How celebrity-branded and tech-forward e-cigarettes may be contributing to youth nicotine use

In the growing e-cigarette marketplace, celebrity brands and tech-forward designs may be contributing to youth uptake of these cheap, flavored, and highly addictive products. E-cigarette manufacturers are now adding high-tech elements such as Bluetooth capability, high-definition screens, and speakers to their e-cigarette products, with some versions including games such as Pac-Man and Tetris. These products are attractive to youth and may couple nicotine addiction with gaming disorders, according to a paper published in Tobacco Control.

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Local restrictions on flavored tobacco and e-cigarette products

Sales restrictions on all flavored tobacco products, including all types of menthol products, are gaining momentum at the local and state level. As of September 30, 2024, 402 jurisdictions and three Native American tribes have placed some type of restriction on the sale of flavored tobacco products, and of those, 136 have fully comprehensive policies that prohibit sales of all types of flavors across all products, including menthol/mint/wintergreen flavors that are sometimes exempted from flavor policies, at all retailers.

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This week in tobacco policy news

Denver, Colorado: The city council will vote soon on a bill to prohibit the sale of flavored tobacco products (hookah is exempt) and eliminate penalties for underage purchase, use, or possession (PUP) of tobacco products.
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Michigan: The state Senate passed bills to create a state tobacco retail license and remove penalties for purchase, use, or possession (PUP). Both bills now head to the state House for consideration.
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