Smoking in United States of America
The overall smoking prevalence in the United States has been decreasing since 2006. 12.4% of the adult population are current smokers, down from 20.8% in 2006. This means there are now approximately 30.7 million people smoking in the country. 13.81% of men smoke whilst 10.77% of women are current smokers. The most recent data show there were 492,438 annual deaths attributable to tobacco smoking (approximately 221,600 women and 270,800 men). The annual percentage of all deaths attributable to tobacco smoking was 17.9% (women: 16.2%; and men: 19.3%). Nicotine vapes (e-cigarettes) are legal in the United States and there are 9.1 million vapers in the country, giving an adult vaping prevalence of 3.7% (women: 2.77%; and men: 4.55%). Vaping devices can only be sold to those 18 and older and can be purchased without a prescription. Health warnings are required on packaging and there are legal restrictions on their use in public places. Heated tobacco products are legal and can be marketed. Snus is also legal, but it can only be used by those aged 21 and older and a health warning on packaging is required. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products can be marketed and are available to buy in many general shops without a prescription. The NRT market in the United States is worth €862.3 million. For further information and full references, click through to the detailed datasheets above.
Read articles from United States of America
April 12, 2024 by tobaccoreporter.com
Video: FDA Urged to Prioritize Access to Safer Alternatives
Consumer advocates criticized the FDA for failing to provide safer nicotine alternatives in a House Oversight hearing. The agency's slow approval process leaves adult consumers with limited options to transition from cigarettes. Only a few products have been authorized out of over 26 million applications, causing concerns about pushing consumers towards the illicit market. Urgent action is needed to prioritize access to scientifically validated alternatives like e-cigarettes. Philip Morris International also called for a transparent regulatory pathway that supports harm reduction principles.
April 11, 2024 by daytondailynews.com
VOICES: Menthol and flavored nicotine products has devastating effects on vulnerable communities
Our elected state legislators did the unthinkable. On December 14, 2023, Ohio GOP lawmakers decided to add a provision to a bill to prevent any community in Ohio from regulating vaping, smoking, and other nicotine product use and sales. The City of Columbus had just passed a menthol and flavor ban. There were community meetings to hear testimony from both sides. I was asked to testify at several of those meetings. One was so contentious, that when leaving, several Columbus policemen asked to escort me to my car.
April 11, 2024 by pewresearch.org
9 facts about Americans and marijuana
Marijuana legalization is gaining support in the U.S., with around 90% favoring legalization for medical or recreational use. Views vary by age, political party, and race. Support for legalization has increased over the years, with economic and criminal justice benefits being considered. Most Americans also support easing penalties for marijuana-related offenses. Currently, 24 states and D.C. allow recreational and medical use, while another 14 permit medical use only. About 54% of Americans live where recreational and/or medical marijuana is legal. In total, there are almost 15,000 marijuana dispensaries nationwide, with states like California and Colorado having the largest number.
April 11, 2024 by theguardian.com
Menthol cigarettes are killing Black Americans. Advocates are suing the government to change that
Aggressive tobacco marketing of menthol cigarettes to Black communities led to high addiction rates and premature deaths. Despite FDA attempts to ban menthol and potential life-saving benefits, tobacco lobbies delayed the process for years. The ban could prevent hundreds of thousands of smoking-related deaths. Advocates stress the urgency to implement the ban as nearly all smokers start in adolescence, with menthol cigarettes being more addictive. The exemption of menthol flavor from a 2009 law has contributed to increased menthol smoking, particularly among young adults and minorities. Delaying the ban continues to have deadly consequences.
April 10, 2024 by usatoday.com
Are Zyn pouches bad for you? What experts want you to know
Zyn pouches, a non-tobacco nicotine product, are raising concerns about addiction, especially among young users. Marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, Zyn has lower health risks but can still lead to dependence and cardiovascular issues. The product lacks FDA approval, leaving questions about its long-term safety and effects on young non-smokers. Experts stress caution, warning against nicotine dependence and potential harm, especially for youths.
April 10, 2024 by thefederalist.com
CDC, FDA Want Millions To Push Their Nicotine Misinformation
The CDC and FDA seek more funding for tobacco control in FY 2025. Both agencies have been criticized for their handling of reduced-risk tobacco products and misinformation campaigns. The CDC requests $265 million, while the FDA aims to increase user fees and include e-cigarettes. Youth vaping rates have decreased significantly since 2019, despite agency initiatives. The FDA's exaggerated claims about vaping harm have been debunked. The CDC and FDA continue to focus on reducing youth tobacco use. Policy changes like banning menthol cigarettes could have negative impacts.
April 09, 2024 by slate.com
If Biden bans menthol cigarettes, it might be very good for Trump.
Antismoking advocates are urging Joe Biden to ban menthol cigarettes, which could improve public health by discouraging smoking. However, concerns exist regarding the impact on smokers who may turn to illicit markets or stick with conventional cigarettes. Political implications also play a role, with worries about alienating voters and potential legal challenges. Implementing the ban effectively is questioned due to limitations on flavored e-cigarettes and potential legal obstacles. Advocates push for action before the 2024 election, balancing the need for public health benefits with political risks and challenges in enforcement. The Biden administration faces complex trade-offs in addressing the issue.
April 05, 2024 by npr.org
Black market cannabis thrives in California despite legalization
Despite cannabis legalization in California, a thriving black market persists, surpassing legal sales. Challenges include high taxes hindering licensed operations, limited access to capital, and insufficient law enforcement. Illegal stores operate openly, with raids increasing in recent years. Consumers are drawn by lower prices and unaware of legality. The restricted number of licensed stores drives demand for illegal products. Enforcement teams target illicit growers, focusing on associated crimes. The Riverside Sheriff highlights negative impacts of legalization, fueling illegal activities including exports and criminal syndicates involvement.
April 04, 2024 by cnn.com
Civil rights, medical groups sue FDA over ‘almost unconscionable’ delay in ban on menthol tobacco products
Civil rights and medical groups are suing the FDA for missing its deadline to ban menthol cigarettes. Delay in action prioritizes profits over people, impacting health disparities within Black and LGBTQ+ communities. The FDA's ban on menthol could save lives and reduce healthcare costs, especially benefiting these marginalized groups. Studies show significant health impacts, with menthol marketing affecting smoking rates and related illnesses disproportionately among Black individuals. Implementing a menthol ban is crucial for public health, aligning with cancer prevention goals and potentially reducing lung cancer deaths.
April 03, 2024 by cnn.com
Why increasingly popular Zyn nicotine pouches concern health experts
The rise in oral nicotine pouch usage, led by brands like Zyn, has raised concerns about attracting new, especially young, users. Despite marketing restrictions, the product is gaining popularity, prompting a call for regulatory scrutiny. While seen as a tobacco-free alternative, health experts warn of addiction risks and unknown long-term effects. Nicotine pouches vary in strength and can aid in quitting tobacco gradually, but dependence remains a concern. Social media plays a role in product promotion, with a rise in underage use highlighted. Additionally, potential health risks include gum irritation and dependency issues, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making on nicotine use.