Author: Nick Schager

New Zealand has enacted significant new vaping regulations this month, including a nationwide ban on the manufacturing, sale, supply, and distribution of disposable vapes. Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced that these changes, part of the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Amendment Bill passed last December, are now in effect. The new rules also introduce strict retail visibility restrictions for all vaping products. Specialist vape stores must alter their appearance, while general retailers like dairies, supermarkets, and petrol stations are now required to keep all vaping products completely out of public sight. Online stores are prohibited from displaying images of…

The Spanish government is moving forward with a new anti-tobacco reform that will significantly expand its list of smoke-free public places, with the new rules applying equally to both traditional cigarettes and vapes. Health Minister Mónica García confirmed that the ban will extend to numerous outdoor areas to protect public health. The expanded list of prohibited locations will include bar and restaurant terraces, university campuses, school courtyards, public swimming pools, sports facilities, bus stops, outdoor parties, and company cars. García stated that by equating e-cigarettes with regular cigarettes, authorities are closing a legal loophole that tobacco companies have used to…

A legislative package proposing a complete ban on the sale of vapes and electronic cigarettes in Russia, along with hefty administrative fines for violations, is being submitted to the State Duma today. The initiative aims to amend Article 14.53 of the Code of Administrative Offenses. Proposed fines for the illegal sale of nicotine consumption devices range from 20,000-50,000 rubles for individuals to as much as 1 million rubles for legal entities. Penalties for selling these products to minors would be even more severe, potentially reaching up to 2 million rubles for companies. This move comes as an estimated 4 million…

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 U.S. soldiers are ten times more likely to use nicotine pouches than the average American adult. These highly addictive pouches have been linked to serious health concerns, including cardiovascular risks, lung and stomach problems, gum ulcers, oral health issues, and nicotine's potential to promote cancer growth. The study, published in the scientific journal JAMA Network Open, analyzed anonymous responses from 1,957 soldiers surveyed at Fort Liberty, the largest U.S. military base, in 2022 and 2023.…

Texas Tech Physicians specialists have shared valuable insights on the dangers of smoking, vaping, and dipping, as well as tips for overcoming these addictions. According to Sara Tello, a nurse practitioner specializing in treating tobacco dependency, a comprehensive treatment plan and compassionate support can significantly improve success rates for those trying to quit. The Importance of a Personalized Approach Tello emphasizes the need for a personalized approach when helping individuals quit tobacco products. Rather than setting strict "quit dates" or making people feel stressed, she focuses on finding the right strategy for each person. "It's a process," Tello explains, adding…

A recent study, co-led by a researcher from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, sought to identify the most effective strategies to help people quit vaping. The results, published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, suggest that varenicline, a prescription medication often used to help people quit smoking, and SMS interventions may aid individuals in their efforts to stop vaping. Growing Demand for Vaping Cessation Support "This is an area of research that is in its infancy but is growing rapidly and organically due to people who vape asking for help to stop," said lead author Jamie Hartmann-Boyce, a Senior…

In a groundbreaking study, researchers have discovered the remarkable ability of the human body, particularly the heart and immune system, to recover after quitting smoking. The findings offer hope and motivation for smokers looking to break free from the deadly habit. Smoking's Devastating Impact As the leading preventable cause of cancer, smoking cigarettes wreaks havoc on nearly every system of the body. Tobacco smoke damages blood vessels, the respiratory tract, bones, teeth, gums, and more. It can even impair sexual function and fertility. The study, led by Violaine Saint-André, found that smoking leaves lasting effects on the immune system, with…

Vietnam has introduced new regulations that impose fines for vaping, as part of a broader effort to curb the growing use of electronic cigarettes and protect public health. The new rules, which came into effect at the beginning of the year, prohibit the possession, sale, and use of e-cigarettes and nicotine liquids in the country. Anyone caught using e-cigarettes in Vietnam now faces fines of up to 2 million dong (approximately $80). The penalties for importing, trading, transporting, or producing these devices are even more severe, with offenders risking imprisonment for up to 15 years. These regulations apply to tourists…

As a former smoker, I can attest to the fact that smoking is one of the most destructive habits you can adopt. Not only does it drain your wallet and diminish your appearance, but it can also significantly reduce your life expectancy. While this information is not new to most people, thanks to successful anti-smoking campaigns that have persuaded millions to quit, a perplexing trend has emerged among Gen Z, who have begun smoking cigars and pipes. Alarming Spike in Cigar and Pipe Smoking According to data collected by University College London and funded by Cancer Research UK, the number…

Netherlands Leads Initiative to Address Challenges Faced by Member States Sixteen EU countries, led by the Netherlands, have asked the European Commission to propose a new law in the coming months on taxing tobacco in the bloc, including new products such as electronic cigarettes (vapes), which are not covered under the existing legislation. The initiative has the support of Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Latvia, Slovakia, Spain, Belgium, Bulgaria, Ireland, Slovenia, and Portugal. In a joint letter seen by Reuters, finance ministers from these countries argue that an update to the bloc's 2011 EU tobacco taxation…