Fentanyl in e-cigarettes: The making of a myth

The recent House hearing addressed concerns about foreign disposable e-cigarettes possibly containing fentanyl. Such fears, however, are baseless for nicotine e-cigarettes, with no evidence of fentanyl contamination. Reports of fentanyl in vapes typically involve illicit cartridges for opioids or cannabis, not legal e-cigarettes. Linking e-cigarettes to illicit drug issues only hinders harm reduction efforts. While youth vaping has decreased, public misconceptions persist. Heavy restrictions have removed most U.S. e-cigarette products, leading to an influx of Chinese disposable e-cigarettes. Sensationalism around fentanyl in e-cigarettes diverts from evidence-based public health policies.