Heat sticks by Marlboro are a new smokeless tobacco product from Philip Morris USA. They are made to be used in a similar way to electronic cigarettes, but they contain tobacco and produce a real smokeless tobacco flavor. They come in two varieties, original and menthol. They can be smoked inside in most public places.
Also known as IQOS, the first line of devices was first made available to the public in 2014. And they are currently only available in some areas of New York and North Carolina. In order to purchase them, people have to show a photo ID that proves they are at least 18 years old. In addition, because the product is a tobacco product, it cannot be sold to anyone within 500 feet of a school.
Just like all tobacco products, heat sticks have to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since they are ingested by consumers upon use. And unfortunately, Philip Morris was not able to secure this coveted approval, which is why IQOS was not sold publicly in the United States except for some websites that are authorized by Philip Morris International. But has the company finally secured the ‘FDA-approved’ now?
Read more to know the current FDA status before you buy Marlboro heat sticks in today’s post.
Background Of Philip Morris’ FDA Application For The IQOS Product
In December 2016, Philip Morris submitted an application to the FDA to have heat sticks by Marlboro considered as modified risk tobacco products because they are heated and not burned like traditional cigarettes. If approved, this would mean that companies could market their products as safer than traditional cigarettes.
However, in December 2016, the FDA sent the company a letter saying that they had failed to provide data for at least three of five different types of evidence required when applying for consideration as modified risk tobacco products. And as a result, the product was classified as MRTP or Modified Risk Tobacco Product.
Eventually, after going to several reviews about the safe usage of IQOS, the FDA has permitted the sale of heat sticks as a hi-tech luxury smoking device. And the first physical store selling IQOS products was opened in Atlanta, Georgia on Oct. 4, 2019 and the nationwide sale of the device was allowed 5 months after.
So to be clear, IQOS products like heat sticks are now FDA approved which is considered fit, but not necessarily healthy, for human consumption. And along with this approval, the product claims that using solely this product and stopping the use of conventional cigarettes will significantly reduce the exposure of harmful and lethal chemicals from its user.
US Limits Social Media Ads On IQOS Products That Are Targeted To Youth And Teenagers
While heat sticks have now earned the FDA seal of approval, the US government and the FDA have also placed stern restrictions, particularly on the social media posts and advertisements which can be seen by youth consumers.
To be specific, the company manufacturing IQOS has launched social media accounts on Instagram and Facebook that have a referral reward program to stop the unauthorized exposure of young online users from seeing these ads in these respective channels and encourage them from buying these smokeless tobacco products.
The Future Of IQOS Market In The US
The heat sticks market is still in its early stages, so it is difficult to say exactly what the future holds for it. However, there are some things that we can expect.
First of all, it is likely that the heat sticks product will continue to be available only in a limited number of states. Philip Morris USA has said that they plan to expand availability gradually over time. Post-marketing studies will be used to determine the product’s chances of complying with international public health requirements.
In addition, new flavors may soon become available soon as Philip Morris submitted a patent application for several different flavored Heatsticks. This included flavors such as mocha, vanilla bean, and cinnamon. It is unknown when these new flavors will be available, but it is possible that they could be made public in a few month’s time.
Overall, the Marlboro Heatsticks also have the potential to become a competitive alternative to e-cigarettes. Philip Morris has stated that they plan for this product to supplement their existing lines of products by providing smokers with another option for enjoying tobacco without having to go outside. This could have a significant impact on how the e-cigarette industry develops over the next few years, and it may even lead to a decrease in e-cigarette users if not properly monitored.
Check out this link if you’re looking for a trusted IQOS shop online.