Entries by Matthew Ma

Spain Galicia to Ban All Vape Sales and Use for Minors

The regional government of Galicia, Spain, has approved a comprehensive draft law aimed at preventing addictive behaviors among youth, with a primary focus on prohibiting the sale and use of vapes (e-cigarettes) by anyone under the age of 18. The “Project for the law on the protection of the health of minors and prevention of […]

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Poland to Tax Nicotine Pouches & Other Vape Products from Aug 1

New excise tax regulations are set to take effect in Poland on August 1, 2025, significantly impacting the market for alternative nicotine products. The legislation, enacted on February 20, 2025, expands the list of products subject to excise duty, targeting categories that have previously been less expensive alternatives to traditional cigarettes. The changes primarily affect […]

New Zealand Extends Heated Tobacco Tax Cut to 2027

A controversial tax break for Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) in New Zealand, primarily benefiting tobacco giant Philip Morris, has been extended for an additional two years, pushing a planned evaluation of its effectiveness to July 2027. The initial tax cut, which halved the excise duty on HTPs in July 2024, was introduced by NZ First […]

Spain Pushes for Nationwide Beach Smoking & Vaping Ban

The era of smoking and vaping on Spanish beaches is drawing to a close, with nearly 800 coastal areas already designated as smoke-free zones. Now, the Spanish Society of Epidemiology is urging the Ministry of Health to go further and implement a nationwide ban covering the entire Spanish coastline without exception.

US Smoking Rates Fall as Vaping Rises: 2024 NSDUH Report

The landscape of nicotine consumption in the United States is undergoing a significant transformation, with fewer Americans smoking traditional cigarettes while the use of electronic cigarettes (vaping) continues to grow. This pivotal shift is detailed in the latest 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), a comprehensive annual report released by the Substance Abuse […]

7 Science-Backed Health Benefits of CBD (2025 Guide)

In the ever-expanding world of health and wellness, CBD (cannabidiol) has emerged as a prominent and compelling natural compound. Sourced from the hemp plant, this non-psychoactive substance is catching the eye of health enthusiasts, researchers, and everyday individuals seeking natural ways to manage pain, ease anxiety, improve sleep, and address various other health concerns – […]

Vaping & Nicotine Pouches vs. Smoking: Oral Health Risks Compared

German Review Finds Vaping and Pouches Are Easier on Gums Than Cigarettes, But Quitting Nicotine is Safest A new comprehensive review of 52 human studies has shed more light on the comparative oral health risks of modern nicotine products like e-cigarettes (vaping) and nicotine pouches versus traditional combustible cigarettes. The German research, which analyzed papers […]

Bangladesh Vape Ban Proposal Faces ‘Foreign Influence’ Claims

The Bangladesh Ministry of Health is advancing a new bill to completely ban all safer nicotine products (SNPs), including vaping devices and oral alternatives. The move has drawn sharp criticism from regional public health advocates, who allege the policy is being driven by foreign-funded organizations and pushed through without public consultation under an interim government.

Malaysia’s Health Ministry Considering Total Ban on Vapes

The Malaysian Ministry of Health is considering a total ban on the sale and use of vapes and electronic cigarettes, according to Health Minister Dzukelfy Ahmad. Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat, he stated that any such move would require careful planning, coordination with key agencies, and a thorough study of its potential impacts.