Will The Trump Administration’s Ban On E-Cigs Help Teens, Hurt Smokers, Or Both?

Since public health officials have declared teenage vaping an epidemic, the Trump administration announced plans to ban flavored products altogether, with exceptions for tobacco and menthol flavors. According to Axios, the administration plans to finalize its ban in the coming week. Some, however, have called foul on the administration’s characterizing of teenage vaping as an “epidemic” and have labeled the numbers supporting the FDA’s conclusion misleading. [...]

2019-11-13
thefederalist.com

'We need a more comprehensive approach': U of T’s Robert Schwartz on the rise of vaping, risks and regulation

The use of e-cigarettes, commonly known as vaping, is on the rise and is increasingly popular among young Canadians. The growing trend is concerning to researchers like Robert Schwartz, a professor at the Institute of Health Policy, [...] He studies tobacco control and smoking cessation as executive director of the Ontario Tobacco Research Unit. “Anyone who has never smoked cigarettes should not pick up vaping,” says Schwartz. “Our lungs are not designed to deal with inhaling aerosols or smoke and that includes the vapour in vape products.”

2019-11-13
utoronto.ca

South Korea bans liquid e-cigarettes on army bases

The South Korean Army has banned the use and possession of liquid e-cigarettes on its bases for health reasons, the military said on Monday, following a government warning for people to stop using the devices. South Korea has a large military of nearly 600,000 soldiers, primarily conscripted men, and the Army makes up the largest portion with 464,000. While the rate is declining, South Korean men are among the heaviest smokers in the world.

2019-11-13
cnbc.com

Using weed regularly raises the risk of heart problems for young people, studies find

Younger people with cannabis use disorder are at an increased risk of heart rhythm problems, according to a new presentation at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions. A second presentation says that young people who use weed frequently are at a higher risk for stroke. The first presentation found that a young person diagnosed with a cannabis use disorder had a 47% to 52% greater risk of being hospitalized for an arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat, if they regularly used weed.

2019-11-13
edition.cnn.com

Anti-smoking groups call for tougher restrictions in Nova Scotia on e-cigarettes

Groups at the forefront of the fight against smoking have told members of the Nova Scotia Legislature's health committee that a crackdown on e-cigarettes is needed to fight an "epidemic" of youth vaping. Both the Lung Association of Nova Scotia and the Canadian Cancer Society are calling for tougher restrictions on e-cigarettes. Robert MacDonald, president and CEO of the Lung Association of Nova Scotia, accused vape shops of targeting young people. MacDonald said the proliferation of "candy flavours" and social media advertising has "culminated in an epidemic."

2019-11-13
cbc.ca

'Mango Is Not a Crime': Trump-Supporting Vapers Stormed D.C.

[...] They might have appreciated it if some aide leaned over to the president and explained that smoking combustible cigarettes was the number one cause of preventable death in the world, and that they believed vaping to be a safer alternative. They wanted him to know that they did not condone teen use, and that they disdained embattled vape giant JUUL Labs for its marketing. Most importantly, they wanted him to reconsider a federal ban of e-liquid flavors, one he had called for weeks ago and just days earlier suggested was imminent. They wanted him to let them vape cake. [...]

2019-11-13
vice.com