FDA Allows Juul to Continue Selling Tobacco, Menthol E-Cigarettes

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized Juul Labs to continue selling its tobacco- and menthol-flavored e-cigarettes and refill cartridges, concluding a multiyear regulatory review. The FDA's decision is based on studies showing that Juul's products may help adult smokers switch completely from traditional cigarettes, which are more harmful, though it reiterated that non-smokers and teens should avoid vaping. Juul discontinued fruit and candy flavors, which were popular among teens, prior to the decision. Despite the authorization, the FDA emphasized this is not an approval of safety and acknowledged ongoing concerns about Juul's role in the rise of youth vaping, which sparked lawsuits and regulatory actions after teen vaping surged in recent years. Juul CEO K.C. Crosthwaite called the FDA ruling a significant milestone, noting the company is now one of only two U.S. firms allowed to sell menthol-flavored vapes preferred by many adult users. Anti-tobacco advocates criticized the decision, warning it could undermine efforts to reduce underage vaping, especially given menthol flavors' appeal to teens.