Juul is one of the most recognizable e-cigarette brands in Louisiana and across the country. The popular vaping brand has been the target of several lawsuits concerning its marketing practices. Juul has been accused of appealing to teenagers and marketing its products as safer alternatives to cigarettes.
Juul settles lawsuit in Arizona
In January 2020, a consumer fraud lawsuit was filed against Juul over illegal marketing to children. Recently, Juul agreed to settle that lawsuit for $14.5 million but did not admit to any wrongdoing. Prior to the lawsuit, Juul had stopped selling flavored e-cigarette products with the exception of menthol.
As part of the settlement, Juul will pay $12.5 million to fund programs that discourage vaping and nicotine addiction among teenagers. Juul will also be required to monitor stores that carry its products by conducting compliance checks at 25 Arizona stores every month for the next two years. The company was also required to cease advertising on social media or near schools. The remaining $2 million that Juul was ordered to pay will go toward Attorney General consumer fraud investigations.
Multiple states have already sued Juul
Several Juul lawsuits have already been settled or are pending against the company in multiple states. In North Carolina, Juul settled for $40 million and agreed never to market to underage consumers. Juul also promised to increase its enforcement of safe marketing at retailers that carry Juul products in North Carolina.
FDA approves first e-cigarette product while litigation is ongoing
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first e-cigarette product in October, despite the ongoing litigation against e-cigarette brands. After approving an e-cigarette manufactured by R.J. Reynold’s, the FDA said that there is a benefit to vaping because it can reduce smoking. The FDA is still reviewing Juul products.