Tag: youth use

  • Under-18 Vape Product Sales Ban Begins in Ireland

    Under-18 Vape Product Sales Ban Begins in Ireland

    Photo: Timothy S. Donahue

    The Irish Government has announced that the ban on selling e-cigarettes or vapes to minors takes effect from tomorrow.

    Stephen Donnelly, the Minister for Health, obtained Cabinet approval for this measure earlier this year, which was signed into law by President Michael D. Higgins in August.

    The Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill comes into effect from Friday, December 21.

    From then on, it will be an offense to sell a nicotine inhaling product to someone under the age of 18. The offense will carry a penalty of a fine of up to €4,000 ($4408) and a prison sentence of up to six months.

    The new bill includes measures to address smoking and vaping among adults.

    Beginning today, the sale of tobacco products and nicotine inhaling products at events for children will also be prohibited, as will the self-service sale of such products.

    The bill prohibits the sale of certain items to minors and restricts their advertisement in schools and on public transport. It also provides for increased enforcement, according to media reports.

    The bill also allows for additional enforcement powers to the Environmental Health Service for measures in the bill and for all previous Tobacco Control Acts.

  • Attorneys General Want FDA to do More to Protect Youth

    Attorneys General Want FDA to do More to Protect Youth

    State of Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel

    The attorneys general for 33 states sent a letter to request the U.S. Food and Drug Administration do more to protect young people from e-cigarettes.

    Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced she signed a bi-partisan letter calling on the FDA to limit the e-cigarette flavors that draw kids in and protect them from marketing, according to media reports.

    She also suggested that the FDA should require a limit on nicotine levels in e-cigarette cartridges and disposables, according to a press release.

    “Nicotine use by our young people has reached epidemic levels,” Nessel said in the release. “We need impactful tobacco regulations that protect our youth from the dangers of e-cigarettes and marketing tactics that target them with products flavored to taste like fruit and candy.

    “We must act to regulate young people’s exposure to these products and take robust enforcement actions against manufacturers, distributors and retailers who ignore the law.”

    The letter is becoming a yearly occurrence. Last year, a bipartisan coalition of 31 attorneys general are calling on the FDA to reject marketing authorization for all non-tobacco nicotine products, which are currently being sold without regulation of their contents, manufacturing, health effects, required warning labels or marketing claims.

    In the 2022 letter, the coalition argues that vaping products don’t meet the FDA’s public health standard, and the regulatory agency should not gamble on the unknown effects of the products, despite the FDA having authorized 23 vaping products.

    The other attorneys general signing onto the 2023 letter are from the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.

  • U.S. FDA Cracking Down on Kid Friendly Products

    U.S. FDA Cracking Down on Kid Friendly Products

    Credit: FDA

    Regulators in the United States are cracking down on online retailers selling vaping products that are attractive to youth. The Food and Drug Administration today issued warning letters to 16 (the agency reported 15, but lists 16) online retailers for selling and/or distributing unauthorized e-cigarette products packaged to look like cartoon characters, school supplies, toys, and drinks.

    “The design of these products is a shamelessly egregious attempt to target kids,” said Brian King, director of FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products (CTP). “It’s a tough sell that adults using e-cigarettes to transition away from cigarettes need them to look like SpongeBob in order to do so successfully.”

    The unauthorized products described in the warning letters include e-cigarettes that feature youth-appealing characters from TV shows, movies, and video games, including “SpongeBob,” “Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear,” and “Mario.” The also imitate drinks from companies such as Starbucks and Dunkin coffee cups, soda and water bottles, according to press release.

    “The retailers receiving these warning letters sell and/or distribute e-cigarettes in the United States that lack authorization from FDA, which is a requirement under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act to legally market a new tobacco product,” the FDA states. “In addition to the specified products mentioned in the warning letters, the retailers were warned to address any violations that are the same as or similar to those stated in the warning letter, and promptly take any necessary actions to bring the tobacco products that they offer for sale in the United States into compliance with the FD&C Act.”

    The retailers were given 15 working days to respond with the steps they’ll take to correct the violation and to prevent future violations. Failure to promptly correct the violations can result in additional FDA actions such as an injunction, seizure, and/or civil money penalties.

    “CTP will continue to closely monitor all those in the supply chain, including retailers, for compliance with federal law,” said attorney Ann Simoneau, director of the Office of Compliance and Enforcement within the CTP. “As always, we will hold anyone accountable that sells unauthorized tobacco products labeled, advertised, and/or designed to encourage use by our nation’s youth.”

    The companies receiving warning letters include:

    • VR Products I LLC d/b/a eJuiceDB
    • Titan Star Resources d/b/a Vape Vandal Ltd
    • Vapesstores.com
    • Disposable Vapes Wholesale
    • Vapestore.to
    • Venture Concept Groups d/b/a High Light Vape Co.
    • Best Vapes Store
    • Apex Vape
    • The Juice Machine
    • StrikesUSA
    • Finest Ounce Vape Stor d/b/a Finest Ounce Vape Malaysia
    • Spongbob Vape
    • Mini Cup Vape
    • Vape123
    • Viper Vapor d/b/a Viper Vapor Kelso
    • Mochivap

    These new warning letters mark another step in the FDA’s continued efforts to remove illegal e-cigarettes from the market, particularly those that appeal to youth, the agency states. As of August 2023, the FDA has issued approximately 600 warning letters to firms for manufacturing and/or distributing illegal tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, filed civil money penalty complaints against 26 e-cigarette manufacturers, and worked with the Department of Justice to seek injunctions against 6 e-cigarette manufacturers.

  • High Light Vape Highlights Rogue Player Youth Issues

    High Light Vape Highlights Rogue Player Youth Issues

    Credit: High Light Vape

    The vape industry has always had an image problem. Rogue industry players have long been using cartoon characters and youth-friendly names that seemingly entice youth to use e-cigarettes.

    This has led to regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to use a heavy hand when enforcing the products.

    Nothing highlights the issue more than an offering from High Light Vape, which is selling a vape pen disguised as a highlighter.

    High Light Vape’s “Office 4” e-cigarette has vibrant neon colors and an angled tip, making it identical to a regular highlighter often used by youth in school and home settings.

    The controversial product provides 4,000 puffs and comes in 20 different flavors, lending itself to being used in schools unnoticed by teachers.

    In a statement to NewsNation, High Light Vape said the design is meant to be a “discreet solution” for people who wish to avoid “scrutiny from their peers” within “professional environments.”

    “Emblazoned on our packaging is the prominent age restriction of 21 and older, a testament to our unwavering commitment to refraining from sales to minors,” the company added.

  • Kentucky School District to Criminally Charge Vaping Youth

    Kentucky School District to Criminally Charge Vaping Youth

    Credit: AIJohn784

    A western Kentucky school system will issue criminal citations to kids vaping on school grounds. The zero-tolerance policy will begin during the next school year.

    Vaping on school grounds in Christian County will now be a criminal offense, according to media reports.

    Under a new policy adopted on Monday by Christian County Public Schools, any student in possession of a vape will be cited by law enforcement for drug paraphernalia.

    If the vape contains a controlled substance, the student will also be charged with drug use, possession, or distribution.

    “In middle and high school, students go through critical changes in their developing brains,” said Kim Stevenson, Director of Alternative Programs for the district. “Nicotine and other controlled substances impairs the growth of neurons and directly harms the portion of the brain responsible for learning, memory, and attention.”

    Sometimes, vapes are laced with fentanyl, which is deadly in the smallest amounts, media reports stated.

  • Imperial Suggests Steps to Tackle Youth Vaping

    Imperial Suggests Steps to Tackle Youth Vaping

    Photo: Casimirokt | Dreamstime.com

    The United Kingdom should establish a new retailer licensing scheme to improve compliance, review flavor naming conventions to limit youth appeal and strengthen the regulations for online advertising and promotion, according to Imperial Brands.

    The company made its suggestions in response to the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities’ (OHID) call on stakeholders to identify opportunities to reduce underage vaping while keeping e-cigarettes available as a quit aid for adult smokers.

    In its consultation response, Imperial also suggested raising product quality and safety standards to ensure adult smokers can feel confident about transitioning to vape products, and working with industry to increase support to local authorities to tackle noncompliance.

    “We welcome the opportunity to contribute to OHID’s call for evidence on youth vaping. Vape products should be used by existing adult smokers and adult vapers only—they should never be used by children,” said Oliver Kutz, general manager U.K. and Ireland at Imperial Brands, in a statement.

    “Government, industry and enforcement authorities must work together to create a regulatory framework which both supports the important role vapes can play in helping adult smokers quit and prevents the appeal and access of these products to under 18s. We are proposing a series of measures to address product standards, flavor and naming regulations, and the retail environment. An integrated, multi-pronged approach is needed in order to drive out irresponsible actors and improve trust in this important product category.”

  • UK Pediatricians Call for Ban on Disposable Vapes

    UK Pediatricians Call for Ban on Disposable Vapes

    The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) in the UK has called for a ban on disposable e-cigarettes, stating that vapor products can be just as addictive as traditional cigarettes, according to Metro.

    “Since e-cigarettes have only been on sale in the UK since 2007, long-term studies don’t yet exist,” the RCPCH said. “We have even less evidence on the long-term impacts of these products on young lungs, hearts and brains.

    “It took experts decades to fully understand the impact of traditional cigarettes; we cannot risk our children’s health in waiting this long again for longer-term studies.”

    Action on Smoking and Health data found that there has been a 50 percent increase in UK kids trying vaping over the last year and a rise in experimental vaping among 11-year-olds to 17-year-olds.

    “Without a doubt, disposable e-cigarettes should be banned,” said Mike McKean. “There is absolutely no reason that these cheap, readily available, brightly colored, recreational products should be single use.

    “Westminster’s approach to this problem is out of step with even our closest neighbors, with countries such as Scotland, France, Germany and Ireland all seriously considering a ban.”

    In response to the RCPCH’s call, the U.K. Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) stated that while youth vaping needs to be addressed, banning disposables is not the answer.

    “There is no doubt that strong, targeted action directed at those illegally selling vape products to children is the way forward,” said John Dunne, director general of the UKVIA, in a statement. “Vitally, any youth prevention measures cannot be to the detriment of adult smokers looking to quit through vaping and vapers who want to avoid a return to smoking.”

  • New Zealand Readies to Address Youth Vaping

    New Zealand Readies to Address Youth Vaping

    Image: Tobacco Reporter archive

    New Zealand Health Minister Ayesha Verrall is set to unveil the government’s strategy to address youth vaping, reports Stuff.

    While an outright ban on cheap, disposable vapes or making them prescription-only has not been promised, Verrall aims to strike a balance between using vaping as a smoking cessation tool and preventing its appeal to young people.

    The Australian government recently banned the importation of vapes except through pharmacies and introduced quality standards. Verrall did not confirm if New Zealand would follow suit, but she emphasized the need for a vaping policy that aligns with the country’s specific needs.

    Proposed regulations include restricting the location of specialist vape retailers near schools or sports grounds, regulating vape flavor names and implementing safety measures for single-use vaping products. Some experts suggest further measures, such as educating young people and limiting availability to pharmacies.

    The regulation of vaping products and retailers was not included in the previously passed legislation to ban tobacco sales to a generation.

    The government also plans to reduce the number of places selling tobacco products from 6,000 to 600 as part of their Smoke-Free 2025 action plan.

  • Juul Labs’ Minnesota Settlement Tops $60 Million

    Juul Labs’ Minnesota Settlement Tops $60 Million

    Credit: Ontronix

    Leaders in the U.S. state of Minnesota reported a $60.5 million settlement with Juul Labs over youth vaping on Wednesday, one month after the state abruptly ended a Hennepin County jury trial before closing arguments were set to begin.

    The money, which is front-loaded, according to Attorney General Keith Ellison and Gov. Tim Walz, is expected to go toward fighting tobacco use, vaping and smoking. Under the settlement, the terms weren’t public for 30 days, according to the Star Tribune.

    In opening statements on March 28, Ellison made the state’s case, saying youth smoking was nearly eliminated before the e-cigarette maker lured teens with fruity flavors, fun ads and sleek, colorful designs. He portrayed the suit as a continuation of the earlier fight against Big Tobacco.

    Many states sued Juul Labs in recent years over their marketing to teens, but Minnesota was the only one to take the manufacturer to trial. Before trial, Ellison said he wasn’t satisfied with the settlement offers made by the manufacturer.

  • Study Finds Youth Confused About Nicotine Sources

    Study Finds Youth Confused About Nicotine Sources

    Credit: Adobe

    A study conducted by University of North Carolina researchers and published in Tobacco Control found widespread uncertainty and misperceptions about the sources of nicotine in e-cigarettes among youth.

    “An important contribution from this study is that adolescents don’t understand where nicotine in e-cigarettes comes from,” said first author Sarah Kowitt, assistant professor at UNC Family Medicine and UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, in a statement. “If youth don’t think e-cigarettes are tobacco products like cigarettes, that could increase the appeal of these products. The more youth associate e-cigarettes with cigarettes, the less youth like them.”

    The study also found that while some youth were aware of e-cigarettes that contain synthetic or “tobacco-free” nicotine, most youth were unaware. Most importantly, Kowitt said that the experimental portion of the study revealed that describing synthetic nicotine as “tobacco-free nicotine” increased intentions to purchase e-cigarettes among youth who use e-cigarettes.

    If youth don’t think e-cigarettes are tobacco products like cigarettes, that could increase the appeal of these products.

    Sarah Kowitt, assistant professor, UNC Family Medicine and UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center

    “To me, the big takeaway from our study is that the language that is used [to] describe e-cigarettes—on packaging and advertising—shapes adolescent users’ views of the products and their intentions to use them,” said senior author Seth Noar, professor at the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media and UNC Lineberger. “The industry has increasingly used the term ‘tobacco-free nicotine’ to describe synthetic nicotine products, and our data strongly suggest that this term may be misleading to youth in ways that increase the appeal of these addictive products.”

    The study is the first to examine how youth understand e-cigarettes with synthetic nicotine. Its goal is to inform efforts by governments and regulatory agencies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration,  to more effectively regulate the language used to describe synthetic nicotine products.