Entries by Matthew Ma

Senate Introduces Hemp Bill to Ban Synthetic THC Nationwide

U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat, introduced the Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act in the U.S. Senate on Wednesday. If passed and signed into law, the bill would create a new department at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration called the Center for Cannabinoid Products, which would enforce fresh regulations imposed on Farm Bill-compliant […]

Poland Adopts E-Cigarette Excise Duty Rates Bill Changes

The Standing Committee of the Council of Ministers has adopted a bill amending excise duty rates, including those for e-cigarettes, and recommends government approval, according to a letter from the Ministry of Finance to the Prime Minister’s Office. The bill notably excludes excise duty on vaporization devices, which will be covered by a separate piece […]

Peru Congress Passes Anti-Tobacco and Nicotine Legislation

The Peruvian Congress has approved legislation aimed at reducing the consequences of smoking and cigarette consumption in the country. With 73 votes in favor, 13 against, and 8 abstentions, the Plenary of Congress passed the opinion of bills 3412, 3437, and 3732, which regulate the control of tobacco products, nicotine, and their substitutes.

Brazil Senate Debates Electronic Cigarette Regulation

The Brazilian Senate has advanced the debate on the regulation of electronic cigarettes as Bill 5,008/2023 progresses through the National Congress. The bill, authored by Senator Soraya Thronicke (Podemos-MS), aims to authorize the production, sale, import, and use of these devices while establishing rules for control, inspection, and advertising. Despite the current ban on vapes […]

Russia Proposes Ban on Vaping While Driving, 1,500 Fine

Russia plans to introduce a ban on the use of vapes and disposable cigarettes while driving, as part of an effort to tighten control over drivers’ attention to the road. Violators could face a fine of 1,500 rubles, according to the Mash Telegram channel.

EU Proposes Outdoor Vaping Ban, Advocates Warn of Risks

The European Commission, the executive arm of the European Union, has called on member states to treat safer nicotine products like cigarettes by banning the use of vapes and heated tobacco products (HTP) in a wide range of outdoor spaces. The proposed revision of the European Council’s 2009 Recommendation on smoke-free environments urges the 27 […]

Indonesia Maintains Tobacco Excise Tax Rates for 2025

Indonesia will not raise excise tax rates for tobacco products in 2025 and will instead consider alternative policies to discourage smoking, including changes in retail prices, according to Askolani, the director general of customs and excise at the finance ministry. The country will maintain the 2024 excise rates for tobacco products in the following year.

Washington Legislators Plan Ban on Flavored Vape Juices 2025

Two Democratic legislators in Washington State, Rep. Kristine Reeves, D-Federal Way, and Sen. T’wina Nobles, D-University Place, have agreed to support a bill that would ban the sale of flavored vape products in the state. The legislation will likely be introduced in January 2025.