Stories

The United States has invested heavily in military hardware, but has overlooked tech innovations that could save lives and costs. High smoking rates among active-duty military and veterans pose health risks and financial burdens. Harm-reduction strategies like vaping offer effective smoking cessation but are underutilized by the government. Technology reducing smoke exposure from nicotine products can greatly decrease health risks. Other countries are ahead in adopting such strategies, while the US lags. Embracing innovation in tobacco harm reduction is crucial for improving veterans' health and well-being. The Veterans Administration must prioritize these advancements to better support those who served.

Colin Mendelsohn criticizes the misleading information presented to the NSW Parliament Inquiry on vaping, emphasizing the need to balance concerns for youth safety with the public health benefits of vaping for smokers. He calls for regulation to reduce the black market, improve access for adult smokers, and align with other countries. Colin warns against basing decisions on false advice, urging the Committee to prioritize unbiased evidence for better public health outcomes.

Uzbekistan's Ministry of Health plans to ban electronic nicotine delivery systems, including e-cigarettes, and tobacco heating systems. The draft law aims to prohibit their circulation in the country, with proposed penalties ranging from a $1,000 fine to five years of imprisonment for violations. Despite this, Uzbekistan's tobacco production reached 2.1 billion pieces in the first two months of 2024. Tobacco exports amounted to $7.8 million, with imports totaling $10.5 million during the same period.

I gave evidence at the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into vaping today. The myths and rampant misinformation being fed to the Inquiry are breathtaking. I tried to introduce the actual evidence and explained that vaping is beneficial overall to public health. Key message: The NSW Parliament must decide whether to allow the current failed model to continue under criminal control or to take control and regulate the market.

The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act has led to a 26% decrease in cigarette use since 2009. The FDA plays a crucial role in enforcing the law to promote public health, but the slowdown in smoking decline poses challenges. FDA-approved nicotine products like gums and patches aid cessation. The Modified Risk Tobacco Product pathway allows for less harmful alternatives, but balancing benefits for smokers and risks for youth is essential. FDA must address backlogs in product applications to regulate and enforce marketing restrictions effectively. Implementing the TCA fully, including regulating nicotine levels in cigarettes, is crucial for combating addiction and reducing smoking-related harm.

Consumer advocates criticized the FDA for failing to provide safer nicotine alternatives in a House Oversight hearing. The agency's slow approval process leaves adult consumers with limited options to transition from cigarettes. Only a few products have been authorized out of over 26 million applications, causing concerns about pushing consumers towards the illicit market. Urgent action is needed to prioritize access to scientifically validated alternatives like e-cigarettes. Philip Morris International also called for a transparent regulatory pathway that supports harm reduction principles.

Fourth-tier cigarettes, experiencing growth, defy industry trends. Ernie Teague of Cheyenne International suggests retailers reassess this category. NACS data shows 1% growth amidst a 3.2% decline. Teague challenges misconceptions of quality vs. value. Consumers seek affordability without sacrificing taste and consistency. Retailers can tailor offerings to diverse budgets. Partnering with value providers ensures reliable compliance and promotions. Cheyenne International aids retailers with marketing programs. Fresh approaches to merchandising can enhance visibility.

Our elected state legislators did the unthinkable. On December 14, 2023, Ohio GOP lawmakers decided to add a provision to a bill to prevent any community in Ohio from regulating vaping, smoking, and other nicotine product use and sales. The City of Columbus had just passed a menthol and flavor ban. There were community meetings to hear testimony from both sides. I was asked to testify at several of those meetings. One was so contentious, that when leaving, several Columbus policemen asked to escort me to my car.

Marijuana legalization is gaining support in the U.S., with around 90% favoring legalization for medical or recreational use. Views vary by age, political party, and race. Support for legalization has increased over the years, with economic and criminal justice benefits being considered. Most Americans also support easing penalties for marijuana-related offenses. Currently, 24 states and D.C. allow recreational and medical use, while another 14 permit medical use only. About 54% of Americans live where recreational and/or medical marijuana is legal. In total, there are almost 15,000 marijuana dispensaries nationwide, with states like California and Colorado having the largest number.

Aggressive tobacco marketing of menthol cigarettes to Black communities led to high addiction rates and premature deaths. Despite FDA attempts to ban menthol and potential life-saving benefits, tobacco lobbies delayed the process for years. The ban could prevent hundreds of thousands of smoking-related deaths. Advocates stress the urgency to implement the ban as nearly all smokers start in adolescence, with menthol cigarettes being more addictive. The exemption of menthol flavor from a 2009 law has contributed to increased menthol smoking, particularly among young adults and minorities. Delaying the ban continues to have deadly consequences.