The Indicator from Planet Money Inside the illegal vape boom
49 snips
Sep 2, 2025 An underground vape market is booming in the U.S., defying regulations and flooding gas stations. Experts discuss the health risks, particularly for youth, drawn in by enticing flavors. The political dynamics during the Trump administration reveal the tension between public health efforts and small business interests. Interestingly, youth vaping rates have seen a sharp decline, yet illegal products remain a significant concern, highlighting the complexities of regulation in this evolving landscape.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Ubiquitous But Illegal Vape Market
- Illegal vapes make up a majority of U.S. sales despite being federally unauthorized.
- The market sells between $14 and $25 billion of devices yearly and over 60% may be illegal.
Vape With Built-In Video Games
- Nick Florko described a disposable vape that includes video games as an example of kid-friendly marketing.
- Adrian Ma verified the product exists and reacted with disbelief.
FDA Authorization Is The Legal Gate
- The FDA must authorize vapes using an "appropriate for the protection of public health" standard.
- Most products on shelves lack that authorization and were rejected by the FDA.