Author: moonswamp

New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit against 13 e-cigarette manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, including convenience stores, for their role in creating a "youth vaping epidemic." The legal action seeks hundreds of millions of dollars in damages, including financial penalties for wide-ranging violations of local, state, and federal laws. The companies named in the lawsuit include Puff Bar, MYLE Vape, Pod Juice, Mi-One Brands, Happy Distro, Demand Vape, EVO Brands, PVG2, Magellan Technology, Midwest Goods, Safa Goods, and Price Point Distributors, as well as Price Point principals Weis Khwaja, Hamza Jalili, and Mohammad Jalili. These companies are…

The UK government has announced a groundbreaking 10-year study to examine the long-term effects of vaping on children and teenagers aged 8 to 18. With a budget of £62 million, this ambitious research aims to address growing concerns about the rise in youth vaping and its potential health implications. Rising Concerns Over Youth Vaping Recent data reveals a sharp increase in vaping among minors, with nearly 25% of 11- to 15-year-olds experimenting with e-cigarettes. This trend has prompted the government to take decisive action, including a ban on disposable vapes by June 2024 and the introduction of the Tobacco and…

The French Parliament voted decisively on Thursday to ban disposable e-cigarettes, becoming the second EU nation after Belgium to implement such restrictions. The Senate's final approval of the bill targets popular "puff" devices known for their fruit flavors, high nicotine content, and lithium battery waste. Key Stat: Disposable vapes account for 68% of nicotine initiation among French teens, according to Santé Publique France data. Three-Pronged Rationale for Ban 1. Youth Protection 2. Environmental Impact 3. EU Compliance Implementation Timeline Lawmaker Francesca Pasquini confirmed: Industry Response Vape trade associations warn the ban could:→ Increase black market activity (currently 12% of sales)→ Remove 2,800 jobs…

A comprehensive review of 123 studies involving 4 million participants under 29 found no definitive evidence that vaping leads to cigarette smoking among youth. Published in the journal Addiction, the research challenges the widely debated “gateway theory” and highlights the complexity of understanding vaping’s impact on smoking behaviors. “Some evidence suggests vaping may contribute to declining youth smoking rates, particularly in the U.S.,” said Jamie Hartmann-Boyce, senior author and assistant professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. “But the data is open to multiple interpretations, and we need more studies to establish causal links.” The Gateway vs. Diversion Debate Public health…

Hong Kong is set to implement a strict ban on the possession and use of e-cigarettes in public spaces by mid-2026, as announced by Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau. This move is part of the city's broader anti-tobacco policies and follows the 2022 ban on the import, manufacture, and sale of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. The new regulation is expected to have significant implications for the travel and tourism industry, as visitors will need to comply with the rules to avoid penalties. Phased Implementation to Ensure Compliance Despite the 2022 restrictions, vaping remains common in Hong Kong, particularly among…

Vietnam has joined the Maldives in banning the import and use of vapes and e-cigarettes starting January 2025. But which other popular tourist destinations have similar restrictions? Here’s a breakdown of where vaping is prohibited and where it’s allowed. Vietnam and the Maldives: Strict Vape Bans Starting January 1, 2025, Vietnam will enforce a nationwide ban on the import, production, sale, and use of e-cigarettes and vapes. Penalties include fines of up to 2 million Vietnamese dong (approximately $80 USD) for personal use and up to 3 billion dong (over $120,000 USD) or 15 years in prison for commercial activities.…

South Australia has taken a groundbreaking step by becoming the first Australian state to ban the sale of nicotine pouches. These small sachets, which contain alarmingly high levels of nicotine, are placed between the gums and lip for a rapid nicotine hit. Often marketed with appealing flavors, critics argue they mirror the tactics used by illegal vapes to target young users. High Nicotine Content Raises Concerns A single nicotine pouch can contain up to 120 milligrams of nicotine, far exceeding the 6 to 20 milligrams found in a traditional cigarette. This high concentration has sparked fears of addiction and health…

Illinois has implemented new vaping laws that took effect on January 1, 2023, banning electronic cigarettes in public places and regulating online purchases. However, these measures have drawn criticism from the Consumer Choice Center, an independent, nonpartisan consumer advocacy group based in Washington, D.C. Senate Bill 3098: Restricting Online Sales Illinois Senate Bill 3098, signed into law on August 9, 2022, prohibits the shipping of e-cigarettes purchased by mail, online, or through other remote sale methods to anyone in the state other than distributors or retailers. The legislation aims to protect youth from the dangers of vaping, as State Sen.…

Rhode Island's ban on the sale and possession with intent to sell flavored vape products officially took effect on New Year's Day, joining a list of new laws across Southern New England starting in 2025. The controversial legislation has drawn criticism from vape store owners who argue that it will harm their businesses, while state leaders maintain that e-cigarettes pose significant health risks, particularly for children. In addition to the flavored vape ban, Rhode Island has also implemented new taxes on vaping products. Single-use vape products will now be subject to a 50-cent per milliliter tax on e-liquid, while refillable…

Democratic lawmakers in Washington have launched a new effort to ban flavored tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes (vapes), menthol cigarettes, and nicotine pouches like Zyn. The proposed legislation, House Bill 1203, also targets "entertainment vapor products" that incorporate video games or music. State Rep. Kristine Reeves (D-Federal Way) filed the bill in the House on Wednesday, with State Sen. T'wina Nobles (D-University Place) set to sponsor the Senate version. The ban, if passed, would take effect on January 1, 2026. Advocates Cite Concerns Over Youth Vaping Epidemic Supporters of the ban, including Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal, argue that…