Author: Jake Miller

A total vape ban refers to the prohibition of the sale and use of electronic vaping devices, a measure Malaysia's Health Ministry intends to pursue vigorously this year. Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad announced that the initial phase will specifically target open pod systems, which have been linked to the misuse of synthetic drugs. Prioritizing Public Health and Safety Speaking after his New Year's message in Putrajaya, Dzulkefly reaffirmed his uncompromising stance on enforcing the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024. He described the full enforcement as a "moral responsibility" to shield future generations from non-communicable diseases and…

Retailer licensing for nicotine products refers to the legal requirement for businesses to obtain a state permit to sell tobacco and vape items, a measure Kentucky has implemented to better regulate the market and protect public health. As of January 1, Kentucky joins the majority of U.S. states in enforcing this requirement. Combating the Youth Vaping Crisis The American Lung Association (ALA) highlights a critical issue: despite the legal purchase age being 21, Kentucky teens exceed the national average for e-cigarette use. Approximately 20% of high schoolers in the state use vapes, nearly double the nationwide figure. Shannon Baker, Director of Advocacy…

As the new year begins, Kentucky residents and businesses are navigating several legislative changes now in effect, ranging from tax reductions to tighter controls on nicotine and THC products. A headline change comes via House Bill 1, which lowers the state's individual income tax rate from 4% to 3.5%, a move lawmakers frame as part of broader tax policy adjustments. Significant regulatory shifts also target the sale of age-restricted products. Under Senate Bill 100, all retailers selling tobacco, nicotine, and vape products must now obtain a specific license through the state’s Alcoholic Beverage Control system. This measure aims to increase…

As the festive season approaches, the excitement of jetting off for a Christmas or New Year break is palpable. With an estimated five million Britons expected to travel abroad during the holiday period, and a staggering 23 million trips projected for the final quarter of 2025, airports are set to be bustling hubs of activity. However, amidst the rush of packing gifts and finalizing itineraries, there is a crucial, often overlooked detail that could turn a dream holiday into a financial nightmare for vapers: the complex and strictly enforced world of international vaping regulations. Experts are issuing urgent warnings that…

Pennsylvania lawmakers have approved House Bill 1425, legislation designed to regulate the marketing of vaping devices and bring electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) under a framework similar to tobacco products. The bill, which now heads to Governor Josh Shapiro's desk, would require manufacturers to obtain FDA marketing approval and list their products on a state-managed directory to be legally sold. Supporters, including Attorney General Dave Sunday, argue the measure is crucial for cracking down on illicit sales and protecting children susceptible to unregulated marketing. The Attorney General's office would oversee enforcement, with retailers facing fines for selling non-listed products. However,…

President Donald Trump signed a significant executive order on Thursday, directing the federal government to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III controlled substance. This move marks a major shift in federal drug policy, acknowledging the potential medical benefits of cannabis while explicitly stopping short of legalizing recreational use. Currently, marijuana sits in Schedule I, the most restrictive category, defined by a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical value. The reclassification to Schedule III would place it alongside drugs like Tylenol with codeine and anabolic steroids—substances recognized as having medicinal uses despite some abuse potential.…

Following the announcement of a state of economic emergency by Finance Minister Germán Ávila, a leaked draft decree reveals the revival of taxes on tobacco and alcohol products that had previously stalled in tax reform discussions. The proposed measures, applicable at the departmental level, aim to update rates, broaden the tax base, and strengthen control over consumption, with a significant expansion in the scope of tobacco taxation. For tobacco products, the decree significantly widens the definition of taxable items. The tax will apply to the consumption of cigarettes, manufactured tobacco, and crucially, its derivatives, substitutes, or imitators. This explicitly includes…

Azerbaijan is moving towards a total ban on the import, export, production, sale, and use of electronic cigarettes. A draft amendment to the "Law on Tobacco and Tobacco Products" was discussed by key parliamentary committees, outlining prohibitions on all activities related to vapes and their components. Under the proposed legislation, nicotine-containing e-cigarettes would be classified as tobacco products but face a complete ban. However, heated tobacco products (like IQOS) would remain legal, defined as products that heat tobacco without combustion. The bill also includes restrictions on vape advertising and removes them from the list of excise goods. This move follows…

Malaysia is decisively moving towards a complete nationwide ban on vaping products, with the Health Ministry targeting implementation by mid-2026 or the end of that year at the latest. Health Minister Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad confirmed that the Cabinet has already agreed in principle to the ban, stating, "It is not about whether we ban vapes or not, but when." Speaking after a visit to Hospital Permai in Johor Bahru, Dr. Dzulkefly emphasized that the decision is driven by growing public health concerns, particularly the link between vaping and mental health issues. He highlighted cases of drug-induced psychosis resulting from the…

Disposable vaping devices could soon be illegal in Ireland as the Public Health (Single-Use Vapes) Bill 2025 progresses through the Dáil. The legislation, which aims to prohibit the sale of single-use vapes entirely, is currently in its second stage. This move follows the recent introduction of a 50-cent per milliliter tax on e-liquids in November. The Department of Health argues that the low cost, ease of use, and attractive designs of disposable vapes make them particularly appealing to young people, contributing to the normalization of nicotine use. Environmental concerns regarding the waste generated by these single-use products are also a…