Author: Nick Schager

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…

The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on Monday in a case that pits the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) against the vaping industry. The case centers on the agency's efforts to regulate e-cigarettes and curb the use of nicotine products among minors. Vaping, which involves inhaling an aerosol mist from an electronic cigarette or similar device, has become increasingly popular among middle- and high-school students. In 2023, over 2.1 million youth, including 10% of high schoolers, reported e-cigarette use, with 26.3% of those students using an e-cigarette product daily. FDA Charged with Preventing Nicotine Addiction in Minors…

As the UK prepares for a nationwide ban on disposable vapes set to take effect in June 2025, Worcestershire County Council reminds residents of the importance of safe and environmentally-friendly vape disposal. With 5 million vapes discarded weekly across the UK, many end up in landfills where they leak hazardous chemicals, posing significant environmental risks. Lithium batteries and other chemicals found in vapes can lead to fires in waste collection vehicles and recycling centres, making proper disposal critical. Disposable vapes should never be placed in black or green bins, as they require specialist recycling. Dedicated Vape Recycling Points Available at…

A new study led by UCL researchers and funded by Cancer Research UK has found that approximately one in five people who have stopped smoking for more than a year in England currently vape, equivalent to 2.2 million individuals. The study, published in the journal BMC Medicine, analyzed survey data collected between October 2013 and May 2024 from 54,251 adults (aged 18 and over) in England who reported having stopped smoking or tried to quit. The increased prevalence of vaping among ex-smokers was largely driven by the growing use of e-cigarettes in attempts to quit smoking. However, the researchers also…

Wrexham Trading Standards Officers have seized a large quantity of illegal tobacco products and vapes with a street value exceeding £85,000 as part of their ongoing efforts to crack down on the illicit trade. The officers worked closely with "Op CeCe," the Wales Tobacco Disruption Team, and "Op Blackspear," which focuses on tackling the illegal vape supply. The operation comes in response to a growing number of retailers selling illegal tobacco products and, more recently, illegal vapes. Despite Trading Standards Officers' efforts to engage with retailers and ensure compliance with legal requirements, thousands of tobacco products and illegal vapes have…

The sale of flavored vapes and e-cigarettes has been prohibited in New York State since 2020, when both state and federal laws were enacted to address the growing problem of adolescent nicotine addiction. However, the ban has not effectively stopped retailers from continuing to sell these products, making them readily available to young customers. A recent poll conducted by the New York Post revealed that 53% of New York State residents were unaware of the ban on flavored e-cigarettes and vapes. This lack of awareness has allowed vape shops across the state to continue purchasing flavored nicotine inventory from distributors…

The British government has announced that the sale of single-use vapes will be banned in England starting from June 2025. The decision comes as part of an effort to crack down on the environmental harm caused by these products and the increasing usage levels among children. According to the government, vaping has experienced rapid growth in Britain over the past decade, with nearly one in ten people now purchasing and using these products. While supporters argue that vapes can help individuals quit smoking, health authorities have expressed concerns that the colorful designs and fruity flavors of these products are intended…

New Jersey lawmakers have taken steps to address the growing problem of youth vaping by advancing several measures aimed at cracking down on retailers who violate the state's ban on flavored vape products and sell tobacco to underage customers. Despite existing laws that prohibit the sale of flavored vape products and restrict tobacco sales to individuals 21 and older, enforcement has been a challenge, leading to a surge in vaping among teens and pre-teens. The Assembly Health Committee has given the green light to two bills designed to tighten regulations on vape and tobacco retailers. The first measure would mandate…

A group of Massachusetts lawmakers has introduced a controversial proposal that would make the state the first in the nation to implement a "generational tobacco ban." The legislation, set to be filed next year, would gradually phase out the sale of nicotine and tobacco products by prohibiting their purchase for anyone born on or after a specific date, likely January 1, 2003. The move comes as several Massachusetts municipalities, including Brookline, Malden, Melrose, Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield, and Winchester, have already adopted similar measures. Brookline, the first town in the country to enact such a ban in 2020, blocks the sale…

Elf Bar has become a household name in the world of disposable vapes, offering a range of devices that cater to various vaping preferences. Two of their most popular devices, the Elf Bar BC5000 and the Elf Bar BC5000 Ultra, share similar features such as a 5000-puff capacity, 13ml e-liquid capacity, and a 5% (50mg) nicotine strength. However, there are some key differences that set these devices apart. In this comprehensive comparison, we'll delve into the design, performance, battery life, user experience, and price differences between the Elf Bar BC5000 and the BC5000 Ultra, helping you make an informed decision…