Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
FDA Is A Step Closer To Shutting Down Loophole That's Fueling Teen Vaping
Stat: Congress Eyes Giving FDA Authority Over Synthetic Nicotine Like Puff Bar
Lawmakers are within striking distance of closing the largest loophole in the Food and Drug Administration’s oversight of e-cigarette companies — a move that would likely put the biggest driver of youth vaping out of business in the process. A draft of a government spending bill obtained by STAT includes new language that would give the FDA explicit authority to regulate so-called synthetic nicotine products, which are made in a lab rather than extracted from tobacco plants, and currently are not regulated by the FDA. (Florko, 3/8)
The New York Times: The Synthetic Nicotine Loophole Fueling A Return To Teenage Vaping
The Food and Drug Administration’s crackdown on flavored e-cigarettes in 2020 was meant to be a comprehensive, aggressive strategy to curtail the epidemic of teenage vaping. But two years later, sales of disposable, flavored e-cigarettes have soared. Some companies have moved just beyond the reach of the F.D.A. by swapping out one key ingredient. They have circumvented federal oversight of tobacco plant-derived nicotine by using an unregulated synthetic version. (Jewett, 3/8)
The Washington Post: Congress Moves To Give FDA New Powers Over Synthetic Nicotine Products Including A Youth Favorite — Puff Bar E-Cigarettes
Health groups say nicotine, which is highly addictive whether it comes from nature or is made in the lab, gets young people hooked on vaping and can lead to cigarette smoking. Pro-vaping groups argue that e-cigarettes can help adults stop the dangerous habit of smoking. A 2021 survey by the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that Puff Bar — disposable vapes that come in an array of flavors such as Banana Ice and Blue Razz — was the most popular e-cigarette among high school and middle school students, with 26.8 percent saying Puff Bar was their “usual brand.” Juul, which is restricted in what vapes it can sell, was in fourth place, at 6.8 percent. (McGinley, 3/8)
And in news about children and cannabis —
The Wall Street Journal: Talking To Teens About Cannabis Gummies As Use Booms
Schools and doctors say more teens are getting high at school on candies or cookies containing cannabis. The expanding legalization of recreational marijuana across the U.S. has led to wider availability of cannabis edibles. Their popularity has created vexing problems for educators and families, who say it has become harder to detect teens’ cannabis use. (Petersen, 3/8)
CBS Boston: Marlboro Boy With Severe Autism Sees Life-Changing Improvements With Cannabis Treatment
For families of severely autistic children, finding a treatment plan can be a daunting and often delicate process. But now, some are turning to a controversial alternative – cannabis. Lizabeth Lane Morse of Marlboro says cannabis treatment for her autistic son, Mark has been life-changing. Three years ago, Mark’s behaviors were taking over his life, said Lizabeth. “He broke a window,” she explained. “He was breaking TVs left and right, putting his head through iPads.” And then came the breaking point. (Hughes, 3/8)
