Despite the proven, harmful effects to one’s health, flavored e-cigarettes–more commonly known as vapes–are becoming increasingly popular, especially amongst high school youths. However, an imminent Supreme Court decision, and a new FDA policy, may signal towards heavy changes for the industry.
Two flavored e-liquid manufacturers–Triton and Vapetasia–sued the FDA, after it refused to approve their products for advertising and sale. The FDA’s main concern is how these flavors can potentially be appealing to children and teens. As evidence, an FDA study showed that one in five high schoolers used vapes in 2020 and notes that those numbers continue to rise. The companies suing claim their products may have some appeal to youth but are mainly designed to help adults quit tobacco altogether.
Now, these companies must provide reliable evidence that their products’ benefits outweigh their risks. In this case, that would be the effectiveness of flavored vapes in helping smoking cessation, weighted against the risk of youth addiction. The companies also claim that the FDA has changed its previously held requirements for cases.
Alongside the FDA’s legal case, its new policy has enforced a ban on certain flavored vapes. The policy, released on January 2, 2025, specifies “flavored cartridge-based e-cigarettes” as the target of the ban. The recently released notice advises that companies may face “FDA enforcement actions,” if they continue to sell their products.
Alfredo Ramirez, a senior at Elkhart High School, weighs in on the topic. “Vaping is becoming more common as people get used to seeing it around them,” he asserts. “The ban would definitely decrease vaping,” Ramirez admits, “but wouldn’t completely put a stop to it.” However, he also shares concern about the market amongst teens. “I’m sure there are a ton of people getting their hands on vapes and selling them for higher prices.”
Braylen Holloway, an EHS sophomore, is skeptical about the FDA ban: “I think it would just stop vaping for a bit, but people would find ways to get vapes again.”
The common sentiment seems to be that it is uncertain whether or not the ban can be effectively enforced, or if it would have a net benefit for society. However, considering that not every aspect has fully played out, it is important to simply stay aware of new updates.
