The Rise and Controversy Surrounding Puff Bar

Sep.09.2022
The Rise and Controversy Surrounding Puff Bar
Puff Bar sells disposable e-cigarettes in various flavors containing synthetic nicotine, causing concern among public health officials.

Puff Bar is an online retailer offering various flavors of disposable e-cigarettes, including pink lemonade, tobacco, strawberry, and color (some of which light up when in use). These devices contain 5% or 50mg of nicotine salts and are about the size of a highlighter pen.


These devices have become increasingly popular in 2019. In some countries, the rise in popularity has been linked to marketing on social media platforms such as TikTok or Instagram, which utilize influencers to promote products. So far, these devices have done well because they contain synthetic nicotine.


However, in December of last year, New Jersey congresswoman Mikie Sherrill introduced the 2021 Nicotine Clearing Authorization Act, a bipartisan bill that grants the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory power over synthetic nicotine products, just like it does with tobacco-derived nicotine products. Congress passed the bill on March 11th, which means the future of synthetic nicotine is uncertain.


John Stein, the attorney general of North Carolina, has shifted his focus to Puff Bar after previously filing a lawsuit and reaching a $40 million settlement with Juul Labs.


Stan expressed concern that the trendy descriptions of Puff Bars' flavors could make them appealing to children. "We are actively investigating Puff Bar and other companies at all stages of the distribution chain, from manufacturers to retailers and everything in between, to ensure they are not profiting from children," he said. "Where I find illegal activity, I will not hesitate to take legal action.


Similar concerns worldwide


Recent headlines in the media report that Australia is increasingly concerned about the rise in the use of Puff Bar disposable products. Additionally, according to previous research and arguments from public health experts, a recent article published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research found that if electronic cigarette products had never existed, the teenagers currently using these products would turn to smoking instead.


Statement


This article is compiled from third-party information and is intended only for industry exchange and learning purposes.


This article does not necessarily reflect the views of 2FIRSTS, and 2FIRSTS cannot confirm the authenticity or accuracy of the content. The translation of this article is intended solely for industry exchange and research purposes.


Due to limitations in translation skills, the translated article may not accurately reflect the original text. Please refer to the original article for precise understanding.


2FIRSTS maintains full alignment with the Chinese government on all domestic, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and foreign affairs.


The copyright of the compiled information belongs to the original media and author. If there is any infringement, please contact us for deletion.



Disclaimer

This article is provided solely for professional research, industry discussion, and informational purposes. Any references to brands, companies, products, technologies, or policies are made for factual reporting and analytical purposes only, and do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, promotion, or advertising by 2Firsts.

Nicotine-containing products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, carry significant health risks. Readers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions, including age restrictions and access limitations.

The information contained in this article should not be regarded as investment, legal, medical, regulatory, or commercial advice. While 2Firsts strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its content, it does not assume liability for any direct or indirect loss arising from errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or reliance on the information contained herein.

This article is not intended for individuals below the legal age for accessing tobacco or nicotine-related information in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright Notice

This article is either original content produced by 2Firsts or content reproduced, translated, summarized, or adapted from third-party sources with attribution where applicable. The intellectual property rights of the original content remain with 2Firsts or the respective original rights holders.

No individual or organization may copy, reproduce, distribute, republish, modify, translate, or otherwise use this content without prior authorization. Any unauthorized use may result in legal action.

For copyright-related inquiries, corrections, or removal requests, please contact: info@2firsts.com.

 

AI-Assisted Translation and Editing Notice

Portions of this article may have been translated, edited, or reviewed with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools to improve efficiency and readability. Due to the limitations of AI-assisted translation and editing, discrepancies, omissions, or inaccuracies may exist when compared with the original source.

Where applicable, readers are advised to refer to the original source for the most complete and accurate information. If you identify any errors or believe that any content infringes upon your rights, please contact us at info@2firsts.com, and we will review and address the matter promptly.

Altria Smokeable Profit Rises 2.4% as Marlboro Share Falls and U.S. Discounts Gain
Altria Smokeable Profit Rises 2.4% as Marlboro Share Falls and U.S. Discounts Gain
Altria’s second-quarter results show a U.S. nicotine market splitting across price, product and regulation. Smokeable profit rose 2.4% as Marlboro pricing offset lower volumes, while discount brand Basic gained share among value-conscious smokers. In oral nicotine, on! PLUS expanded distribution but faced intensifying competition from ZYN and Velo. NJOY remained off the market as patent and regulatory hurdles delayed its return. The broader lesson: U.S. growth increasingly depends on price-tier strategy, retail execution, authorisation and enforcement readiness across the industry.
Special Report
Jul.31
Changing Assumptions in U.S. Cigar Consumption: 2Firsts Interviews Cigar Educator Mechelle Merkerson
Changing Assumptions in U.S. Cigar Consumption: 2Firsts Interviews Cigar Educator Mechelle Merkerson
U.S. premium cigar culture is shifting toward education, broader choice and deeper links to craftsmanship and origin, cigar educator Mechelle Merkerson told 2Firsts. She sees boutique brands, women consumers and production-region experiences making knowledge central to cigar participation. For global brands, retailers and emerging markets such as China, education may help turn curiosity into sustained engagement.
Special Report
Jul.06
UK Local Council Proposes £5 Refundable Deposit on Vape Devices
UK Local Council Proposes £5 Refundable Deposit on Vape Devices
Norwich City Council is set to debate a proposed vape deposit scheme that would require consumers to pay an extra refundable £5 per device at purchase, with the money returned when the device is handed back, as recent recycling-facility fires, including a major Widnes blaze reportedly very likely caused by a vape, draw greater attention to the risks of improperly discarded lithium-battery devices.
Jul.01
2Firsts Interview | InterTabac 2026 Adapts to a More Complex Tobacco and Nicotine Market
2Firsts Interview | InterTabac 2026 Adapts to a More Complex Tobacco and Nicotine Market
As InterTabac 2026 approaches, Sabine Loos, Managing Director of Westfalenhallen Unternehmensgruppe, tells 2Firsts that global tobacco trade fairs are evolving beyond product display. With new nicotine categories, shifting regulation and more complex supply chains reshaping the industry, InterTabac is positioning itself as a platform for market insight, regulatory discussion and global business connection.
Special Report
Jul.02
China Tobacco International HK Warns First-Half Revenue May Fall 25%-30%, Tobacco Leaf and Duty-Free Exposure Highlight Reliance on Traditional Tobacco
China Tobacco International HK Warns First-Half Revenue May Fall 25%-30%, Tobacco Leaf and Duty-Free Exposure Highlight Reliance on Traditional Tobacco
CTIHK expects first-half 2026 revenue to fall 25%-30%, mainly due to lower tobacco leaf imports and delayed cigarette shipments to China’s domestic duty-free market. Its 2025 revenue mix—nearly 90% from tobacco leaf-related businesses and less than 1% from new tobacco products—shows continued exposure to traditional supply chains and trade variables.
Jun.18
FTC Scrutinizes Fifty Bar’s “Made in America” Claims as Vape Marketing Faces New Compliance Risk
FTC Scrutinizes Fifty Bar’s “Made in America” Claims as Vape Marketing Faces New Compliance Risk
The Federal Trade Commission sent a warning letter to Lucky Bar Holdings LLC over “Made in the USA” claims tied to Fifty Bar vape products, saying staff had reason to believe the products may be imported in whole or in significant part despite unqualified U.S.-origin marketing claims.
Jul.20