New Zealand has announced a plan to ban cigarette sales to anyone born after 2008, effectively phasing out smoking for future generations. The law, expected to take effect next year, is part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce smoking rates and improve public health.

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Starting next month, Thailand will enforce a smoking ban on 20 of its most popular tourist beaches, including hotspots like Phuket, Koh Samui, and Pattaya. Violators risk up to a year in prison or a fine of 100,000 baht ($3,000; £2,280). The move follows alarming findings by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), which reported that cigarette butts accounted for a third of all beach litter.

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The Vancouver Sun published an investigation that reveals over the past seven years in Canada, Chantix has been linked to 44 deaths (30 of them by suicide) and over 1,300 incidents of suicide attempts or thoughts, depression, and aggression. Read more