Author: Matthew Ma

Alabama legislators are reworking a proposed bill that aimed to regulate the sale and possession of CBD and vape products in the state. The original version of the bill sought to classify these products as narcotics, placing them in the same category as heroin and making their sale or possession a felony offense. However, on Wednesday, the Senate Health Committee confirmed that they are refining the bill to remove the felony classification and instead focus on stricter penalties for businesses that allow minors access to these products, as well as imposing a 6% tax on their sale. Understanding the Controversy…

The UK government has announced a major new study to investigate the long-term health effects of vaping on children and adolescents. The £62 million ($78.1 million) research project will track 100,000 individuals aged 8-18 over a period of 10 years, collecting data on behavior, biology, and health records. The study comes amid growing concern about the rapid rise of vaping among British youth, with estimates suggesting that a quarter of 11- to 15-year-olds have tried e-cigarettes. The government has been taking steps to address this issue, including: The health department emphasized the need for this comprehensive study, stating, "The long-term…

The tobacco industry has a long history of exploiting marginalized groups, and the LGBTQ+ community is no exception. From the 1990s "Project Scum" initiative in San Francisco to modern-day marketing tactics at Pride events, Big Tobacco has strategically courted queer smokers. Now, Medina County Health Department (MCHD) and LGBTQ+ advocacy group OutSupport are teaming up to dismantle this harmful influence and provide culturally competent cessation resources. Why This Partnership Matters LGBTQ+ individuals face disproportionately higher smoking rates compared to cisgender peers. According to the CDC, while 10.8% of U.S. adults smoked cigarettes in 2022, 15% of LGBTQ+ adults and up…

A recent comprehensive analysis of 40 global studies, published in the peer-reviewed journal Evidence-Based Dentistry, has reignited discussions about the oral health implications of vaping versus smoking. While e-cigarettes are often marketed as a "safer" alternative to traditional tobacco products, the research reveals nuanced risks that vapers—and even former smokers—should not ignore. The Unexpected Oral Health Impacts of Vaping Modern e-cigarettes deliver nicotine through vaporized aerosols, avoiding the combustion byproducts of cigarettes like tar and carbon monoxide. However, this doesn’t mean they’re harmless to your gums. The systematic review uncovered three critical findings: 1. Oral Microbes Shift Unfavorably E-cigarette users exhibited altered…

In a recent presentation at the Philippine Neurological Association's annual convention, Israeli cardiologist Professor Reuven Zimlichman challenged the common perception of nicotine as the primary cause of smoking-related diseases. Zimlichman, director of The Brunner Cardiovascular Research Institute at Tel Aviv University, asserted that while nicotine is addictive, it is not carcinogenic and does not directly cause heart disease or blood vessel disease. According to Zimlichman, the real harm from smoking comes from the thousands of chemicals produced by the burning of tobacco, not from nicotine itself. This distinction has important implications for public health strategies aimed at reducing the burden…

France has officially banned the sale of Puff disposable vapes, marking a significant shift in its vaping regulations. The law, approved on February 13, prohibits the commercial distribution of these single-use devices, which have gained immense popularity among teenagers. Previously restricted to minors, the ban now extends to adults, making it illegal to sell or distribute Puff products in tobacco shops, malls, or online. Violators face fines up to €100,000, doubling to €200,000 for repeat offenses. What Are Puff Bars? Puff Bars, cylindrical disposable e-cigarettes, emerged in the US in 2019 as a simpler alternative to refillable vapes like JUUL.…

A landmark review of 123 studies involving 4 million participants under age 29 found no conclusive evidence that vaping leads to cigarette smoking among youth. Published in the journal Addiction, the research reignites debates about vaping’s role in declining smoking rates and highlights regulatory complexities. Key Findings: Vaping’s Impact Remains Ambiguous Public health researchers from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the University of Oxford analyzed data from the U.S., Canada, and Western Europe. Their findings revealed: “If vaping consistently caused smoking, we’d see rising smoking rates in population data. We haven’t,” said senior author Jamie Hartmann-Boyce. The Gateway vs. Diversion…

Hong Kong will prohibit the possession and use of e-cigarettes in all public spaces by July 2026, Health Secretary Lo Chung-mau confirmed Sunday. The measure strengthens existing 2022 restrictions on sales and imports, targeting youth health risks and closing enforcement gaps. Strict Penalties and Phased Implementation Under the new law: The bill will reach Hong Kong’s Legislative Council in April 2026, with full enforcement expected three months later. “We’ll first target outdoor use, then expand compliance,” Lo stated, emphasizing a gradual public adaptation period. Youth Protection Drives Policy Shift The ban follows Hong Kong’s 2022 prohibition on e-cigarette sales, imports,…

A new bill, A01007, has been proposed in Albany, New York, that would impose additional restrictions on where adults can smoke or vape cannabis in the state. The primary goal of the legislation is to protect children from exposure to secondhand cannabis smoke or vapor. 30-Foot Rule and Potential Challenges Under the proposed bill, smoking or vaping cannabis would be prohibited within 30 feet of a child or any location where children reside or attend for recreational or educational purposes, even if separated by walls, closed doors, or floors within a building. Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon, the bill's co-sponsor, stated that…

DoorDash, the popular delivery service, announced on Thursday that it will now offer hemp-derived THC and CBD products, such as gummies and beverages, in select states. This move comes as a response to the increasing demand for these products among consumers looking to unwind and recharge. Partnering with Merchants to Deliver Cannabinoid Products DoorDash has partnered with several merchants, including DashMart, Total Wine & More, and ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, to facilitate the delivery of these products to eligible customers. Jacob Morello, Director and general manager of alcohol and emerging categories at DoorDash, expressed excitement about the expansion, stating,…