Stories

Cambodia has imposed a ban on e-cigarettes and shisha pipes, citing concerns over their high nicotine content and their influence on youth smoking. The National Authority for Combating Drugs (NACD) has directed authorities to halt the import, sale, and use of these products nationwide. Although e-cigarettes and shisha are not classified as drugs, the NACD stated that their nicotine levels pose a greater health risk than traditional cigarettes.

A jury trial began on Monday for a lawsuit the State of Alaska filed against JUUL Labs, Inc. and the Altria Group, Inc. for what the state is calling those company’s roles in causing an increased use of e-cigarettes by youth.

The government has announced plans to make it illegal to smoke in children's playgrounds and outside schools and hospitals in England, with some places also becoming vape-free. In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, it is already an offence to smoke on NHS hospital grounds.

Harm reduction can always be practiced, regardless of whether you have government approval and specially designed products. I know this is true because I live in a place without either, yet I do it every day.

The tobacco harm reduction situation in France has moved from shock to horror, as the local government has announced a ban on nicotine pouches (NPs), the same products which in other countries, such as Sweden, have contributed to record-low smoking rates.

Spain's health minister recently announced a ban on disposables and flavours and advocates fear a previous proposal to ban sales online and in vape shops may also come back into play. World Vapers Alliance's Alberto Gómez Hernández gives Joanna Junak the lowdown on the proposals, explaining why advocates think it will be disastrous for public health.

The Finnish government has announced plans to gradually increase tobacco taxes six times over the next few years, ultimately raising the price of a pack of cigarettes to over 13 euros. The first tax hike took effect on Friday, with further increases planned twice a year until July 2027, totaling a 27.1% rise. The government expects to generate about 100 million euros from these increases, which will apply to cigarettes, loose tobacco, pipe tobacco, cigars, and cigarillos, but not to nicotine pouches or e-cigarette liquids. Tobacco companies may stockpile products in advance, so the price impact might be delayed until existing stock is sold.

Vaping among Michigan youth is a significant issue, with 13.7% of high school students currently using e-cigarettes. Many start at a young age, with 55.6% trying it before age 13. Vapes come in various forms and flavors, making them appealing and easy to conceal. Vaping can harm youth by affecting brain development, mental health, respiratory health, cardiovascular health, and causing nicotine addiction. Access to vapes is easy for youth, with most obtaining them from friends or family. Michigan State University Extension is working on vaping prevention through education initiatives. The CDC offers resources for parents, guardians, and youth to learn more about e-cigarettes.

The FDA issued warning letters to nine online retailers and one manufacturer for selling unauthorized disposable e-cigarettes resembling smart technology. The products target youth with features like gaming and smartphone connectivity. The agency warns that such products are illegal and aimed at children. Additionally, the FDA emphasized the appeal to youth due to designs concealing the products' nature as tobacco items. Firms violated the law by marketing these products without FDA authorization. The FDA has issued many warning letters to firms and retailers and filed complaints against manufacturers and sellers of unauthorized tobacco products.

Despite extensive research showing vaping as less harmful and effective in quitting smoking, the Singaporean Ministry of Health maintains outdated anti-vaping arguments from 2013. The Ministry questions the effectiveness of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation, despite evidence supporting their success. Recent studies have debunked claims of vaping as a gateway to smoking, showing youth smoking rates decreasing as vaping rises. With over a decade of evidence supporting vaping's benefits, it's time for policies to reflect reality over unfounded fears. Singapore should reevaluate its stance on vaping and even consider revisiting its ban on chewing gum.