Author: moonswamp
The Tennessee Senate is set to consider a bill that would establish a statewide database for vaping products and sales, potentially generating millions of dollars for the state's general fund. Senate Bill 763, sponsored by Sen. Ken Yager (R-Kingston), aims to regulate the vaping industry by requiring stores to register with the state and imposing taxes on various vapor products. Under the proposed legislation, retailers would be prohibited from selling products that are not registered in the database. Civil penalties for non-compliance range from $500 to $1,500 for retailers and up to $10,000 for manufacturers selling noncompliant products. The bill…
The Russian government has moved forward with a complete ban on online advertising for cigarettes and vapes, reinforcing its stance against the digital promotion and sale of nicotine products. While online retail sales of tobacco and nicotine-containing products are already prohibited by law, illegal trade persists. To combat this issue, a new bill passed its first reading in the State Duma on March 19, proposing stricter monitoring obligations for social media platforms and websites. Under the proposed legislation, social media companies will be required to detect and remove advertisements for cigarettes and vapes proactively. Additionally, websites found violating the regulations…
The Thai government has intensified its efforts to combat the illegal sale of e-cigarettes by blocking more than 9,500 URLs associated with vape sales and smuggling over the past year, according to the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES). The move is part of a nationwide crackdown aimed at shutting down all online sales channels, including social media accounts and websites used to distribute and promote vapes, said Deputy Government Spokeswoman Sasikarn Wattanachan. Widespread Digital Shutdown on Vape-Related Content Between March 2024 and March 19, 2025, the DES ministry successfully blocked a total of 9,515 URLs involved in vape-related…
South Australia is set to implement a new set of stringent laws aimed at cracking down on the illicit trade of tobacco and vape products. The legislation, currently under debate in the state parliament, will impose the highest fines in the nation for individuals and businesses caught engaging in the illegal sale of these products. Under the new laws, police will be granted broader powers, including the use of detection dogs and metal detectors, as well as reduced restrictions on conducting searches. These measures are intended to create a hostile environment for those attempting to open shops selling illegal tobacco…
The debate surrounding the impact of vaping on respiratory health continues to be a topic of intense interest and ongoing research. As the popularity of e-cigarettes has grown in recent years, so too has the need for a clear understanding of their potential risks and benefits, particularly in comparison to traditional cigarettes. While some studies have raised concerns about the presence of harmful chemicals in e-cigarette aerosol and their potential to affect lung function, others have found no significant short- or medium-term impact on respiratory health, and even suggest potential benefits for those who switch from smoking to vaping. The…
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has proposed a 32% tax on the wholesale price of e-cigarettes and other tobacco products, aiming to improve public health by reducing youth vaping. The proposal has raised concerns among local vape shop owners, who fear the tax could hurt their businesses and drive customers to seek cheaper alternatives online or on the black market. Currently, there is no specific tax on vape products in Michigan, and the proposed tax would make these products more expensive. Governor Whitmer cites the high number of high school students who vape as the reason behind the proposal. Justin Fleeson,…
North Carolina legislators are seeking to increase the legal age for purchasing tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, from 18 to 21. House Bill 430 and Senate Bill 318, both titled "Protect Youth from Harms of Vaping & Nicotine," were filed on Tuesday by Rep. Donnie Loftis (R-Gaston) and Sen. Gale Adcock (D-Wake), respectively. The proposed legislation, dubbed "Solly's Law," also aims to establish a mandatory tobacco retail sales permit for stores selling vapes and tobacco products. The bill is named in memory of Solomon "Solly" Wynn, a North Carolina teenager who died from vaping-related complications. Wynn's story and the issue of…
In recent years, a new form of nicotine consumption has been gaining popularity among young people: oral nicotine pouches. One brand in particular, Zyn, has seen a significant rise in usage due to its discreet nature and variety of flavors. As parents and community members, it's crucial to understand what these products are, the risks they pose, and how to recognize signs of use among youth. What Are Nicotine Pouches? Nicotine pouches, like Zyn, are small, white pouches filled with nicotine powder or salts, along with various additives such as fillers, pH balancers, sweeteners, and flavorings. Users place these pouches…
A bipartisan bill aimed at regulating the vape industry and protecting children in Tennessee has sparked a heated debate among lawmakers and vape retailers. The proposed legislation, which includes a universal carding requirement, a 10% tax on "open system" vape products, and a ban on products without FDA approval, has been met with opposition from some retailers who claim it would force them out of business. Lawmakers Cite Youth Vaping Concerns Sen. Ken Yager (R-Kingston), the bill's Senate sponsor, expressed concern about the youth vaping rate and the safety of products being sold. "A lot of these products being sold…
Oregon lawmakers are considering a bill that would make the state one of a handful in the nation to ban the sale of flavored tobacco products. Senate Bill 702 and its companion, House Bill 3437, have drawn both passionate support and personal objections during a recent public hearing. Proponents Argue Flavors Hook Kids as Young as Elementary School Supporters of the bill argue that flavored tobacco products, which often smell like candy, are addicting children as young as elementary school age and setting them on a path toward early death. They say that despite Oregon's age restrictions on tobacco sales,…