Tag: e-cigarettes

  • Federal Judge Gives Final OK in Altria, Juul Class Action

    Federal Judge Gives Final OK in Altria, Juul Class Action

    A federal judge approved the final part of a class action settlement with the e-cigarette company Juul Labs and its parent company Altria, bringing the settlement total to just over $300 million.

    In 2018, the plaintiffs charged Juul Labs with misleading the public about the addictiveness of Juul and the risk of the e-cigarettes and its nicotine cartridges.

    The plaintiffs also said Juul had targeted teenagers with candy-flavored Juul pods and “multimillion-dollar ad campaigns and social media blitzes using alluring imagery.”

    The case survived a number of hurdles: The judge denied multiple motions to dismiss the suit and agreed to certify four different classes of plaintiffs (a nationwide class, a nationwide youth class, a California class and a California youth class).

    In January, the judge gave preliminary approval to a $255 million settlement between Juul Labs and the plaintiffs, according to Courthouse news. Friday’s ruling grants approval to Altria’s payment of $45,531,250. The sides have yet to reach an agreement on attorneys fees.

    “Court finds that this monetary recovery is fair, reasonable, and adequate given the risks of proceeding to trial and the maximum recovery potentially available to Settlement Class Members if the Class Representatives had prevailed at trial,” wrote U.S. District Judge William Orrick in his order.

    Last year, Juul agreed to pay six states $462 million to settle claims that it had marketed its vaping products to teenagers. The year before that, it agreed to pay $438.5 million to 33 different states and Puerto Rico.

    Altria Group exchanged its entire investment in Juul Labs in 2023 for a non-exclusive, irrevocable global license to certain of Juul’s heated tobacco intellectual property.

  • Protesters Demand End to Mexico’s Vaping Ban

    Protesters Demand End to Mexico’s Vaping Ban

    Vapers protested in front of Mexico’s Congress of the Union, calling for the country’s vaping ban to be replaced with risk-based regulation. The protest was organized by the World Vapers’ Alliance and All Vape Mexico.

    The protesters also demanded a halt to the constitutional reform proposed by President Andres Mauel Lopez Obrador that would elevate the ban to the Constitution. In addition, they called for approval of a risk-based regulation allowing adult smokers access to vapor products to quit smoking combustible cigarettes.

    Mexico’s vaping ban has been in place since May 2020.

    “The ban was introduced in order to prevent underage vaping; however, minors now have full access to potentially dangerous products on the black market,” said Alberto Gomez Hernandez, policy manager of the World Vapers’ Alliance. “At the same time, smokers who want to quit smoking have difficulty finding safe vaping products. The ban has clearly been a failure and must be reversed as soon as possible. Legislation cannot be based on whim or ideology; it must be based on scientific evidence and the experience of other countries that have had good results.”

    Vapes can easily be obtained on the informal market from underground vape shops and on the black market, which is controlled by organized crime groups.

    “It is very unfortunate that the federal government thought that the ban would prevent many young people from having access to vaping and does not give people who want to quit smoking the opportunity to use this option,” said Deputy Sergio Barrera. “We need to have clear rules. We need to know who can produce it, who can distribute it and who can consume it, and that is why we are pushing for regulation.”

    “The president sees a problem where there is actually a solution to smoking,” said Antonio Toscano, All Vape Mexico spokesperson. “His prohibitionist stance unprotects adult users, who are forced to buy black market products, where there are no quality controls, let alone controls on sales to minors. Prohibition is a danger to public health; good regulation could benefit public health enormously and save millions of lives.”

  • Japan: PMI Launches Latest IQOS, the Lumina i

    Japan: PMI Launches Latest IQOS, the Lumina i

    Photo: Ned Snowman

    Philip Morris International has launched IQOS Iluma i, the latest and most innovative addition to its growing portfolio of smoke-free products, in Japan. The launch marks the 10-year anniversary of IQOS, which debuted in Nagoya, Japan, in 2014.

    “We leverage science, world leading brands and commercial capabilities to provide better alternatives to our consumers. This anniversary provides an opportunity to renew our smoke-free vision and our ambition for over two-thirds of our total net revenue to come from smoke-free products by 2030,” said PMI CEO Jacek Olczak in a statement.

    “IQOS Iluma disrupted the category by introducing induction-heating technology that heats tobacco from within, to provide a consistent taste experience, no tobacco residue, and no need to clean the device. Today, we take IQOS to new heights, with the launch of IQOS Iluma i—the latest innovation in our smoke-free portfolio, offering a range of advanced features for a clean, seamless, and more flexible experience.”

    The IQOS Iluma i series offers three devices in Japan: IQOS Iluma i PRIME, IQOS Iluma i and IQOS Iluma i ONE. All three devices bring a range of adaptable new features.

    The new touch screen on the device’s holder allows users to see experience-relevant information quickly and easily. To personalize the experience, IQOS Iluma i introduces a new pause mode. By swiping up or down on the touch screen, users can pause and resume their consumption according to their preferences.

    The new IQOS Iluma i also includes smart features that help prolong the lifespan of the holder’s battery. Furthermore, the door for IQOS Iluma i is made from aluminum produced with renewable energy and the inner textile layer of IQOS Iluma i’s Prime leather-like wrap is made of 100 percent recycled plastic.

    “IQOS Iluma i is our most innovative offering to date and the new flagship in our portfolio of scientifically substantiated, heat-not-burn smoke-free systems,” said Bertrand Bonvin, president heat-not-burn platforms at PMI. “Like previous IQOS devices, it emits, on average, 95 percent lower levels of harmful chemicals compared with cigarettes. We are proud that consumer feedback continuously fuels our innovation, and IQOS Iluma i is a testament to that.”

  • Louisiana to Begin Enforcing Vaping Bans Monday

    Louisiana to Begin Enforcing Vaping Bans Monday

    Credit: Gustavo Frazao

    The Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC) announced that it will resume enforcing state laws affecting the marketing and sale of vaping and e-cigarette products on March 18, 2024.

    Beginning that day, all vapes not authorized or under review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration cannot be legally sold in Louisiana. The ATC will provide the V.A.P.E. Directory on their website, a list of all approved vapor or alternative nicotine products and electronic cigarettes.

    Businesses must remove all products not listed on the directory from their inventory and display.

    The enforcement of this law was put on hold when the Louisiana Convenience Store and Vape Association filed a lawsuit, saying the law was unconstitutional. A judge granted a preliminary injunction in January, temporarily halting the enforcement of the new law.

    After a permanent injunction hearing on Feb. 21, the ATC said the injunction was rendered moot, and that the vape law was now enforceable, according to media reports.

    Initially, the ATC passed a law in June 2023 to triple vape taxes in Louisiana and ban the sale of vapes not authorized by the FDA. The extra revenue was to be allocated to entities like state police. The increase is due to Act 414 HB635, which was signed into law by former Gov. John Bel Edwards.

  • Consumer Group Warns Against State PMTA Registries

    Consumer Group Warns Against State PMTA Registries

    U.S. states must recognize the unintended consequences of passing laws requiring premarket tobacco product application (PMTA) registries for alternative nicotine products such as vaping devices, heaters, and nicotine pouches, according to the Consumer Choice Center, an organization claiming to represent consumers in more than 100 countries.

    In the first months of 2024, more than a dozen bills have been introduced in U.S. states calling for a state-based registry for alternative nicotine products. Such legislation has already been passed in Oklahoma, Louisiana and Alabama.

    “While the intention behind these bills is to manage consumer access to unregulated nicotine products on the illicit market, the reality is that the FDA is not approving enough new devices and products to create a competitive, regulated marketplace that meets consumer demand,” said Elizabeth Hicks, U.S. affairs analyst at the Consumer Choice Center.

    While 26 million nicotine alternative products submitted PMTAs to the Food and Drug Administration, only 23 have been approved. Of those 23 approved products, 12 are tobacco-flavored e-liquid refills.

    “The FDA is hiding the ball here on product approvals and how few new products are actually coming to market. If the goal is to improve public health across the country, then consumers deserve to choose from a variety of different nicotine alternatives,” said Hicks.

    The Consumer Choice Centers urges state legislatures to refrain from adding to counterproductive federal policies and instead advance tobacco harm reduction through a competitive marketplace.

  • Turning Point Brands Hires Flynn to Fill CFO Role

    Turning Point Brands Hires Flynn to Fill CFO Role

    Credit: Motortion

    Turning Point Brands has announced the appointment Andrew Flynn as the company’s new Chief Financial Officer, effective on or before April 1, 2024.

    Flynn is replacing Louie Reformina, who will step down to pursue other opportunities, according to a Turning Point press release.

    “Andrew has led key initiatives across all areas of finance and broader strategic planning throughout his career,” said Graham Purdy, Turning Point Brands president and CEO. “His diverse operating background and industry expertise ideally positions him to help us maximize the value of our brands, continue to modernize our organization, and grow our free cash flow.”

    Prior to joining Turning Point Brands, Flynn served as the CFO of Connected Cannabis Co. where he was responsible for bringing sustained profitable growth, expanding geographically and recapitalizing the company. Before joining Connected, Flynn served as Sr. vice president of Juul Labs.

    “Turning Point Brands is one of the most innovative and well-capitalized companies in the industry. TPB’s iconic Zig-Zag and Stoker’s brands and market-leading distribution platform set it apart in this rapidly evolving space,” said Flynn. “As CFO, I look forward to working with the Board and management team to maximize long-term shareholder value.”

  • BAT Opens Innovation Center for Reduced Risk Products

    BAT Opens Innovation Center for Reduced Risk Products

    BAT has opened a new state-of-the-art Innovation Centre at its global research and development (R&D) headquarters in Southampton. The center will be key in continuing the company’s transformation as it builds “A Better Tomorrow.”

    The £30 million ($38.55 million) facility strengthens and deepens BAT’s R&D capabilities. It provides nine specially designed technical spaces to aid the development of BAT’s portfolio of Reduced Risk Products, according to a press release.

    These spaces are dedicated to researching modern oral nicotine pouches, liquids, and flavors for vapor products, heated tobacco products, and well-being and stimulation beyond nicotine. The investment will also support work on packaging, engineering, innovation development, and system integration.

    “The opening of this new facility marks an important milestone in BAT’s transformation and will play a key role in making a smokeless future a reality. Evidence provided by objective world-class science is essential to facilitate the migration of adult smokers to smokeless products and support public health objectives,” said James Murphy, BAT’s director of Research and Science. “The investment in our Innovation Centre will support the cutting-edge research and product development efforts of our global R&D team for many years to come.”

    The new facilities will bring together cross-functional and key R&D teams – with 400 specialized scientists and engineers drawn from various advanced fields, including biotechnology and clinical trials. Intended to accelerate the development of the next generation of BAT’s New Category products, their work includes developing the robust scientific evidence necessary to encourage adult smokers to switch to less risky alternatives.

    To date, R&D carried out in BAT’s Southampton facilities has produced over 200 peer reviewed studies for smokeless products published in scientific journals and has contributed to BAT’s filing of hundreds of patents a year. BAT is listed as one of the top patent filers in Europe as the company continues to develop smokeless products.

    The new Innovation Centre is the latest example of BAT’s commitment to invest in the highest standards of scientific research and product development to support its ambition to reduce the health impact of its business and deliver “A Better Tomorrow.”

    BAT’s refined strategy has committed the company to “Building a Smokeless World” and becoming a predominately smokeless business, with 50 percent of revenue generated from Non-Combustibles by 2035.

    BAT’s site in Southampton, the home of its R&D operations since 1956, is one of the largest employers in the region, with over 1,000 current employees drawn predominantly from across the UK, and a local supply chain with over 25 suppliers based within a 30-mile radius.

    The company’s UK operations support 7,100 jobs across the wider economy and contribute over £300 million to the UK’s GDP. The opening of the Innovation Centre exemplifies BAT’s commitment to and ongoing investment in the UK, marking the first stage of an eight-part, multi-phase refurbishment program for BAT’s entire Southampton campus.

    Globally, BAT has over 1,600 R&D specialists spread across the UK, US, Brazil, Indonesia, Malaysia and China. The £30 million investment in the Southampton facility follows the opening of BAT’s Innovation Centres in Trieste (Italy) in 2021 and in Shenzhen (China) in 2022, and an investment of £300 million a year in R&D to develop New Category products and establish substantiation of their reduced risk potential.

  • Protestors Want Veto of Florida Flavor Ban, Registry

    Protestors Want Veto of Florida Flavor Ban, Registry

    Credit: Kristina Blokhin

    Supporters of less harmful nicotine products want Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to again veto a proposed ban on the sale of flavored e-cigarettes in Florida. The legislation would also create a vape registry for the state.

    “It would kill our local businesses,” said Gary Eliasov-Hodes, managing partner of Cloud Smoke Shop, which has two locations in Tallahassee.

    Seventy percent of his business revenue comes from selling flavored nicotine vaping devices, he said. That’s $3.5 million annually for both of his shops, according to media reports.

    On Thursday, Eliasov-Hodes was among about 200 people gathered outside the governor’s mansion to protest the proposed ban, which they say they want Gov. Ron DeSantis to veto.

    The legislation would prohibit stores from selling flavored e-cigarettes, instead they would be allowed to sell from a list of 23 different tobacco-flavored vaping devices that have been approved for marketing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

    Many states have also included products still currently under review by the regulatory agency.

    The bipartisan bill received pushback from some lawmakers in the House but unanimous support in the Senate before it passed earlier this week. Last year, DeSantis vetoed a similar measure, and opponents say they hope he will do the same this year.

    Proponents of the measure say removing vaping flavors from the market is aimed at keeping e-cigarettes out of the hands of children.

    Lining the sidewalks on each side of W. Brevard Street, protesters chanted “Veto the vape bill” and “No to tobacco,” while holding signs with the words: “We vote, we vape.”

  • State General Assembly Kills Colorado Flavor Ban Bill

    State General Assembly Kills Colorado Flavor Ban Bill

    Credit: Christopher Boswell

    It happened again. For the second time in the last three sessions, a bill to regulate flavored nicotine products has died in Colorado’s General Assembly.

    The proposal would have allowed a board of county commissioners to ban flavored tobacco and nicotine products. The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee defeated it on a 6-5 vote, according to Colorado Public Radio.

    Several lawmakers on the committee voting against the bill cited concerns about its impacts on local businesses, echoing testimony from several vape shop owners who said it would have hurt sales if a county banned flavored vaping and other tobacco products.

    “We have a long history of choosing to listen to the tobacco lobby,” said bill sponsor Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, as she appealed to her colleagues before the vote. “I hope that today we can really think about the children and make sure that we do the right thing to make sure that our children don’t have access to these products that have been targeted for them.”

    The measure had already passed a Senate committee and the full Senate. As has been seen in prior years, the bill drew intense lobbying, with 141 lobbyists from both sides signing up to voice support, opposition, or neutrality, according to the state’s lobbyist disclosure website.

    Tobacco companies like PMI, RJ Reynolds America, and Altria, represented by the lobbying company Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, and industry groups, including the Vapor Technology Association, hired lobbyists in opposition to the legislation.

    All the traditional anti-nicotine groups such as Bloomberg, Tobacco-Free Kids Action Fund and Kaiser Permanente also hired lobbyists in support.

    In 2022, a bill to ban flavored tobacco statewide failed after Gov. Jared Polis said the issue should be handled at the local level.

  • Massachusetts High Court Upholds First Generational Ban

    Massachusetts High Court Upholds First Generational Ban

    Credit: Mehaniq41

    The highest court in Massachusetts ignored objections from vape shop owners and tobacco retailers and upheld the legality of a novel bylaw that bars cigarette sales to anyone born after January 1, 2000, in the town of Brookline. The restriction, the first of its kind in the United States, is designed to prevent future generations from using not only tobacco but also nicotine.

    Retailers argued that the 2021 Brookline bylaw was pre-empted by a state law approved in 2018 that raised the minimum age for purchasing a tobacco product from 18 to 21, according to media reports. The retailers pointed out that the Brookline bylaw effectively means someone born after January 1, 2000, will not be able to purchase a nicotine product regardless of their age.

    Over time, as the population ages, the bylaw will effectively ban the sale of tobacco products in the town.

    In the Supreme Judicial Court’s unanimous opinion, written by Justice Dalila Wendlandt, the court acknowledged the Brookline bylaw is more restrictive than the state’s minimum age standard, but the justices had no issues with that. They said the bylaw “augments the state statute” by further limiting access to tobacco products to persons under the age of 21.

    The court rejected claims by the tobacco retailers that the state law was designed to clarify what had become a muddled regulatory environment as municipality after municipality raised the minimum age for buying tobacco products.

    “The retailers claim that the purpose of the Tobacco Act was ‘actually to benefit tobacco retailers . . . by eliminating the confusion that arises when the minimum age for purchasing tobacco varies from town to town and city to city across the Commonwealth,’” the opinion said. “To the contrary, the act reflects the legislative intent to protect young persons and other vulnerable populations from the deleterious health effects of tobacco product use.”

    The case drew attention in Massachusetts and around the nation and the world and the outcome is likely to prompt more communities to follow Brookline’s lead, creating a patchwork quilt of regulation of tobacco products.