in reducing smoking rates, with over half of users quitting or reducing tobacco intake. Some member states propose stricter vaping regulations, and over half of EU citizens support flavor bans. Only 3% vape, 4% tried pouches, while 24% still smoke. The World Vapers Alliance criticizes the EU for focusing on harm reduction products, urging a shift in public health strategies to combat smoking effectively.

FEELM debuted at the World Vape Show Dubai with innovative solutions addressing consumer needs. The event, known for industry influence, gathered over 25,000 attendees and 400 brands. FEELM launched the environmentally friendly FEELM Pro, meeting market demands for flavor and ease of use. The company also presented solutions like TANKER and QUAD SHOT Pro. Their focus on technological innovation highlights a competitive edge. FEELM's presence emphasized differentiation in non-TPD markets with unique offerings like Galaxy Display + Quattro Mesh and Off Charge. The company aims to enhance atomization experiences through continuous innovation, catering to diverse consumer preferences.

The Global Forum on Nicotine discussed how Western countries like the US, UK, and Australia are regressing in tobacco harm reduction (THR) efforts. Australia's strict vaping laws have failed, leading to a black market controlled by organized crime. Misinformation spreads, ignoring successful approaches from countries like New Zealand. High rates of illegal vaping and violence result from prohibitive measures, with little impact on youth vaping. The Australian government misrepresents data, evading the real issues. Experts like Dr. Mendelsohn face backlash, as policies fuel organized crime. Current laws fail to tackle teen vaping, worsening public safety. Enforcement of regulations remains minimal, emphasizing the need to reconsider THR strategies.

The Food and Drug Administration said on Friday that it had approved the first menthol-flavored e-cigarettes in the United States, less than two months after the Biden administration delayed a fiercely contested decision on whether to ban traditional menthol cigarettes. The F.D.A. said it had authorized four types of menthol-flavored e-cigarettes made by NJOY, part of the tobacco company Altria, making them the first flavored e-cigarettes that can be sold legally in the United States. The F.D.A. said that evidence indicated that they could benefit adult smokers who want to transition to a “less harmful product.”

Personal experiences with the devastating effects of tobacco-related illnesses drive the author's advocacy for smoking legislation. Despite legislation like the TCA, concerns remain about FDA's focus on vaping over smoking cessation. The imbalance in regulatory actions suggests a need for change to prioritize harm reduction and public health impact in line with evidence from other countries. The FDA's current approach risks undermining potential lifesaving alternatives to smoking. Advocates urge a more balanced perspective that includes voices of adults benefiting from harm reduction options to effectively combat smoking-related deaths.

Zyn nicotine pouches face availability challenges following a subpoena related to compliance with D.C.'s flavored nicotine ban. The company has halted online sales due to sales in Washington, D.C. Zyn's popularity, particularly linked to TikTok, is under increased scrutiny. Meanwhile, Russian President Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un solidify defense ties against external aggression. In Sudan, civil war escalates, and baseball legend Willie Mays passes away. Debate arises between effective altruism and progress studies. Juneteenth's significance in American history is highlighted. Surfer oppression is noted, and concerns emerge over proposed federal homeschooling regulations.

Despite enduring years of attacks by tobacco control, misinformation, and an onslaught of regulations leading to product restrictions and bans, the U.S. vaping industry continues its remarkable growth. In 2024, U.S. vaping is expected to exceed $12 billion in sales—not including the black market—making it a goliath in both size and scope. Joining us today in this episode of RegWatch is Barnaby Page, editorial director at Tamarind Intelligence, a global market research and regulatory analysis firm specialized in the vaping, cannabis, and tobacco sectors via three brands: ECigIntelligence, CannIntelligence, and TobaccoIntelligence.

Romania's Chamber of Deputies passed a bill prohibiting ads for e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and tobacco-related products in various settings, including educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and near their entrances. The ban extends to media outlets, theaters, and ads targeting minors or making false claims about health benefits.

New Jersey has long been at the forefront of anti-smoking initiatives that promote health equity and aim to protect our children from the harms of Big Tobacco. I am proud to have led many of the policy efforts, including sponsoring the law in January 2020 making New Jersey the first in the nation to prohibit the sale and distribution of flavored vape products that are particularly attractive to kids. While this law was an important step forward, far too many young people are still getting their hands on illegal vapes, which are threatening their health and trapping them in addiction to nicotine.

Smoking, not nicotine, is the primary cause of death. Nicotine itself, when delivered through alternatives to smoking like e-cigarettes, carries significantly lower health risks. Research shows potential benefits of nicotine in preventing diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, improving cognitive function, promoting wakefulness, aiding weight loss, and reducing inflammation. While nicotine can trigger addiction, its abuse potential is lower when administered non-combustibly. In healthy adults, risks of nicotine use are akin to caffeine. Different nicotine products vary in risk, with combustible tobacco being most harmful. Encouraging smokers to switch to non-combustible nicotine products is crucial in reducing smoking-related deaths and addressing misconceptions about nicotine use.