The Polish Ministry of Health has postponed its plans to ban disposable e-cigarettes, opting instead for a less stringent approach to address the growing “plague” among teenagers. This decision comes as health experts and children’s rights advocates warn of the alarming rise in vaping among Polish youth.

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Attorney General Announces Distribution of Funds to Combat Youth Vaping Crisis

On Tuesday, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser announced the distribution of over $17 million from the nearly $32 million Juul lawsuit settlement to 42 organizations focused on combating the youth vaping epidemic in the state. The funds will be allocated to programs centered around education, prevention, and treatment of youth vaping, potentially including mental and behavioral health services.

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North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper (D) has signed a bill into law that establishes a new regulatory system for certifying vaping products in the state. The legislation, known as House Bill 900, aims to create a registry of authorized consumable and vapor products, which will be the only products allowed for sale in North Carolina starting May 1, 2025. Read more

Local police officers in Aktau, Kazakhstan have begun carrying out raids against illegal vape trade in the city. As part of their efforts to enforce the recently implemented ban on electronic cigarettes, the authorities inspected various trading locations and engaged in educational outreach with the general population.

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The Maldivian government has announced its decision to eliminate duty exemptions on unhealthy products such as vape and energy drinks, as part of a broader effort to streamline customs regulations and promote public health. This move aligns the country’s policies with international health treaties it has signed.

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The Polish Ministry of Health has announced the end of the 30-day public consultations on the draft act amending the act on the protection of health against the effects of using tobacco and tobacco products. The proposed amendment aims to ban the sale of flavored cigarettes and heated tobacco products in Poland.

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The Cyprus Parliament’s Health Committee has raised concerns about the detrimental effects of e-cigarettes on young people, prompting lawmakers to consider immediate action to address the “unreasonable use and sale of e-cigarettes,” as reported by Cyprus Mail on July 4th. Read more

According to amendments to the second reading of a bill on changes to the Russian tax system, which TASS has in its possession, the Russian government plans to raise excise taxes on tobacco products by an average of 4.7% in 2025.

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Styria has become the latest Austrian state to ban the sale of nicotine pouches to individuals under the age of 18. The state parliament passed an amendment to the Youth Act on Tuesday, which will come into force on October 1, 2024. This move follows similar bans implemented by Upper Austria, Salzburg, and Tyrol, as more states take action to address the growing popularity of these addictive nicotine products among teenagers and young adults. Read more

Ireland has taken a monumental step towards protecting public health by becoming the first European Union country to raise the minimum legal age for tobacco sales from 18 to 21. Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly announced the government’s approval of the Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Bill 2024, which will now proceed to enactment.

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