The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) earlier this month reversed its 2022 decision to issue marketing denial orders to all Juul e-cigarette products. This reversal means that Juul’s products, which were previously banned, are back under scientific review by the FDA for potential market authorization.
After the marketing denial orders were given, Juul products could continue to be sold as the company appealed the decision. They will still be available for sale while the FDA conducts its review.
Juul is one of the most popular e-cigarette brands among adolescents and is widely considered to have ignited the youth vaping epidemic. For those who have never smoked conventional cigarettes, there is no health benefit to vaping; though e-cigarettes are likely less toxic than conventional cigarettes, it’s too soon to know the long-term effects of these devices on our health. We do know that nicotine harms brain development, which is especially a concern for young people.
The FDA’s review is intended to ensure all e-cigarette products are “appropriate for the protection of public health.” Put simply, they are examining if Juul’s e-cigarettes are more likely to help adults who smoke traditional cigarettes quit than they are to entice kids and teens to start vaping. With Juul’s history of advertisements showcasing young people and their offerings of fun and fruity flavors, it’s clear they are targeting adolescents with their products.
The Prevent Cancer Foundation is profoundly concerned about Juul e-cigarettes and their impact on public health. The Foundation urges the FDA to conduct a swift review of all Juul products and reissue its marketing denial orders to protect the health of kids and teens.