The Principality of Monaco has taken a significant step in its public health strategy by enacting a comprehensive new anti-tobacco law. Unanimously passed by the National Council on May 15, 2025, Bill No. 1104 introduces sweeping reforms aimed at safeguarding public health, with a strong focus on protecting youth from nicotine addiction and addressing the environmental impact of certain tobacco-related products.
Read moreNew Alabama law (HB8) bans vape/tobacco vending machine sales & mandates retailer licensing to combat youth access and high vaping rates.
Read moreIllinois’ new budget increases the effective tax rate on all tobacco products, including vapes and e-cigarettes, to 45% to boost state revenue.
Read moreFrance is set to implement a significant expansion of its smoking ban, prohibiting smoking in most outdoor public places starting July 1, 2025. The new law aims to protect the public, particularly children, from secondhand smoke and further denormalize tobacco use.
Read moreBrazil’s Minister of Health, Alexandre Padilha, has firmly positioned himself against the legalization of e-cigarettes and similar vaping devices. Speaking at a World No Tobacco Day campaign launch in Brasília on May 28th, Padilha emphasized his support for maintaining the National Health Surveillance Agency’s (Anvisa) existing ban (RDC 46/2009, reinforced by RDC 855/2024) on the commercialization, importation, and advertising of these products.
Padilha stated he has not been approached by the industry or other government sectors to discuss the matter but asserted, “Brazil has a level of use of these devices that is 5 to 7 times lower than in other countries that have legalized their commercialization. This shows the correctness of Anvisa’s decision.”
Roberto Gil, Director-General of the National Cancer Institute (Inca), supported the ministry’s stance, noting that while there was an increase in overall smoking last year, it was driven by conventional cigarettes. “The challenge today is to protect new generations from electronic cigarettes, the industry’s strategy to create new dependents,” Gil highlighted.
The Ministry of Health also reported a significant increase in cognitive-behavioral therapies provided by the public health system (SUS) between 2022 and 2024, with attendances jumping 96.4% from 42,300 to 83,000. Collective health activities and home visits also saw substantial rises.
Coinciding with these statements, an Inca study titled “The Bill the Tobacco Industry Doesn’t Count” was released. It revealed that for every R$1 of profit made by the tobacco industry, the federal government spends R$5 on treating smoking-related diseases. In 2019, each R$0.156 million in profit from legal cigarette sales equated to one death from related illnesses. The study concluded that for every R$1 of tobacco industry profit, Brazil incurs R$2.3 in direct treatment costs and R$5.1 in total (direct and indirect) costs. Inca epidemiologist André Szklo stressed the importance of measuring these societal costs to seek accountability and reimbursement from the industry, which he noted uses profits to encourage youth smoking initiation.
On World No Tobacco Day, British American Tobacco highlights its strategy to shift adult smokers to non-combustible alternatives by 2035, detailing sustainability and innovation efforts.
Read morePuebla ranks 2nd in Mexico for young adult smokers; UPAEP study also reveals high e-cigarette use among state’s youth despite national sales ban.
Read moreNebraska lawmakers have advanced Legislative Bill 316 (LB 316), a controversial proposal that would ban most consumable hemp and other THC products in the state, including popular items like delta-8 vapes and certain edibles. The bill, championed by State Senator Kathleen Kauth, moved forward after a lengthy four-hour debate, largely characterized by opposition from senators advocating for regulation rather than an outright ban. The advancement, on a 32-15 vote primarily along party lines, sets the stage for a significant shift in Nebraska’s approach to hemp-derived cannabinoids, with profound implications for consumers, businesses, and the state’s burgeoning hemp industry.
Read moreAnti-smoking organizations press new Canadian Health Minister to finalize and strengthen ban on flavored e-cigarettes to combat youth vaping.
Read moreThe Provincial Government of DKI Jakarta has officially proposed a strengthening of its Smoke-Free Zones (KTR) through a Draft Regional Regulation (Raperda). Presented to the Jakarta DPRD (Regional People’s Representative Council) by Governor Pramono Anung on May 27, 2025, the bill aims to expand smoke-free areas and introduce significantly tougher sanctions for violations, including hefty fines for tobacco and vape advertising within these zones.
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