Problem
Discuss Tobacco Control and Vapes/E-Cigs
Background
Passage of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act ("Tobacco Control Act") expanded national authority to regulate tobacco products and regulated advertisement. Until recently however, the FDA only regulated cigarettes, cigarette tobacco, roll-your-own tobacco and smokeless tobacco. Some viewed this problematic as the popularity of vape pens and e-cigs are currently outpacing traditional cigarette usage among teenagers and young adults. California health officials have designated these products as a public health risk, and the FDA extended its authority to cover additional products under the proposed rule: Tobacco Products Deemed To Be Subject to the Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act. These proposed newly "deemed" products include electronic cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, certain dissolvables that are not "smokeless tobacco," gels, and water-pipe tobacco. Now that the proposed rule has become final, FDA will be able to use powerful regulatory tools, such as age restrictions and rigorous scientific review of new products and claims to reduce tobacco-related disease and death.
A. Comment on how political processes can influence health policy outcomes.
B. Identify any recently proposed or passed legislative initiatives you feel are relevant to the control of tobacco/vape products.
C. How would you develop an effective political strategy to support or oppose control of vape products?