Author: Timothy Donahue

New Group to Support Pipe Tobacco, Cigars
The Tobacco Products Association (TPA) announced its official launch on May 17. The TPA is a new organization “committed to uniting, promoting, and advancing its members” in all facets of the cigar and pipe tobacco sector.
“The TPA aims to serve the broad spectrum of the tobacco community, including cigar brands, manufacturers, retailers, pipe carvers, pipe tobacconists, and related accessories companies, with a strong focus on education, advocacy, and innovation,” media reports state. “This unique blend of cigar and pipe brands was born from a collaborative idea at the Chicagoland Pipe Collectors Club, and the TPA is set to champion the unique values and needs of both the cigar and pipe aficionado communities.”
The TPA listed its inaugural board of directors and added that the group will play a pivotal role in guiding the association’s direction and shaping its future initiatives.
The board members include Ismael Olivan, BAMF Cigars; Ron Pecorini, founder of the Great Cigar & Pipe Show Podcast; Dr. Oscar Rodriguez, GTO Cigars; Fouad Kashouty, Hiram & Solomon Cigars; and Ken Dorrbecker, owner of KJD Cigars.
The TPA, in collaboration with SOTL Global Movement and Tobacconist University, will offer its members educational courses, certifications, and webinars to enhance their knowledge and skills.
“These partnerships provide substantial benefits, including access to comprehensive educational programs that elevate members’ expertise in tobacco products, leading to recognized certifications that enhance professional credibility,” the report states. “This collaboration also expands networking opportunities through a global community of tobacco enthusiasts and professionals, fostering stronger industry connections.”
May 21, 2024
Panama Vape Ban Ruled Unconstitutional

The Supreme Court of Justice in Panama has ruled unanimously that Panama’s ban on the sale of all vaping products is unconstitutional.
According to several media reports, the ruling, announced last week, was in response to a lawsuit brought by the Asociación por la Reducción de Daños del Tabaquismo de Panamá (ARDT Panama), a vaping consumer advocacy group.
The court found that Law 315 violated parliamentary procedures spelled out in Article 170 of the Panamanian constitution, according to Panama America.
Law 315 prohibited the sale and import of all vaping and heated tobacco products, with or without nicotine. It also banned online sales, prohibited vaping in any place where smoking is not allowed, and gave customs authorities the right to inspect, detain, and seize shipments into the Central American country.
The law passed the National Assembly in 2021, and was given assent by Panamanian President Laurentino Cortizo nearly a year later, on June 30, 2022. Panama had previously prohibited vape sales under a 2014 health ministry decree.
The ARDT Panama lawsuit challenged the vaping ban on the basis that it violated the constitutional right to health (depriving people who smoke of a lower-risk substitute). Also, it alleged that the National Assembly violated technical parliamentary rules in passing the law.
According to El Capital Financiero, the legal challenge was also supported by the Association of Smokers and Families for a Smoke-Free Panama and the Medicinal Cannabis Association of Panama.
It’s unclear if the high court also weighed in on the health-based challenge.
May 21, 2024
PMTA Filed for Njoy ACE 2.0 With Age Check

Njoy, a subsidiary of Altria, submitted a supplemental premarket tobacco product application (PMTA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the commercialization and marketing of its ACE 2.0 device.
The new device includes access restriction technology designed to prevent underage use. This is achieved through Bluetooth connectivity, which authenticates the user before unlocking the device. The company has also re-submitted PMTAs for blueberry- and watermelon-flavored pod products, which are exclusively compatible with the Njoy ACE 2.0 device.
“Altria’s Vision is to responsibly lead the transition of adult smokers to a smoke-free future. We’re excited to build on our existing FDA-authorized products,” said Njoy President and CEO Shannon Leistra in a statement. “Njoy ACE 2.0 includes critical technology features to prevent underage access to flavored Njoy products while also responsibly providing flavored options for adult smokers and vapers.”
The Njoy ACE is the only pod-based vaping product currently with marketing authorization from the FDA. In the first quarter of 2024, Njoy announced it had broadened distribution to over 80,000 stores and expects to expand to approximately 100,000 stores by year-end.
Njoy also continued the roll-out of the brand’s first retail trade program, which is designed to help achieve optimal retail visibility and product fixture space.
“Given the widespread illicit flavored e-vapor marketplace, this product offers the FDA a sound solution for balancing the known risk to youth with an opportunity to offer adults legal, regulated choices,” said Paige Magness, senior vice president of regulatory affairs of Altria Client Services. “We hope the FDA prioritizes the review and authorization of this application given its interest in device access restriction technologies to reduce youth access.”
The Njoy had previously received marketing denial orders for its blueberry (2.4% and 5% nicotine strengths) and watermelon (2.4% and 5% nicotine strengths) pods.
Njoy believes its latest applications sufficiently address the FDA’s concerns regarding underage use by incorporating device age and identity-based access restriction and demonstrating that these restrictions are effective at preventing underage access in virtually all cases. Currently, the FDA has not authorized the marketing of any non-tobacco-flavored vaping product.
May 20, 2024
Cigar Group to Reach Out at Party Gatherings
The Premium Cigar Association (PCA), in collaboration with the Cigar Association of America (CAA) and Drew Estate Cigars, will be holding outreach events in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on July 16, 2024, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. during the Republican National Convention, and in Chicago, Illinois, on August 20, 2024, also from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. during the Democratic National Convention.
“This will be an exciting time for the Milwaukee area, and our small businesses are ready to greet convention attendees during this special event and throughout convention week. We look forward to partnering with the PCA, CAA, and Drew Estate to unite people,” said Paul Groh, owner of Metro Cigars and PCA Executive Board member.
The upcoming events will take place at PCA member locations: Metro Cigars Germantown in Wisconsin and Up Down Cigar in Chicago. These events will gather elected officials, candidates, and political figures from all over the country. Each event aims to bring together more than 100 people for social discussions on important issues, all while enjoying premium cigars.
“It is important that the premium cigar industry has a presence at these key political events, and it is exciting to host an event for both parties at PCA member locations to showcase the essence of specialty tobacco retailing,” says Joshua Habursky, interim executive director/head of Government Affairs for the PCA.
May 20, 2024
Cigar Industry Loses a Legend: ‘Fritz’ Bossert

Fritz Bossert (right) – Photo: Timothy S. Donahue
It is with sadness that we report the passing of Friedrich “Fritz” Bossert, former CEO of Lancaster Leaf Tobacco Co. and retired regional director of Universal Corporation’s Dark Air-Cured Group. He passed away on May 12. Bossert was a legend in the cigar industry.
Bossert spent 22 years at Universal. He started as vice president at Gebrueder Kulenkampff, a German subsidiary, in 2002, and in 2005, he was promoted to the position of senior vice president of International Operations and Sales for Lancaster Leaf. In 2009, Bossert was elected Universal’s regional director of its Dark Air-Cured Group and, at the same time, was elected the CEO of Lancaster Leaf Tobacco Co.
A subsidiary of Universal, Lancaster Leaf specializes in producing dark air-cured tobacco, which is primarily used for making cigars. Bossert was a well-known and popular friend of the cigar industry, and his numerous contributions will always be remembered.
George C. Freeman III, chairman, president, and CEO of Universal, said that Bossert’s expertise and professional approach in the dark air-cured market fostered trusted partnerships with Universal customers, particularly during the cigar industry’s recent growth years.
In a note to Universal’s global operations yesterday, Freeman stated that Bossert was a giant in the dark air-cured industry because he was so passionate, knowledgeable and, above all else, he was a gentleman.
“That is how he approached life as well. Fritz valued loyalty and courtesy and the importance of relationships and friendships. He loved people, so he was just as comfortable attending a black-tie gala as he was standing in the middle of a wrapper field talking to a farmer,” stated Freeman. “I will dearly miss his wisdom, sense of humor, his courteous manner, and his friendship.”
Fritz Bossert
Mark Ryan, president of L.A. Poche Perique Tobacco and a longtime friend of Bossert, said he was devastated by the news of Bossert’s passing.
“Fritz was brilliant, professional, avuncular and a dear friend to many in our industry,” said Ryan. “He was always available to listen to our concerns and provide helpful insights and guidance. Fritz was an exceptional human being, admired by everyone in our industry, and I wish I could be more like [he was].”
During a 2020 trip to Cuba with Tobacco Reporter, Bossert taught several media members the art of rolling cigars by hand. Bossert was also well known for handing out his own unique blend of cigar, affectionately referred to as “Fritz Sticks.”
A global traveler, Bossert was responsible for managing Lancaster Leaf operations in several countries, including Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Indonesia, Nicaragua, Paraguay, the Philippines, and the United States. His insight and impact on the tobacco industry will continue well into the future. He was also a wine aficionado.
In a recent article commemorating his retirement, Drew Estate paid tribute to Bossert’s instrumental role in developing its MUWAT Kentucky Fire Cured line, a testament to his deep understanding of fire-cured tobaccos. Furthermore, Bossert’s expertise was pivotal in sourcing the Connecticut tobaccos that are the backbone of the Liga Privada brand, a testament to his unparalleled knowledge and influence in the industry.
Bossert had a deep understanding of tobacco and was especially experienced in tobacco’s journey from farm to factory. George Cassels-Smith, CEO of Tobacco Technology and a longtime friend of Bossert, praised Bossert’s understanding of the industry and his willingness to share his experiences.
“It is rare that an individual with so much knowledge of tobacco and our industry shares so freely with customers and shares connections to facilitate great products in the marketplace,” said Cassels-Smith. “Fritz was a walking encyclopedia of knowledge, contacts, and know-how, wrapped in a warm-hearted gentleman. His shoes will be hard to fill, and his presence will surely be missed by everyone he touched.
“Fritz was a legend in this industry and an approachable old-soul gentleman through and through. My heart goes out to his wife, Claudia, his daughters, and all of his friends worldwide; he was a huge positive to everyone he met.”
May 14, 2024
Flonq Releases Ultra and Max Pro Systems
Flonq, a leading vaping system manufacturer, has released its latest innovations, the Flonq Ultra and Flonq Max Pro. The two devices, with advanced features and stylish designs, “promise to upgrade the vaping experience,” according to a press release.
Ultra and Max Pro feature an LED display for real-time monitoring of battery and liquid consumption. Both products also have a “boost” mode for enhanced performance that delivers “impressive vapor production and flavor intensity.”
Despite the large 18ml e-liquid capacity, which provides up to 20.000 puffs, both devices maintain a compact and ergonomic design.
“Unlike many vaping brands that simply enlarge their devices when increasing e-liquid tank capacity, we prioritize convenience and comfort for users,” states Marlen Nazarov, Flonq’s founder and CEO. “Our goal is to provide vapers with a combination of performance and style, offering a truly premium vaping experience.”
Flonq continues to offer refined flavors and memorable designs across its product range, according to the release. “We craft our devices, featuring minimalistic and sophisticated design”, explains Vladimir Parygin, the company’s head of Design. “At the same time, we ensure that each device possesses its own personality.”
While both devices feature powerful dual mesh coils, each utilizes a different coil type. In Max Pro, the coils are positioned one above the other, while in Ultra, both mesh coils form a single cylinder, created by right and left sections. This coil difference impacts the flavor experience. Max Pro offers intense and bold flavors, while Ultra delivers refined and firm flavors.
“Another significant aspect that sets us apart from our competitors is the time and effort we dedicate to creating unique designs. We don’t rely on established configurations in the vaping market, and provide compelling storytelling and inspiration behind each device,” stated Nazarov.
The Flonq Max Pro is inspired by the urban environment: big city life, cars, and modern architecture. The device boasts a glossy texture across its entire body and is offered in a variety of vibrant colors. Max Pro appeals to those who appreciate unconventional aesthetics.
For Flonq Ultra, the design team drew inspiration from a maritime theme, luxury boats and yachts. “The device embodies elegance and is crafted from soft-touch matte material,” the release states.
“While often overlooked, we consider every detail in our vapes: from the texture of the materials and portability to the shape of the mouthpieces, ensuring both visual appeal and functionality, of course,” stated Parygin.
May 7, 2024
‘Tobacco Lobbying Booming in U.S.’
Credit: Ball Studios
Around the United States, statehouses from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania., to Tallahassee, Florida., are being flooded with tobacco industry lobbyists, according to a new report from the anti-smoking advocacy group Action on Smoking and Health.
According to the latest edition of the group’s Tobacco Industry Lobbyist and Lobbying Firm Registration Tracker, released Thursday, at least 950 lobbyists represent cigarette, vape, and snus companies in statehouses around the country, according to an article from StatNews.
The number of lobbying registrations tied to tobacco companies jumped over 10 percent from 2023 to 2024.
ASH’s overall tally, based on publicly available lobbying registration data, is likely an undercount because several states only require lobbying firms, not individual lobbyists, to register with them.
May 6, 2024
Tobacco Boosts Murphy USA’s First Quarter Results
Credit: Refrina
Murphy USA’s Q1 2024 results were below expectations due to various headwinds, but President and CEO Andrew Clyde highlighted the positive performance in tobacco and fuel during Thursday’s earnings call.
The convenience store chain’s net income and adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter of 2024 were lower compared to the same quarter of the previous year.
Murphy’s net income for the first quarter of 2024 was $66 million, which is a decrease from $106.3 million for the same quarter in the previous year, according to media reports.
Clyde said on the call that unique factors that distinguished the first quarter of 2024 from the same quarter the year before included product prices being up 50 cents compared to 8 cents in the prior year and an increase in severe weather events.
Severe weather, especially on the Atlantic coast, drove customers to trade down for value and stock up on tobacco and fuel.
May 4, 2024
Oregon Court Approves Local Flavor Ban

Credit: Mehaniq 41
The Oregon Court of Appeals upheld a Washington County ban on flavored tobacco sales.
Washington County commissioners approved Ordinance 878 in 2022, but it was not enforced because a circuit court judge overturned it.
In his opinion, Circuit Judge Andrew Erwin wrote that prohibiting the sale of flavored tobacco must come from the state, not the county, according to media reports.
The county appealed the judge’s decision, and the court found that the county is not preempted by state law. According to Washington County’s website, businesses will be inspected each year to ensure compliance with the ordinance.
Tony Aiello, Jr., the attorney for the plaintiffs-respondents, released a statement, saying, in part, “My Clients are disappointed with the decision by the Court of Appeals today and intend to seek review by the Oregon Supreme Court.
“We read the Court of Appeals’ decision to conflict with itself in several places and are optimistic that the Oregon Supreme Court will reach a different conclusion if our case is granted review.”
May 4, 2024
White House Asked to Reclassify Marijuana
Vapor Voice Archives
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration plans to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, which could have far-reaching implications for American drug policy.
The proposed measure, which is yet to be reviewed by the White House Office of Management and Budget, aims to acknowledge the medical benefits of using cannabis and recognize the fact that it is less prone to abuse in comparison to some of the most dangerous drugs in the country and reclassify cannabis as a Schedule III drug.
However, it does not seek to legalize marijuana for recreational purposes.
Five people familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive regulatory review confirmed the agency’s move to the AP on Tuesday. The move clears the last significant regulatory hurdle before the agency’s biggest policy change in more than 50 years can take effect.
According to the DEA, the following are examples of Schedule I drugs:

Heroin
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)
Cannabis
Methamphetamine
Methaqualone (Quaalude)
Peyote
According to the National Institute for Health, California became the first State to make it illegal to possess cannabis. In the 1930s, the then U.S. Federal Bureau of Narcotics warned of the increasing abuse of cannabis, and by 1937, 23 States had criminalized possession.
By 1970, the Controlled Substances Act passed, and the Federal government categorized marijuana as a Schedule I substance.
The planned DEA rule change followed an August 2023 recommendation from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that DEA reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. Any change to the status of marijuana via the DEA rulemaking process would not take effect immediately.
May 2, 2024