A Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI) report criticizes the Centers for Disease Control and state health departments for helping spread misinformation about lung illnesses in 2019 related to people vaping illicit THC substances. Government agencies charged with protecting public health instead warned people against all e-cigarette use. The result has been an unwarranted crackdown on e-cigarette companies and retailers, with the worst result yet to come: More smoking-related illnesses and deaths. Senior Fellow Michelle Minton explains why scaring people away from e-cigarettes will keep many smokers hooked on the far more deadly habit. View the report: “Federal Health Agencies’ Misleading Messaging on E-Cigarettes Threatens Public Health.”

California’s A.B. 5 labor law changes that took effect this year continue to wreak havoc with freelancers and independent contractors, setting a terrible example for other states. CEI fellow Ryan Radia explains in a detailed report all the ways the law will negatively impact ridesharing companies, drivers, and customers. The law will mean greater costs for the platforms, reduced pay for many drivers, reduced flexibility for all drivers, and higher fares for consumers—as much as 50 percent higher in some cases. View the report: California Ride Share Contracting Legislation Is a Solution in Search of a Problem.

Longtime CEI senior editor Richard Morrison in January became a newly anointed research fellow. Previously, he collaborated closely with founder Fred L. Smith, Jr. on creating CEI’s Center for Advancing Capitalism and in his new role he will continue that mission.