Debate Continues Over Legality and Benefits of E-cigarettes

Sep.05.2022
Debate Continues Over Legality and Benefits of E-cigarettes
The debate continues on whether e-cigarette bans will make them equivalent to traditional cigarettes, as courts continue to discuss their legality.

As the legal use of electronic cigarettes continues to be a topic of debate in court, the discussion over whether a ban would simply transform e-cigarettes into regular cigarettes also persists.


Following the Federal Appeals Court's decision in June to block the FDA's ban, Juul is now able to continue selling its electronic cigarettes. However, in order to remain on the market, the company must prove that its products benefit public health. Essentially, this means proving that adult smokers who use the e-cigarettes may quit or reduce smoking, while youth are unlikely to become addicted to them.


The federal appeals court for the third time rejected a petition from an Illinois-based electronic cigarette manufacturer seeking a review of the FDA's marketing refusal order. A panel of three judges in the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the FDA, dismissing the appeal from Gripum LLC.


Elizabeth Hicks, a US affairs analyst at Consumer Choice Center, warns that banning flavors in electronic cigarettes and tobacco products could lead consumers to revert back to smoking combustible tobacco: "Around 12% of adults reported smoking in 2020, but we can certainly expect that number to increase.


Hicks stated that with more and more individuals smoking, taxpayers in Illinois will ultimately have to foot the bill.


She said this will ultimately lead to an increase in healthcare costs related to smoking, which already costs taxpayers in Illinois over $1.9 billion annually.


Meredith Berkman is working with parents who are against the use of e-cigarettes. They are calling for the removal of all e-cigarettes from the market. According to Berkman, her organization is receiving help from an Illinois senator.


For years, Dick Durbin has been battling the tobacco industry, calling on the FDA to remove these products from the market," Berkman said.


As schools across the country begin their academic year, the organization Berkman is offering a "Guide to E-cigarette Use in Schools" to help parents identify signs of e-cigarette use and provide resources for those who need help quitting.


Disclaimer: 1. This article is compiled from third-party sources and is only meant for industry exchange and learning. 2. The views expressed in this article do not represent the views of 2FIRSTS, and 2FIRSTS is unable to confirm the authenticity and accuracy of the article's content. The compilation of this article is only intended for industry exchange and research. 3. Due to limited compilation capabilities, the compiled article may not fully reflect the original text, and the original text should be relied upon. 4. Regarding any domestic, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and foreign statements and positions, 2FIRSTS is fully aligned with the Chinese government. 5. The copyright of the compiled information belongs to the original media and author. If there is any infringement, please contact us for removal.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

Cambodia Siem Reap raid seizes over 10,000 e-cigarette items; two arrested
Cambodia Siem Reap raid seizes over 10,000 e-cigarette items; two arrested
Police in Siem Reap, Cambodia, seized 10,168 items of e-cigarette paraphernalia during a raid on February 28, 2026, and arrested two suspected sellers and owners of the premises.
Mar.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill Enters House of Lords Report Stage
UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill Enters House of Lords Report Stage
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill has entered the report stage in the UK House of Lords, with further examination scheduled to begin on February 24, 2026. The legislation aims to create the first “smoke-free generation” by ensuring that individuals who are 15 years old or younger in 2026 can never legally be sold tobacco.
Regulations
Feb.22
Türkiye’s trade minister: valued at USD 40 million in illicit e-cigarette products seized over five years
Türkiye’s trade minister: valued at USD 40 million in illicit e-cigarette products seized over five years
Türkiye’s Trade Minister Ömer Bolat said that over the past five years, authorities carried out 4,589 operations seizing 28,683,985 e-cigarette devices and parts and 1,070,586 grams/ml of e-liquid, valued at TL 1,762,796,000 (about USD 40,544,308).
Jan.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
California federal judge certifies direct purchaser class in Juul–Altria antitrust litigation
California federal judge certifies direct purchaser class in Juul–Altria antitrust litigation
A California federal judge has certified a class of direct purchasers of Juul products in antitrust litigation alleging Juul and Altria conspired to have Altria exit the e-cigarette market.
Mar.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Five Inner West Sydney shops shut for 90 days after 780,000 illicit cigarettes and 2,200 illegal vapes seized
Five Inner West Sydney shops shut for 90 days after 780,000 illicit cigarettes and 2,200 illegal vapes seized
NSW Health has shut down five Inner West Sydney stores for 90 days after a major seizure of illicit cigarettes and illegal vapes, with two additional premises in Northern NSW also served closure notices. The action forms part of a broader crackdown that has seen 66 stores closed since new laws took effect in late 2025, with NSW Health warning further enforcement — including prosecution — may follow.
Feb.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Special Report | China’s New Five-Year Plan Highlights “Health-First” Strategy, Providing Policy Context for Tobacco Sector
Special Report | China’s New Five-Year Plan Highlights “Health-First” Strategy, Providing Policy Context for Tobacco Sector
China’s 2026 “Two Sessions” reviewed the draft Outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan, which proposes implementing a health-first development strategy and strengthening the effectiveness of the Patriotic Health Campaign. Although the document does not address specific industries, this public-health governance framework provides a new policy context for observing the future regulation, product strategies, and market development of China’s tobacco and next-generation nicotine sectors.
Industry Insight
Mar.08