Recent CTCRE Publications

Below are the public comments that CTCRE and other agencies have submitted to the FDA in regards to tobacco issues. This post is current as of January 13, 2025.

January 2026: Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee Meeting

FDA’s should not authorize the marketing of 20 flavored ZYN nicotine pouches with the modified risk claim, “Using ZYN instead of cigarettes puts you at a lower risk of mouth cancer, heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis” because Swedish Match failed to provide the necessary evidence specific to ZYN demonstrating that, as actually used by consumers, these products will benefit the health of the population as a whole, including youth

FDA should not authorize the marketing of 20 flavored ZYN nicotine pouches with the modified risk claim, “Using ZYN instead of cigarettes puts you at a lower risk of mouth cancer, heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis” because these products will likely have harmful health impacts on youth

FDA should not authorize the marketing of 20 flavored ZYN nicotine pouches with the modified risk claim, “Using ZYN…

California’s Central Valley has high rates of tobacco product use and low rates of access to healthcare providers, making it difficult for residents to acquire effective tobacco cessation treatment. To address this disparity, California pharmacists can act as healthcare providers, with the ability to provide counseling and independently prescribe nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) medications through a process known as “furnishing”.

After two years in development “Adolescent and Young Adult Tobacco and Cannabis Product Use and Co-Use”, a special issue of the Addictive Behaviors journal, has just been released.

Characteristics and Trends in Child Cannabis Exposures During Legalization in California uses data from the California Poison Control System and found that cannabis legalization in California led to increased moderate and severe cannabis exposure among children and adolescents. There was also an increase in cannabis exposure requiring medical attention, particularly among children under five, as well as in adolescents aged 12-17. Edible cannabis products, such as candies and baked goods, were major contributors to these exposures, most of which occurred at home.

Cigarette smoke-free home adoption attempts among formerly homeless adults living in permanent supportive housing found high rates of poly-tobacco use, substance use and mental health co-morbidities and that positive attitudes toward smoke-free policies are linked with smoke-free home adoption attempts and that serious mental illness is a barrier to smoke-free home adoption. The study underscores the need for interventions that address indoor tobacco and nicotine use tailored to people with serious mental illness.