Author: Matthew Ma
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has vetoed a bill that would have banned the sale and use of consumable products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), including popular gummies and vape pens. The late-night veto on Sunday keeps these hemp-derived products legal in the state, at least for now, spiking a top priority for some conservative lawmakers. The proposed law, Senate Bill 3, would have made it a misdemeanor to own, manufacture, or sell these THC-infused goods. Supporters argued the ban was necessary to close a legal loophole created by the 2018 federal Farm Bill, which legalized hemp and inadvertently paved the way for…
New research from the University of California, Davis, suggests that vaping could be potentially more dangerous than smoking cigarettes due to the inhalation of toxic metals like lead, antimony, and nickel. The study, published in the journal ACS Central Science, highlights a "hidden risk" in popular electronic cigarettes, with disposable versions found to be worse than refillable ones in some cases. Hazardous Metals Found in Vape Aerosol The UC Davis research team found that some vape brands emitted surprisingly high concentrations of hazardous elements in their vapor. "Our study highlights the hidden risk of these new and popular disposable electronic cigarettes…
The European Union is considering one of its most stringent tobacco control measures to date, with a new draft proposal aiming for tax increases of up to 139% on cigarettes and other tobacco products. This plan, being prepared in Brussels, extends beyond traditional cigarettes to include roll-your-own tobacco, e-cigarette liquids (both nicotine-containing and nicotine-free), and other alternative tobacco products. Under the proposal, the minimum excise duty for 1,000 cigarettes could rise by nearly 139% (potentially up to €215). The tax rate for roll-your-own tobacco could see an even steeper increase of up to 258%, while alternative tobacco products might face…
New Law Prohibiting Sale of All Single-Use E-Cigarettes Effective June 1, 2025 The United Kingdom has enacted a nationwide ban on the sale of all single-use disposable vapes, a significant measure that came into effect on June 1, 2025. This comprehensive prohibition applies to sales in both physical shops and online, and includes disposable vapes whether they contain nicotine or are nicotine-free. The primary drivers behind this decisive action are the escalating rates of youth vaping and the substantial environmental pollution caused by these throwaway devices. Government officials and health experts have voiced increasing alarm over the appeal of disposable…
Increasing taxes to make cigarettes more expensive could significantly reduce infant mortality, especially among poorer populations, according to a study in The Lancet. Researchers analyzed data from 94 low- and middle-income countries, revealing that higher tobacco taxation has the potential to substantially lower deaths in children under five. The study highlighted that "only specific taxes (by quantity or weight) were associated with reducing socioeconomic inequalities in infant mortality," suggesting tax structures must be strategically designed. Small tax increases (around 10%) were found insufficient to produce significant effects across different income levels, underscoring the need for more substantial tax hikes to achieve…
Smoking tobacco stands as one of the most pervasive and damaging habits affecting human health globally. Despite countless public health campaigns and stark warnings about its consequences, smoking rates remain stubbornly high in many parts of the world, including Russia. Many individuals perceive smoking as a mere habit, a simple matter of willpower to overcome. This perspective, however, is a dangerous oversimplification for two key reasons. Firstly, ingrained habits can be incredibly challenging to break, requiring more than just a fleeting desire for change. Secondly, and more critically, smoking transcends simple habit; it is a recognized form of drug addiction,…
Bill Bans Smokable Hemp, Delta-8; Limits Sales to Adult-Only Stores Alabama is set to implement sweeping restrictions on hemp and CBD products after the State Senate passed House Bill 445 on Tuesday, sending it to Governor Kay Ivey for signature. The legislation, significantly amended by the Senate, introduces outright bans, THC limits, and strict sales channel limitations. Key provisions of the bill include a complete ban on the sale of smokable hemp and CBD products, such as flower buds and vapes. It also prohibits potentially psychoactive products derived from hemp, like those containing Delta-8 THC. Furthermore, the law bans online…
Sale and Supply of Single-Use Vapes Illegal from June 1, 2025 Retailers across the UK are being urged to prepare for the nationwide ban on the sale and supply of single-use disposable vapes, which is set to take effect on June 1, 2025. Councils, like Bolton, are actively reminding businesses to clear their stock and ensure compliance before the deadline to avoid significant penalties. The incoming legislation, part of a broader strategy addressing environmental waste and safety concerns, will make it illegal for any business – including high street shops, online retailers, and even healthcare services – to sell, supply,…
California's legal cannabis industry is bracing for a perfect storm of challenges as it enters the second half of 2025. A combination of rising costs, including a scheduled increase in the state excise tax, new federal tariffs on imported cannabis supplies, and a proposed ban on disposable vapes, threatens to further disadvantage legal retailers against the state's thriving illicit market. Excise Tax Hike and Its Potential Impact The state's 15% cannabis excise tax is set to increase on July 1, potentially rising to 19%. This tax, collected at the retail level, is adjustable to generate revenue equivalent to what the…
Australia implemented significant new tobacco control laws on April 1st, 2025, fundamentally altering the appearance, contents, and packaging of tobacco products nationwide. The federal government passed this comprehensive legislative package in late 2023, introducing several key changes designed to curb smoking rates. These reforms mandate standardized sizes for tobacco packs and cigarette sticks, eliminating novelty designs. They also introduce updated, more impactful graphic health warnings and require informational inserts about quitting inside packs. Crucially, warnings must now appear directly on individual cigarette filters. Furthermore, the laws ban ingredients known to enhance flavor and make smoking easier, most notably menthol. Retailers…