Author: moonswamp

Mexico has taken a significant step towards protecting public health by introducing a groundbreaking constitutional reform that bans the production, distribution, and sale of e-cigarettes (vaping devices), chemical precursors, and the illicit use of fentanyl. The amendment, which modifies Articles 4 and 5 of the Political Constitution of the United Mexican States, has received the green light from the Permanent Commission of the Congress of the Union after gaining support from 22 state congresses. Reform Tackles Respiratory Risks and Synthetic Drug Production The reform, which now awaits publication in the Official Gazette of the Federation to come into force, explicitly…

A recent study conducted by researchers from UVA Cancer Center, Fort Liberty Department of Public Health, and UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center has found that American soldiers are 10 times more likely to use nicotine pouches compared to the average American adult. The survey, which analyzed anonymous responses from 1,957 soldiers at Fort Liberty, the largest American military base, revealed that 23.8% of participants reported using nicotine pouches in the previous 30 days. Nicotine Pouch Use on the Rise The study, conducted in 2022 and 2023, showed an increase in nicotine pouch popularity among soldiers, with usage rates rising from…

The State of Iowa has agreed to postpone the enforcement of a new law restricting the sale of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), also known as e-cigarettes and vaping products, following a lawsuit filed by several vape companies. The law, set to take effect next month, requires that all vaping products sold in Iowa have either received marketing authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or have a pending application for authorization filed by September 2020. In December, a group of six vape companies, including Alternatives to Smoking & Tobacco Inc. and Global Source Distribution, sued the state in…

A recent study conducted by the University of Edinburgh has revealed that vapes are four times more profitable for convenience stores compared to tobacco products. The research, which analyzed data from September 2022, found that convenience stores make an average profit of 37.1% for vape products, while tobacco products yield a mere 8.5% profit. Nine-Fold Increase in Vape Sales The study also highlighted a significant surge in vape sales over the past three years. The average weekly number of transactions per store that included vapes skyrocketed from 10 in 2019 to 93 in 2022, marking a nine-fold increase. Researchers noted…

San Antonio has officially banned vaping in all public spaces, requiring patrons to take their e-cigarettes outside of restaurants, bars, and other establishments. The City Council unanimously approved the prohibition in October, and it took effect on Wednesday, bringing the city's smoking ordinance up to date with the increasing popularity of electronic cigarettes. Smoking and Vaping Restrictions Expand While smoking in all enclosed public spaces has been illegal in San Antonio since 2010, and the city banned all tobacco usage, including vaping, from parks, plazas, and public squares in 2019, vaping remained technically allowed indoors until now. The city's previous…

Uzbekistan has decided to completely ban electronic cigarettes, with the corresponding law passed in the first reading by the Legislative (lower) Chamber of the Uzbek Parliament on January 7, according to the parliament's press service. The ban encompasses not only the sale of e-cigarettes, vapes, and other similar devices but also their use and even transportation through the country. The parliament stated that the adoption of this document would serve to promote a healthy lifestyle among the population, especially among young people.

The New Zealand government will begin providing free vaping starter kits to adult smokers who want to quit smoking. Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced on Tuesday that Stop Smoking Services across the country will receive the kits starting next week, with a focus on helping those who have previously tried other cessation methods without success. Costello emphasized the significant role vaping has played in reducing smoking rates in New Zealand, stating, "The government supports adults switching to vaping because vaping is far less harmful than smoking cigarettes." She also noted that individuals who use quit smoking services are four…

A federal judge has granted a temporary restraining order against the State of Utah, delaying the implementation of restrictions on flavored e-cigarettes that were set to take effect on January 1, 2025. The order, issued by Judge David Barlow on Monday, December 30, 2024, comes in response to a complaint filed by the Utah Vapor Business Association against the state and other entities. The restrictions, outlined in Senate Bill 61 "Electronic Cigarette Amendments," were introduced in the 2024 legislative session and signed by Governor Spencer Cox in March. The bill aimed to outlaw the sale of flavored vape products, including…

The Maldivian government has enforced a nationwide ban on the use and sale of vaping devices, effective December 15, 2022. The move follows amendments to the Tobacco Control Act, signed into law by President Mohamed Muizzu on November 13, which aim to reduce nicotine addiction among the youth and discourage the use of e-cigarettes. Under the new regulations, the sale, free distribution, and use of e-cigarettes and vaping devices have become illegal. Anyone or any organization importing vaping devices into the Maldives after the ban takes effect will face a fine of 50,000 Maldivian rufiyaa (approximately $3,250). Experts Laud the…

Belgium has become the first European Union (EU) country to ban the sale of disposable e-cigarettes, effective January 1, 2024. This ban is part of Belgium's national anti-tobacco plan, which aims to protect young people's health and reduce the environmental impact of these devices. EU's Goal of a Tobacco-Free Generation The European Union has set a goal to achieve a tobacco-free generation by 2040, reducing the 27-country bloc's smoking population from around 25% currently to less than 5%. Some EU countries plan to bring that deadline forward, with France also obtaining EU acceptance for a similar ban on disposable e-cigarettes.…