Author: moonswamp

The Malaysian state of Kedah will phase out the sale of electronic cigarettes (vapes) by not renewing existing business licenses, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor announced. The decision stems from concerns that vape devices are being misused for consuming synthetic drugs. Gradual Ban Planned to Avoid Legal Issues, Full Prohibition by Next Year Muhammad Sanusi stated that discussions at the state-level Drug Eradication Action Council highlighted the exploitation of vapes for inhaling liquid synthetic drugs. "Preventing vape sales is one way to curb drug abuse," he said. However, he noted that an immediate, complete ban is not…

National Prevalence Projected Below 5% by 2035, But Older Adults Lag Cigarette smoking in the United States is declining at a historically rapid pace, largely thanks to young adults abandoning the habit, according to new research from the University of California San Diego. The study projects that if current trends continue, the national smoking rate could fall below 5% by 2035, potentially signaling the end of the smoking epidemic within a generation. Analyzing data from 1.77 million respondents to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey (Tobacco Use Supplements), researchers documented a dramatic drop from nearly 57% of U.S. adults…

Measures Restrict Sales Locations, Target Youth Access, Await Governor's Signature The Alabama Legislature passed two significant bills on Tuesday aimed at regulating the sale of vaping products and consumable hemp/THC items. Both bills now head to Governor Kay Ivey for her signature. One bill, sponsored by Rep. Andy Whitt (R-Harvest), grants the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board authority over consumable hemp products (like Delta-8). It removes these items from convenience and grocery stores, limiting their sale to adult-only (21+) establishments like liquor stores or dedicated CBD/hemp shops. Rep. Whitt cited easy access, like THC slushies at gas stations, as…

Health Advocates Launch "Denver Kids vs. Big Tobacco" Campaign to Defend Ordinance Against Repeal Effort The battle over flavored tobacco and nicotine products in Denver is heating up, destined for a direct decision by voters this November. A coalition led by Children’s Hospital Colorado and public health advocates has launched a campaign committee, dubbed "Denver Kids vs Big Tobacco," urging residents to vote "yes" to uphold a city ordinance banning the sale of most flavored products, including those used in vapes. This campaign directly counters an initiative successfully placed on the ballot by local vape shop owners and allied groups…

City Law Complements National Sales Ban, Targets Vaping in Collective Spaces & by Minors The city of Limeira, in São Paulo state, has become the first municipality in Brazil to enact a specific law prohibiting the use of electronic cigarettes (vapes) in public spaces and places of collective use. This pioneering local legislation, recently sanctioned and set to take effect within 30 days, marks a significant step in Brazil's efforts to regulate vaping, particularly amid rising concerns about youth uptake and public health risks. Authored by councilman Nilton César dos Santos, the law introduces strict limitations on where vaping is…

Researchers Urge Awareness and Regulation Amid Surging Popularity Fueled by Social Media A concerning new trend is emerging among American youth: the use of oral nicotine pouches has nearly doubled among high school students between 2023 and 2024. This sharp increase, revealed in a significant new study by researchers at the University of Southern California (USC), published in JAMA Network Open, raises alarms among public health officials about a rapidly growing trend among adolescents. Analyzing survey data from over 10,000 10th and 12th graders participating in the nationally representative Monitoring the Future survey, the researchers found that the percentage of teens reporting ever having used…

Proposed Bill Includes Public Vape Ban, Phased Flavor Restrictions Hong Kong is moving forward with stricter tobacco control measures, including a ban on public vaping and restrictions on flavored cigarettes, with officials expressing confidence that the new rules will not negatively impact the city's tourism sector. Dr. David Lam, a legislator and doctor, emphasized that similar public health measures are common in major global cities. "If we want to be known globally, is it better to be called a smoking city or a health-conscious city? I think being a healthy city is much better," Lam stated, dismissing concerns about tourism…

Uzbekistan's Senate has approved a new law establishing a ban on the circulation of certain tobacco and nicotine products, specifically targeting electronic cigarettes, liquids, and tobacco heating systems. The law aims to combat the growing illegal trade and use of these products, particularly among youth. Amendments to the Criminal Code and Code of Administrative Liability introduce penalties for the illegal production, storage, sale, import, or export of these banned items. However, the legislation includes a provision allowing for potential exemption from liability for individuals who voluntarily report offenses and surrender the prohibited products. Senators stated the law prioritizes protecting citizens'…

Louisiana lawmakers are considering a significant change to the state's taxation of vapor products, which could lead to higher prices for consumers and increased revenue for public services. House Bill 517, sponsored by Rep. Ken Brass (D-Vacherie), proposes a shift from the current flat rate of 15 cents per milliliter of nicotine liquid to a 33% tax on the invoice price of these products. Brass presented the bill to the House Ways and Means Committee as a health initiative aimed at curbing youth vaping while also raising funds for state programs, including public safety. The committee narrowly passed the bill…

Mississippi is gearing up to enforce new regulations on vape products, with the signing of House Bill 916 into law by the Governor. The law, set to take effect later this year, is expected to significantly reduce the number of vape products that can be legally sold in the state. Starting October 1st, the Commissioner of Revenue will provide a directory of authorized products, and retailers will have a 60-day window to sell or remove any unauthorized items from their inventory. Vape Plus District Manager Alan Fortin expresses concern over the impact on their business, estimating that over 50% of…