Author: James Anderson

A concerning loophole has emerged regarding New Zealand’s new vaping regulations intended to protect youth. While the law bans specialist vape retailers (SVRs) from operating within 300 meters of schools and marae, general retailers like dairies and supermarkets face no such restrictions. This exemption threatens to undermine the goal of limiting vape access for students. Vaping Law Designed to Curb Youth Use In June 2022, New Zealand announced tighter vaping policies to address the growing epidemic of underage vaping. This included prohibiting new SVRs from opening within 300m of school and marae boundaries. Officials stated the aim was preventing further…

The UK’s smoking rate could see a dramatic decline within the next five to 10 years, with the potential to halve the number of smokers, thanks to increased support and the prescribing of vapes, according to a groundbreaking report. Alongside this, efforts to make healthy foods more affordable, a sugar and salt reformulation tax, and a mandatory calorie reduction target for the food industry could prevent four million people from becoming obese. The report, led by public services expert Lord Filkin in collaboration with other experts and the King’s Fund think tank, highlights the significant cost of poor health to…

A new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals over 10% of young adults aged 18-24 are vaping regularly, raising concerns over nicotine exposure. With brains still developing until around age 25, the high rate of e-cigarette use among this demographic poses potential risks. Key Statistics on Youth Vaping Over 11% of young adults aged 18-24 are using e-cigarettes regularly. Just 4.5% of all US adults use vapes, showing much higher rates in the 18-24 demographic. Many young adults use both cigarettes and vapes interchangeably. E-cigarette use is more prevalent among white youth compared to Black, Latino,…

Let us immerse ourselves into the world of innovative technology where Juul, a renowned name in the e-cigarette industry, is seeking federal authorization for a unique electronic cigarette. This high-tech gadget is more than just an e-cigarette – it’s a system designed to electronically verify the user’s age and prevent the use of illicit counterfeit and unauthorized pod refills. The Magic of Tech How does this device work, you ask? Imagine having a digital bodyguard for your e-cigarette! This novel device can connect to a web or smartphone app that uses third-party verification to ensure users are adults, similar to…

Juul Labs has filed complaints accusing e-cigarette rival NJoy of infringing on several Juul patents through its NJoy Ace product. Juul aims to block Ace imports and sales. On June 30, 2022, Juul Labs filed legal actions against NJoy Holdings, alleging the NJoy Ace e-cigarette violates Juul intellectual property. Lawsuits request halting Ace imports and sales in addition to damages. The complaints come shortly after tobacco giant Altria dropped its Juul stake to acquire NJoy in a pivot toward regulatory-compliant vaping. This article looks at the patent clash within the heated vape category. Juul’s Infringement Claims Juul submitted twin complaints…

The latest Nielsen convenience store data shows R.J. Reynolds’ Vuse e-cigarette continued gaining share while top rival Juul slipped. Vuse rose from 41.8% to 42.3% as Juul fell to 25.6% share. Nielsen’s most recent 4-week analysis of c-store sales ending May 20, 2022 illustrates ongoing changes in U.S. e-cigarette market dynamics. R.J. Reynolds’ Vuse brand expanded its #1 market position, while embattled previous leader Juul saw declines amidst regulatory woes. This article looks at the share trends and factors reshaping the competitive vape category based on Nielsen’s coverage of large chain retailers. We’ll also examine recent developments with key players…

Altria, producer of Marlboro cigarettes, is finalizing an agreement to purchase e-cigarette company Njoy for at least $2.75 billion. The deal gives Altria a new foothold in vaping after regulatory troubles with its Juul investment. The vaping landscape continues to shift amid FDA regulation and legal battles. In the latest move, tobacco giant Altria is poised to acquire Njoy in a multi-billion dollar deal. Njoy offers a potential backup plan as Altria’s investment in market leader Juul falters. This article looks at how the prospective Njoy purchase fits into Altria’s vaping strategy. We’ll also examine Juul’s declining position and the…

Thailand is well-known for its strict vape policies, making it one of the worst countries for vapers. With the general elections on May 14, however, there might be a chance for change. Activists for tobacco harm reduction are hopeful that the draconian vape policies could be overturned soon. Background: The Vape Ban in Thailand The Beginning of the Ban In 2014, Thailand banned possessing, selling, or importing vapes, leading to severe penalties and a corrupt enforcement system. This fostered a culture of police extortion, with one incident resulting in tourists being forced to pay a bribe to avoid detention for…

The FDA has denied authorization for two menthol-flavored Vuse e-cigarette products from R.J. Reynolds, citing insufficient evidence they benefit public health. The decision signals tighter regulation of menthol vaping amid youth addiction worries. On Tuesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued marketing denial orders for two menthol electronic cigarettes made by R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company. The agency ruled the applications failed to demonstrate the potential public health benefits outweigh risks. Specifically, the FDA rejected the Vuse Vibe Tank Menthol 3.0% and Vuse Ciro Cartridge Menthol 1.5% products. However, other Reynolds menthol e-cigs remain unaffected. This article examines the…

Government stances on vaping products vary widely worldwide, ranging from encouragement to outright prohibition. This article examines the patchwork of vape bans imposed at the national, state, and local levels in the U.S. and internationally. U.S. State and Local Bans on Vape Flavors and Online Sales While federal agencies like the FDA regulate vaping, most bans in the U.S. occur at the state and city levels. These restrictions typically target flavors and online sales rather than total prohibition. California California prohibits the in-store sale of vape products in flavors other than tobacco, following voter approval of Proposition 31 in November…