These e-cigarettes are sold in a ready-to-use format. Unlike a “classic” electronic cigarette, it is already filled with the desired flavour, such as pineapple, marshmallow or passion fruit, and its battery is already charged.

The low prices, around US$8-10, and its multitude of flavours, evocative of candy, make them attractive to young people.

Puffs come from the US. These e-cigarettes developed by Californians Patrick Beltran and Nick Minas, co-CEOs of Puff Bar, have been popular in many areas since 2019.

In some countries, Puffs’ popularity can be linked to certain content seen on social networks such as TikTok or Instagram.

In short videos or photos, sellers and consumers present Puff models, their favourite tastes and even offer mail order as a way to get around certain countries’ legislation, particularly given that minors cannot legally purchase any vaping product.

These e-cigarettes might appear harmless and are claimed to be tobacco-free but they contain synthetic nicotine.

On March 11, 2022, the US Congress passed a law requiring synthetic nicotine products to be regulated by the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products just like tobacco-derived nicotine.

A recent study found that the “fun” image of the Puff bars could lead to increasing use among teens and thus “increased risk of e-cigarette product use-associated lung injury and potential exposure to carcinogens” as well as potential “negative effects on cognitive function” resulting from nicotine use in this vulnerable segment of the population.