Author: Nick Schager

The East Java branch of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI Jatim) has issued Fatwa No. 1 of 2026, declaring the abuse of e-cigarettes for drug consumption religiously forbidden. This religious ruling has gained support from Indonesian vape retail and consumer advocacy groups, who view it as a step toward stopping drug syndicates from exploiting vapor technology. While supporting the fatwa, industry representatives stress the need to separate legitimate commercial operations from criminal activities. Fachmi Kurnia, Chairman of the Indonesian Vape Retail Association (ARVINDO), agreed with the religious ruling on narcotics but urged the public and regulators to protect law-abiding businesses…

The Australian Labor government has announced that the national daily smoking rate has dropped to a historic low. According to a press release from Health Minister Mark Butler’s office, daily smoking among Australians aged 18 and over fell to 5.8% in 2025, down from previous years and well below the government's 10% target. When including those aged 14 and older, the daily smoking rate sits at 5.6%, down from 8.3% in the 2022–2023 period. The government's figures, drawn from the 2025 National Drug Strategy Household Survey by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, also suggest that overall nicotine use…

Public health experts warn that conflating heated tobacco products (HTPs) and e-cigarettes under the generic term "vape" is hindering effective tobacco harm reduction policies. This conceptual blur occurs as global markets shift toward smoke-free alternatives, complicating risk communication for millions of consumers. Tobacco combustion is the primary driver of smoking-related illnesses. Burning a cigarette releases over 6,000 chemicals, including at least 100 harmful or potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs). While nicotine is addictive, scientists agree it is not the primary cause of smoking-related diseases. HTPs and e-cigarettes operate on different mechanisms: Eliminating combustion reduces chemical exposure. Gizelle Baker, VP of Global…

New regulations under Law 2354 of 2024 penalize indoor vaping for both users and business owners in Colombia.

The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) and medical experts have renewed their push for an absolute ban on electronic cigarettes, citing severe health risks and rising youth usage. This campaign follows the country's first recorded death linked to e-cigarette or vape-associated lung injury (EVALI). While vaping remains legal under current regulations, the DOH is urging the public to avoid both vapes and traditional cigarettes. Health officials note that eight Southeast Asian neighbors have already prohibited the import, sale, and use of these devices to protect public health. Region/CountryVaping Policy StatusPhilippinesRegulated under RA 11900; total ban currently proposed by DOHSingapore, Thailand,…

The Alaska Legislature has approved Senate Bill 24, marking the state’s first-ever tax on electronic cigarettes and vapor products. Passed in the final days of the legislative session, the bill represents a major victory for retiring Senate President Gary Stevens in his multi-year campaign to protect Alaskan youth from nicotine addiction. Supporters argue that price-sensitive youth will be deterred by the new 25% retail tax and the strict purchase age limit of 21. Representative Sara Hannan noted during floor debates that delaying nicotine introduction significantly reduces the severity of lifelong addiction. Additionally, the bill lowers the maximum fine for minors…

The French Ministry of Health has enacted a sweeping ban on nicotine pouches, targeting the popular smokeless trend that has rapidly captured youth markets across the United States and Europe. Effective immediately as of last April, the new regulation criminalizes the purchase, possession, and sale of these products, making France the first European nation to penalize personal use so aggressively. Nicotine pouches, popularized by brands like Zyn, are placed between the lip and gum to deliver flavored nicotine directly into the bloodstream without smoke. Despite being marketed as a lifestyle alternative to smoking, health experts warn of severe physical risks,…

The OFDT's EnCLASS 2024 survey reveals e-cigarettes are replacing traditional tobacco as the primary nicotine product for French teens.

Act 57 of 2025 is now in effect, requiring all manufacturers of nicotine-containing e-cigarettes sold in Pennsylvania to obtain official certification from the state's Attorney General’s office. The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office has confirmed that Act 57 of 2025 is now actively enforced, requiring all vape and e-cigarette manufacturers to be officially certified to sell nicotine products in the state. This legislative move aims to protect consumers from unregulated products, directly resulting in the creation of a mandatory public directory by June 20. To secure a spot on the upcoming directory, manufacturers must prove their e-cigarettes either hold FDA approval…

Indonesia's National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has firmly proposed a total ban on e-cigarette distribution after discovering narcotics in vape liquids. This move, announced by Commissioner General Suyudi Ario Seto, aims to curb the misuse of vaping as a vehicle for drug consumption and aligns with actions taken by other ASEAN nations. Alarming Discoveries in Vape Liquids The discourse on banning vaping in Indonesia has intensified following a shocking revelation by the National Narcotics Agency (BNN). Laboratory tests conducted on 341 vape liquid samples yielded alarming results, indicating a severe misuse of e-cigarettes for illicit drug consumption. The findings, presented by Commissioner General Suyudi Ario…