Biden Administration Faces Opposition over Proposed Menthol Ban

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Nov.20.2023
Biden Administration Faces Opposition over Proposed Menthol Ban
Biden administration faces bipartisan opposition as it considers a ban on menthol cigarettes, with concerns about economic impact and racial disparities.

According to a report in The Washington Observer on November 19, the Biden administration is facing opposition from both parties over its decision on the proposed ban on menthol cigarettes. Critics argue that this move will have a negative impact on the economy and disproportionately affect communities of color.

 

The decision on whether to implement a ban on menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars is expected to be released as early as this week, following the first proposal made by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in spring 2021.

 

Legislators and advocacy groups have criticized the proposal, arguing that it would lead to an increase in illegal sales and inconsistent enforcement.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

2Firsts Hosts U.S. Market Mid-Year Briefing: Companies Need to Reassess Product and Market-Access Strategies
2Firsts Hosts U.S. Market Mid-Year Briefing: Companies Need to Reassess Product and Market-Access Strategies
2Firsts held its 2026 U.S. Market Compliance and Development Mid-Year Briefing in Shenzhen, China, on July 28. The discussion examined how state-level requirements, proposed foreign-establishment registration rules and expanding supply-chain responsibilities are changing product and investment decisions in the U.S. tobacco and nicotine market.
Jul.29
Major U.S.  Vape Distributor Demand Vape Pays at Least $300,000 for White House Lobbying Amid Enforcement Pressure
Major U.S. Vape Distributor Demand Vape Pays at Least $300,000 for White House Lobbying Amid Enforcement Pressure
New York vape distributor Ecto World, which operates as Demand Vape, hired political consultant Roger Stone to lobby the Executive Office of the President on regulation of vaping and related products while facing state enforcement and multiple lawsuits. Public lobbying disclosures show that Ecto World paid at least $300,000 for the work through June 30, 2026. Separately, New York State announced in March that more than 28,500 pounds of vaping products tied to the company had been seized, while New York City and the state have pursued legal or enforcement actions. Public records do not show that the lobbying directly changed any specific regulatory or enforcement outcome.
Sep.08
Product | JT to Launch MEVIUS Tropical Option in Japan, Expanding Ploom Tobacco Stick Lineup to 32
Product | JT to Launch MEVIUS Tropical Option in Japan, Expanding Ploom Tobacco Stick Lineup to 32
Japan Tobacco (JT) will launch MEVIUS Tropical Option, a new tobacco stick for Ploom, nationwide in Japan from October 6, 2026. The capsule-format product combines mango-oriented sweetness with menthol cooling, adding a tropical flavor to the MEVIUS Ploom tobacco-stick lineup for the first time. Each pack contains 20 sticks and will launch at JPY 590. The product is compatible with all Ploom devices, and its addition will expand the Ploom tobacco-stick portfolio to 32 variants.
Sep.08
South Korea’s New Vape Rules Raise Bar for E-Liquid Makers and China-Linked Supply Chains, Expert Says
South Korea’s New Vape Rules Raise Bar for E-Liquid Makers and China-Linked Supply Chains, Expert Says
South Korea’s new vape regulations are reshaping the e-liquid market, raising compliance requirements for manufacturers, retailers and overseas suppliers. In an interview with 2Firsts, Korean nicotine products specialist Sam Kim discusses licensing barriers, inventory impacts, China-linked supply chains, and emerging regulatory challenges around nicotine analogues, nicotine-free products and DIY mixing. The Korean case may offer broader insights as governments worldwide adapt to rapidly evolving nicotine products.
Jul.16
UK Councils Seize More Than 1.3 Million Non-Compliant Vapes One Year After Disposable Ban
UK Councils Seize More Than 1.3 Million Non-Compliant Vapes One Year After Disposable Ban
One year after the UK disposable vape ban came into force, local authorities continue to seize illegal and non-compliant vaping products. FOI data compiled by nicotine retailer Northerner shows more than 1.3 million products were seized between June 2025 and May 2026, with Bolton recording the highest number of seizures and Swansea reporting the highest estimated value.
Jul.21
Tobacco Companies Are Redesigning Nicotine Products. BAT Wins Three Red Dot Awards
Tobacco Companies Are Redesigning Nicotine Products. BAT Wins Three Red Dot Awards
According to BAT and the Red Dot Design Award website, BAT’s glo Hilo Plus, Vuse Pro One Box and Vuse Ultra x McLaren F1 Team Limited Edition received Red Dot recognition in the Product Design 2026 competition.BAT said the awards reflect not only the design quality of the individual products but also the development of design as a core internal capability across industrial design, user experience and sustainability. Red Dot’s product pages describe glo Hilo Plus as a two-part tobacco heater with a pen and charging case, plus a touch-sensitive AMOLED display. Vuse Pro One Box is described as a rechargeable e-cigarette with replaceable pods, USB-C charging and a switchable VapourBoost mode. Vuse Ultra x McLaren F1 Team Limited Edition brings motorsport-inspired design elements into a compact e-cigarette device and includes exchangeable batteries.
Jul.17