US Tobacco Companies Challenge California Flavored Tobacco Ban

Nov.30.2022
US Tobacco Companies Challenge California Flavored Tobacco Ban
Tobacco companies challenge California's ban on flavored tobacco products in the US Supreme Court.

On November 29th, tobacco company R.J. Reynolds, also known as Reynold Tobacco Holdings, joined other tobacco companies in a joint request to the United States Supreme Court. They requested an emergency order to block California's ban on flavored tobacco products.


Two years ago, the ban was initially passed by the state legislature, but it never went into effect after tobacco companies collected a significant number of "no" votes. However, nearly two-thirds of voters approved the prohibition of selling electronic cigarette products, and the law will take effect on December 21st.


Supporters of the ban state that this law is necessary to curb the increasing number of young people who smoke.


A study has found that one in six high school students in the United States use e-cigarettes or tobacco products.


Renault filed a federal lawsuit and raised objections to it, but the US 9th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Renault's emergency motion.


Tobacco giants argue that the authority to ban flavors belongs to federal law. The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act grants the Food and Drug Administration the power to regulate tobacco. These companies are represented by Noel Francisco, who previously served as the top lawyer for the Trump administration at the Supreme Court.


California will become the second state in the United States to implement a ban on the sale of all flavored tobacco products, following in the footsteps of Massachusetts. Several cities in California, including Los Angeles and San Diego, have already implemented their own bans, and a few states have prohibited the sale of flavored electronic cigarette products.


2FIRSTS will continue to provide ongoing coverage of this issue, with updates available on the 2FIRSTS app. Scan the QR code below to download the app.



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.

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
Product | ZAR Launches Coffee AirPouch, Expanding Pouch Format Into Caffeine Products
Product | ZAR Launches Coffee AirPouch, Expanding Pouch Format Into Caffeine Products
ZAR has introduced Coffee AirPouch, a nicotine-free caffeine pouch product that extends the brand’s AirPouch format into the functional consumer category. Each pouch contains 50mg of natural caffeine and features a coffee flavor, highlighting how pouch-based products are expanding beyond traditional nicotine applications into broader lifestyle and energy-use scenarios.
Market
Jul.13 by 2Firsts Perspectives
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
French Anti-Tobacco Group Questions PMI’s IQOS “Curiosity” Campaign Over Potential Youth Appeal
French Anti-Tobacco Group Questions PMI’s IQOS “Curiosity” Campaign Over Potential Youth Appeal
According to French anti-tobacco group Générations Sans Tabac, Philip Morris International’s (PMI) IQOS “Curiosity” campaign has drawn attention from public health advocates. The group argues that the campaign uses themes including curiosity, exploration and lifestyle branding that could increase interest among younger audiences. PMI has positioned IQOS as a key part of its smoke-free product strategy, while France maintains strict restrictions on tobacco and nicotine product marketing. The debate highlights ongoing tensions between heated tobacco branding strategies and public health concerns in Europe.
Jul.24
Product | JT Upgrades with2 Infused Tobacco Capsules With Double-Size BIG PACK
Product | JT Upgrades with2 Infused Tobacco Capsules With Double-Size BIG PACK
Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) announced that it will introduce a BIG PACK version of all five tobacco capsule variants designed for its with2 infused tobacco system. Scheduled for release in Japan on August 4, 2026, the refreshed packaging doubles the contents from five capsules and one cartridge to ten capsules and two cartridges while maintaining the same flavors and formulations
News
Jun.26 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Germany Expands Take-Back Rules for Disposable Vapes From July 1
Germany Expands Take-Back Rules for Disposable Vapes From July 1
Germany has expanded take-back obligations for disposable vapes from July 1, 2026, requiring consumers to be able to return used devices at stores that sell such products, including kiosks, petrol stations and vape shops, as e-cigarette regulation extends from sales to waste management and lithium-battery safety.
Market
Jul.06 by 2Firsts Perspectives