Last week, that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seized documents from the JUUL company in an investigation of marketing of e-cigarettes to young people.
The action by the FDA is especially important given that JUUL accounts for more than 70% of the e-cigarette market, and that new studies are finding e-cigarettes are a gateway into nicotine addiction and tobacco use.
JUUL is not the only company that needs to be closely monitored to prevent direct and indirect marketing to young people. As we discussed in an earlier blog, public health groups are asking the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to stop tobacco companies from secretly using social media to sell their products to kids.
Marketing an addicting and potentially deadly product directly to youth should be considered heinous. Tobacco and e-cigarette manufacturers should of course proactively cease any direct or Indirect marketing to young people. In the absence of moral leadership in these companies, strong action and close monitoring by the FDA and the FTC can serve a vital role to protect our young people.
Mike Burke, Ed.D
Program Director and NDC Counselor/ CTTS
