The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and experts have recently raised concerns regarding the use of synthetic nicotine in e-cigarettes that could be more potent and addictive than tobacco-derived nicotine.
In the U.S., synthetic nicotine analogs such as 6-methyl nicotine or synthetic nicotine are commonly used in electronic cigarettes without FDA authorization.
This chemically analog synthetic nicotine is not regulated under the American Tobacco Act, bypassing FDA regulations to control highly addictive nicotine use.
While the FDA recognizes the need for further research on these components, synthetic nicotine has proved to be even more detrimental than tobacco-derived nicotine, especially in adolescence. The negative impact includes impaired concentration, memory, and learning disabilities. Consequently, they have banned the use of electronic cigarettes.
As illegal sales for synthetic nicotine vapes were prevalent without FDA approval, major tobacco corporations such as Altria Group and British American Tobacco have suffered substantial losses. This leads to the calls for proper evaluation of synthetic nicotine.
Altria emphasized that they must protect American tobacco consumers from the unknown risks of chemicals developed to mimic nicotine and to reinforce the FDA’s authority.
Charlie Holdings has emphasized the need for further research on 6-methyl nicotine, mentioning that the toxicity of metatin, used in their SPREE BAR product, is similar to nicotine. According to the SPREE BAR website, the product dilutes 6-methyl nicotine for electronic cigarettes and offers a variety of fruit flavors, like Blue Raspberry Ice and Creamy Melon.
Historically, the FDA has never approved tobacco-derived nicotine with fruit-flavored vapes as it appeals to younger audiences and outweighs their benefits.
Nonetheless, Charlie Holdings firmly states that its products comply with all regulations and that the fruit flavors aid in quitting smoking.
A professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology at VCU School of Medicine emphasized in his research that 6-methyl nicotine has the potential to be more potent than nicotine. Still, extensive research is needed to explain its specific effects on humans.
Some experts also pointed out that it is challenging to understand the addictive potential of 6-methyl nicotine on the human body as the research is only done on animals or cells in short periods.
It is important to note that the research at Virginia Commonwealth University was sponsored by tobacco or electronic cigarette corporations.
Many electronic cigarette corporations, such as Nobel Compound from the US to Aroma King in the UK, claim that synthetic nicotine is less addictive than traditional tobacco products, contrary to the FDA’s belief.
The American E-Liquid Manufacturing Standards Association argued that the FDA’s disapproval would only encourage black market sales and increase the rate of smoking.
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