Debate Continues Over Legality and Benefits of E-cigarettes

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.

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