Entries by Matthew Ma

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France Bans Disposable Vapes as New Nicotine Products Flood Market

France’s Parliament will finalize a ban on disposable e-cigarettes (“vapes”) this week, closing a two-year legislative process delayed by EU notifications and political shifts. The move targets colorful, low-cost vapes accused of addicting youth through sugary flavors and plastic waste. Health advocates warn, however, that nicotine pouches and candy-like nicotine pearls now dominate the market, […]

Maldives Grants Police Expanded Powers to Confiscate and Destroy Vapes

The Maldives Ministry of Health has enacted stringent tobacco control measures granting police authority to seize and destroy vaping devices found in public or private possession. The updated Tobacco Control General Regulations, gazetted this week, close enforcement loopholes in the nation’s December 2024 vape import and usage ban.

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California and Denver Ban Flavored Nicotine Analog Products

In a significant development for tobacco control policy, the state of California and the city and county of Denver have recently implemented what appear to be the nation’s first bans on flavored tobacco products that specifically include nicotinic alkaloids and nicotine analogs. These novel restrictions come as regulators grapple with the increasing popularity of products […]

Study Finds No Clear Link Between Youth Vaping and Smoking

Study Challenges “Gateway” Theory, Highlights Need for Further Research A large-scale review of 123 studies, encompassing data from approximately 4 million participants under the age of 29 in the U.S., Canada, and Western Europe, has found no conclusive evidence that vaping leads to cigarette smoking among youth. The findings, published in the journal Addiction, challenge […]

Study Finds Less Restrictive Vaping Laws Linked to Faster Decline in Smoking Rates

A University of Queensland study reveals smoking rates declined twice as fast in New Zealand compared to Australia, crediting less restrictive vaping policies. Between 2016-2023, New Zealand’s adult daily smoking rates fell by 10% annually, while Australia saw only a 5% annual drop. Researchers attribute this gap to differing approaches to vaping access.

Canada Delays Vape Flavor Ban Amid Smoking Cessation Evidence

Canada has temporarily halted its proposed ban on flavored vaping products, Mental Health and Addictions Minister Ya’ara Saks confirmed in January 2025. The decision follows intense lobbying by tobacco harm reduction advocates and new evidence highlighting flavors’ role in helping adults quit smoking. However, activists warn the reprieve may end after the next federal election.

New York Proposes Ban on Flavored Nicotine Pouches Like Zyn

A new bill in the New York State Legislature aims to prohibit the sale of flavored oral nicotine pouches, following the state’s 2020 ban on flavored vape cartridges. The legislation, sponsored by Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal and State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, targets the rapidly growing nicotine pouch market, particularly the popular Zyn brand.

Michigan Recalls THC Vapes Over Potential Lung Harm Risk

The Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) has announced a voluntary recall of multiple THC vape cartridges after discovering they contain Medium Chain Triglyceride (MCT) oil, a substance that can potentially cause lung damage when inhaled. The affected products include BLOOM Classic, BLOOM Live, and Platinum Vape brand cartridges sold in dispensaries across the state.

Brazil Considers Bill to Criminalize E-Cigarette Sales and Ads

A new bill under consideration in Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies aims to criminalize the sale, importation, and advertising of electronic cigarettes. The proposed legislation, introduced by Congresswoman Gisela Simona (União-MT), would impose penalties of two to four years imprisonment and fines for anyone who sells, imports, or advertises e-cigarettes without registration from the National Health […]

Switzerland: Basel-Stadt Rejects Ban on Disposable Vapes

The government of the Swiss canton of Basel-Stadt has rejected a proposal to ban the sale of disposable vapes, despite sympathizing with the measure’s intentions. In a statement released on Tuesday, the cantonal executive said that a motion put forward in the Great Council (the canton’s parliament) would violate “higher-ranking law” and is therefore inadmissible.