Author: Nick Schager

Cannabis vaping is entering its boom years - massive growth, minimal obstacles. This fledgling, $6 billion industry faces little regulation. The wild west of recreational intoxicants. But will the party last? Nicotine Vaping Faces Escalating Crackdown Compare cannabis vaping's freewheeling rise to its nicotine-based cousin. Nicotine vape constantly contends with intensifying FDA scrutiny: This mounting oversight stifles growth. Nicotine vaping remains a relatively niche $6 billion segment of the total $144 billion tobacco market. Meanwhile, unbridled cannabis vaping has swiftly grown to the same $6 billion value. This despite no federal oversight thanks to ongoing marijuana prohibition. The lack of…

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just dealt a major blow to leading e-cigarette brand Vuse and its manufacturer R.J. Reynolds. On June 23, 2022, the agency banned six popular Vuse Alto flavored vape products, including menthol and mixed berry varieties. The FDA determined the potential public health risks of youth vaping outweighed any potential benefits to adult smokers trying to quit with these products. This review showcases the agency's stepped-up scrutiny of e-cigarette safety and youth appeal. FDA: Vuse Alto Risks Outweigh Potential Benefits The FDA is legally required to ensure all new tobacco products provide a net "public…

The sleek, USB-shaped e-cigarette Juul took the vaping world by storm when it launched in 2015. Seemingly overnight, “Juuling” exploded in popularity, especially among teenagers. But in recent years, Juul’s fortunes have taken a dramatic turn. This fascinating saga of rapid growth followed by controversy and decline holds important lessons about marketing, regulation, and corporate responsibility. Juul’s Discreet Design Led to Widespread Teen Use A key factor in Juul’s initial appeal was its inconspicuous, high-tech design. Unlike previous vapes, Juul devices didn’t look like cigarettes. They could pass for a flash drive. This enabled discreet use, especially among teens. Students…

Juul's story is a cautionary tale of staggering heights reached and lost. This startup rocketed to enormous success by creating a revolutionary vapor alternative for smokers. But controversial marketing tactics prioritizing profits over ethics fueled a public backlash that ultimately crippled the once-untouchable brand. Netflix's new documentary Big Vape: The Rise and Fall of Juul chronicles Juul's rapid transformation from disruptive darling to unacceptable villain. It's a sobering reminder that innovative technology without principled practices can bring about catastrophic consequences. Aspiring to Save Lives, But Losing Their Way Juul's origin story traces back to two Stanford students hoping to meaningfully…