Read articles from Europe

February 29, 2024 by theguardian.com

Germany has legalized growing and holding limited amounts of cannabis for personal use, becoming one of the few countries to do so. Individuals can now cultivate up to three plants and possess up to 50g at home and 25g in public. The law aims to tackle the black market and protect young people, despite opposition concerns about increased drug use. The change, effective April 1, includes regulations on cannabis clubs and restrictions near educational institutions. This move makes Germany the third EU country to legalize cannabis, with implications for medicinal use globally and close monitoring of its impact expected.

February 29, 2024 by euronews.com

Vaping, while not without risks, is deemed less harmful than smoking by the UK's NHS. However, many smokers mistakenly believe vaping is as harmful or worse than smoking, potentially deterring them from switching to e-cigarettes. Research shows a concerning trend where misconceptions of vaping being as harmful as smoking are increasing among the public, possibly influenced by past incidents in the US. The NHS advises that vaping is significantly safer than smoking and is recommended for adults trying to quit. Concerns also arise about the appeal of vaping to young people, prompting the UK to ban certain vape products due to their popularity among youths.

February 29, 2024 by bbc.com

Fewer smokers in England now see vaping as less harmful than cigarettes, despite evidence tobacco is far worse for health and e-cigarettes can help smokers quit, data suggests. Perceptions are shifting, according to survey responses from more than 28,000 current smokers between 2014 and 2023. The latest round of results found 57% thought vaping just as harmful as smoking or more so. Ideally, people should neither vape nor smoke, the NHS says.

February 28, 2024 by capx.co

Jeremy Hunt is reportedly planning to introduce a tax on vape fluid. Critics argue this punishes consumers for not smoking, contradicting the UK's previous evidence-based vaping policy. Taxing e-cigarettes could lead to an increase in cigarette sales, undermining public health and contradicting the government's anti-smoking efforts. While Hunt aims to discourage smoking by raising tobacco taxes, the illicit tobacco trade is flourishing due to high prices. Public opinion on vaping and tobacco policies could impact future elections. The proposal to tax vapes may further alienate voters.

February 23, 2024 by bbc.com

The sale and supply of single-use vapes in Scotland could be banned by 1 April next year. It follows a UK-wide consultation last year, with the date agreed by the devolved governments and Westminster. The draft legislation - which is open for consultation until 8 March - is being taken forward in Scotland using powers under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. The age limit for buying tobacco would also change under UK government plans.

February 22, 2024 by pouchpatrol.com

Swedish Minister for Public Health highlighted the health risks of cigarettes vs. snus in Parliament, stressing the need to diversify taxation. Defending snus, he addressed maintaining the sale of tobacco-free pouches in the market and emphasized protecting children from nicotine. Pouch Patrol praised the Minister's stance and urged EU Health Ministers to consider Sweden's approach, aiming for a smoke-free nation. The Minister's arguments align with WHO's goal, positioning Sweden as a leader in tobacco control.

February 20, 2024 by express.co.uk

Rishi Sunak's proposal for a single-use vape ban to curb youth vaping has drawn criticism due to the ineffectiveness of similar measures in Australia. The Australian black market for vapes has boomed despite bans, leading to safety concerns. Theo Foukkare highlights the failure of prohibition and advocates for regulated sales to adults. In response, Sunak emphasizes the need to protect children from addiction and health risks. Labour's consideration of a prescription-only policy for vapes, based on Australia's approach, raises concerns about straining the NHS with additional consultations.

February 14, 2024 by vice.com

Take a stroll down London’s Oxford Street and, amongst the American Candy Shops and high-end retailers, you’re bound to find a man attempting to flog a pack of disposable vapes. Sold pretty much anywhere – from local off-licences to barber shops, nightclubs and tanning salons, the list goes on – Britain’s streets have become inundated with these brightly coloured, highly addictive sticks of plastic. It's a big problem, affecting both our health and the environment. According to data from the environmental campaign group Material Focus, approximately five million disposable vapes are discarded each week in the UK.

February 13, 2024 by swissinfo.ch

The Alliance for tobacco advertising ban is concerned about the implementation of a ban on tobacco advertising in Switzerland, which was approved by voters two years ago. They claim that parliament's proposed legislation violates the constitution by allowing exceptions, such as for the sponsorship of music festivals. The organization behind the initiative is putting pressure on parliament to ensure that the ban is implemented as originally intended. They argue that any advertising aimed at young people that could tempt them to consume tobacco should be banned.

February 13, 2024 by standard.co.uk

The public is urged to refrain from purchasing illegal drugs due to the unknown substances they may contain, according to a statement from officials. The Welsh Emerging Drugs and Identification of Novel Substances service (Wedinos) has warned that people buying e-cigarettes laced with Spice may have thought they contained cannabis oils or liquids.