A group of e-cigarette users are unexpectedly receiving checks as part of a $300 million class action settlement between Juul Labs and Altria, a tobacco company that owns a 35% stake in Juul. The settlement stemmed from claims that the companies misled consumers about the addictiveness and safety of their products, as well as unlawfully marketing to minors. While Altria denied the allegations and Juul did not admit fault, the settlements were eventually approved, leading to payouts for eligible Juul customers.
Approximately 842,000 Juul users were eligible for claims, with a total fund of $202 million available after deductions. The average claim amount varied depending on the receipts provided as proof of purchase. The deadline for submitting claims has passed, and payouts have begun being distributed to eligible users.
Vaping remains a controversial topic in the U.S., with ongoing debates between e-cigarette companies and regulators regarding health effects and marketing regulations. The FDA recently rescinded a ban on Juul products, pending further research and review of health studies and legal cases. Despite the settlement and payouts to users, the future of vaping regulation and the health impacts of e-cigarettes remain uncertain.
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