The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on August 28, 2026, that it had authorized three JUUL2 products through the Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) pathway: the JUUL2 device, JUUL2 Virginia Tobacco pods, and Polar Menthol JUUL2 pods. The authorization brings the total number of FDA-authorized e-cigarettes in the U.S. to 48.
The FDA said its authorization decision was partly based on its review of data showing that a substantial proportion of adult smokers completely switched from combustible cigarettes to the authorized JUUL2 e-cigarette device and flavored pods. At six weeks, complete-switching rates ranged from 19.9% to 34.6% for the tobacco-flavored pods and from 28.4% to 49.3% for the menthol-flavored pods.
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FDA Authorization Timeline for JUUL2 Device
The JUUL 2 authorization followed the PMTA process that began with submissions in July and December 2023 and culminated in FDA marketing granted orders (MGOs) in August 2026. The key timeline is shown below:
| Date | Key Milestone |
| July 19, 2023 | JUUL Labs submitted a PMTA for its next-generation vapor platform, including the JUUL2 new device and an 18mg/mL Virginia Tobacco Pod. |
| December 19, 2023 | JUUL Labs submitted a separate PMTA for an 18 mg/mL menthol-flavored pod for the JUUL2 platform. |
| August 27, 2026 | FDA issued marketing granted orders (MGOs) for the JUUL2 device and its tobacco- and menthol-flavored pods. |
| August 28, 2026 | FDA publicly announced authorization of the three JUUL2 products, bringing the total number of FDA-authorized e-cigarettes to 48. |
What JUUL2 Devices Are Authorized by FDA
FDA authorized three specific JUUL 2 products, namely the JUUL2 e-cigarette device, JUUL 2 tobacco-flavored pod, and JUUL 2 menthol-flavored pod. Both authorized flavored vape pods contain 18 mg/mL nicotine, which is equivalent to approximately 1.5%-1.6% nicotine concentration.
FDA reviewed data on adult smokers who used these e-cigarettes and found that 19.9%–34.6% of those using the vape pods with tobacco flavor had stopped smoking combustible cigarettes entirely after six weeks, while 28.4%–49.3% of those using the vape pods with menthol flavor had done the same. The FDA also said that adult vapers who had fully switched to the authorized JUUL2 vapes and pods were exposed to lower levels of certain harmful chemicals than those who continued smoking combustible cigarettes. All of this contributed to the FDA’s review of JUUL2 e-cigarettes.
As for JUUL2 pod flavors, menthol is worth a closer look because it can be more appealing to youth. The FDA took that concern into account, but ultimately found that the potential benefits for adult smokers who quit combustible cigarettes entirely outweighed the risks, including the product’s potential appeal to youth. As a result, the FDA authorized the JUUL2 pods with menthol flavor.
What Will Change With FDA Authorization
(1) More Legal Product Choices
For adult vapers, the most immediate change is that the three JUUL2 e-cigarette devices are now federally authorized for marketing in the U.S. The authorization adds the JUUL2 platform to the FDA’s list of authorized vapes and gives adult vapers another federally authorized option.
It is important to note that these vaping devices are authorized for sale in the U.S. nicotine market, but this does not mean they are safe or FDA-approved.
(2) More JUUL2 Pod Options
The authorization also adds two 18 mg/mL flavored pods to the JUUL2 lineup: Virginia Tobacco and Polar Menthol. For adult vapers and existing JUUL users, this means more authorized JUUL2 pod options.
JUUL Labs plans to pursue additional JUUL2 vapes and pods in the future, including 5% nicotine concentration products and flavors beyond tobacco and menthol. However, these products are not currently FDA-authorized.
Conclusion
The FDA authorization of JUUL2 vapes and flavored pods marks a further step in the FDA regulation of e-cigarettes in the U.S. market. Adult vapers can legally purchase and use the FDA-authorized JUUL2 kits. However, they should pay attention to the specific products covered by FDA authorization, as not every JUUL2 vape is currently authorized for sale.
FAQs
Q1: How many JUUL2 products are FDA authorized?
The FDA authorized the three JUUL2 e-cigarettes through the PMTA pathway on August 28, 2026, including the JUUL2 e-cigarette device, JUUL2 Virginia Tobacco pods, and Polar Menthol JUUL2 pods.
Q2: Can you legally buy a JUUL2 kit in the U.S.?
Adult vapers can legally purchase the specific JUUL2 kit authorized by the FDA for marketing in the U.S.
Q3: What JUUL2 flavored pods are FDA-authorized?
The FDA has authorized two JUUL2 pods: Virginia Tobacco and Polar Menthol, both containing 18 mg/mL nicotine.
Q4: Are all JUUL2 vapes FDA-authorized?
No. The FDA has authorized only three specific JUUL2 products: the JUUL2 e-cigarette device, Virginia Tobacco JUUL2 pods, and Polar Menthol JUUL2 pods. Other JUUL2 e-cigarettes are not covered by this authorization.
