Read articles from Asia

July 25, 2024 by thecable.ng

In the early 2000s, Sweden had and adopted the concepts and ideals behind Tobacco Harm Reduction when it introduced Snus, a smokeless tobacco product that has since become a national phenomenon. Snus is placed under the upper lip and does not require smoking. Its popularity in Sweden has contributed to a significant public health triumph. Today, over 20% of Swedish men (…)

July 25, 2024 by independent.co.uk

Thailand will regulate cannabis for medicinal use instead of re-listing the plant as a narcotic, the deputy prime minister said on Tuesday, in the government's U-turn on its previous policy. Prime minister Srettha Thavisin had vowed to make cannabis illegal by the end of 2024, just two years after Thailand became one of the first countries in Asia to decriminalise marijuana.

July 24, 2024 by planetofthevapes.co.uk

The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) is urging governments across the Asia Pacific region to follow New Zealand's lead and allow the sale of oral nicotine products as part of a comprehensive tobacco harm reduction strategy.

July 18, 2024 by thestar.com.my

Calls for stricter vape laws in Malaysia have increased after vending machines were found selling vape products easily accessible by youth. Concerns about addiction among teenagers have prompted demands for online vape sales to be banned. Suggestions include registering vape retailers, regular inspections, and public awareness campaigns on the dangers of smoking and vaping. The proposed Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 aims to regulate vape products. The Malaysian Organization of Vape Entity emphasizes the need for clear regulations to prevent minors from vaping. The Health Ministry is reviewing regulations to ban electronic cigarettes and vape product sales, including through vending machines.

July 12, 2024 by travelandleisureasia.com

Hong Kong is planning to propose stricter tobacco laws and implement control measures to reduce smoking. The Health Bureau intends to impose 10 short-term control measures to create a “tobacco-free Hong Kong.” This includes the total ban on “alternative smoking products,” the government’s term for e-cigarettes or vapes. In recent years, new laws have prohibited the sale of e-cigarettes “for commercial purposes” and smoking products to minors. The Health Bureau’s suggested control measures will further extend these existing laws and propose new ones. Keep reading to find out the full control measures.

July 05, 2024 by observerbd.com

Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) is crucial for aiding smokers in countries with limited cessation resources like Bangladesh. Misconceptions about nicotine and harm reduction hinder progress. Scientific evidence supports THR's effectiveness and lower risk compared to smoking. Harsh regulations, as seen in India, lead to black markets and public health risks. Integrating THR into national strategies involves education, regulatory balance, and prioritizing scientific evidence. Countries like the UK and Sweden show success with THR. Embracing THR can reduce smoking-related harm and assist smokers in quitting, emphasizing the difference between nicotine and combustion-related harms.

June 27, 2024 by daryo.uz

Kyrgyzstan has approved a bill banning e-cigarettes to combat health concerns. The fines for violations include: a reduced fine of $115 for personal use, $692 for corporations, $576.74 for selling, and $1,730 to $2,307 for importing. Lawmakers emphasized balancing deterrence and fairness, reducing fines for personal use.

June 25, 2024 by filtermag.org

New regulations in the Philippines mandate all vaping products to be registered with the Department of Trade and Industry. These laws aim to provide safer alternatives to smoking, with around 1.6 million vapers in the country. However, concerns arise regarding potential restrictions on access and increased taxation, potentially leading vapers back to smoking. Advocates, like Clarisse Virgino and Anton Israel, acknowledge the benefits of regulation but worry about enforcement and affordability. While the Philippines leads in vape regulation in Asia, uncertainties remain about the future accessibility and choice for consumers.

June 25, 2024 by wired.com

A smoke shop in Tennessee introduced a new disposable nicotine vape with an LCD display and Bluetooth connectivity named RAMA. This vape, resembling an early 2000s cell phone, allows customization, puff tracking, and location monitoring. The sophisticated disposable vape trend, including smart vapes, has grown in the US, originating from China and surpassing legal boundaries. The US-China vape market accounts for a large share due to innovative and potent products. As competition escalated, Chinese manufacturers focused on design, affordability, and increased nicotine levels. Concerns arise over the environmental impact and appeal of these vapes to youth, sparking regulatory worries.

June 20, 2024 by freemalaysiatoday.com

Vape retailers have expressed concern over the government’s yet-to-be-implemented move to ban vape displays and introduce “standard” packaging for the products, saying it will deal a heavy blow to their business. The measure would follow the gazettement of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2023 in February, which requires that both tobacco and vape products be sold in plain or standardised packaging.