FDA approves Vuse vaping products for sale, marking a first for the e-cigarette industry - CNBC

The decision is part of the agency's broader review of the vaping industry, following years of pressure from politicians and public health groups to regulate the segment as strictly as other tobacco products.

"The manufacturer's data demonstrates its tobacco-flavored products could benefit addicted adult smokers who switch to these products – either completely or with a significant reduction in cigarette consumption – by reducing their exposure to harmful chemicals," said Mitch Zeller, director of the FDA's Center for Tobacco Products, in a statement announcing its decision.

Tens of thousands of applications have been denied from smaller players like JD Nova Group and Great American Vapes, particularly for flavored vaping products.

In its decision Tuesday, the FDA said it was aware that 10% of high school students who used e-cigarettes named Vuse as their usual brand in the 2021 National Youth Tobacco Survey.

"These data reinforce the FDA's decision to authorize the tobacco-flavored products because these products are less appealing to youth and authorizing these products may be beneficial for adult combusted cigarette users," it said.

"Completely removing high-nicotine products like Vuse from the market and ending the sale of all flavored e-cigarettes products, including menthol, is the clear path to ending the youth vaping epidemic," the ALA said.