WSJ Summary #1: Tackling the Vaping Crisis with Effective Government Regulations

In this summary, I will evaluate the impact of government intervention in businesses on the vaping industry's transition to a different demographic. Marketers consider specific variables when promoting products. The question arises: "What is the rationale behind the government's decision to ban vaping products?" Previously, individuals aged 15-18 were purchasing and using vaping products on school grounds. This trend was influenced by Juul, a company that actively marketed its products in high schools. Consequently, Walmart has ceased selling vaping products. This situation asks, "Should the government oversee marketing practices and market segments within companies?"

 The vaping epidemic needs to be addressed, and the government is working on promoting a new message. The new message encourages people to quit vaping because of its adverse health effects. Jennifer Maloney wrote an article in the Wall Street Journal on June 10th, 2024, titled " U.S. Pledges Crackdown on Illegal E-Cigarettes.”

What distinguishes legal e-cigarettes from illegal ones? Even if the United States clamps down on illegal e-cigarettes, how will this affect legitimate e-cigarette sellers? New policies and procedures can disrupt the market, making it challenging to sell to different markets, which is why this article is significant in the marketing world.

This article particularly interests me because it highlights the government's dual role in abusing its power and protecting citizens from harmful products. Such products can lead to adverse health effects, including mouth ulcers, lung cancer, and a suffocating atmosphere due to smoking. This is why the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) was established. Their purpose was to establish regulations aimed at enhancing the quality of life for citizens.

According to Maloney, “Disposable vaping devices, almost none of which are authorized for sale by the FDA, represent more than 30% of U.S e-cigarette sales in stores tracked by Nielsen” (Maloney, 2024, para. 2). Additionally, many vaping devices are manufactured overseas, with a significant portion being imported from China, as noted in Maloney’s article. Breeze Pro and Elfbar are the two main vaping products sold in the United States, but most of them are now off the market due to regulations established by the FDA.

Ultimately, the government is taking the correct action by regulating and intervening to prohibit vaping products because its primary responsibility is to safeguard and advocate for the citizens, even when it means safeguarding them from their own actions. The establishment of the FDA was specifically intended to ensure that citizens are shielded from harm. Consequently, implementing policies and protocols to oversee the purchase and sale of products is crucial within the field of marketing.

Citation: Maloney, Jennifer. (2024). “U.S Vows to Take Action Against Illegal E-Cigarettes.” Wall Street Journal. Retrieved on June 18th, 2024, via The WSJ App.