Author: moonswamp
After more than a decade of continuous decline in tobacco use, Brazil is witnessing a concerning reversal as the number of smokers begins to rise again. Recent data from the Ministry of Health indicates an upward trend, particularly among younger demographics, which directly coincides with the surging popularity of electronic cigarettes and vapes. This shift has raised alarms among researchers and health professionals who fear it could compromise the country's historically robust anti-smoking policies. Brazil, long recognized as a global leader in tobacco control, now faces new challenges posed by electronic devices. Pulmonologist Ernando Sousa warns that the technological appeal…
A new provision tucked into Congress's recent spending bill has reignited the debate over legal cannabis, potentially upending the multi-billion dollar hemp industry. The legislation, which ended the government shutdown on November 13, includes language that redefines legal hemp, a move that could effectively outlaw many popular CBD and THCA products currently on the market. This sets the stage for a year-long battle that could determine the fate of thousands of small businesses. The 2018 Farm Bill originally legalized hemp production by removing it from the Controlled Substances Act, defining it as cannabis with less than 0.3% delta-9 THC by…
A comprehensive ban on vaping in public spaces has officially taken effect in Dallas, Texas. The updated city ordinance, approved by the City Council last year, expands existing smoking restrictions to include e-cigarettes and other electronic nicotine delivery systems. As of Thursday, vaping is now prohibited in bars, restaurants, workplaces, public transit, public parks, and all enclosed public spaces. Additionally, the ban extends to areas within 15 feet of public building entrances. Violators of the new rules face fines of up to $500. City leaders and health officials emphasize that the measure aims to protect residents from secondhand aerosol exposure…
Vaping is gaining ground in France, with nearly 8% of adults aged 18 to 79 now reporting use of e-cigarettes, and over 6% vaping daily. This upward trend, observed since 2016, raises significant questions about long-term health impacts, according to a major 2024 health survey published by Santé Publique France (SpF). The survey, based on responses from approximately 35,000 people, shows daily vaping has risen to 6.1% overall in 2024, up from just 2.5% in 2016. Usage is slightly higher among men and remains stable around 8% for those aged 18-49 before declining with age. Socio-economic factors also play a…
The Mexican Chamber of Deputies has approved sweeping reforms to the General Health Law, enacting a comprehensive ban on electronic cigarettes, vapes, and similar devices. The legislation, passed with 324 votes in favor, stems from an initiative by President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo and aims to combat emerging health risks associated with these products. The new law explicitly prohibits the acquisition, production, manufacturing, distribution, importation, exportation, sale, and commercial transport of e-cigarettes and vapes throughout Mexico. It defines these devices broadly as any mechanical or electronic system used to heat, vaporize, or atomize toxic substances (with or without nicotine) for inhalation.…
Two years after Quebec implemented a ban on flavored vaping products, the policy appears to have backfired significantly. According to new data from the Quebec National Institute of Public Health (INSPQ), nearly 84% of flavors purchased by vapers in the province are now obtained illegally, marking a 16.9% increase in just one year. Conversely, the use of legal, flavorless or tobacco-flavored products has plummeted from 33% to just 16.1%. The ban, intended to reduce vaping appeal among youth, seems to have failed in its primary objective. Vaping rates among 18-24 year olds have actually risen from 15.1% to 18.2% over…
A coalition of U.S. state attorneys general, including those from California, Illinois, Arizona, New York, and the District of Columbia, has formally urged e-commerce platform Shopify to stop facilitating the sale of illegal vape products. In a letter, the officials requested Shopify to work with them on an ongoing basis to remove clients selling e-cigarettes that lack necessary government licenses or violate other U.S. laws. Currently, the FDA has authorized only 39 e-cigarette products for legal sale in the U.S. However, the market remains flooded with unregulated devices, particularly disposable, flavored vapes often manufactured in China. "By addressing unlawful e-cigarette…
Russia is considering legislation that would significantly increase penalties for using e-cigarettes in the workplace. According to financial analyst Dmitry Trepolsky, fines could triple by 2027, reaching up to 15,000 rubles. While the approval of these legislative changes is considered highly likely, the implementation process will take time, meaning the new regulations won't take immediate effect. Trepolsky emphasized that this move aligns with the government's priority of improving public health and combating nicotine addiction, particularly among the younger generation. This potential hike follows a recent proposal by Ekaterina Leshchinskaya, head of the public organization "Healthy Fatherland," who urged Prime Minister…
Uzbekistan has officially instituted a complete ban on the circulation of electronic nicotine delivery systems (vapes) and e-cigarettes. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed the law, which amends existing tobacco regulations to prohibit the import, production, sale, purchase, storage, transport, and use of these products and their liquids. The ban aims to curb the rising popularity of vaping among teenagers and youth. The new legislation introduces severe penalties for violations. Individuals found guilty of manufacturing, distributing, or storing these products can face significant fines ranging from 123.6 to 206 million soums (300-500 basic calculation units). More drastically, the law provides for criminal…
The Perm region has become the first in Russia to enact a complete ban on the retail sale of vapes. The regional legislative assembly's press service announced that deputies approved Governor Dmitry Makhonin's initiative in two readings, with the ban set to take effect on March 1, 2026. The new legislation prohibits the sale of any devices used for smoking, including electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco systems, and their components. Violations will incur fines ranging from 15,000 to 20,000 rubles for officials and 50,000 to 100,000 rubles for legal entities. This moves beyond previous restrictions that had only banned vape sales…