A recent CDC study published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report uncovers a significant shift in adult tobacco use trends from 2017 to 2023. The prevalence of exclusive cigarette smoking declined by 5.2% (from 10.8% to 7.9%), while exclusive e-cigarette use surged by 20.3% (from 1.2% to 4.1%) during this period. These changes translate to a decrease of approximately 6.8 million exclusive cigarette smokers and an increase of approximately 7.2 million exclusive e-cigarette users.

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The North Dakota Senate is currently considering a bill that would increase taxes on cigarettes and cigars by $0.25 and equalize the tax rate on vaping products to match other tobacco products. The additional revenue generated would be allocated to local health units and suicide prevention services.

Supporters of the bill, such as Sen. Kathy Hogan (D-Fargo), argue that raising tobacco taxes is an effective way to improve public health outcomes, particularly by deterring young people from vaping. However, opponents call the measure regressive and claim that it will drive responsible nicotine users to purchase products online, where there is less oversight on product quality and safety.

If passed, proponents note that North Dakota’s cigarette tax would still remain lower than those in neighboring states. The House previously voted down a similar proposal before the legislative crossover deadline.

Representative Edgar Robles has introduced a bill in the Puerto Rico House of Representatives that would prohibit the sale of electronic cigarettes in establishments located within 500 meters of schools. The proposed legislation, House Bill 385, aims to address growing concerns about the increasing use of e-cigarettes among young people.

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Kentucky is on the verge of introducing new regulations for businesses selling tobacco, nicotine, and vape products, as Senate Bill 100 is expected to emerge from the House Committee this week. The proposed legislation aims to implement a licensing requirement for retailers and enforce harsher penalties for those caught selling these products to individuals under the age of 21.

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On Mar 10, 2025, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced a significant settlement with e-cigarette company Juul Labs Inc. The company has agreed to pay $79 million to resolve allegations that it improperly targeted minors in its marketing efforts.

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The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the Philippines has announced a new set of rules and requirements aimed at combating the illegal trade of vape products, ensuring consumer safety, and streamlining import procedures. The agency is seeking public and stakeholder input on the draft Department Administrative Order (DAO), which amends the documentary requirements for obtaining a Statement of Confirmation (SOC) for product importers.

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A Canadian court has approved a plan to settle long-running tobacco lawsuits in the country. As part of the settlement, the Canadian units of three major tobacco companies – Philip Morris, British American Tobacco, and Japan Tobacco – will pay a staggering C$32.5 billion (approximately $22.67 billion USD) to resolve the legal disputes that have plagued them for years.

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Thailand is ramping up its efforts to combat the growing problem of illegal e-cigarette sales, with the government considering the establishment of a special committee to lead the charge. As reported by the Bangkok Post on March 8, 2025, more than 9,000 e-cigarette sales websites have been blocked so far, and the crackdown is set to intensify in the near future.

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Senate Bill 702, which seeks to ban the sale of flavored nicotine and tobacco products in Oregon, has recently been heard by the Senate Committee on Early Childhood and Behavioral Health. While proponents of the bill, such as District 15 Representative Janeen Sollman, argue that the ban is necessary to protect youth from becoming addicted to harmful tobacco products, local shop owners like Bobby Painter of Sky High Smoke Shop disagree, asserting that the real problem lies in the availability of these products rather than their flavors.

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The Indonesian Personal Vaporizer Association (APVI) has reported a remarkable 50% increase in electronic cigarette tax stamp purchases, reaching an impressive Rp2.8 trillion in 2024. This substantial growth is a testament to the rapid expansion of the electronic cigarette industry, driven by strong demand from both domestic and international markets.

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