Juul suspends sales of its most delicious flavor pods
We think they call this a "hat in hand" moment.
Juul announced Thursday that it would suspend sales of its dessert-iest flavor pods as the company and regulators grapple with how to reduce teen vaping.
The vaping company favored by teens will no longer sell Mango, Creme, Fruit, and Cucumber flavor pods. As of this writing, the only pods available in Juul's online store were two tobacco flavors, mint, and menthol.
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Some health advocate organizations say this doesn't go far enough, as mint is a popular flavor among young vapers.
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The fruity flavors of e-cigarettes have been associated with the rise in teen vaping. Research has shown that the sweet flavors of some e-cig pods make vaping more appealing to kids who might otherwise be turned off by tobacco.
After government health inquiries, looming potential regulation, and, recently, President Donald Trump's specific call for a ban on flavored vapes, Juul seems to be conceding the point.
However, it is "suspending" them, not ending them for good. It says more research needs to be done before that happens.
"As we evaluate what products to submit for PMTA, we will continue to develop scientific evidence to support the use of these flavored products, coupled with strict measures to combat underage use, as we believe these products can play an important role in helping adult smokers move away from combustible cigarettes," Juul's statement reads.
Previously, Juul restricted the sale of flavored pods, by only offering them on their age-verified website (which requires submitting official government documents to verify your age). But recent stories of teen vaping illnesses and even deaths have pushed the issue.
Now, Juul says it will work with lawmakers and agencies to evaluate the safety of flavored pods, and it won't lobby the federal government in the creation of their guidelines.
There is already a thriving black market for e-cig and Juul pods, which have been associated with illness and injury. Cutting off the flow of mango and creme pods could backfire into juicing up this illicit industry.
However, that's apparently not enough of a reason to keep some flavor pods on the market. Guess you'll have to settle for mint, kids.
Topics Health
