Many American e-liquid manufacturers recently announced their intention to switch from nicotine made from tobacco leaves to synthetic nicotine. The USA (and Europe) immediately looked to put bans in place. The World Vapers\u2019 Alliance and American consumer group CASAA contend that such bans will significantly harm consumers who want to quit smoking.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Congress in the USA passed the omnibus budget bill last week, introducing provisions that give the Food and Drug Administration authority to regulate synthetic nicotine products as a tobacco product.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Michael Landl, director of the global advocacy group for harm reduction, World Vapers\u2019 Alliance, believes that this regulation will harm current smokers and vapers alike.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
He said: \u201cThe bill threatens the availability of less harmful alternatives to smoking such as vaping. There is a disaster for public health looming. By putting thousands of vape shops out of business, many vapers will be pushed back to smoking. Targeting the exact product that allowed them to quit smoking makes no sense. Synthetic nicotine is an innovative way to decrease harmful effects of smoking and provide people with an alternative to traditional cigarettes.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \u201cThe goal of harm reduction is to reduce adverse consequences among people who aren\u2019t able to quit smoking. It has proven effective in many countries worldwide and helped millions quit smoking. The land of the free should follow these countries instead of turning into a nanny state<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Synthetic nicotine products will be subject to the Premarket Tobacco Application (PMTA) process requiring companies to apply for the authorization to remain in the market, creating a significant challenge for new e-cigarette companies to stay in business and consequently making it harder for consumers to obtain vaping products.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n