The Government Is Cracking Down on JUUL and Other E-Cig Companies

In the last few decades, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cracked down on tobacco companies for targeting their deadly, addictive products to young people. Now, the FDA is doing the same for e-cig companies like JUUL, which could mean huge changes in what and how e-cig products are sold. Check back here for ongoing updates and how you can keep friends away from addictive products.

Read below for updates on e-cig policy regulations

(November 15) FDA Calls for Crackdown on Flavored E-Cigs and Restrictions to Online Sales

On Nov 15, the FDA and Center for Disease Control and Prevention published data from the 2018 National Youth Tobacco Survey, which revealed a sharp increase in youth E-cigarette use. FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb has also announced new steps. He is directing the FDA's Center for Tobacco Products to revise its compliance policy against all flavored products besides mint, tobacco, and menthol. His proposed policy would apply to all E-cig products sold in age-restricted, in-person locations. He also calls on further restrictions for online sales by enforcing age verification.

(November 13) JUUL Says It Will Stop Selling Most Flavored Products in Retail Stores

E-cig company JUUL recently released a statement on Nov 13, saying that they've suspended the sale of most flavored e-cigs in retail stores and gas stations around the country in an effort to reduce the popularity of vaping among young people. This recent decision completely undercuts the FDA's plan to unveil a series of measures aimed at reducing teen vaping.

(October 25) Maker of Marlboro Cigarettes Temporarily Pulls E-Cig Products From Stores

Altria, the maker of Marlboro cigarettes, announced that it will removed all pod-based e-cigarettes, at least temporarily, from the market until they receive pre-market approval from the FDA. Also, their non-pod based e-cigarettes that will remain on the market will only be available in tobacco, menthol, and mint flavors. All other flavors are discontinued.

(October 22) FDA Reviewing Their Premarket Compliance Policy to Account for E-cigs

Over the past few months, the FDA has met with several e-cig makers. The FDA is beginning to crack down on the e-cig youth epidemic, and e-cig companies are starting to feel the pressure. The FDA is currently reviewing their premarket compliance policy that gives E-cig manufactures time to get market approval for their products. The FDA is considering changing this policy, requiring that certain E-cig products be taken off the market until their marketing strategies are approved. Still, thousands of candy-like flavored e-cig products remain on the market.

What is the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Its goal is protecting the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, quality, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products, and medical devices.

What is the FDA doing about this?

On October 12, 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration sent letters to 21 e-cig companies, seeking information about whether more than 40 of their products—including some flavored e-cig products—are being illegally marketed. In recent weeks, the FDA has prioritized its Youth Tobacco Prevention Plan, which was created to combat the access of tobacco products including e-cigs.

What does this mean and why should you care?

While many young people think e-cig products only contain water vapor, recent research shows that things like vape pens and JUUL e-cig aerosol are NOT harmless “water vapor.” E-cig aerosol also contains nicotine, cancer-causing chemicals, and heavy metals. And, you know those shady ways tobacco companies try to sell cigarettes to kids? E-cig companies are doing similar things to try and get young people hooked.

What can you do about this?

We’re counting on YOU to stand up and make sure the FDA is actively putting an end to e-cig marketing designed to get the attention of young people by tweeting at the @FDAtobacco today about #EscapetheVape2018.

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