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Tucker Carlson Launches Nicotine Pouch Brand

Tucker Carlson has launched his own nicotine pouch brand, ALP, which the conservative American commentator touts as “the first nicotine pouch brand made by and for adults who unapologetically love nicotine.”
ALP will be sold, marketed and distributed through ALP Supply Co., a newly formed 50/50 joint venture between the Tucker Carlson Network and Turning Point Brands. The product comes in three nicotine strengths—3 mg, 6 mg and 9 mg—and in four distinct styles, including Chilled Mint, Mountain Wintergreen, Refreshing Chill and Tropical Fruit.
“There’s no reason consumers should be forced to buy nicotine pouches from soulless, pronoun loving, politicized conglomerates that despise them and their culture,” said Carlson in a statement. “With ALP, they now have an alternative that is delicious and far better than Zyn, which in case you haven’t noticed is as dry as a teabag.”
A portion of ALP profits will go to charities that align with the values of its consumers, such as forest restoration, protecting former K9 servicemembers and funding trade school scholarships for Americans.
According to an earlier article in The Wall Street Journal, Carlson decided to enter the tobacco business because of the way Zyn manufacturer Philip Morris International responded to an off-color remark he made in 2023 about America’s bestselling nicotine pouch.
Until recently, Carlson styled himself as an unofficial spokesman for Zyn. He talked up the brand on frequent podcast appearances. “The truth is, Zyn is a powerful work enhancer and also a male enhancer, if you know what I mean,” Carlson told comedian Theo Von in an interview last October.
Carlson’s representatives then pitched PMI on forming a partnership with the brand. The multinational declined, citing Carlson’s commentary.
“While we understand that these may be Mr. Carlson’s views or made in jest, these statements lack a scientific foundation,” the tobacco company wrote. “Given Mr. Carlson’s popularity and reach, these statements could promote a misunderstanding and misuse of our products.”
Carlson said the message enraged him.
“Of course I wasn’t making a medical claim about their product. I was just joking,” he told The Wall Street Journal. “So I thought: ‘I’m going to launch my own product that’s not controlled by, you know, humorless, left-wing drones.’”
November 18, 2024
Colorado CBD Company Settles Suit With State

Colorado US state flag with statue of lady justice, constitution and judge hammer on black drapery. Concept of judgement and punishment
Bee’s Knees CBDs, based in Colorado, has reached a $225,000 settlement with the state attorney general after an investigation revealed that the company misrepresented its product offerings, falsely claimed partnerships with nonprofits, and failed to verify the ages of its customers.
The fines could increase to $495,000 if the company fails to comply with the settlement’s terms, which include the initial $225,000 over a series of payments and the company’s pledge to “fully comply with state law” moving forward, Colorado AG Phil Weiser’s office said in a press release.
Bee’s Knees sells industrial hemp-derived cannabinoid products both wholesale and on its website directly to consumers. While many of the company’s offerings include non-intoxicating products like CBD gummies and topicals, some of the products are infused with hemp-derived THC — and, while the website lists the products as being restricted to customers aged 21+, the products could previously be purchased without providing proof-of-age, the release said.
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, in a statement, said, “Colorado is committed to maintaining an effective system of overseeing the sale of legal cannabis products — one that keeps it out of the hands of kids, ensures safety standards, requires chain-of-custody tracking, and gives consumers important information about the products they buy, according to reports.
“In this case, the company misrepresented to their customers the source and nature of their products and sold intoxicating products without verifying the age of customers. This settlement will hold them accountable for those violations of the law and will ensure compliance in the future.”
November 17, 2024
North Carolina County to Restrict Tobacco Shops

Credit: Rex Holster
The Columbus County Board of Commissioners in North Carolina is slated to vote on a proposed ordinance restricting locations of retailers selling tobacco, hemp and kratom during its meeting Monday.
At the board’s previous meeting, Commission Chair Ricky Bullard said he wanted to restrict the locations of new shops “the maximum amount we can.”
The current proposal requires a much wider distance between retailers and places used by minors than a version of the ordinance discussed on Nov. 4, according to media reports.
The expanded ordinance would also set a four-year deadline for retailers already in business to move out of the protected zones. If passed, the vape shop regulation would only affect unincorporated areas of the county.
The board tabled discussion Nov. 4 of an earlier vape shop ordinance, saying it didn’t go far enough. That proposal defined the targeted products and prohibited retail shops selling them from opening within 1,000 feet of schools, child care centers, public parks, group homes or rehabilitation facilities.
Commissioner Giles “Buddy” Byrd called the 1,000-foot barrier “not enough” and asked county staff to rewrite the ordinance to expand it to at least half a mile. County Planning and Economic Development Director Gary Lanier’s new recommendation does just that, setting 2,640 feet as the nearest a vape, tobacco or hemp shop may set up from one of the listed areas.
Lanier also based the new recommendation on ordinances in other eastern N.C. counties that “amortize” the right of existing shops to operate. The new wording would require existing tobacco and hemp retailers to move outside the half-mile boundary within four years.
November 17, 2024
Robert Kennedy, Jr. Tapped to Lead Trump’s HHS

Robert Kennedy Jr. (Credit: Cage Skidmore)
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to serve as the new secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The effects Kennedy will have on the nicotine market remain unclear. Kennedy must still be confirmed by Congress.
“For too long, Americans have been crushed by the industrial food complex and drug companies who have engaged in deception, misinformation, and disinformation when it comes to Public Health,” Trump posted. “The Safety and Health of all Americans is the most important role of any Administration, and HHS will play a big role in helping ensure that everybody will be protected from harmful chemicals, pollutants, pesticides, pharmaceutical products, and food additives that have contributed to the overwhelming Health Crisis in this Country.”
As the leader of HHS, Kennedy will oversee the FDA, which regulates vaping, nicotine pouches, and all other nicotine and tobacco products through its Center for Tobacco Products.
Kennedy’s position on vaping, nicotine, and tobacco harm reduction (THR) remains an unknown. During the presidential campaign, Trump promised that, if elected, he would “save vaping” after meeting with Tony Abboud of the Vapor Technology Association.
“I saved Flavored Vaping in 2019, and it greatly helped people get off smoking,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform in September. “I raised the age to 21, keeping it away from the ‘kids.’ Kamala and Joe want everything banned, killing small businesses all over the country. I’ll save Vaping again!”
November 15, 2024
UK Vaping Industry Association Forum Starts Nov. 15
The U.K. Vaping Industry Association’s (UKVIA) annual Industry Forum will take place at the London Marriott Hotel Regents Park on Friday, Nov. 15.
The event will feature a program of timely panel discussions, including “Politics in the Spotlight”; “Closing the Trust Gap”; “Adding Consumers to the Conversation”; and “The Balancing Act,” which will explore the best route to further unlock vaping’s potential to improve harm reduction while also protecting young people.
It will also include a panel discussion titled “Killing the Black Market, Not the Consumers,” which will look at how interventions such as a vape retailer and distributor licensing scheme could put a stop to rogue traders for good and bring about a new age of responsibility and accountability for the sector.
“The industry has long been calling for stronger action against the unscrupulous sellers who flout the law and put young people, consumers and legitimate businesses at risk, and we were delighted to see the inclusion of licensing in the new government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill,” said UKVIA Director General John Dunne in a statement.
“Earlier this year, the UKVIA was involved in the development of a vape retailer and distributor licensing framework, which would prevent inappropriate businesses—including sweet shops—from ever selling these products, would bring into force stronger penalties for those breaking the rules and would generate upward of £50 million [$63.65 million] per year in self-sustaining funding, which could be used to empower Trading Standards.”
This year’s UKVIA Forum will also feature a keynote on the “new era of enforcement” from Kate Pike, lead officer for vaping with the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, as well as a Q&A with Orla Menzies, the vaping policy lead for HMRC, and—for the first time—an onstage showcase where five companies will discuss how they are adapting their product offerings and leading on innovation across the sector.
November 14, 2024
Northern Ireland: Many Vapers Avoid Verifying Age

Credit: Miroslav
According to a recent survey, 4 out of 5 vape users in Northern Ireland have never been asked to verify their age compared to 45 percent of UK users.
Despite this, the survey showed retailers would support checks coming into force where the minimum age to purchase a vape in Northern Ireland or the UK is 18 years old.
Campaigners say vapes are just as threatening to our nation’s health as other age-restricted items, like cigarettes and alcohol, but currently have a hold over our youth who have access to vapes. The tools for age verification are more accessible to sources too for convenience stores.
The topic of age-restricted sales, which made it into the King’s Speech, also tackles shoplifting. Identification has been an essential aspect in delivering, according to media.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, driven by Rishi Sunak to stop under-15-year-olds being legally sold tobacco products.
Knowledge has evolved around vaping culture; suppliers like Vape Supplier Limited (VSL) have distributed ITL’s MyCheckr scanners to convenience stores.
November 13, 2024
Navajo Nation Increases Nicotine Tax, Adds Vapes

Credit: Pabrady63
The Navajo Nation Budget and Finance Committee Vice Chair Carl R. Slater joined Navajo Nation President Dr. Buu Nygren as he signed Legislation 0145-24 into law, amending the Tobacco Products Tax to include electronic smoking devices and other nicotine products.
Council Delegate Slater, who sponsored the legislation, thanked President Nygren for signing the bill, emphasizing its potential to reduce tobacco and nicotine use among Navajo youth.
“We’ve seen the tobacco and nicotine industries evolve to target our young people in new ways, making them lifelong users dependent on these harmful substances,” Council Delegate Slater said. “Our traditional and sacred tobacco serves a much different purpose. It’s not about quick gratification, but about purifying our minds so our thoughts are strong, clear, and aligned with our teachings.”
The newly implemented Nicotine Products and Electronic Smoking Products Tax applies a 22 percent tax rate to nicotine and electronic smoking devices, according to media reports. It also increases taxes on tobacco products, including an additional 12.5 cents per cigarette, $3.85 per ounce of smoking tobacco, snuff, and chewing tobacco, $1.25 per ounce of plug or twist tobacco, $2.50 per package of small cigars, and $3.62 per larger, single cigar.
Council Delegate Slater highlighted how the Fund Management Plan for the new tax will support the Office of Traditional Culture and Spiritual Healing, which has not been funded since its creation. Additionally, the new tax revenue will support the Department of Health’s projects in partnership with traditional Navajo healer non-profit organizations.
November 13, 2024
Sweden First Country to ‘Officially’ be Smoke Free

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Today, the Swedish government released data showing that Swedes have made history by officially becoming the first country to be ‘smoke-free’.
Swedes have hit the remarkable milestone 16 years ahead of the European Union target – while most of the EU’s fellow member states are set to miss it by some distance.
Official health data released by Sweden’s public health agency show that just 4.5% of Swedish-born adults smoke – significantly below the globally recognized benchmark of 5% for smoke-free status.
Average smoking rates in Europe (24%) are five times higher than Sweden’s.
The Swedes’ extraordinary success results from their pioneering policy approach to safer cigarette alternatives, according to press releases.
Dr. Delon Human, leader of Smoke-Free Sweden, said the outstanding achievement marks a significant moment in global public health and stands as a testament to the progressive policies that have guided Sweden’s approach to tobacco control.
“In the early 1960s, nearly half of Swedish men smoked. By embracing and encouraging the use of alternative nicotine products such as snus, oral nicotine pouches and vapes, Sweden has paved a clear path to a smoke-free society while safeguarding public health,” he said. “They should serve as a beacon of hope for the rest of the world and as inspirational proof that a pragmatic, enlightened approach can deliver sensational public health gains and save lives.”
The new statistics show that 5.3% of all adults in Sweden, including immigrants, currently smoke. Remarkably, the data also reveals that people born elsewhere in Europe would be three times more likely to smoke if they had not moved to Sweden.
Dr. Anders Milton, a physician, former president, and CEO of the Swedish Medical Association, said that the key to Sweden’s success is its pragmatic focus on harm reduction rather than prohibition.
“A wide range of safer nicotine products, with a variety of strengths and flavours, is legally available both online and in stores, supported by advertising, which raises awareness and encourages uptake,” he said. “The Swedish government also applies a proportional excise tax, keeping smoke-free products more affordable than cigarettes.
“This tax policy, coupled with public education campaigns, has empowered Swedish consumers to make healthier choices and contributed to the country’s leading role in tobacco harm reduction.”
The benefits of Sweden’s strategy are enormous, with the country having the lowest percentage of tobacco-related diseases in the EU and a 41% lower incidence of cancer than other European countries.
“While Sweden celebrates this historic achievement, most other nations remain far from reaching their smoke-free goals,” said Human. “Their rigid, prohibitionist policies limit access to safer nicotine alternatives, including oral nicotine products and e-cigarettes. These regressive measures are pushing smokers away from potentially life-saving tools and stalling progress toward reducing tobacco harm.
“Rather than follow Sweden’s lead, these nations are heading in the opposite direction, with smoking prevalence stagnating or even rising. Sweden’s success is living proof that alternative nicotine products are a powerful force for positive change when supported by evidence-based policies.
“Smoke-Free Sweden calls on all countries to re-evaluate their tobacco control strategies and adopt harm reduction as a central pillar in their fight against smoking. Sweden’s smoke-free status should be a wake-up call to policymakers across the globe: progressive, science-backed policies on nicotine alternatives can make smoking history without sacrificing public health goals.”
November 13, 2024
Juul Labs Hires Wisdom as Managing Director

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Juul Labs has appointed Melissa Wisdom as its new managing director.
Wisdom comes from the Stonegate Group, where she served as chief commercial officer. Prior to that, she also served as a commercial director at Diageo, and held senior positions at prominent national and global brands.
In her new role, Melissa will oversee all of Juul Labs U.K commercial activities as the company seeks to bring its next-generation product technology to more parts of the world.
“Joining Juul Labs as its new managing director is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the company’s bold vision for the future—one where long-term success is achieved through responsible innovation and investment in high-quality, scientifically-supported products,” said Wisdom in a statement.
“I look forward to advancing Juul’s commercial objectives across this rapidly changing industry to ensure we are delivering the best possible alternatives for adult smokers, whilst taking serious action to prevent underage access to and appeal of our products.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Melissa Wisdom as Juul Labs’ new managing director,” said Juul Labs CEO, K.C. Crosthwaite. “Melissa’s extensive commercial experience and her commitment to responsible growth in consumer markets make her an invaluable addition to the team.
“With new U.K. legislation coming down the track and the regulatory environment evolving in many markets, Melissa’s leadership will play a pivotal role in advancing our efforts to drive tobacco harm reduction by offering adult smokers high-quality product technology designed specifically to help them move away from traditional cigarettes.
“I am confident that Melissa will be a huge asset at this exciting time of opportunity for the company.”
November 13, 2024
No Tourists Allowed to Bring Vapes Into Maldives

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The Maldives is implementing new regulations on November 15, which will result in tourists having their vapes confiscated upon arrival to the country.
If a traveler arrives with a vape, they can deposit it at a designated counter at the airport for a receipt and collect it again upon departure, tourism officials in the popular Indian Ocean holiday destination told media.
Turkey, Singapore, Mexico, India, Brazil, and Thailand are among the other countries that do not allow travelers to bring vapes with them.
The Maldives import ban also applies to tobacco, smoking accessories, shishas, and flavored cigarettes, with one exception: travelers aged 18 and over with a tourist visa may import up to 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco.
People who vape are generally advised to double-check whether they are allowed to bring their device with them on holiday before getting on a flight.
In Thailand, which has some of the world’s strictest anti-vaping rules, anyone caught breaking the e-cigarette laws can be punished with a steep fine or even imprisonment for up to five years.
In Australia, there has been a ban on the import of all types of vapes since March 2024 unless a special license or permit has been obtained.
November 12, 2024