Tobacco News and Updates: Winter 2025
FDA Warns Against New Tech on Vapes
Big Tobacco is constantly changing the design of vapes and e-cigarettes in order to appeal to youth. Their most recent updates led the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to take action — sending warning letters to retailers. Vapes now have a variety of features that mimic other popular tech, such as text notifications, games, Bluetooth and custom wallpapers. The FDA has warned retailers and manufacturers to address these violations or face consequences.
Philip Morris Invests Millions in Zyn
Tobacco company Philip Morris recently invested over $800 million in U.S.-based Zyn factories — expanding the production of addictive nicotine pouches. This funding is a massive threat to public health as Zyn sales soar — especially among teens — and experts are concerned about the long-term impact. Nicotine pouch sales have consistently increased over the last few years, and the numbers are alarming. In fact, 385 million cans were sold in 2023 alone. As Zyn continues to flood the market, Big Tobacco is working behind the scenes to keep young people hooked.
Oklahoma Health Is Behind the Curve
Oklahoma’s youth vaping rate remains stubbornly high at 21.8% — indicating it’s time for stronger policies to crack down on illegal vape sales like banning menthol and other flavors, stricter enforcement at retailers and eliminating vape sales on home delivery apps. From 2019 to 2023, vape sales increased 47% in the U.S. — over 80% of sales were flavored products — and the lack of action puts Oklahoma at risk of falling further behind in protecting our youth. New information about the long-term health effects of vaping continue to come to light, exposing new truths about its impact on developing brains.
A Win for Public Health: Big Tobacco Challenge Rejected by Supreme Court
In 2020, the FDA issued a rule requiring large, graphic health warnings on all tobacco products. Several major tobacco companies sued but the Supreme Court rejected the challenge, siding with the FDA. While there are other avenues for tobacco companies to push back, this is another win for public health.