New York State is set to receive $112.7 million from a multistate settlement with Juul Labs Inc. due to its involvement in the youth vaping epidemic, according to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG).
Attorney General Letitia James announced on Friday that the Hudson Valley would receive over $13 million from the historic total of $462 million, to be divided among participating states,” according to media reports.
“E-cigarette use among young New Yorkers shot up after JUUL flooded the market with advertising aimed at teenagers and lies about the safety of its products,” James said. “Now young people are suffering from physical and mental health issues fueled by vaping addiction.
“This settlement puts new limits on JUUL’s marketing and will provide leaders in the Hudson Valley over $13 million to implement new anti-vaping programs to protect our kids.”
The $112.7 million total going to New York State will reportedly be distributed among counties, the Board of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES), and the five largest cities in the state to support programs to reduce and prevent underage vaping.
EU health ministers on June 21 discussed proposals to restrict flavors in consumer nicotine products, such as vapes and nicotine pouches.
The EU Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council will consider proposals from Latvia and Denmark to support an EU-wide flavor ban and a crackdown on cross-border sales, among other recommendations.
If the health ministers reach consensus support for these proposals, the next step would be to ask the European Commission to introduce draft legislation, which would eventually be voted on by the council and the European Parliament, according to Vaping360.
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Lithuania, the Netherlands and Slovenia already ban vape flavors. Spain recently completed a public consultation on a proposed flavor ban while Latvia reportedly is in the process of introducing flavor restrictions.
The Tobacco Products Directive allows the member states to set their own rules for flavors. The Latvian proposal asserts that individual bans don’t work due to cross-border sales, among other factors.
Vaping activists have urged the EU to keep e-cigarette flavors legal.
“By supporting a flavor ban, EU health ministers would push millions of adults back to smoking or into the black market, endangering lives and ignoring scientific evidence. A flavor ban would be a huge step backward for public health and harm reduction,” said Michael Landl, director of the World Vapers’ Alliance, in a statement.
“Scientific research consistently shows that flavors play a crucial role in helping smokers quit. The endorsement of the flavor ban ignores those findings and the clear will of the people, opting instead for a policy that will cause more harm than good. The World Vapers’ Alliance will continue fighting for reasonable, evidence-based policies that truly protect public health.”
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today authorized four NJOY products through the premarket tobacco product application (PMTA) pathway. The FDA issued marketing granted orders to NJOY, an Altria subsidiary, for two pods for its Ace closed e-cigarette device, which was authorized in April of 2022, and two disposable e-cigarettes—NJOY DAILY Menthol 4.5%, and NJOY DAILY EXTRA Menthol 2.4%.
The two authorized ACE pods are the NJOY ACE Pod Menthol 2.4% and the NJOY ACE Pod Menthol 5%. All four of the newly authorized products are pre-filled and non-refillable.
The decision is significant because it is the first non-tobacco flavored vapor product to be authorized by the FDA. In his TPL Review, Office of Science Director Matthew Farrelly said that NJOY had “demonstrated the potential for these new products to benefit adults who smoke [combustible cigarettes] as compared to those who continue to use [combustible cigarettes] exclusively,” and that the company had “also proposed robust marketing plans that include restrictions beyond those required with PMTA authorization.” Farrelly also highlighted data from a longitudinal cohort study that NJOY submitted with its application, which pointed to “robust absolute switching rates” as well as a higher rate of complete switching than tobacco-flavored NJOY DAILY ENDS.
The FDA noted, however, that applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and that this authorization of menthol products does not apply to any other menthol-flavored vaping products.
“It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide the necessary evidence to obtain marketing authorization, and the FDA has made clear what’s needed to successfully achieve that outcome,” said CTP Director Brian King in the agency’s press release. “This action is further reinforcement that authorization of an e-cigarette product is possible when sufficient scientific evidence has been submitted to the agency to justify it.”
Altria welcomed the authorizations. “With the addition of NJOY menthol e-vapor products, we are now uniquely positioned with an FDA-authorized portfolio to support adult smokers in their transition to smoke-free alternatives. We believe these marketing orders are a testament to the quality of the NJOY products and the strength of evidence supporting the authorizations of the NJOY menthol e-vapor products,” said NJOY President and CEO Shannon Leistra in a statement.
“We believe that, for tobacco harm reduction to succeed, adult smokers must have access to a robust marketplace of FDA-authorized smoke-free alternatives,” said Paige Magness, senior vice president, regulatory affairs of Altria Client Services. “FDA authorization of NJOY menthol e-vapor products provides adult smokers and vapers with regulated alternatives to the illicit flavored disposable e-vapor products on the market today. We believe the NJOY menthol marketing orders are a positive outcome for public health.”
The FDA previously authorized the NJOY Ace and three of its tobacco-flavored pods on April 27, 2022. In March of 2023, Altria acquired NJOY for $2.75 billion cash. The acquisition was completed on June 1, 2023. However, the transaction terms included $500 million in additional cash payments contingent upon the product approvals received today, which would bring Altria’s total spend to $3.25 billion.
A new bill in North Carolina, if passed, would require the state to certify vaping and other next-generation tobacco products for sale.
The Senate Judiciary Committee approved the proposal Wednesday. It was slipped into HB 900, which deals with Wake County leadership academies and their ability to maintain state designations. The House passed it without objection.
To become law, the bill would need to pass the Senate and then the House before the end of the session. Senate leaders have said they plan to complete their work by the end of the month, local media reports.
The chambers, both controlled by Republicans, have been unable to come to an agreement on budget modifications for the fiscal year that begins July 1.
A North Carolina lawmaker wrongly told others that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates the products, but the regulatory agency does not have the ability to check which products are being sold.
The bill would fine retailers who sell products that aren’t on the registry for initial violations. The legislation could also suspend or revoke the establishment’s license.
Vaping industry representatives warned lawmakers that the bill will cost people jobs and money.
PMTA registry laws are already being enforced in Alabama, Louisiana and Oklahoma. Wisconsin passed a registry law in December and will become effective July 1, 2025.
Utah also passed a registry bill that included a flavor ban that will become active on Jan. 1, 2025, and Florida has a unique registry that also begins Jan. 1, 2025.
To address different consumer pain points in various markets, FEELM, an atomization innovator, highlighted several technologically advanced vaping solutions during the World Vape Show Dubai 2024.
Under the theme “ALL ON,” the company officially launched its next-generation pod solution—FEELM Pro—in Dubai. “This solution meets consumers’ pursuit of explosive flavor by using the latest FEELM ceramic coil technology, featuring a thinner ceramic coil for explosive power. This ensures ample e-liquid supply with each puff, avoiding aroma loss during atomization and providing a higher, more stable flavor reproduction,” according to a press release.
In addition to FEELM Pro, FEELM presented two different series of large puff solutions at the Dubai show: the TPD-compliant 5,000-puff disposable solution TANKER and the TPD-compliant 3,200-puff vape pod solution QUAD SHOT Pro. The former offers Balance and Turbo modes, allowing consumers to experience taste differences under different modes; the latter uses the FEELM Turbo solution, achieving a qualitative leap in flavor explosiveness compared to similar products, being both smooth and sweet, according to the release.
“Under compliance, we strive for technological innovation in flavor explosiveness, flavor reproduction, human-machine interaction, and playability,” said Rex Zhang, assistant president for FEELM. “We hope to collaborate with more customers in the future, rooted in the TPD market, to meet the personalized needs of different consumers and help the industry accelerate into a new stage of development.”
The company also brought six different series solutions, covering all the current innovative elements on the market and achieving different combinations of elements and experience upgrades through technological upgrades.
“For example, the world’s first 30,000 puffs disposable with four-sided surround screen and ultra-high wattage solution ‘Galaxy Display + Quattro Mesh’ brings a high-configuration combination of a 4.8-inch four-sided surround screen and quad mesh combined with high wattage of 40W + 6 modes of different puffs,” the release states. “With this device, you can experience all the cutting-edge technological innovations, instantly falling in love with it.”
Additionally, the world’s first 18,000-puff multifunctional modular design solution, “Off Charge,” was showcased. It strives for ultimate playability, bringing new ideas with a modular design and adding a smart screen display. Press a button to experience different flavors. After disassembling the module, you can smoke the pod while charging your phone with the EPS.
Additionally, the world’s first 20,000-puff double-burst power ceramic coil solution, “FEELM Turbo DUO,” continues the high explosiveness of the FEELM Turbo series, doubling the flavor explosiveness with dual ceramic coils.
Romania’s Chamber of Deputies adopted a bill banning advertising of electronic cigarettes and nicotine pouches this week, reports Romania Insider.
“It is prohibited to explicitly advertise tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, including vape types, products intended for inhalation without burning from tobacco substitutes, electronic devices for heating tobacco, and products intended for inhalation without burning from tobacco substitutes as well as nicotine pouches for oral use (pouches) broadcast within radio and television programs and on public transport tickets,” the bill states.
The bill also bans advertising for these products within educational institutions and healthcare facilities or within 200 meters of their entrances. Advertising is also banned in publications primarily intended for minors and in theaters before, during and after performances intended for minors. Ads are banned that target minors, depict minors consuming these products, suggest these products have therapeutic properties or have a stimulating, sedative effect or can solve personal problems, give a negative image of abstinence or do not contain warning inscriptions in Romanian.
On June 14, Next Level Ventures, a Seattle-based marijuana vape maker, filed a counterclaim in federal court in California. The company claims that Shenzhen Smoore Technology Co. has been engaging in a “years-long battle to unlawfully restrain competition in the closed cannabis vaporizer market” based on false patent claims.
Smoore, which markets vape devices under its CCell brand, has not yet responded to the claim, according to court records.
In its counterclaim, Next Level pointed out that vaporizer technology claimed by Smoore was “displayed and offered for sale” as early as the 2016 Marijuana Business Conference & Expo (the predecessor to MJBiz’s MJBizCon), according to media reports.
That happened before Smoore filed for patent protection.
At least one patent Smoore is using to pursue claims was “fraudulently obtained,” Next Level alleges.
According to Next Level’s counterclaim, Smoore’s complaint to the ITC was motivated by flagging sales.
Smoore’s market share for products sold under the CCell brand fell from 80% of the market “to approximately 50-60%” by 2022, Next Level’s counterclaim alleges.
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser is pursuing legal action against a cannabis business for allegedly selling highly potent cannabis products marketed as federally legal industrial hemp.
According to a Tuesday news release, the attorney general’s office filed a lawsuit in Weld County against Gee Distributors, LLC and its owner, Christopher Landon Eoff.
The Greeley-based company, operating as CBDDY, is accused of illegally selling cannabis products containing THC levels up to 35 times higher than the legal limit.
In 2018, Congress legalized the limited manufacture and sale of consumable industrial hemp, defined as containing no more than 0.3% of the psychoactive chemical Delta-9 THC, reports Denver7.
This led to an increase in industrial hemp companies trying to evade state regulations and taxes applicable to recreational marijuana, according to Weiser.
“Colorado’s legal cannabis regulations are designed to protect consumers, ensure the highest safety and quality standards, and keep cannabis out of the hands of kids,” said Weiser in a statement. “In this case, the defendant recklessly sold products that were, in some cases, more potent even than what is sold in state-licensed dispensaries with little regard for requirements like lab testing and age verification.
“As this action shows, we will hold accountable anyone who evades Colorado cannabis laws.”
A total of 458 daily smokers who were willing to quit were randomly assigned to one of three groups for a 12-week trial.
One group received a nicotine-containing e-cigarette and placebo tablets, another group received varenicline and a nicotine-free e-cigarette, and the third group received a placebo tablet and a nicotine-free e-cigarette. All three groups also received extensive tobacco cessation counseling.
After 26 weeks, approximately the same percentage of participants using varenicline and e-cigarettes, 43.8 percent and 40.4 percent respectively, had stopped smoking.
The difference in quit rates between the two groups was not statistically significant.
The JAMA study is the first published randomized controlled trial to directly compare varenicline to e-cigarettes.
Previous studies have shown that e-cigarettes can help adults quit smoking. However, most of these studies have compared e-cigarettes either to a placebo or to nicotine replacement therapy, such as patches and lozenges, which help smokers manage their withdrawal symptoms.
The Flonq Max Pro’s airflow is smooth and quiet, and there is no struggle to produce vapor.
By Mike Huml
The Flonq Max Pro is a newly released version of the Flonq Max that offers multiple quality-of-life improvements and upgrades while retaining the same look and feel. The Max Pro isn’t just an ordinary disposable. Sure, it’s simple to use and isn’t loaded up with bells and whistles, but it performs wonderfully and has a great aesthetic. These coupled with the convenience of new features make the Max Pro more than worthy of keeping an eye on.
As far as standard features are concerned, the Max Pro includes a 650 mAh internal battery that’s charged via a USB type-C port on the bottom of the device. It contains 18 mL of e-liquid and is advertised to last 20,000 puffs. There is no adjustable airflow, but the default airflow is very smooth and restrictive enough to be reminiscent of a cigarette.
The unique flattened egg shape is very comfortable to hold, even though it may be slightly too large for those with small hands or those who are looking for something truly tiny. The trade-off is increased liquid capacity and battery life, and Flonq offers several smaller products as well. The Max Pro is the largest device in the line, tied with the Flonq Ultra.
On the flat side of the Max Pro is a screen and a button. The screen will illuminate during and for a short time after each drag to display the remaining e-liquid and battery life, and that is a great new trend being seen in high-end disposables. It takes all the guesswork out of using these devices while retaining all the simplicity of operation.
The button below the screen serves one purpose, and that is to toggle boost mode. When boost mode is activated, the rocket ship icon on the screen will turn from white to red, and the Max Pro will fire at a higher power. The heating element is two mesh coils, so even in boost mode, burning and dry hits are nonissues.
One may think that boost mode decreases the puff count, but that’s not necessarily true. While in normal mode, the Max Pro can be used as most any other mouth-to-lung device—long, slow drags as vapers have become accustomed to in order to give the heating element ample time to heat up and produce good vapor.
In boost mode, the Max Pro can be treated more like a traditional cigarette, with quick and sharp drags producing the same amount of vapor in less time. When used in this way, boost mode will still yield around 20,000 puffs since those puffs are shorter and about the same amount of e-liquid is consumed per drag.
However, when long, slow drags are taken while boost mode is active, this will use more e-liquid and more battery power per puff and shorten the life span. While this is not a feature unique to the Max Pro, Flonq’s implementation is among the best. There is a clear purpose to its usage, and it serves to appeal to vapers with different preferences.
As far as vape quality goes, the Max Pro competes with the best of them. Airflow is smooth and quiet, and there is no struggle to produce vapor. There is no spitback, gurgling, leaking or dry hits even when the device is set down sideways (this is necessary given the shape—it cannot be set down with the mouthpiece facing up).
Flonq also offers upward of 25 flavors ranging from tobacco and menthol to candy and fruit flavors. There is something here for everyone to enjoy, and each flavor packs a punch. Each drag is bold and flavorful and sticks to the tongue after the device is set down. Each flavor is distinct and refreshing as most of the fruit flavors contain at least a hint of menthol to bring out the crispness of the fruit flavor.
The Flonq Max Pro is as close to a perfect disposable device as one can currently get. It’s not overly large, although the size is justified. It’s more than capable of lasting the average vaper at least one week and several days for heavy users. The battery is on the average side, but even heavy users can expect to get about a full day’s worth of use before a charge is required.
The screen shows essential information at a glance, removing any frustration associated with relying on a disposable device to make it through the day. What’s more, the Max Pro features passthrough functionality, so it can be used while it’s charging. A full charge takes about 30 minutes, which just about pushes the limit of how fast a battery can be charged.
The aesthetic quality is great as well. The glossy, hard plastic might not be appealing to everyone at first, but it doesn’t attract fingerprints or ever start to look dingy unlike many other devices that opt for the rubberized matte finish. Each flavor corresponds to a specific colorway, making it easy to identify which flavor is which for those who like variety, and the colors do not cross the line into being tacky or toy-like.
The Flonq Max Pro is undoubtedly one of, if not the best disposable vapor device on the market. It vapes great, has a unique look that doesn’t go over the top, and a multitude of flavors are available for vapers of all preferences. If that wasn’t enough, the screen is actually very useful and easy to read while boost mode makes way for multiple vape styles.
There really is no better device that not only includes all the necessary features but also retains maximum simplicity. First-time vapers should have no qualms about opening the package and having a vape right away with no prior knowledge. All things considered, the Flonq Max Pro improves upon its predecessor in all the ways that matter and then some.
The button below the screen serves one purpose, and that is to toggle boost mode. When boost mode is activated, the rocket ship icon on the screen will turn from white to red, and the Max Pro will fire at a higher power. The heating element is two mesh coils, so even in boost mode, burning and dry hits are nonissues.